I discuss some recent ideas using the Frechet derivative of matrix functions to analyze the mixed condition number, solve the nuclear activation sensitivity problem, and analyze the distribution of the algebraic error in the finite element method. Originally presented at the 4th IMA Conference on Numerical Linear Algebra and Optimization, Birmingham, UK. 4th September 2014. Joint work with Nicholas J. Higham, Wayne Arter, Zdenek Strakos, and Jan Papez.