Derivative at a Point
Enter a function of x and a point a. The calculator estimates the derivative f'(a) with a symmetric central-difference formula, which works for any expression including trigonometric, exponential and rational functions.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the result?
The central-difference method is accurate to several significant figures for smooth functions; results are clearly marked as approximate.
What functions can I use?
Any expression in x with +, −, ×, ÷, ^ and the functions sqrt, sin, cos, tan, ln, log, exp and more.
Do I need a polynomial?
No. For polynomials you can get an exact symbolic answer from the Polynomial Derivative tool, but this works for any function.