55

LESSON 2.1 LIMIT DEFINITION OF THE DERIVATIVE,

ALTERNATE FORM OF THE LIMIT DEFINITION

Instead of approximating instantaneous rates of change as you did in the previous unit the process
of differentiation allows us to find them precisely.
Any nonvertical line has the same slope at every point. In Calculus we frequently deal with the
slope of a curve. The slope of a curve is defined to be the same as the slope of the curve’s tangent
line at a given point. To find the slope of a tangent line we use a limit of the slope of a secant line.
y = f ( x) secant line

y f ( x + x ) − f ( x )
f ( x + x ) tangent line msec = =
x x
y = f ( x + x ) − f ( x )
f ( x)
f ( x + x ) − f ( x )
mtan = lim
x x + x x → 0 x

x

The slope of a tangent line is called the derivative of the function at a given x-value. The most
commonly used symbol for the derivative is f  ( x ) . Here are some other notations you will
encounter (assume y = f ( x ) ).
dy d f ( x + x ) − f ( x ) f ( x + h) − f ( x)
f  ( x ) = y = = f ( x ) = mtan = lim = lim
dx dx x → 0 x h→ 0 h

A vertical tangent line has no slope, so a curve has no derivative at any point where it has a vertical
tangent line. Differentiation is the process of finding derivatives. If a derivative exists at a point on
a curve, the function is said to be differentiable at that point.

Examples:
1. If f ( x ) = x 2 + 2
a. find f  ( x ) . b. use your answer

f  ( x ) = lim from part a. to find

x → 0

f  ( −3 ) .
 56

2. If y = x , find y.

y =

2
3. Given y = f ( t ) = , find the derivative of y with respect to t.
t

dy
= f  (t ) =
dt

Alternate Form of the Limit Definition of the Derivative

(Gives the value of the derivative at a single point.)
y = f ( x) secant line
mtan = lim msec
x→ c

f ( x) tangent line f ( x) − f (c)

y = f ( x ) − f ( c ) f  ( c ) = lim
x→ c x−c
f (c)

c x
x = x − c

Example 4. If f ( x ) = x 3 , use the alternate form of the derivative to find f  ( 3) .

f  ( 3) =
 57
ASSIGNMENT 2.1

Use the limit definition of the derivative to find f ( x ) or f  ( t ) .

1
1. f ( x ) = −3 x 2. f ( x ) = x2 −1 3. f ( x) =
x −1
4. f ( t ) = t 3 − 12t 5. f ( x) = 3

Use the alternate form of the limit definition of the derivative to find the indicated derivative.
6. f ( x ) = x 2 − 1 Find f  ( 2 ) . 7. f ( x ) = x3 − 2 x 2 − 1 Find f  ( 2 ) .
2
1
8. f ( x) = Find f  ( 3) . 9. f ( x ) = ( x − 1) 3 Find f  (1) .
x

10. If y = x 2 − x , use the limit definition of the derivative to find y.

dy
11. If y = x 3 + 1 , use the limit definition of the derivative to find .
dx
12. If f ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 4 , use the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( x ) .
Then find f  ( 4 ) .
13. If f ( x ) = 2 x 2 + 4 , use the alternate form of the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( 4 ) .

These review problems require arithmetic and algebra skills that will be absolutely
essential on the next assignment!

Simplify without using a calculator:

1
2 1 5
14. −1 15. − − 1 16. − − 1 17. x−2 18. x 2 • x 2
3 2 3
2
 1 x9 16
19.  x 2  20. 21. Rewrite without using a fraction.
( 2x )
3
  x3
3
22. Rewrite x 2 without using a radical symbol.
2
23. Rewrite without using a fraction or a radical symbol.
x3
 58
LESSON 2.2 DERIVATIVE RULES (short cuts), TANGENT LINES,
NONDIFFERENTIABILITY, RATE OF CHANGE

d
The expression means to differentiate with respect to x. The most common derivative
dx
d dy
y is usually written as .
dx dx

Derivative Rules:
d
Power Rule: x n = nx n −1
dx
d
Constant Rule: If c is any constant, c = 0.
dx

Scalar Multiple Rule: If c is any constant,

d
dx
(c f ( x )) = c f  ( x ).
Sum Rule:
d
dx
( f ( x ) + g ( x )) = f  ( x ) + g  ( x )

Examples: Differentiate.
2
− 1 5
1. f ( x ) = x4 2. y=x 3
+3 3. h (t ) = 5 − 4. f ( x) =
( 2x)
3
2t 3
f ( x) = y = h (t ) =

h ( t ) =

Higher-Order Derivatives
Since the derivative of a function is another function, we can repeat the differentiation process to
find the derivative of a derivative. The result is still another function which could again be
differentiated. These derivatives are called higher-order derivatives.

