11

BASIC CALCULUS
MODULE 3
Derivative of a Function

8Differentiability & Continuity of a

Function
BASIC CALCULUS MODULE 3
After going through this module, you should be able to do the following:
1. Illustrate the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point;
2. Applies the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number;
3. Relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line; and
4. Determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a
function.

A tangent line to a curve is a line that, up close, just touches the curve at only
one point in a way that if you rotate the line even slightly, it will become a secant
line and cross the curve at a second, nearby point.

Properties of Tangent Line

1. Tangent lines drawn at the maximum or
minimum points are horizontal.

2. Tangent lines drawn to a line, is the line itself.

3. Vertical tangents may exist even for continuous functions.

However, there are cases wherein curves do not have tangent lines at specific
points. The following are these instances:

1. When the function is not continuous at P.

2. The function has a sharp corner or cusp at P.

Remember that tangent line is a “line” per se. By definition, a line

is determined by two points. How are we going to do that if a
tangent touches a graph at exactly one point? This is where the
concept of secant line is important. We can say that the accurate
definition of a tangent line depends on the concept of a secant line.
To find the tangent line at Point P, there is a need for a second
point Q on the curve.
If a point Q will slide down to point P, it will get closer to point P
and the slope of secant PQ will then approach the value of the
slope of line l tangent to the curve at point P.

1
 This is where the slope of a tangent line is derived. As the difference in the distance
in x gets smaller, the slope of the secant line gets closer and closer to the slope of
the tangent line.
Equation of the Tangent Line
Since the tangent line is the limiting position of the secant line as Q
approaches P, it follows that the slope of the tangent line at point P is the limit of
the slopes of the secant lines PQ as x approaches 𝑥0. In symbols,
𝒇(𝒙)−𝒇(𝒙𝟎 ) 𝒚−𝒚
𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒎 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒙−𝒙𝟎
𝒙→𝒙𝟎 𝒙−𝒙𝟎 𝒙→𝒙𝟎 𝟎
where:𝑚 = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 and 𝑥0 = 𝑥 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦
𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 )
Example 1: Find the equation of the tangent line to 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 at 𝑥 = 1.
Solution: First, we need to consider the formula of the slope, Thus, we need
𝒙𝟎 = 𝟏, the 𝑦 which is 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 5 and the 𝑦0 can be obtained by substituting 𝑥0 to
𝑦. By substitution: 𝒚𝟎 = (𝑥0 )2 − 4𝑥0 + 5 = (1)2 − 4(1) + 5 = 1 − 4 + 5 = 𝟐. Then we
proceed to the formula to get the value of slope.
Slope of a Tangent Line Since the slope m is −2, Equation of the
𝑦−𝑦0 we proceed in finding the Tangent Line
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 equation of the tangent
2
𝑦 − 𝑦0 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )
𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 5 − 2 line using the formula in
= lim 𝑦 − 2 = −2(𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 finding the equation of
2 𝑦 − 2 = −2𝑥 + 2
𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 3 the line given one point
= lim and a slope.
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 2 + 2
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
(𝑥−1)(𝑥−3) 𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 ) 𝒚 = −𝟐𝒙 + 𝟒 ∎
= lim 𝑥−1
𝑥→1
= lim (𝑥 − 3)
𝑥→1
=1−3
𝒎 = −𝟐

Example 2: Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2 at 𝑥 = −2.
Solution: Let us list all the given needed for the formula:
𝑥0 = −2 𝑦0 = (𝑥0 )2 − 2 = (−2)2 − 2 = 4 − 2 = 2

