Second Derivative
This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.
- Second Derivative
The derivative of the derivative of a function. It graphically represents the concavity of a function.
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Chapter 3 - FFR - Derivative Concepts
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
-
Second derivative
A second derivative is the derivative of the first derivative. It measures how the first rate of change changes with the input; further repeated differentiation gives higher-order derivatives. For example, f(x)=x³ has f′(x)=3x² and f″(x)=6x. For position measured against time, the second derivative is acceleration.