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Derivative[1] applied to numeric constants

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg66760] Derivative[1] applied to numeric constants
• From: Andrew Moylan <andrew.moylan at anu.edu.au>
• Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 06:06:00 -0400 (EDT)
• Organization: Australian National University
• Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

Hi,

Do numeric constants have special behaviour under the Derivative[1] 
function?

The number e.g. 2 is not defined as the function that always returns 2:

In[1]:=2[x]
Out[1]=2[x]

But Derivative[1][2] is defined:

In[2]:=2'
Out[2]=0&

Could anyone explain why this is? Is this behaviour documented in the 
help system?

Cheers,

Andrew

• Follow-Ups:
  • Re: Derivative[1] applied to numeric constants
    • From: Andrzej Kozlowski <akoz@mimuw.edu.pl>