Differential

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

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.

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

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