An infinitesimal which is not the differential of an actual function and which cannot be expressed as

the way an exact differential can. Inexact differentials are denoted with a bar through the . The most common example of an inexact differential is the change in heat encountered in thermodynamics.

Bringhurst, R. The Elements of Typographic Style, 2nd ed. Point Roberts, WA: Hartley and Marks, p. 277, 1997.

Zemansky, M. W. Heat and Thermodynamics, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, p. 38, 1968.

CITE THIS AS:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Inexact Differential." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. http://mathworld.wolfram.com/InexactDifferential.html