difference quotient


The difference quotient

f(z+Δz)-f(z)Δz

of a complex (http://planetmath.org/ComplexFunction) or real function f is the ratio of the change of the functionMathworldPlanetmath to the corresponding change of the variable.

The difference quotient is needed in defining the derivative of the function. In the case of a real function f the difference quotient may be interpreted as the slope of a secant lineMathworldPlanetmath of the graph of the function.

Title difference quotient
Canonical name DifferenceQuotient
Date of creation 2013-03-22 17:30:46
Last modified on 2013-03-22 17:30:46
Owner pahio (2872)
Last modified by pahio (2872)
Numerical id 4
Author pahio (2872)
Entry type Definition
Classification msc 26A06
Classification msc 30A99
Related topic Derivative2
Related topic Slope
Related topic SecondDerivativeAsSimpleLimit