The Language of Mathematicians
In mathematics, just as in language, we sometimes have several ways to say the same thing. For derivatives, there are a few different systems of writing, or notations. The two most famous were created by the giants of calculus, Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and we still use their notations today.
Although they look different, they both mean the same thing: indicating the derivative of a function. Understanding both is very helpful, as each notation has its advantages and is often used in different contexts.
Varieties of Derivative Notation
Here are the two most common ways to write a derivative, each with its own style.