Notation:
y f ( x) f ( x)
dy d
First Derivative:
dx dx
d2y d2
Second Derivative: y f  ( x ) f ( x)
dx 2 dx 2
d3y d3
Third Derivative: y f  ( x ) f ( x)
dx3 dx3
d4y d4
Fourth Derivative: y ( 4) f ( 4) ( x ) f ( x)
dx 4 dx 4

1
Example 5. For f ( x ) = , find f  (1) and f  ( −8 ) .
3 2
2 x
 59
Equation of a Tangent Line:

Since the derivative of a function gives us a slope formula for tangent lines to the graph of the
function, the derivative can be used to find equations of tangent lines.

Sometimes we will want to find a line perpendicular to the −1

mnormal =
tangent line at the point of tangency. Such a line is called a normal line. mtangent

Examples:
6. Find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = 4 x5 − 3x 2 + 5 at the
point (1,6).

7. Find an equation of the normal line to the same curve at the same point.

NONDIFFERENTIABILITY (when a derivative does not exist)

Each of these functions has no derivative when x = 1.

− −   − −   − −   − −   − −  

hole jump vertical sharp turn vertical

asymptote tangent

These five characteristics destroy differentiability:

1. Holes  4. Sharp Turns


2. Jumps (breaks)  discontinuities 5. Vert. Tangent Lines
3. Vert. Asymptotes 

Note:
If a function is not continuous, it is not differentiable (see the first three figures above).
A function may be continuous and still not be differentiable (see the last two figures above).
 60
Examples: Find the x-values where f ( x ) is not differentiable. Give a reason for each.
 x2 , x  0  x2 , x0
8. f ( x) = x 9. f ( x) =  10. f ( x ) =  2
 x, x  0  x + 1, x  0

x
11. f ( x ) = 12. f ( x ) = 3 x
x ( x − 1)

Rate of Change:
Remember the method of finding average rate of change
1. Average Rate of Change This is the slope between two points. It is found without
y y2 − y1
using a derivative (algebraically). AROC = m = =
x x2 − x1
Using differentiation we can now also find the instantaneous rate of change.
2. Instantaneous Rate of Change This is the slope at a single point. It is usually found by
using a derivative (calculus). IROC = m = f  ( c )

Examples:
13. If f ( x ) = x3 + 2 x, find the average rate of change from x = 10 to x = 30.

14. If f ( x ) = x3 + 2 x, find the instantaneous rate of change when x = 10.

 61
ASSIGNMENT 2.2 Do not use a calculator on this entire assignment.

Find the derivative. Use correct symbolism.

1. y = 2 2. f ( x ) = x 2 3. g ( x ) = x3 + 1
4. y =t +2 5. f ( t ) = −2t 2 − 3t + 2 6. f ( x ) = − x2 − x +
1 2 5
3 5 2

Find the value of the derivative of the function at the given point. Show steps with
correct symbolism without using a calculator.
7. f ( x ) = 3x −2 at (1,3) 8. g ( x ) = x 2 − 2 x at ( 2, 0 )
9. h ( x ) = x3 − 1 at (1, 0 ) 10. f ( x ) = 2 − x3 at ( 2, −6 )

Differentiate each function. Show steps with correct symbolism.

11. y =
1
x
4
12. f ( x ) = x 2 − 2
x
13. y = ( 2 x − 1)
2
(
14. g ( x ) = x x 2 + 1 )
t 2 − 2t 1
17. f ( t ) =
x
15. y = 16. y = 3 x + x3 18. f ( x ) =
x t 3
x2
1 1
19. y = 2 20. y =
( 3x )
2
3x

Find the indicated value or expression. Show steps with correct symbolism.
21. y = 3x 2 , y = ? 22. f ( x ) = x + 2, f  ( 4) = ?
2 d2y
23. f ( t ) = 2 − , f  ( 2 ) = ? 24. y = x ( x − 2 ) , =?
t dx 2
25. f ( ) ( x ) = 2 x − 1,
3
f (5) ( 3) = ? 26.
d
dx (x 3
)
+5 = ?
d2
27.
dx 2
(
3x − x −1 = ? )

Find an equation of a line with the following characteristics.

28. tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = x 2 − 1 at the point (2,3)
29. tangent to the graph of f ( x ) =
2
when x = 1
x

30. normal to the graph of f ( x ) =

2
when x = 1
x
31. tangent to the graph of y = x 2 − 2 x + 3 when x = 1
32. Find the x-values of all points where the graph of f ( x ) = 3x3 + 2 x − 2 has a
slope of 11.
 62
33. Find the x-values of all points where the graph of y = x 4 − 3x 2 + 2 has a horizontal tangent
line.
1 1
34. Find the point(s) where the graph of y = has a slope of − .
x 4

35. Find the average rate of change of the function f ( x ) = 3x − 4 between

3

x = 2 and x = 4.
36. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the function f ( x ) = 3x3 − 4 at x = 3.

on the interval 1, 4 .

x
37. Find the average rate of change of y =
x+2
x2 − x
38. Find the rate of change of y = at the point (1,0).
x2

Find the x-values where the function is not differentiable. Give a reason for each value.

39. 40. 
41.
 

 −  − 

− − −

x  x 2 − 2, x  0
y = − x −1 + 2 y= 2 y= 2
x +x  x , x0

2 1
42. f ( x ) = x 3 43. f ( x ) = 3 x 3
3x 2 − 2, x  1  x2 , x  0
44. f ( x ) =  45. f ( x ) =  2
 x, x 1 − x , x  0

46. Use the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( x ) if f ( x ) = 2 x 2 − 5.

47. Use the alternate form of the limit definition of the derivative to find
f  (1) if f ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x.
( x + h)
3
− x3
48. Find lim mentally without showing any steps.
h →0 h
 63
LESSON 2.3 CALCULATOR DIFFERENTIATION,
DERIVATIVES OF sin x, cos x, e x , and ln x

Calculator Differentiation
Some CAS calculators can find derivatives of functions in symbolic form. This is not one of the
uses of calculators that are allowed on the Advanced Placement test and will not be helpful. All
graphing calculators can be used to find the value of a derivative at a specific point and this is
allowed and required on the Advanced Placement test.
For example a TI84 can find a derivative at a point using nDeriv( ) in the Math menu.
Use a graphing calculator to find the following. As always give answers accurate to three decimal
places.
Examples:
1. If f ( x ) = x3 + 3x , find f  ( 2 ) .

f  ( 2) =

2. If g ( x ) = ln ( x 2 − 3) , find g  ( 2 ) , g  ( 4 ) , and sketch a graph of g  ( x ) .

Hint: To save time and avoid confusing parentheses, let y1 = ln ( x 2 − 3) .

g ( 2) = g ( 4) =

To graph g  ( x ) , let y2 = ( )
d
y .
dx 1 x = x

3. If f ( x ) = x , find f  ( 0 ) .

Some calculators are unable to give a correct answer to this last problem. Make sure you understand
the limitations of your calculator.

The graph of f ( x) = sin x is shown at the right.  y

x
− −  
Example 4: −

Estimate slopes for the graph of f ( x) = sin x at

−3 −  3
x = −2 , , −, , 0, , , , and 2 .
2 2 2 2

Plot those slopes in the coordinate plane at  y

x
right, and connect them to make a smooth
continuous curve. This is the graph of f ( x) . − −
−
 

f ( x) =
 64

Example 5:
Use your calculator to sketch a graph of the derivative of y = cos x .
Can you identify your result?

Derivatives of Two Trigonometric Functions:

d d
sin x = cos x cos x = − sin x
dx dx

Example 6:
Use your calculator to graph y = e x and its derivative
 y
in the same coordinate plane. What do you notice? 

 x

− −− −  

e is the only base for which the basic exponential function and its derivative are the same.

Differentiating the Exponential Function:

d
ex = ex
dx

Example 7:
The function y = ln x is y
graphed at the right with 
some tangents shown.

Fill in the table by estimating

slopes at the points indicated x
with as much precision
as possible.   

d
x ln x
dx
1
2 −
1
2
4
6

Can you make a conclusion about the derivative of the natural logarithm function?
 65

Differentiating the Natural Logarithmic Function:

d 1
ln x =
dx x

Examples:
Differentiate each of the following functions using correct notation without using a calculator.
8. y = 2e x − 3ln x + x 9. g ( ) = 3sin  − 5cos 

Examples:
Find the indicated value without using a calculator.
10. If h ( x ) = 15sin ( x ) + 4e x find h ( 0 ) . 11. If f ( t ) = 4 ln t − 3et find f  ( 5 ) .


