definition
Suppose f is a real valued function and a is a point in its domain of definition. The derivative of f at a is defined by
`lim_(h -> 0 ) [ f(a+h) - f(a)]/ h`
provided this limit exists. Derivative of f (x) at a is denoted by f ′ (a).
Defination -
Suppose f is a real valued function, the function defined by
`lim_(h -> 0 ) [f(x + h) - f(x)]/h`
wherever the limit exists is defined to be the derivative of f at x and is denoted by f ′ (x). This definition of derivative is also called the first principle of derivative.
Thus f ' (x) = `lim _( h -> 0) [f( x + h) - f(x)]/h`
Clearly the domain of definition of f ′ (x) is wherever the above limit exists. There are different notations for derivative of a function. Sometimes f ′ (x) is denoted by `d/(dx) f(x)` or if y = f(x) , it is denoted by `(dy)/(dx)`. This is referred to as derivative of f(x) or y with respect to x.
It is also denoted by D (f (x) ). Further, derivative of f at x = a is also denoted by
`d/(dx) f(x) |_a` or `(df)/(dx)|_a`or even `((df)/(dx))_(x=a)`
