Differential may refer to:
Mathematics Differential (mathematics) comprises multiple related meanings of the word, both in calculus and differential geometry, such as an infinitesimal change in the value of a function Differential algebra Differential calculus Differential of a function, represents a change in the linearization of a function Total differential is its generalization for functions of multiple variables Differential (infinitesimal) (e.g. dx, dy, dt etc.) are interpreted as infinitesimals Differential equation, an equation relating derivatives of a function Differential topology Differential (pushforward) The total derivative of a map between manifolds. Differential exponent, an exponent in the factorisation of the different ideal Differential geometry, exterior differential, or exterior derivative, is a generalization to differential forms of the notion of differential of a function on a differentiable manifold Differential (coboundary), in homological algebra and algebraic topology, one of the maps of a cochain complex Differential cryptanalysis, a pair consisting of the difference, usually computed by XOR, between two plaintexts, and the difference of the corresponding ciphertexts
Science and technology Differential (mechanical device), as part of a motor vehicle drivetrain, the device that allows driving wheels or axles on opposite sides to rotate at different speeds Limited-slip differential Differential steering, the steering method used by tanks and similar tracked vehicles Electronic differential, an electric motor controller which substitutes its mechanical counterpart with significant advantages in electric vehicle application Differential signaling, in electronics, applies to a method of transmitting electronic signals over a pair of wires to reduce interference Differential amplifier, an electronic amplifier that amplifies signals.
Social sciences Semantic and structural differentials in psychology Quality spread differential, in finance Compensating differential, in labor economics
Medicine Differential diagnosis, the characterization of the underlying cause of pathological states based on specific tests White blood cell differential, the enumeration of each type of white blood cell either manually or using automated analyzers
Other Differential hardening, in metallurgy Differential rotation, in astronomy Differential centrifugation, in cell biology Differential scanning calorimetry, in materials science Differential signalling, in communications Differential GPS, in satellite navigation technology Differential interferometry in radar Differential, an extended play by The Sixth Lie Handicap differential, part of the calculation used in producing golf handicaps
See also
Different (disambiguation)