First Derivative

The first derivative measures the instantaneous rate at which a function changes, and equals the gradient of the tangent to its curve at each point. It is written $\frac{dy}{dx}$ or $f'(x)$.

For $y=ax^{n}$, differentiation gives $\frac{dy}{dx}=anx^{n-1}$.

You meet First Derivative in the Differentiation chapter of SPM Additional Mathematics. Knowing the term precisely matters in the exam: questions often hinge on reading a keyword correctly, and because SPM marking is analytic, using the right definition in your working helps secure method marks.

Our teachers make sure a student can not only recite what First Derivative means but use it fluently in a full solution.

Because the SPM Add Math paper is bilingual (BM/EN), it helps to know this term in each language: First Derivative (EN) · Terbitan Pertama (BM) · 一阶导数 (中文)

Other key terms from the Differentiation chapter you may want to check:

• Limit
• Differentiation from First Principles
• Gradient Function
• Chain Rule
• Product Rule
• Quotient Rule