2 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

Lesson 4.1: The Derivative of a Function

Lesson Summary
This lesson discusses how to find the slope and equation of the tangent line and
normal line to the graph of a function using the limit definition of the derivative.
Basic rules of differentiation and the limit definition are also used in computing
the derivative of a function.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Find the slope and the equation of a tangent line and normal line to the
graph of a function.
2. Apply the limit definition of the derivative to differentiate functions.
3. Compute the derivative of a function using the basic rules of
differentiation.

Motivation Question
What do we call the line that touches the given curve at exactly one point, as shown
in the figure below? How can we use the derivative to find the equation of this line?

Discussion

The Tangent Line to the Graph of a Function

Introduction
Calculus grew out of four major problems that European mathematicians were
working on during the 17th century, namely: a) the tangent line problem; b) the
velocity and acceleration problem; c) the minimum and maximum problem; and d)
the area problem. Each problem involves the notion of a limit, and calculus can be
introduced with any of the four problems.

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So, what does it mean to say that a line is tangent to a curve at a point? In
geometry, a line is tangent to a circle if it intersects the circle at exactly one point,
as shown in the figure below.

Tangent Line to a Circle

However, such a definition of a tangent line does not satisfy for all curves. Here,
we want to extend the idea which includes tangency to any graph of function.
Consider the following figures below:

Tangent Line to a Curve at a Point

Essentially, the problem of finding the tangent line at a point 𝑃 boils down to the
problem of finding the slope of the tangent line at point 𝑃. A tangent line can be
approximated by a secant line (line which intersects the curve at two points)
through the point of tangency and a second point on a curve, as shown in the figure
below.

The Secant Line through (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐)) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (𝑐 + 𝛥𝑥, 𝑓(𝑐 + 𝛥𝑥))

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 4 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

If (𝑐, 𝑓(𝑐)) is the point of tangency and the other point on the curve is given by (𝑐 +
𝛥𝑥, 𝑓(𝑐 + 𝛥𝑥)), then the slope of the secant line is given by
𝑦2− 𝑦1
𝑚=
𝑥2− 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑐 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑐 =
(𝑐 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑐
𝑓(𝑐 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑐 =
∆𝑥

If we choose points closer and closer to the desired point of tangency, we can
obtain more and more accurate approximations of the slope of the tangent line,
as shown in the figure below.

Recalling the concept of limits, we can write this relationship as lim 𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑐 = 𝑚𝑡𝑎𝑛 .
∆𝑥→0
Thus, we now define the slope of the tangent line as follows.

Definition. Suppose that the function 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥0 . The tangent line to the
graph of 𝑓 at the point 𝑃(𝑥0 , 𝑓(𝑥0 )) is

i. The line through P having slope 𝑚(𝑥), given by

𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )
𝑚(𝑥0 ) = lim 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

ii. The line 𝑥 = 𝑥0 if

𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )

lim + is ∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )
and lim is ∞ 𝑜𝑟 − ∞
∆𝑥→0− ∆𝑥

Example 4.1.1:
Find the equation of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (2, 3).

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Solution:
First, find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 using
the definition above.
𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )
𝑚(𝑥0 ) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑓(2 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(2)
𝑚(2) = lim 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑥0 = 2.
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
(2 + ∆𝑥)2 − 1 − (22 − 1)
= lim 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑓(2 + ∆𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(2)
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
4 + 4∆𝑥 + (∆𝑥)2 − 1 − 4 + 1
= lim 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑦 & 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
(∆𝑥) 2
4∆𝑥 +
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
∆𝑥(4 + ∆𝑥)
= lim 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 ∆𝑥
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
= lim 4 + ∆𝑥
∆𝑥→0

=4+0 𝐸𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑡 ∆𝑥 → 0

𝑚(2) = 4
Therefore, the slope of the tangent line at the point (2,3) is 4.
Using the point-slope form of the equation of the line, the equation of the tangent
line is
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑦 − 3 = 4(𝑥 − 2)
𝑦 − 3 = 4𝑥 − 8
4𝑥 − 𝑦 − 8 + 3 = 0
4𝑥 − 𝑦 − 5 = 0 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑚
or 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 5 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 − 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑚

The following figure shows the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 which is tangent to the line 𝑦 =
4𝑥 − 5 at the point (2, 3).

