The rate of change refers to the degree of change of an object or phenomenon over a period of time, usually expressed in percentage or proportion. The rate of change can be used to describe any change, such as speed, temperature, quantity, etc. We can know the change of a phenomenon by calculating the rate of change, such as the rise or fall of temperature and the rise or fall of commodity prices.

Derivative is a concept in calculus, which indicates the rate of change of a function at a certain point. The calculation of derivative can help us understand the properties of function, such as maximum, minimum and inflection point. Derivative is also widely used in physics, economy, engineering and other fields.

What is the connection and difference between rate of change and derivative?

Both rate of change and derivative are tools to describe change, but their concepts and applications are different. Rate of change usually involves the change of an object or phenomenon, and derivative is a concept in mathematics, which can be used to describe the rate of change of a function at a certain point. In some application fields, the derivative can be calculated by the rate of change, for example, the speed of an object can be deduced by the rate of change of position. Generally speaking, the concepts of rate of change and derivative are closely related, and they are also widely used in practical applications.