Slope of a Tangent Line Since the slope m is −4, Equation of the Tangent
𝑦−𝑦0 we proceed in finding Line
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 the equation of the 𝑦 − 𝑦0 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )
𝑥 2 −2−2 tangent line using the 𝑦 − 2 = −4(𝑥 − (−2))
= lim
𝑥→−2 𝑥−(−2) formula in finding the 𝑦 − 2 = −4(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥 2 −4 equation of the line
= lim 𝑦 − 2 = −4𝑥 − 8
𝑥→−2 𝑥+2 given one point and a
= lim
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−2)
slope. 𝑦 = −4𝑥 − 8 + 2
𝑥→−2 𝑥+2
𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 ) 𝒚 = −𝟒𝒙 − 𝟔 ∎
= lim (𝑥 − 2)
𝑥→−2
= −2 − 2 2
𝒎 = −𝟒
Example 3: Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = 2
Solution: Let us list all the given needed for the formula:
𝑥0 = 2 𝑦0 = (𝑥0 )2 = 22 = 4
Slope of a Tangent Line Since the slope m is 4, we Equation of the
𝑦−𝑦0
𝑚 = lim proceed in finding the Tangent Line
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0
equation of the tangent 𝑦 − 𝑦0 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )
𝑥 2 −4
= lim line using the formula in 𝑦 − 4 = 4(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
finding the equation of
= lim
(𝑥−2)(𝑥+2) 𝑦 − 4 = 4𝑥 − 8
𝑥→2 𝑥+2 the line given one point
and a slope.
𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 8 + 4
= lim (𝑥 + 2)
𝑥→2 𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 = 𝒎(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 ) 𝒚 = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒 ∎
=2+2
𝒎=𝟒
Example 4: Show that the tangent line to 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 1 at that point (2, −11)
is horizontal.
Solution: Let us list all the given needed for the formula:
𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 1 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) = (2, −11)
Note: The slope of a horizontal line is 0.
Answer: Since the slope of the tangent line
Slope of a Tangent Line
𝑦−𝑦 is 0, therefore the line tangent to the curve
𝑚 = lim 𝑥−𝑥0 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 1 is a horizontal line.
𝑥→𝑥0 0
3𝑥 2 −12𝑥+1−(−11) Equation of the Tangent Line
= lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
2
𝑦 − 𝑦0 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )
3𝑥 −12𝑥+12
= lim 𝑦 − (−11) = 0(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥→2 𝑥−2
(𝑥−2)(3𝑥−6) 𝑦 + 11 = 0
= lim
𝑥→2 𝑥−2 𝒚 = −𝟏𝟏 ∎
= lim (3𝑥 − 6)
𝑥→2
= 3(2) − 6
𝒎=𝟎
Example 5: Verify that the tangent line to the line 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 at (1, 5) is the line
itself.
Solution: Let us list all the given needed for the formula:
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) = (1, 5)

Slope of a Tangent Line Answer: Notice that obtained equation of the tangent
𝑦−𝑦0 line is equal to the given line. Therefore, the line is
𝑚 = lim
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 tangent to itself.
2𝑥+3−5
= lim Equation of the Tangent Line
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
2𝑥−2 𝑦 − 𝑦0 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥0 )
= lim
𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑦 − 5 = 2(𝑥 − 1)
2(𝑥−1)
= lim 𝑦 − 5 = 2𝑥 − 2
𝑥→1 𝑥−1
= lim 2 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 2 + 5
𝑥→1 3
𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑 ∎
𝒎=𝟐
 THE DEFINITION OF DERIVATIVE
The derivative of function is defined as instantaneous change in rate. In the
previous topic, we have seen the formula for the slope of a tangent line which is
also a formula in finding a specific derivative of a function at a given number.
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 ) 𝑦−𝑦0
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim or 𝑦′ = lim
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0
Note: If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the derivative 𝑓 is commonly denoted by
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
𝑦′ 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) 𝐷𝑥 𝑦 [𝑓(𝑥)] (𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 1: Find the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 at 𝑥 = 2.

Given: 𝒙𝟎 = 𝟐 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 𝒇(𝒙𝟎 ) = 𝑓 (2) = 2(2)2 − 5(2) = 8 − 10 = −𝟐
Solution:
𝑓 (𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 ) 2𝑥 2 −5𝑥−(−2) 2𝑥 2 −5𝑥+2 (2𝑥−1)(𝑥−2)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim = lim = lim =
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 𝑥→2 𝑥−2 𝑥→2 𝑥−2 𝑥→2 𝑥−2
lim (2𝑥 − 1)
𝑥→2
= lim (2𝑥 − 1) = 2 lim 𝑥 − lim 1 = 2(2) − 1 = 4 − 1 = 𝟑 ∎
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 at 𝑥 = 2 is 3.

Example 2: Find the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = √2𝑥 + 7 at 𝑥 = 1

Given: 𝒙𝟎 = 𝟏 𝒇(𝒙) = √𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕 𝒇(𝒙𝟎 ) = 𝑓 (1) = √2(1) + 7 = √2 + 7 = √9 = 𝟑
Solution:
𝑓 (𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 ) √2𝑥+7−3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim rationalize the numerator
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
2
√2𝑥+7−3 √2𝑥+7+3 (√2𝑥+7) −9 2𝑥+7−9
= lim 𝑥−1 ( 2𝑥+7+3) = lim (𝑥−1)( = lim (𝑥−1)(
𝑥→1 √ 𝑥→1 √ 2𝑥+7+3) 𝑥→1 √2𝑥+7+3)
2𝑥−2 (
2 𝑥−1 ) 2
= lim (𝑥−1)( = lim (𝑥−1)( = lim
𝑥→1 √2𝑥+7+3) 𝑥→1 √2𝑥+7+3) 𝑥→1 √2𝑥+7+3
2 2 2 2 2 𝟏
= = = = 3+3 = 6 = 𝟑 ∎
√2(1)+7+3 √2+7+3 √9+3
1
Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √2𝑥 + 7 at 𝑥 = 1 is 3.