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 6 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

The Normal Line to the Graph of a Function

Definition. The normal line to a graph at a given point is the line perpendicular to
the tangent line at that point.
Recall: Perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slopes. Thus, the slope of the
1
normal line at the point 𝑃(𝑥0 , 𝑓(𝑥0 )) is − )
, where 𝑚(𝑥0 ) is the slope of the
𝑚(𝑥0
tangent line to the graph of 𝑓 at the point 𝑃.

Example 4.1.2:
Find the equation of the normal line to the parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 1 at the point (2, 3).
Solution:
From Example 4.1.1, we know that the slope of the tangent line at (2, 3) is 4. Thus,
1 1
the normal line at (2,3) has the slope of − since 𝑚1 𝑚2 = 4 (− ) = −1. Hence,
4 4
using the point-slope form of the equation of a line,

𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
1
𝑦 − 3 = − (𝑥 + 2)
4

4𝑦 − 12 = −𝑥 − 2
𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 12 − 2 = 0
𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 14 = 0

Example 4.1.3:
a. Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥. at the point
(𝑥1 , 𝑓(𝑥1 )).

Solution:
Since there is no particular point given, we find the slope of the function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 at any point (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) using the definition:
𝑓(𝑥 + Δ𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑚(𝑥) = lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
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(𝑥 + Δ𝑥)3 − 3(𝑥 + Δ𝑥) − (𝑥 3 − 3𝑥)

= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 Δ𝑥 + 3𝑥(Δ𝑥)2 + (Δ𝑥)3 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
3𝑥 2 Δ𝑥 + 3𝑥(Δ𝑥)2 + (Δ𝑥)3 − 3∆𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
Δ𝑥(3𝑥 + 3𝑥Δ𝑥 + (Δ𝑥)2 − 3)
2
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
= lim [3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥Δ𝑥 + (Δ𝑥)2 − 3]
∆𝑥→0

= 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥(0) + (0)2 − 3
𝑚(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 3

Thus, the slope of the line tangent to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 at any point
(𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) is 3𝑥 2 − 3.

b. To find the points on the graph where the tangent line is horizontal, we set the
slope of the equation we obtained in the above example equal to 0 since the
slope of a horizontal line is zero. Then, solve for the value of 𝑥.
𝑚(𝑥) = 0
3𝑥 2 − 3 = 0
3𝑥 2 = 3
𝑥2 = 1
𝑥 =±1

Substitute these values of 𝑥 to the given equation to obtain the corresponding

𝑦 or 𝑓(𝑥) values.
For 𝑥 = 1:
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥
𝑦 = (1)3 − 3(1)
𝑦 =1−3
𝑦 = −2
So, we have the point (1, −2).

For 𝑥 = −1:
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥
𝑦 = (−1)3 − 3(−1)
𝑦 = −1 + 3
𝑦=2
So, we have another point (−1, 2).
Hence, the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 is horizontal at the
points (1, −2) and (−1, 2).

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 8 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

The Derivative of a Function by Definition

Definition: The derivative of the function 𝑓 is the function, denoted by 𝑓 ′ , such that
the value at a number 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓 is given by:
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is a function, then its derivative is denoted either 𝑓 ′ or by 𝑦 ′ . If a function
𝑓 has a derivative at 𝑥 = 𝑎, then 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑎. And if 𝑓 is differentiable
for all values of 𝑎, then 𝑓 is called a differentiable function. The process that
produces the function 𝑓 ′ from the function 𝑓 is called differentiation.

The derivative function may be interpreted as follows:

 The derivative function 𝑓 ′ gives the instantaneous rate of change of 𝑦 =
𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥. This instantaneous rate of change can be
interpreted as marginal cost, marginal revenue, or marginal profit (if the
original function represents cost, revenue, or profit) or as velocity (if the
original function represents displacement along a line).
 The derivative function 𝑓 ′ gives the slope of the graph of 𝑓 at any point. If
the derivative is evaluated at 𝑥 = 𝑎, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) is the slope of the tangent
line to the curve at the point (𝑎, 𝑓(𝑎)).

Notations for the Derivative

The derivative of the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) may be denoted in any of the following
ways.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥), 𝑦′ , , [𝑓(𝑥)], 𝐷𝑥 𝑦, 𝐷𝑥 [𝑓(𝑥)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
The notation for the derivative is sometimes referred to as Leibniz notation,
𝑑𝑥
named after one of the co-inventors of calculus, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz while
the symbol 𝑓′ was introduced by Joseph Louis Lagrange.
Example 4.1.4:
Find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) of the following functions using the definition of the derivative.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

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b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 9
1
d. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
e. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥

Solution:
a. First, find 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) by replacing 𝑥 with 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 in the rule of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) = 𝑥 + ∆𝑥
Hence,
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
∆𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

= lim 1
∆𝑥→0

=1
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1.

b. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , then 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 .

𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 − 𝑥 2
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + (∆𝑥)2 − 𝑥 2
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
2𝑥∆𝑥 + (∆𝑥)2
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
∆𝑥(2𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
= lim (2𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
∆𝑥→0

= 2𝑥 + 0
= 2𝑥
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥.

c. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 9, then 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) = 2(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)3 − 9.

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 10 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

𝑓(𝑥 + Δ𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
[2(𝑥 + Δ𝑥)3 − 9] − (2𝑥 3 − 9)
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
2[𝑥 + 3𝑥 Δ𝑥 + 3𝑥(Δ𝑥)2 + (Δ𝑥)3 ] − 9 − 2𝑥 3 + 9
3 2
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
2𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 Δ𝑥 + 6𝑥(Δ𝑥)2 + 2(Δ𝑥)3 − 9 − 2𝑥 3 + 9
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
6𝑥 2 Δ𝑥 + 6𝑥(Δ𝑥)2 + 2(Δ𝑥)3
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
Δ𝑥(6𝑥 + 6𝑥Δ𝑥 + 2(Δ𝑥)2 )
2
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
= lim [6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥Δ𝑥 + 2(Δ𝑥)2 ]
Δ𝑥→0

= 6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥(0) + 2(0)2
= 6𝑥 2

Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 9 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 .

1 1
d. If 𝑓(𝑥) = , then 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = .
𝑥 𝑥+ℎ
𝑓(𝑥 + Δ𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥
1 1
( )−
= lim 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 𝑥
Δ𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑥 − (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
𝑥(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑥 − 𝑥 − ∆𝑥)
𝑥(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
(−∆𝑥)
𝑥(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
−∆𝑥 1
= lim ∙
Δ𝑥→0 𝑥(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) ∆𝑥

−1
= lim
Δ𝑥→0 𝑥(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)

−1
=
𝑥(𝑥 + 0)

1
=−
𝑥2
1 1
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = − .
𝑥 𝑥2
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e. If 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥, then 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = √𝑥 + ℎ.

𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − √𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − √𝑥 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥
= lim ∙
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥
2
(√𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − (√𝑥)2
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥(√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥)
𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥(√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥)
∆𝑥
= lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥(√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥)
1
= lim
∆𝑥→0 (√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + √𝑥)
1
=
(√𝑥 + 0 + √𝑥)
1
=
2√𝑥
1
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = .
2√𝑥

Basic Techniques in Differentiation

Using the limit definition to calculate the derivative of a function is a long and
tedious process. Now, we will discuss rules that make the calculation of
derivatives easier. The following are the techniques in finding the derivative of a
function.
Constant Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘, where 𝑘 is any real number, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0.
This rule states that the derivative of a constant function is 0.
Example 4.1.5:
a. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 9, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0.
b. If 𝑦 = 𝜋, then 𝑦 ′ = 0.
𝑑𝑦
c. If 𝑦 = 23 , then = 0
𝑑𝑥

Power Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑛 for any number 𝑛, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 .
This rule states that the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑛 is found by multiplying the
exponent 𝑛 on the original function by a power of 𝑥 that is one less.
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Example 4.1.6:
a. If 𝑦 = 𝑥 = 𝑥 1 , then 𝑦 ′ = 1 ∙ 𝑥 1−1 = 1 ∙ 𝑥 0 = 1 − 1 = 0.
b. If 𝑦 = 𝑥 6 , then 𝑦 ′ = 6 ∙ 𝑥 6−1 = 6𝑥 5 .

1 𝑑𝑦
c. If 𝑦 = , find .
𝑥2 𝑑𝑥

Solution:

1 𝑑𝑦 2
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 is = − 3. In the above example, notice
𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥
that we rewrite the given function before differentiating. Rewriting is the first
step in many differentiation problems.