Example 12: Find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = −3cos x when x = 4
without using a calculator.

ASSIGNMENT 2.3

Use a graphing calculator for problems 1-3.

If f ( x ) = ( 2 x 2 − 1) , use a calculator to graph f  ( x ) . Also find f  (1) and f  (8 ) .
3
1.
2. If f ( x ) = 7 x , find f  ( 3) .
3. If g ( x ) = sin x3 + 4 x3 , find g ( 2 ) , g  ( −4 ) , and g  (1) .

Differentiate each of the following without using a calculator. Show steps and answers using correct
notation.
2
4. f ( x ) = 2 x + 3e x 5. y = − ln x 6. g ( ) = 3sin ( )
x
3x 2 + 4 x − 2 x cos x
7. f ( x ) = 8. y = ex 2 − 2e x 9. f ( t ) = 3ln t + sin ( t )
2x
10. y = f ( x ) + g ( x )
 66
Find the indicated value without using a calculator. Show steps and answers using correct notation.
11. g ( x ) = x + 2cos x find g  ()

4
12. f ( x ) = x + 5 x − ln x find f  (1)
2

13. f ( x ) = 7e + sin ( x ) find f  ( 0 ) 14. h ( t ) = 5t + 9t 2− 6t e find h ( 2 )

4 3 2 t
x

3t
15. f ( x ) =  sin x −  2 ln x find f  ()

2

16. Find an equation of a line tangent to f ( x ) = 6 3 x at x = 8 without using a calculator.


17. Find an equation of a line tangent to g ( ) = + sin ( ) at  =
3
without using a calculator.
2 6
18. Find the x-coordinate(s) of point(s) at which the graph of g ( x ) = x − e x has a tangent
line parallel to the graph of y = 7 without using a calculator.

The following two limits can now be found with very little work.
sin ( x + h ) − sin ( x ) 2e x + h − 2e x
19. lim 20. lim
h→0 h h →0 h

21. Find the domain, vertical asymptotes, holes, intercepts, end behavior, and graph for the
x ( x − 1)
function y = 2 without using a calculator.
x −1
22. Use the Limit Definition of the Derivative to find f  ( x ) if f ( x ) = 3x 2 + x .
23. Use the Alternate Form of the Limit Definition of the Derivative to find f  ( 3) if
f ( x ) = 3x 2 − 2 .
24. If f ( x ) = 2 x3 − 3x + 2 find:
a. the average rate of change on the interval  0,3 .
b. the instantaneous rate of change at x = 3.

Differentiate without using a calculator.

3x 2 − 6 x + 9
25. f ( x ) = 2 x ( x 2 + 3)
1
26. g ( x ) = 27. f ( x ) =
3x 4 x4

For each of the following piecewise functions:

a. Find any x-values at which the function is discontinuous.
b. Differentiate the function.
c. Find any x-values at which the function is not differentiable.
3x 2 − x, x  1 3x 2 − x, x  1 3x 2 − x, x  1
28. f ( x ) =  29. f ( x ) =  30. f ( x ) = 
5 x − 3, x  1 5 x − 2, x  1 4 x − 2, x  1
 67

 y
31. a. Identify any x-values at which the function
shown is not continuous.
b. Identify any x-values at which the function 
shown is not differentiable.
x

− −  

−

−

LESSON 2.4 POSITION, VELOCITY, ACCELERATION

Important Terms
Position Function gives the location of an object at time t, usually s(t), x(t), or y(t)
Velocity Function the rate of change (derivative) of position, usually v(t)
Velocity is positive for upward or rightward motion and
negative for downward or leftward motion.
Acceleration Function the rate of change (derivative) of velocity, usually a(t)
Initial Position starting position (at t = 0 ), so
Initial Velocity starting velocity (at t = 0 ), vo
Speed the absolute value of velocity
Displacement the net change in position, (final pos. − original pos.)
Total Distance total distance traveled by the object in the time interval
(takes into account all direction changes)

Example 1. If s ( t ) = t 3 + t , find v(t) and a(t).

Examples: Use the position function s ( t ) = 16t 3 − 36t 2 + 24 of an object moving on a horizontal
line for Examples 2-11. Distance units are measured in feet and time units are measured in seconds.

2. What is the initial 3. What is the velocity of 4. What is the speed of the
position of the object? the object at t = 1 second? object at t = 1 second?
 68
5. What is the acceleration of the object 6. When is the object at rest?
at t = 1 second?

