SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

ESM 1030 – ENGINEERING CALCULUS 1 (DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS)

FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
Evaluating the derivative of the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), as previously stated, can be done by using Delta Process. As a review,
differentiation by delta process involves the formula
𝑑𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑦′ = = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
However, Delta Process has its limitations. For one, it is not the feasible option anymore when it comes to complicated functions.
Another is that the overall process is time-consuming, draining and tedious even for simple polynomial or rational functions. To
simplify this problem, we only need to be familiar with a few standard formulas called the Differentiation Formula or Differentiation
Rules. Applying the said rules will enable us to find the derivative of both simple and complicated functions as rapidly as we can
write.
All differentiation formula that you will encounter as you go through the course are standard formulas whose derivations are done
using delta process. Before we formally start our discussion on differentiation formula, it is necessary for you to be familiar with
the different notations for derivatives.
Notations for Derivatives

Suppose 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). To get the derivative of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥,

we may use either of the following notations
𝑑𝑦
1. Leibniz Notation 𝑑𝑥
2. Lagrange Notation 𝑦′ or 𝑓′(𝑥)
3. Newton Notation 𝑦̇

Traditionally, the Newton Notation was used to denote derivatives. But most calculus books today make use of either the Leibniz
𝑑𝑦
Notation or the Lagrange Notation. The symbol 𝑑𝑥 is read as “the derivative of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥”, 𝑦′ is read as “𝑦 prime”, and
𝑑𝑦
𝑓′(𝑥) is read as “𝑓 prime of 𝑥”. As a student, you should be aware that the Leibniz Notation 𝑑𝑥 is not an absolute symbol for
ALL derivatives. It varies from function to function. Say you are given the function 𝑠 = 𝑓(𝑡). Solving for the derivative does
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑠
not mean you are solving for 𝑑𝑥 , rather you are getting 𝑑𝑡 . The same goes for the function 𝑟 = 𝑓(𝜃), where the derivative in
𝑑𝑟
Leibniz Notation should be written as 𝑑𝜃.

In general, the symbol

Differential of the dependent variable 𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= (𝑦)
Differential of the independent variable 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑
where: 𝑑𝑥 is called the differential operator

𝑦 is the function whose derivative we are aiming to solve

Prepared by: Engr. Nelson John M. Namuag

Engineering Sciences and Mathematics Department 1
SEM 1 SY 2020-2021
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ESM 1030 – ENGINEERING CALCULUS 1 (DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS)
FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
Now that we are acquainted with the many ways we can denote derivatives, let us learn the different fundamental differentiation
formula that we will find useful in the entire duration of the course

FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS

Suppose that 𝑢 and 𝑣 are explicit differentiable functions of 𝑥 and 𝑐 and 𝑛 are any real number constants
𝑑
1. (𝑐) = 0 Constant Rule
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
2. (𝑥) = 1 Identity Function Rule
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
3. (𝑐𝑢) = 𝑐 Constant times a Function Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
4. (𝑢 ± 𝑣) = ± Sum Rule / Linearity Property
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
5. (𝑢𝑣) = 𝑢 + 𝑣 𝑑𝑥 Product Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
𝑑 𝑢 𝑣 −𝑢
6. ( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Quotient Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑣 𝑣2
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
7. (𝑢𝑛 ) = 𝑛𝑢𝑛−1 𝑑𝑥 General Power Formula / Power Rule
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
8. (√𝑢) = 2 Square Root Function Rule
𝑑𝑥 √𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1 1 𝑑𝑢
9. ( ) = − 𝑢2 𝑑𝑥 Reciprocal Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑢

Note: Rules #8 and #9 can be derived from Rule #7

Sample Problems: Solve for the first derivative of the following functions
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 5
Solution: Using the sum rule and the power rule
𝑑 𝑑 3
(𝑦) = (𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 + 5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 3 𝑑 𝑑 Rule #4 from the list of differentiation rules can be thought of “the derivative
= (𝑥 ) − (4𝑥 2 ) + (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 of a sum is equal to the sum of the individual derivatives of each function”

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= 3𝑥 3−1 (𝑥) − 4 (𝑥 2 ) + 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 3𝑥 2 (1) − 4(2)𝑥 2−1 (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Prepared by: Engr. Nelson John M. Namuag

Engineering Sciences and Mathematics Department 2
SEM 1 SY 2020-2021
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ESM 1030 – ENGINEERING CALCULUS 1 (DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS)
FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
2. 𝑦 = √3𝑥 + 2
There are two (2) ways in which we can solve problem # 2. From the list of differentiation formula, there is already an
available rule for a square root function. This shall be the first method. For us to determine how we will apply the second
method, let us try to rewrite the given function in rational exponent form.
1
𝑦 = √3𝑥 + 2 = (3𝑥 + 2)2
For the function that we have just obtained, we see that the term involves a POWER. Hence, our second method will involve
using the general power formula
Solution: 1st method, applying the square root function rule
𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(√𝑢) = Differentiation Formula for Square Root Function
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 Differentiation, similar to basic operations such as addition and
(𝑦) = (√3𝑥 + 2)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 multiplication, follows properties of equality. In other words, when you
attempt to differentiate an equation, you must do it to both sides.
𝑑𝑦 1 𝑑
= (3𝑥 + 2)
𝑑𝑥 2√3𝑥 + 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1
= (3)
𝑑𝑥 2√3𝑥 + 2