3 𝑑𝑦
d. If 𝑦 = √𝑥 , find .
𝑑𝑥

Solution:
1
First, write the rule of the function in exponential form, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 . Then,
𝑑𝑦 1 1−1
= ∙ 𝑥3
𝑑𝑥 3
1 2
= ∙ 𝑥 −3
3
1
= 2
3𝑥 3
𝑑𝑦 1
= 3
𝑑𝑥 3 √𝑥 2

Constant Multiple Rule

Let 𝑘 be a real number. If 𝑔′ (𝑥) exists, then the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) is
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑘 ∙ 𝑔′ (𝑥).
This rule states that the derivative of a constant times a function is the constant
times the derivative of the function.
Example 4.1.7
a. If 𝑦 = 8𝑥 5 , then 𝑦 ′ = 8 ∙ 5𝑥 4 = 40𝑥 4 .
3 𝑑𝑦 3 𝑑𝑦
b. If 𝑦 = − 𝑡 12 , then = − [ (𝑡 12 )]
4 𝑑𝑡 4 𝑑𝑡
3
= − (12𝑡 11 )
4
𝑑𝑦
= −9𝑡 11
𝑑𝑡
7
c. Find 𝐷𝑥 ( 3 ).
𝑥

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 13

Solution:
7
𝐷𝑥 ( ) = 𝐷𝑥 (7𝑥 −3 )
𝑥3
= 7 ∙ (−3𝑥 −3−1 )
= −21𝑥 −4
−21
=
𝑥4

d. Find 𝐷𝑥 (10√𝑥 3 ).
Solution:
3
𝐷𝑥 (10√𝑥 3 ) = 𝐷𝑥 (10𝑥 2 )
3 3
= 10 ( 𝑥 2−1 )
2
3 1
= 10 ( 𝑥 2 )
2
1
= 15𝑥 2
= 15√𝑥

e. Differentiate each of the following functions:

2
1. 𝑦 = −
5𝑥 −3
2
2. 𝑦 = −
(5𝑥)−3

Solution:

Original Function Rewrite Differentiate Simplify

2 2 3 2 6𝑥 2
1. 𝑦 = − 𝑦=− 𝑥 𝑦 ′ = − (3𝑥 2 ) 𝑦′ = −
5𝑥 −3 5 5 5
2
2. 𝑦 = − 𝑦 = −2(5𝑥)3 𝑦 ′ = −250(3𝑥 2 ) 𝑦 ′ = −750𝑥 2
(5𝑥)−3
= −250𝑥 3

Caution: Be careful with the use of the parenthesis when differentiating.

Sum or Difference Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥) ± 𝑣(𝑥), and if 𝑢′ (𝑥) and 𝑣 ′ (𝑥) exist, then
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑢′ (𝑥) ± 𝑣 ′ (𝑥).
This rule states that the derivative of a sum or difference of two functions is the
sum or difference of the derivatives of the functions. The sum rule can be
extended to any finite number of functions.

Example 4.1.8:
a. If 𝑦 = 6𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2, then 𝑦 ′ = 6(3𝑥 2 ) + 2𝑥 − 7 = 18𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 7.

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 14 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

5
b. If 𝑓(𝑡) = −7𝑡 4 − 6√𝑡 + , find 𝑓′(𝑡).
𝑡

Solution:
1
First, rewrite the given function as 𝑓(𝑡) = −7𝑡 4 − 6𝑡 2 + 5𝑡 −1 . Then,
differentiate:
1 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑡) = −28𝑡 3 − 6 ∙ 𝑡 2−1 + 5 ∙ (−1)𝑡 −1−1
2
1
= −28𝑡 3 − 3𝑡 2 − 5𝑡 −2
3 5
𝑓′(𝑡) = −28𝑡 3 − −
√𝑡 𝑡2

3 2
c. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 5 √𝑥 2 − , find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥).
√𝑥

Solution:
2 1
Rewrite the function as 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 −2 , then apply the constant multiple
rule, power rule, and constant rule:

2 2 1 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5 ∙ 𝑥 3−1 − 2 (− ) (𝑥 −2−1 )
3 2
10 −1 −
3
= 𝑥 3+𝑥 2
3
10 1
= 1+ 3
3𝑥 3 𝑥 2
10 1
𝑓′(𝑥) = 3 +
3 √𝑥 √𝑥 3

Product Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥) ∙ 𝑣(𝑥), and if 𝑢′ (𝑥) and 𝑣 ′ (𝑥) exist, then
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥) ∙ 𝑣 ′ (𝑥) + 𝑣(𝑥) ∙ 𝑢′ (𝑥).
This rule states that the derivative of a product of two functions is the first function
times the derivative of the second, plus the second function times the derivative
of the first.
Example 4.1.9:
a. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4)(3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥), find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥).