7. When is the object moving right? 8. When is the object moving left?

9. When is the velocity of the object 10. What is the displacement of the object
equal to 54 ft sec ? between t = 0 and t = 2 seconds?

11. What is the total distance traveled by the object between t = 0 and t = 2 seconds?

s(t) C D
The graph models the position function of a radio controlled
model car. Answer these questions and explain.
12. Was the car going faster at A or at B? B E
A
F
13. When was the car stopped?
time

14. At which point was the car’s velocity the greatest?

15. At which point was the car’s speed the greatest?

Vertical Motion Examples:

Suppose s ( t ) = −16t 2 + 48t + 160 gives the position (in feet) above the ground for a ball thrown into
the air from the top of a high cliff (where time is measured in seconds).

16. Find the initial velocity. 17. At what time does the 18. At what time does
ball hit the ground? the ball reach its
maximum height?
 69
ASSIGNMENT 2.4

You may use a calculator for these questions.

1. The position, in meters, of a particle moving in a straight line is given by x ( t ) = 4t 3 + 6t + 2.5
(where t is measured in seconds).
a. Find the velocity function. b. Find the velocity at time t = 2 seconds.
c. Find the acceleration function. d. Find the acceleration at time 3 seconds.
e. When is the velocity of the particle 18 meters per second?
f. Find the velocity when the position of the particle is 25 meters.
g. Find the initial position. h. Find the particle’s displacement from 0 to 1.5 sec.

2. A helium balloon rises so that its height (position) is given by s ( t ) = t 2 + 3t + 5 (where height is
measured in feet and time is measured in seconds). Assume t  0.
a. When is the balloon 45 feet high?
b. How fast is the balloon rising at time 1 second?
c. How fast is the balloon rising at time 4 seconds?
d. What is the balloon’s velocity when it is 45 feet high?

3. A ball rolls on an inclined plane with position function s ( t ) = 2t 3 + 3t 2 + 5 (where position is

measured in centimeters and time is measured in seconds).
a. Find the ball’s velocity at time 2 seconds.
b. When is the velocity of the ball 30 centimeters per second?

4. The graph at the right models the position function of a s(t)

car. Answer these questions and explain each answer. C D
a. What was the car’s initial position? B
b. Was the car going faster at A or at B? A
c. Was the car speeding up or slowing down at B?
d. What happened between C and D? time

5. A particle moves along a horizontal line with position function x ( t ) = t 3 − 3t 2 (where position
is measured in centimeters and time is measured in minutes).
a. Find the particle’s displacement between t = 0 minutes and t = 5 minutes.
b. Find the particle’s velocity when t = 4 minutes.
c. Find the particle’s acceleration when t = 4 minutes.
d. At what time does the particle change direction?
e. What is the total distance traveled by the particle between 0 and 5 minutes?

displacement total distance

Average Velocity = Average Speed =
elapsed time elapsed time

f. Find the particle’s average velocity (average rate of change of position) between t = 0 and
t = 5 minutes.
g. Find the particle’s average speed between t = 0 and t = 5 minutes.
 70
6. The graph at the right shows the velocity function  v(t)
of a particle moving horizontally.
time
a. When does the particle move left?
b. When is the particle’s acceleration positive?      time
c. When is the speed greatest? −
d. When does the particle stop for more
than an instant? −

7. The position at time t seconds of a pebble dropped from an initial height of 600 feet is given
by s ( t ) = −16t 2 + 600 .
a. At what time will the pebble hit the ground?
b. What is the pebble’s velocity when it hits the ground?
c. What is the pebble’s speed when it hits the ground?

Find f  ( x ) without using a calculator.

3
f ( x ) = 2x − 9. f ( x ) = ( 2 x + 3) 10. h ( t ) = 2sin t − 3ln t 11. y = 2e x + ln x
2
8.
x3

Evaluate the derivative of f ( x ) at the indicated point without using a calculator.

12. f ( x ) = 2 x x at (4,16) 13. f ( x ) = x at ( −8, 4 ) 14. f ( x ) = e cos x − 9e x at x = 0

3 2

d2y
15. If y = x ( x − 2 ) find .
dx 2

16. Find an equation of a line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = 2 x 4 − 3x3 when x = 1 without using a
calculator.

17. Find a point on the graph of f ( x ) = x 4 + 3 where a tangent line has a slope of − 4 without
using a calculator
 x
 , x2
18. Find the x-value(s) where the function f ( x ) =  x 2 − 1 is not differentiable.
 x − 1, x  2
Give a reason for each x-value.