𝑑𝑦 3
=
𝑑𝑥 2√3𝑥 + 2

Solution: 2nd method, applying the power rule

𝑑 𝑛 𝑑𝑢
(𝑢 ) = 𝑛𝑢𝑛−1 The Power Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1 1 𝑑
= (3𝑥 + 2)2−1 (3𝑥 + 2)
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1 1
= (3𝑥 + 2)−2 (3)
𝑑𝑥 2
Recall from Laws of Exponents that exponential expressions with negative
𝑑𝑦 3 3
= = exponents should be written as one with positive exponents by getting the
1
𝑑𝑥 2√3𝑥 + 2 reciprocal
2(3𝑥 + 2)2

Prepared by: Engr. Nelson John M. Namuag

Engineering Sciences and Mathematics Department 3
SEM 1 SY 2020-2021
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ESM 1030 – ENGINEERING CALCULUS 1 (DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS)
FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
3. 𝑦 = (3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡)2
Before we solve, notice that the given function is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑡). Therefore, the proper way to denote its first
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
derivative is and not 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑡

Solution: Using the power rule

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 Common mistakes of students when using the power formula is that they
= 2(3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡) (3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡) 𝑑𝑢 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 forget the part in the formula (𝑢𝑛 ) = 𝑛𝑢𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
= 2(3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡)[3(3)𝑡 3−1 − 2𝑡]
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑦
= 2(3𝑡 3 − 2𝑡)(9𝑡 2 − 2)
𝑑𝑡
4. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)3 (4𝑥 − 1)2
Solution: Using a combination of product rule and power rule
It can be seen in the function that we are given a product of two functions, each of which are raised to a certain exponent.
From the list of differentiation formula, the product rule has the form
𝑑 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
(𝑢𝑣) = 𝑢 +𝑣 The Product Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
To solve for the first derivative of the given function, it is convenient to primarily assign the variables 𝑢 and 𝑣 to each factor
present in the function. In this case we shall let 𝑢 = (2𝑥 + 1)3 and 𝑣 = (4𝑥 − 1)2
Once we have defined our variables 𝑢 and 𝑣, we are now ready to write the derivative of the function as reflected on the
right side of the product rule shown above
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= (2𝑥 + 1)3 (4𝑥 − 1)2 + (4𝑥 − 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)3
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= (2𝑥 + 1)3 (2)(4𝑥 − 1) (4𝑥 − 1) + (4𝑥 − 1)2 (3)(2𝑥 + 1)2 (2𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= (2𝑥 + 1)3 (2)(4𝑥 − 1)(4) + (4𝑥 − 1)2 (3)(2𝑥 + 1)2 (2)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 2(4𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1)2 [4(2𝑥 + 1) + 3(4𝑥 − 1)]
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 2(4𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1)2 (8𝑥 + 4 + 12𝑥 − 3)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 Writing final answers in factored form especially when using both product and
= 2(4𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1)2 (20𝑥 + 1) quotient rules of differentiation is recommended. If possible, try to avoid
𝑑𝑥 expansion of powers too much.

Prepared by: Engr. Nelson John M. Namuag

Engineering Sciences and Mathematics Department 4
SEM 1 SY 2020-2021
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ESM 1030 – ENGINEERING CALCULUS 1 (DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS)
FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENTIATION FORMULA FOR ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
(𝑥+1)3
5. 𝑦 = 𝑥2
Solution: Using a combination of quotient and power rules
Let us recall the differentiation formula for a quotient
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
𝑑 𝑢 𝑣 −𝑢
( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑣 𝑣2
Similar to what was done in Problem #4, to easily use the quotient rule, we have to assign the variables 𝑢 and 𝑣 first. In
this case, 𝑢 = (𝑥 + 1)3 and 𝑣 = 𝑥 2 , for after which, we will immediately substitute into the formula
𝑑 𝑑 2
𝑥2 (𝑥 + 1)3 − (𝑥 + 1)3 (𝑥 )
𝑦 = ′ 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 2 )2
𝑑
𝑥 2 (3)(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 + 1)3 (2𝑥)
𝑦 = ′ 𝑑𝑥
𝑥4
𝑥 2 (3)(𝑥 + 1)2 − (𝑥 + 1)3 (2𝑥)
𝑦′ =
𝑥4 The quotient rule, unlike the product rule, has terms that are uninterchangeable
𝑥(𝑥 + 1)2 [3𝑥 − 2(𝑥 + 1)] due to the subtraction operation. If you are having trouble memorizing the form
′ of quotient rule, just follow “LOW D HIGH MINUS HIGH D LOW OVER LOW
𝑦 =
𝑥4 SQUARED”
(𝑥 + 1)2 (3𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 2)
𝑦′ =
𝑥3
(𝑥 + 1)2 (𝑥 − 2) A primary advantage of writing answers in factored form, especially for rational
𝑦′ = expressions is that we can cancel out common terms.
𝑥3

PRACTICE PROBLEMS:
Solve for the first derivative of the following functions
1. 𝑦 = (2 + 𝑥)2 (1 − 𝑥)3 Ans: 𝑦 ′ = −(2 + 𝑥)(1 − 𝑥)2 (4 + 5𝑥)
4 24
2. 𝑦 = (1+3𝑥)2 Ans: 𝑦 ′ = − (1+3𝑥)3
𝑥−1
3. 𝑦 = √𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 Ans: 𝑦 ′ = √𝑥 2
−2𝑥+1
4𝑥−5 14
4. 𝑦 = 2𝑥+1 Ans: 𝑦 =′
(2𝑥+1)2
4(3𝑥+2)
5. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 5)√4𝑥 − 1 Ans: 𝑦 ′ =
√4𝑥−1
2𝑥−3 4 68(2𝑥−3)3
6. 𝑦 = (5𝑥+1) Ans: 𝑦 ′ = 5(𝑥+1)5

Prepared by: Engr. Nelson John M. Namuag

Engineering Sciences and Mathematics Department 5
SEM 1 SY 2020-2021