gradients

Gradients refer to a change or variation in a certain quantity, often used in mathematics, science, and various fields. For example, in geography, a gradient indicates the slope of a hill—how steep it is—showing how elevation changes over distance. In temperature, a gradient can describe how heat varies from one area to another. In more technical contexts like calculus, a gradient represents the direction and rate of change of a function, essentially guiding us on how fast something changes and in which direction. Understanding gradients helps in analyzing and interpreting various phenomena in everyday life.