19. Use the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( x ) if f ( x ) = 3x 2 − x.

20. If f ( x ) = x3 + 5 , find the instantaneous rate of change at x = 1.

21. If f ( x ) = x3 + 5 , find the average rate of change between x = 0 and x = 2.

 71
LESSON 2.5 PRODUCT AND QUOTIENT RULES

Product Rule:
d
dx
( f ( x ) • g ( x )) = f ( x ) g ( x ) + g ( x ) f  ( x ) or
d
dx
( f • s ) = fs + sf 
d f ( x) g ( x) f ( x) − f ( x) g( x) d t bt  − tb
Quotient Rule: = or =
dx g ( x) ( g ( x ))
2 dx b b2

Examples: Differentiate without using a calculator.

2 x2 − 4 x + 3
1. f ( x ) = ( 3x − 2 ) ( 2 x + 3)
2
2. y =
2 − 3x

−9
3. y= 4. g ( x ) = 3e x sin ( x )
5x2

ASSIGNMENT 2.5

1. Use the Product Rule to differentiate. Simplify your answer. ( )

f ( x ) = x 2 − 2 ( 4 x + 3)
2. Differentiate without using the Product Rule. ( )
f ( x ) = x 2 − 2 ( 4 x + 3)
2x +1
3. Use the Quotient Rule to differentiate. f ( x) =
x2 + 2
x2 − 4
4. Differentiate without using the Quotient or Product Rules. f ( x) =
x+2

Differentiate by any method you wish without using a calculator.

12 x 2 − 4
6. f ( t ) = 2 ( t 3 − t 2 ) 7. g ( x ) = 2 ( x 2 + 5 x − 3)
1
5. y =
4 t
2x − 3 cos x
8. f ( x ) = 9. y = x ( x + 1) 10. f ( x ) = 3
3x − 2 x
2 (1 − sin x ) x2 − c
11. y = 12. f ( x ) = , c is a constant
3cos x x2 + c
 72

4 x3
13. Find the second derivative of y = .
3
x
14 Find an equation of the tangent line to the graph of f ( x ) = at the point ( −2, 2 ) .
x +1

15. Find the x-coordinate(s) of point(s) at which the graph of g ( x ) = ( 2 x − 1) ( x 2 + 3) has a tangent
line parallel to the graph of y = 6 x + 1.


16. Find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of h ( x ) = 2 x sin x at x = .
2

on the interval  0,3.

1
17. Find the average rate of change of f ( x ) =
x +1

1
18. Find the rate of change of f ( x ) = when x = 2.
x +1

19. Find the average rate of change of h ( x ) = cos ( 2 x ) on the interval   

 − 8 , 8  .

20. Given g ( x ) = x • f ( x ) .
a. Use the product rule to find g  ( x ) .
b. If f ( 2 ) = 3 and f  ( 2 ) = −2, find g  ( 2 ) .

f ( x)
21. If h ( x ) = , f ( 2 ) = 3, and f  ( 2 ) = −2, find h ( 2 ) .
x2

22. The volume formula of a cube is V = s3 . Find the rate of change of the volume with respect to
the side length when s = 4.

23. A particle moves horizontally according to the equation s = t 2 − 5t + 4 . When is the particle
moving left?

24. Which is greater − the average rate of change between

D
points A and B or the instantaneous rate of change at B?
C
B
25. Copy the figure on your own paper and sketch a tangent
line which intersects the curve between points C and D A
whose slope is equal to the average rate of change
between C and D.

26. The height in feet of a rock thrown vertically on the moon is given by the equation
27 2
h=− t + 27t + 6 (where time is measured in seconds). When does the rock reach its
10
greatest height? How high is it?
 73

27. If f ( x ) is an nth degree polynomial, find f ( n+1) ( x ) .

28. True or False? If y = f ( x ) g ( x ) , then y = f  ( x ) g  ( x ) .

29. Find the total distance (in meters) traveled between t = 0 and t = 4 seconds by a particle whose
s ( t ) = t 4 − 3t 3 + 4t 2 − 4 .
1
position equation is
4

30. A model rocket is fired straight upward. The engine burns for two seconds. The rocket
continues to coast upward then starts to fall. A parachute is released ten seconds after the
launch. The graph shows the rocket’s velocity.
a. What was the rocket’s greatest velocity? 
b. Estimate the velocity at time 7 sec. velocity 
c. Was the rocket moving upward or
 ft  
downward at time 7 sec.?  
 sec  
d. Estimate the rocket’s speed when the
parachute was released.      
−
e. Estimate when the rocket started to fall. time ( sec )
f. Estimate when the acceleration was the greatest.
g. When was the acceleration constant? Estimate the value of this constant acceleration.

