If you studied Calculus you know how to derive a function.
We calculate the first and second derivatives of a function to understand and describe what happens for a given point in the function.
The first derivate gives us the ratio of a change of the function at a given point.
The second derivate lets us find the minimum or the maximum of the function.
In a multivariate function, we call the vector of derivates over the variables the gradient. The gradient is the direction where the function will increase or decrease the most for a point.
We use the gradient descent method to optimize machine learning optimization functions.
What is deriving an idea?
One thing that I like to do is to apply concepts of one area into another.
Deriving an idea is to understand more about it and its first and second-order consequences.
Let's try to derive the concept of the internet. What happens to newspapers when the internet happens?
If you look at the internet and newspapers you would think that it will reduce the distribution of physical newspapers making the stop of newspapers goes up. However, if you don't think look further, you won't realize that the distribution cost will go down to everybody else, small and independent publishers that will have a chance to compete with big newspapers.
Deriving to understand the future
What are the first and second derivates of covid19?
What are the “unrelated” consequences of instant payments in Brazil?
Comment with the result of your derivation of these 2 questions