# Thread: units of the derivative for a function

1. ## units of the derivative for a function

For a function f(x), if f is in widgets and x is in blivets, what are the units of the derivative f ' (x), widgets per blivet or blivets per widget?

2. ## Re: units of the derivative for a function

Surely you understand the concept of a rate being "The change in the Dependent Variable per unit change in the Independent Variable". Which is the DV and which is the IV?

3. ## Re: units of the derivative for a function

someone could correct me but I see it as

For a function f(x), if f is in widgets and x is in blivets, what are the units of the derivative f ' (x), widgets per blivet or blivets per widget?

derivative of widgets (y) with respect to blivets(x) so it's $\frac {dW}{dB}$ ...what do you think?

4. ## Re: units of the derivative for a function

Originally Posted by dokrbb
someone could correct me but I see it as

For a function f(x), if f is in widgets and x is in blivets, what are the units of the derivative f ' (x), widgets per blivet or blivets per widget?

derivative of widgets (y) with respect to blivets(x) so it's $\frac {dW}{dB}$ ...what do you think?
You don't understand the question. You are told that x is a number of blivets and f is a number of widgets. You are asked what units the derivative f' will have. You don't need to make any new functions...

5. ## Re: units of the derivative for a function

Originally Posted by Prove It
You don't understand the question. You are told that x is a number of blivets and f is a number of widgets. You are asked what units the derivative f' will have. You don't need to make any new functions...
I didn't make any new functions (only used the wrong signs/parenthesis), I meant to show blivets and widgets as the equivalent of the values on the x and y axis,
did I do it wrong?