31. f ( x ) and g ( x ) are piecewise linear functions graphed below.

y = f ( x) y = g ( x)
y y

 

 

 

x x

         

f ( x)
a. If h ( x ) = f ( x ) • g ( x ) find h ( 2 ) . b. If j ( x ) = find j  ( 6 ) .
2g ( x)
 74
LESSON 2.6 DERIVATIVES OF tan x, cot x, sec x, and csc x

Use the trig identities sin 2 x + cos2 = tan x = sec x =

and the quotient rule to derive formulas for:
d d
tan x = sec x =
dx dx

Derivations for derivative formulas for cot x and csc x are very similar.

Derivatives of Trig Functions:

d d
sin x = cos x cos x = − sin x
dx dx
d d
tan x = sec2 x cot x = − csc 2 x
dx dx
d d
sec x = sec x tan x csc x = − csc x cot x
dx dx

From now on these formulas can be used making it unnecessary to use the quotient rule process for these
simple functions. By far the most common errors using them involve incorrect signs. Can you see a quick
way to remember which derivatives need a negative sign?

Example1: Find the indicated derivative.

d
dx
( 4 cot ( x )) =
Examples: Differentiate the following without using a calculator.
csc t
2. y = e x tan( x) 3. f (t ) = 2 4. g ( ) = sec • ln 
t

Example 5: Without a calculator, find the slope of the graph of y = −3tan( x) , where:
 −
a. x= b. x=
4 3
 75
ASSIGNMENT 2.6

Differentiate in Problems 1-12 without using a calculator.

csc x
1. f ( x) = x − 3sec x 2. y = 3cos t cot t 3. g ( x) =
x
4. h( ) = 5 tan  −  2 + 7 5. f ( x) = ln x • cot x 6. y = csc x − sec x
y 2 − sec y e
7. f ( y ) = 8. h( x) = sin x +  x 2 9. f ( ) =
y3 sin 
3x 2 − 2 x
10. y = 3 3 x + 8 11. f ( x ) = 12. f ( t ) = 2t ( 2t − 3)
2

5x2

Find the indicated derivative value without using a calculator. Simplify.

13. g ( x ) = x cos x find g  ()

4
14. f ( x ) = x + 5 x − tan x find f  ( 0 )
2

x2 − 9
15. f ( x ) = find f  (1) 16. h ( t ) = sect find h ( )
x−2 2
t

For Problems 17-20, write an equation for a line tangent to each curve at the given point. Do not
use a calculator.

17. ( , 3)
f ( x) = − cot( x) contains the point

6
−

f ( x) = 2 tan x at the point ( , 2 ) .


18. − −
4


19. y = 2sec x at the point where x = 4

20. g ( x) = 3x tan ( x ) at the point where x =
4

21. Use a calculator to write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = ln ( cos x + 2 )
at the point where x = .821.

 
22. Find the average rate of change of f ( x ) = x
on the interval  6 , 2  without using a
sin x  
calculator.
x
23. Find the rate of change of f ( x ) = when x =  without using a calculator.
sin x 6

x2
24. Find the x-coordinate(s) of point(s) at which the graph of f ( x ) = has a horizontal
x +1
tangent line.
 76
g ( x)
25. If f ( x ) = , g ( 3) = 2, g  ( 3) = 3, h ( 3) = 4, and h ( 3) = 5, find f  (3) .
h ( x)
 x − 1, x0
 2
Use the function g ( x ) =  x − 1, 0  x  2 for Problems 26-31.
 4, x2

26. Sketch a graph of g ( x ) .

Find the following limits.

27. lim g ( x ) 28. lim g ( x ) 29. lim− g ( x ) 30. lim g ( x )
x→ 0 x→ 2 x→ 2 x→ 1

31. List all discontinuities of g ( x ) .

ASSIGNMENT 2.7 REVIEW

Find the derivatives of these functions.