3𝑥
Example 3: Compute 𝑓′(1) of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥+2
𝟑𝒙 3(1) 3
Given: 𝒙𝟎 = 𝟏 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙+𝟐 𝒇(𝒙𝟎 ) = 𝑓 (1) = =3=𝟏
1+2
Solution:
3𝑥 3𝑥 𝑥+2 3𝑥−𝑥−2
𝑓 (𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 ) −1 −
′( 𝑥+2 𝑥+2 𝑥+2 𝑥+2
𝑓 𝑥) = lim = lim ( ) = lim ( ) = lim ( )
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
2𝑥−2 2(𝑥−1)
𝑥+2 𝑥+2 2 2 𝟐
= lim ( 𝑥−1 ) = lim ( ) = lim = 1+2 = 𝟑 ∎
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1 𝑥→1 𝑥+2
3𝑥 2
Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥+2 at 𝑥 = 1 is 3.

4
 ALTERNATIVE DEFINITION OF THE DERIVATIVE
The first derivative is interpreted as the slope of a curve at that point. Hence,
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑓(𝑥2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥1 ) 𝑓(𝑥1 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥1 )
𝒎 = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = = lim = lim = lim = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝒅𝒚 𝒇(𝒙 +∆𝒙)−𝒇(𝒙𝟏 ) 𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
In general: 𝒎 = 𝒇′ (𝒙) = = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒅𝒙 ∆𝒙→𝟎 ∆𝒙 𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

Example 1: Find the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8.

𝑓 (𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓 (𝑥) 5(𝑥+ℎ)2 −6(𝑥+ℎ)+8−(5𝑥 2 −6𝑥+8)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
5(𝑥 2 +2ℎ𝑥+ℎ2 )−6𝑥−6ℎ+8−5𝑥 2 +6𝑥−8
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
5𝑥 2 +10ℎ𝑥+5ℎ2 −6𝑥−6ℎ+8−5𝑥 2 +6𝑥−8
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
10ℎ𝑥+5ℎ2 −6ℎ ℎ(10𝑥+5ℎ−6)
= lim = lim = lim (10𝑥 + 5ℎ − 6)
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
= 10𝑥 + 5(0) − 6
= 𝟏𝟎𝒙 − 𝟔 ∎

Example 2: Find the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1.

𝑓 (𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓 (𝑥) 2(𝑥+ℎ)2 +3(𝑥+ℎ)−1−(2𝑥 2 +3𝑥−1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
2(𝑥 2 +2ℎ𝑥+ℎ2 )+3𝑥+3ℎ−1−2𝑥 2 −3𝑥+1
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥 2 +4ℎ𝑥+2ℎ2 +3𝑥+3ℎ−1−2𝑥 2 −3𝑥+1
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
4ℎ𝑥+2ℎ2 +3ℎ ℎ(4𝑥+2ℎ+3)
= lim = lim = lim (4𝑥 + 2ℎ + 3)
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
= 4𝑥 + 2(0) + 3
= 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟑 ∎

CONTINUITY AND DIFFERENTIABILITY OF A FUNCTION

A function is differentiable if and only if its derivative exists. On the other hand, a
function is continuous if it satisfies the different conditions on continuity.
1. If a function is differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑐, then it is continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐. So,
differentiability implies continuity.
2. It is possible for a function to be continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑐 and not be differentiable
at 𝑥 = 𝑐. So, continuity does not imply differentiability.

Remember: All differentiable functions are continuous. But not all continuous
functions are differentiable.

Recall that the function is continuous if there exists lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎).
𝑥→𝑎
Recall that the function is continuous if the graph of a function has no gaps or
holes.
5
DIFFERENTIABILITY IMPLIES CONTINUITY
Example: Identify whether the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 − 1 is differentiable and
continuous.
Solution: Check first if the function is differentiable.
𝑓 (𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓 (𝑥) 3(𝑥+ℎ)−1−(3𝑥−1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
3𝑥+3ℎ−1−3𝑥+1) 3ℎ
= lim = lim = lim 3 = 𝟑
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
Since the function has a derivative of 3, then it is differentiable. Check next if the
function is continuous. Below is the graph of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 − 1.