Solution:
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4)𝐷𝑥(3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥) + (3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥)𝐷𝑥(2𝑥 + 4)
= (2𝑥 + 4)(6𝑥 − 5) + (3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥)(2)
= 12𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 24𝑥 − 20 + 6𝑥 2 − 10𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 18𝑥 2 + 24𝑥 − 20

b. If 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2), then

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𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1)𝐷𝑥(𝑥 − 2) + (𝑥 − 2)𝐷𝑥(𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1)

= (𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1)(1) + (𝑥 − 2)(3𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 4)
= 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1 + 3𝑥 3 + 10𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 6𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 − 8
𝑓′(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 7

c. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = (√𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 − 5𝑥).

Solution:
1 1
𝑦 ′ = (𝑥 2 + 3) 𝐷𝑥(𝑥 2 − 5𝑥) + (𝑥 2 − 5𝑥)𝐷𝑥 (𝑥 2 )
1 1 1
= (𝑥 2 + 3) (2𝑥 − 5) + (𝑥 2 − 5𝑥) ( 𝑥 −2 )
2
1 1 1 1 5 1
= (2𝑥 2+1 + 6𝑥 − 5𝑥 2 − 15) + ( 𝑥 2−2 − 𝑥 1−2 )
2 2
3 1 1 3 5 1
= 2𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 5𝑥 2 − 15 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2
2 2
5 3 15 1
= 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 15
2 2
5√𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 − 15√𝑥 − 30
𝑦′ =
2
Quotient Rule
𝑢(𝑥)
If 𝑓(𝑥) = , if all indicated derivatives exist, and if 𝑣(𝑥) ≠ 0, then
𝑣(𝑥)

𝑣(𝑥) ∙ 𝑢′ (𝑥) − 𝑢(𝑥) ∙ 𝑣 ′ (𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = .
[𝑣(𝑥)]2
This rule states that the derivative of a quotient is the denominator times the
derivative of the numerator, minus the numerator times the derivative of the
denominator, all divided by the square of the denominator.
We also have a known mnemonic for this rule,
𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑑𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ − ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤
(𝑙𝑜𝑤)2
where “low” means denominator, “de” stands for derivative, and “high” means the
numerator.
Example 4.1.10:
2𝑥−1
a. Find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = .
4𝑥+3

Solution:
(4𝑥 + 3)𝐷𝑥(2𝑥 − 1) − (2𝑥 − 1)𝐷𝑥(4𝑥 + 3)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(4𝑥 + 3)2
(4𝑥 + 3)(2) − [(2𝑥 − 1)(4)]
=
(4𝑥 + 3)2
8𝑥 + 6 − (8𝑥 − 4)
=
(4𝑥 + 3)2
8𝑥 + 6 − 8𝑥 + 4
=
(4𝑥 + 3)2
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 16 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

10
=
16𝑥 2 + 24𝑥 + 9
2𝑥−1 10
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = .
4𝑥+3 16𝑥 2 +24𝑥+9

𝑥−2𝑥 2
b. Find 𝐷𝑥 ( ).
4𝑥 2 +1

Solution:

𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 (4𝑥 2 + 1)𝐷𝑥 (𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 ) − (𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 )𝐷𝑥 (4𝑥 2 + 1)

𝐷𝑥 ( ) =
4𝑥 2 + 1 (4𝑥 2 + 1)2
(4𝑥 + 1)(1 − 4𝑥) − (𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 )(8𝑥)
2
=
(4𝑥 2 + 1)2
(4𝑥 − 16𝑥 + 1 − 4𝑥) − (8𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 3 )
2 3
=
(4𝑥 2 + 1)2
4𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 3 + 1 − 4𝑥 − 8𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 3
=
(4𝑥 2 + 1)2
−4𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
=
(4𝑥 2 + 1)2
−4𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1
=
16𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 2 + 1

