How this calculation works
Estimate a derivative from two symmetric samples without specifying the full function.
THE FORMULA
f′(x) ≈ [f(x+h)−f(x−h)]/(2h)A worked example
For x² at x=3 with h=1, the samples are 4 and 16, giving 6.
Good to know
The samples must be equally spaced around the evaluation point.
Reference: OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry (opens in a new tab) ↗
Read the result
Estimate a derivative from two symmetric samples without specifying the full function.
The primary result is labeled “Derivative estimate”. Keep the input definitions in view when comparing this result with another method.
Try a related calculation
The samples must be equally spaced around the evaluation point.
For a related exercise, try the quadratic equation solver.
A few questions, answered
How can I check the default inputs by hand?
For x² at x=3 with h=1, the samples are 4 and 16, giving 6.
Which rule does this calculator apply?
f′(x) ≈ [f(x+h)−f(x−h)]/(2h)