Based on the graph, we can say that the function is

continuous since it has no gaps or holes.

Therefore, we proved that differentiability implies

continuity for the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 − 1.

CONTINUITY DOES NOT IMPLY DIFFERENTIABILITY

Example: Identify whether the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = |𝑥 − 2| is continuous and
differentiable at 𝑥 = 2.
Solution: Check first if the function is continuous at 𝑥 = 2 based on the graph.

Based on the graph, we can say that the function is

continuous since it has no gaps or holes.

Check next if the function has a derivative.

𝑓 (𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓 (𝑥) |𝑥+ℎ−2|−|𝑥−2| |2+ℎ−2|−|2−2|

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim ℎ
= lim ℎ
= lim ℎ
ℎ→0 ℎ→0 ℎ→0
|ℎ|−|0| |ℎ |
= lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ

ℎ , 𝑖𝑓 ℎ > 0
|ℎ | = { We will not include 0 because h cannot be equal to 0
−ℎ , 𝑖𝑓 ℎ < 0
because it will make the function undefine. Now, using the function,
ℎ −ℎ
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim+ ℎ = lim+ 1 = 1 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim− = lim− −1 = −1
ℎ→0 ℎ→0 ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0
Since the limit of both sides are not equal, then the derivative 𝑓 ′ (2) of the
function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = |𝑥 − 2| does not exist.
Therefore, the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = |𝑥 − 2| is continuous but not differentiable at 𝑥 = 2.

6
SUMMATIVE EVALUATION

A. Multiple Choice – Directions: Select the letter of the correct answer among
the given choices. Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. Which of the following does NOT define the slope of the tangent line to the
curve?
A. It is constant.
B. It is not constant and must be determined by a point.
C. It is equal to the derivative of the function.
D. It is derived from the concept of the slope of a second line.

2. On which of the following conditions will a tangent line exist?

A. Function continuous at P. C. Curve with cusp at P.
B. Function discontinuous at P. D. Curve with corner at P.

3. Which of the following describes a tangent line to a given curve drawn at its
maximum or minimum point?
A. has a positive slope C. horizontal
B. has a negative slope D. vertical

4. What is the line perpendicular to the tangent line at the point of tangency?
A. secant B. skew C. parallel D. normal

5. Which of the following is equal to the slope of the tangent line?

A. average rate of change
B. instantaneous rate of change
C. slope of the secant line
D. slope of the line perpendicular to the given tangent line

6. Tangent line was drawn to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 at 𝑥 = 2. What is the equation of the
line tangent to the curve at the given point?
A. 𝑦 = 12𝑥 − 16 B. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 16 C. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 12 D. 𝑦 = 12𝑥

For numbers 7-11, find the derivative of the given function at 𝑥 = 2.

7. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 − 1
A. 1 B. 5 C. – 1 D. 2

8. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2
A. 3 B. 2 C. 6 D. 12

9. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
A. – 2 B. – 6 C. 1 D. 2

10. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 3 − 4
A. 3 B. 6 C. 12 D. 2

7
 2𝑥
11. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥−1
A. – 2 B. 2 C. 1 D. – 1

12. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

A. Continuous functions are not differentiable.
B. Continuous functions do not have graphs.
C. Continuous functions are differentiable.
D. Continuous functions have gaps on their graphs.

5
13. The function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥+2 is continuous and differentiable at all values of x
EXCEPT?
A. 2 B. 5 C. – 2 D. – 5

For numbers 14-15, use the following statements:

I. If a function is differentiable at a point, then it is always continuous at the
same point.
II. If a function is differentiable at a point, then it is not continuous at the same
point.
III. If a function is continuous at a point, then it is always differentiable at the
same point.

14. Which of the statements are TRUE?

A. I only B. II only C. III only D. II and III

15. Which of the statements are FALSE?

A. I only B. I and II C. I and III D. II and III

B. Problem Solving – Solve the derivative of the following functions. Show your
solution. (5 points each)
𝑓(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 )
For numbers 1-2, use the formula 𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥−𝑥0
1. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 6 at 𝑥 = 2
2

2. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 at 𝑥 = 1

𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
For numbers 3-4, use the formula 𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
3. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 6

4. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 10𝑥 2 − 16𝑥