Backward difference

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The backward difference (for discrete variables) is the equivalent of the left derivative (for continuous variables.)

The finite backward difference of a function (or sequence) $\scriptstyle a_{n}\,$ is defined as

$\nabla a_{n}\equiv a_{n}-a_{n-1},\,$

where $\scriptstyle \nabla \,$ is the backward difference operator.

See also

• Definite summation
• Indefinite summation

• Finite difference
  • Forward difference
  • Backward difference