𝑥−2𝑥 2 −4𝑥 2 −4𝑥+1

Therefore, 𝐷𝑥 ( ) = .
4𝑥 2 +1 16𝑥 4 +8𝑥 2 +1

(3−4𝑥)(5𝑥+1)
c. Find 𝐷𝑥 [ ].
7𝑥−9

Solution:
Notice that the given function has a product within a quotient. Instead of
multiplying the factors in the numerator first (which is an option), we can use
the quotient rule together with the product rule. Use the quotient rule first to
get
(3 − 4𝑥)(5𝑥 + 1)
𝐷𝑥 [ ]
7𝑥 − 9
(7𝑥 − 9)[𝐷𝑥 (3 − 4𝑥)(5𝑥 + 1)] − [(3 − 4𝑥)(5𝑥 + 1)𝐷𝑥 (7𝑥 − 9)]
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
(7𝑥 − 9)[(3 − 4𝑥)𝐷𝑥 (5𝑥 + 1) + (5𝑥 + 1)𝐷𝑥 (3 − 4𝑥)] − (15𝑥 + 3 − 20𝑥 2 − 4𝑥)(7)]
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
(7𝑥 − 9)[(3 − 4𝑥)(5) + (5𝑥 + 1)(−4)] − (3 + 11𝑥 − 20𝑥 2 )(7)
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
(7𝑥 − 9)(15 − 20𝑥 − 20𝑥 − 4) − (21 + 77𝑥 − 140𝑥 2 )
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
(7𝑥 − 9)(11 − 40𝑥) − 21 − 77𝑥 + 140𝑥 2
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2

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 For instructional purposes only • 1st Semester SY 2020-2021 17

−280𝑥 2 + 437𝑥 − 99 − 21 − 77𝑥 + 140𝑥 2

=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
−140𝑥 2 + 360𝑥 − 120
=
(7𝑥 − 9)2
Hence,
(3 − 4𝑥)(5𝑥 + 1) −140𝑥 2 + 360𝑥 − 120
𝐷𝑥 [ ]=
7𝑥 − 9 49𝑥 2 − 126𝑥 + 81

d. Find the derivative of the following functions:

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥(𝑥 3 − 5𝑥)

2𝑥 6 −𝑥 3 +5
2. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥3

Solution:
1 7 3
1. Rewrite 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥(𝑥 3 − 5𝑥) as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 3 − 5𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 2 . Then,

7 5 3 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥2 − 5 ∙ 𝑥2
2 2
7 5 15
= √𝑥 − √𝑥
2 2
2𝑥 6 −𝑥 3 +5
2. Rewrite 𝑓(𝑥) = as 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 6 − 𝑥 3 + 5)𝑥 −3 = 2𝑥 3 − 1 − 5𝑥 −3 .
𝑥3
Then,
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 0 − 5(−3𝑥 −4 )
15
= 6𝑥 2 + 4
𝑥

Note: Not every quotient or product need to be differentiated by the

Quotient Rule or Product Rule. There are some cases that it is more
convenient to rewrite the given functions to avoid using these rules.

Learning Tasks/Activities

Perform as indicated. Show your complete solution (in handwritten) neatly and
systematically on a short-sized bond paper. Write your name and class schedule
on each page of your answers. Please use only the front page of your answer
sheets.
A. Find the derivative of the following functions.
5 12
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + − + 1
𝑥 √𝑥
2 9
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 6𝑥 −5 − 3 + √𝑥 2
3𝑥
4
3. ℎ(𝑥) = √ 𝑥 (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1)
5
4. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 (2 − )
𝑥+1
𝑥 5 −2𝑥 4 +7𝑥+2
5. 𝑦 =
𝑥5
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 18 Math 112: Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1

6. 𝑦 = (𝑥 3 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 4)
𝑥+5
7. 𝑦 =
3𝑥−7
(1−4𝑡)(2+𝑡)
8. 𝑓(𝑡) =
3+7𝑡

B. For each of the following functions, find the slope and equation of the
tangent line and normal line to the graph at the given point.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2 at 𝑥 = 4.
1
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 at 𝑥 = −2.
𝑥

Assessment
Perform as indicated. Show your complete solution (in handwritten) neatly and
systematically on a short-sized bond paper. Write your name and class schedule
on each page of your answers. Please use only the front page of your answer
sheets.
A. Use the limit process to find the derivative of the following functions.
1.…𝑓(𝑥) = −2
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1
3. ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 3
𝑥+1
4. 𝑝(𝑥) =
𝑥−1
8
B. Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = at the point
𝑥 2 +4
(2, 1).
C. Find the equation of the normal line to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 at the
point (1, −4).

Instructions on how to submit student output

Please refer to the Course Information.

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