1 −1
3
1. f ( x ) = x 4 − 3x 3 + x − 2 2. f ( x) = x3 − x 3 3. f (t ) =
4t 3
tan t −2 x2
4. y= 5. h( ) = 2 cos − sin  6. f ( x) =
t x +1
x − x2
3
y= f ( x ) = −3 ( 2 − 3x )
2
7. 8. 9. g (t ) = −4cot t
x2

10. If f ( x ) = x 2 + 1 , use the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( x ) .

11. If f ( x ) = x 2 − 2 x , use the alternate form of the limit definition of the derivative to find f  ( 3) .
1 1 d2y
12. If y = 2 + find .
x 2x dx2
13. If f ( x) = 3e x sec x find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of f when x = 0.
14. Find an equation of the tangent line to the graph of f ( x ) = 4 ln x when x = e2 .
15. Find an equation of the tangent line to the graph of y = x sin ( x ) at the point ( , 0 ) .

t r ( t ) r  ( t ) s ( t ) s ( t )
16. Use the values given in the table to find the following.
3 −2 3 2 5
r (t )
a.
d
dt
( 2 s ( t ) + 4r ( t ) ) at t = 3 b.
d
dt
( r (t ) • s (t )) at t = 3 c.
d
dt s (t )
at t = 3
 77
17. The position function of a particle moving horizontally along the x-axis is x ( t ) = 2t 3 − 3t 2 + 2 .
a. Find the velocity function.
b. Find the acceleration function.
c. When is the particle at rest?
d. When is the particle moving left?
e. When is the particle’s velocity equal to 12 feet per second?
f. Find the particle’s speed when the acceleration is equal to zero.
g. Find the particle’s displacement from t = −1 to t = 3 seconds.
h. Find the total distance traveled by the particle between t = −1 and t = 3 seconds.

18. f ( x ) = 4 x − 3x (Use a calculator for these problems.)

a. Find f  ( 3) . b. Find f  (1) . c. Graph f  ( x ) .
4
19. If f ( x) = , find: a. the average rate of change of f (x) from x = 1 to x = 2.
( 3x )
2
b. the instantaneous rate of change of f (x) at x = 1.
2 

20. The graph of f ( x ) = x 3 is shown. 

a. Is f continuous at x = 0? − −  
b. Is f differentiable at x = 0? If not, why not? −

−
1

21. The graph of f ( x ) = x is shown.3

a. Is f continuous at x = 0?
− −  
−
b. Is f differentiable at x = 0? If not, why not?
−

 x + 1,
2
x0
22. f ( x ) =  2
 x + x + 1, x  0
a. Is f continuous at x = 0?
b. Is f differentiable at x = 0? If not, why not?
 x 2 + 1, x  0
23. f ( x ) =  2
− x + 2, x  0
a. Is f continuous at x = 0?
b. Is f differentiable at x = 0? If not, why not?

 x 2 + 1, x  0
24. f ( x ) =  2
− x + 1, x  0
a. Is f continuous at x = 0?
b. Is f differentiable at x = 0? If not, why not?

25. Without using a calculator, find the points where the graph of f ( x ) = x3 − 3x 2 + 3
has horizontal tangents.
 78
UNIT 2 SUMMARY

f ( x + h) − f ( x)
Limit Definition of the Derivative: f  ( x ) = lim
h→ 0 h

Alternate Form of the Limit Definition of the Derivative: f ( x) − f (c)

(Gives the value of the derivative at a single point.) f  ( c ) = lim
x→ c x−c

d
Power Rule: x n = nx n −1
dx

Equation of a Tangent Line: Use the derivative to find m. y − y1 = m(x − x1 )

Nondifferentiability: (where the derivative does not exist)

1. Holes 4. Sharp Turns

2. Jumps (breaks) 5. Vertical Tangent Lines
3. Vert. Asymptotes

y2 − y1
Average Rate of Change: (the slope between two points) AROC =
x2 − x1
Instantaneous Rate of Change: (slope at a single point) IROC = f  ( c )

Pos.→Vel.→Acc. (differentiate)
Speed (the absolute value of velocity)
Displacement (the net change in position = final position v original position) o

Total Distance (consider all direction changes → make a velocity number line)

Product Rule:
d
dx
( f • s) = fs + sf 

d t bt  − tb
Quotient Rule: =
dx b b2
f (c) = f ( x)
d
Calculator Derivative: dx
found in the math menu on a TI84
x =c

Derivatives of Trig Functions:

d d
sin x = cos x cos x = − sin x
dx dx
d d
tan x = sec2 x cot x = − csc 2 x
dx dx
d d
sec x = sec x tan x csc x = − csc x cot x
dx dx

Other Derivatives:
d x d 1
e = ex ln x =
dx dx x