Symbols and notation

Partial derivative symbol

The rounded symbol ∂ marks differentiation with respect to one variable while other independent variables are held constant.

Common notation ∂f/∂x

In one sentence

What does Partial derivative symbol mean?

The rounded symbol ∂ marks differentiation with respect to one variable while other independent variables are held constant.

How it is written

∂f/∂x

A compact example

For f(x,y)=x²y, the partial derivative with respect to x is ∂f/∂x=2xy.

Other names and search terms

∂, partial derivative, curly d, partial differentiation symbol.

Clear answers

Questions about Partial derivative symbol

What does Partial derivative symbol mean in mathematics?

The rounded symbol ∂ marks differentiation with respect to one variable while other independent variables are held constant.

How is Partial derivative symbol written?

A common notation is ∂f/∂x.

What is an example of Partial derivative symbol?

For f(x,y)=x²y, the partial derivative with respect to x is ∂f/∂x=2xy.