MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y.

2021-2022

MODULE II. DIFFERENTIATION OF ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS

Introduction:
The derivative and the integral are the two central concepts of Calculus. In fact,
calculus as a formal course of study primarily with the systematic development of these
two concepts and their numerous applications.
We shall focus in the determination of algebraic functions only. The process of finding the
derivative of a function (algebraic, trigonometric, exponential or logarithmic) is called
differentiation and the branch of calculus dealing with this process is called differential calculus.
Differentiation is an important mathematical tool in physics, mechanics, economics and many
other disciplines which involve change and motion.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the students shall be able to learn the following:
1. The different differentiation of algebraic functions

2.1 The Symbol ∆

Any change in a variable quantity is called an increment. The symbol ∆ (read “delta”) is
customarily used to denote this change or increment. If we regard 𝑥 as a variable, then the
symbol ∆x (read “delta x”) denotes the increment of 𝑥. note that while ∆ is not a number or a
variable, the symbol ∆x is a variable. Note also that ∆x may either be positive or negative, but
not zero.
Suppose 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). A change ∆x in 𝑥 produces a corresponding change in ∆y in 𝑦. That is,
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )
∆𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑦
But since 𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 ), then we have the relation
∆𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥) 2.1

Example 1. If 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , then 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )2 and ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )2 − 𝑥 2

Example 2. If 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2, then 𝐴 + ∆𝐴 = 𝜋(𝑟 + ∆𝑟)2 and ∆𝐴 = 𝜋(𝑟 + ∆𝑟)2 − 𝜋𝑟 2

MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

2.2 The Derivative of a Function

Let the function 𝑓 given by 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) be a continuous function of 𝑥 in some interval
containing 𝑥. Recall that in the preceding section, we said that a change ∆x in the independent
variable 𝑥 produced a corresponding change ∆y in the dependent variable 𝑦.
This change in 𝑦 is given by the equation (2.1). If we divide both members of E(2.1) by ∆x, we
have
∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
=
∆𝑥 ∆𝑥
Note that this ratio is the difference of the function values divided by the difference of the x-
values. For this reason, it is often referred to as the difference quotient. It also denotes the
∆𝑦
average rate of change of 𝑓(𝑥) between 𝑥 and 𝑥 + ∆𝑥. That is, ∆𝑥 is a measure of the rate at
which 𝑦 is changing with respect to 𝑥 for the interval of ∆𝑥.
Suppose we regard 𝑥 as fixed and then let ∆𝑥 vary and approach zero. Then we define the
expression
∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
lim 𝑜𝑟 lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
as the instantaneous rate of change of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 or simply the rate of change of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) at 𝑥. If
∆𝑦
the difference quotient ∆𝑥 has a limit L, then that number L is called derivative of 𝑦 with respect
𝑑𝑦
to 𝑥 and this derivative is usually denoted by the symbol 𝑑𝑥. Stated formally, the derivative of a
function may be defined in the following manner:
DEFINITION 2.1 The derivative of a function 𝑓 given by 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥 in its
domain is the number
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
= lim = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
Provided the limit exist.
𝑑𝑦
For the present, the symbol 𝑑𝑥 is to be considered as a single symbol. It should not be regarded
as a fraction or a quotient of two quantities. Instead. It should be regarded as the limiting value
Δ𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑
of the fraction Δ𝑥 as ∆𝑥 → 0. Note that the symbol 𝑑𝑥 may also be interpreted as 𝑑𝑥 (𝑦). Then
𝑑
the expression indicates the process of finding the “derivate with respect to 𝑥 of”. This
𝑑𝑥
expression is sometimes called the “differentiating operator”.
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

𝑑𝑦
In addition to 𝑑𝑥, other symbols used for the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)are

𝑑𝑓
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ), 𝑦 ′, 𝐷𝑥 𝑦, 𝐷𝑥 𝑓,
𝑑𝑥
Thus definition 2.1 may also be written as
𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑦) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
If the limit exists at 𝑥 = 𝑎, then we say that the function 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

EXAMPLE 1. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 .

Solution: Since 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , then 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 and ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 − 𝑥 2 . By definition 2.1,
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦
we have = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆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
If the notation 𝑠 = 𝑓(𝑡) is used, then by definition 2.1, the derivate of 𝑠 with respect to 𝑡 is
defined as
𝑑𝑠 ∆𝑠
= lim
𝑑𝑡 ∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡
Likewise, it is defined as
𝑑𝑢 ∆𝑢
= lim 𝑖𝑓 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑥
𝑑𝑣 ∆𝑣
= lim 𝑖𝑓 𝑣 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑥
𝑑𝑉 ∆𝑉
= lim 𝑖𝑓 𝑉 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑥
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

EXAMPLE 2. Find the derivative of 𝑠 = 3𝑡 2 − 4

Solution:

Since 𝑠 = 3𝑡 2 − 4, then 𝑠 + ∆𝑠 = 3(𝑡 + ∆𝑡)2 − 4 and ∆𝑠 = [3(𝑡 + ∆𝑡)2 − 4] − [3𝑡 2 − 4]

Hence, by definition 2.1,
𝑑𝑠 ∆𝑠
= lim
𝑑𝑡 ∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡
[3(𝑡+∆𝑡)2 −4]−[3𝑡 2 −4]
= lim
∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡

3(𝑡+∆𝑡)2 −3𝑡 2
= lim
∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡

6𝑡∙∆𝑡+3(∆𝑡)2
= lim
∆𝑡→0 ∆𝑡

= lim(6𝑡 + 3( ∆𝑡)
∆𝑡→0

= 6t
2.3 Rules for Differentiation
The process of finding the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)by use of definition 2.1 is obviously
time-consuming and tedious. Fortunately, there are standard formulas called differentiation
formulas or differentiation rules which will enable us to find the derivative of even complicated
functions as rapidly as we write. In the formulas below, 𝑢 and 𝑣 are differentiable functions of
𝑥, 𝑛 is any real number and 𝑐 is a constant.
d
D1 (c) = 0 (The Constant Rule)
dx
d
D2 ( x) = 1 (The Identity Function Rule)
dx
d du
D3 (cu) = c
dx dx

d du dv
D4 (u + v) = + dx (The sum rule)
dx dx
d dv du
D5 (uv) = u + v dx (The product rule)
dx dx
du dv
d u v −u
dx dx
D6 ( )= (The Quotient Rule)
dx v v2

d du
D7 (un ) = nun−1 (The Power Rule)
dx dx
du⁄
d dx
D8 (√u) =
dx 2√u
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

d 1 −n du
D9 ( ) = un+1 dx
dx un

The proofs of some of theses differentiation rules are given below.

Proof of D3: Let y = cu. Then y + ∆y = c(u + ∆u) and ∆y = c(u + ∆u) − cu. By definition 2.1,
dy ∆y
= lim
dx ∆x→0 ∆x

c(u+∆u)−cu
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x

c∆u
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x
∆u
= c lim
∆x→0 ∆x
du
= c ∙ dx
dy d d du
Since dx = dx (y) and y = cu, then we have shown that dx (cu) = c dx

Proof of D4: Let y = u + v. Then y + ∆y = (u + ∆u) + (v + ∆v) and ∆y = (u + ∆u) +

(v + ∆v) − (u + v). Then by definition 2.1,
dy ∆y
= lim
dx ∆x→0 ∆x
(u+∆u)+(v+∆v)−(u+v)
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x

∆u+∆v
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x

∆u ∆v
= lim (∆x + ∆x)
∆x→0
∆u ∆v
= lim + lim
∆x→0 ∆x ∆x→0 ∆x
du dv
= dx + dx
dy d d du dv
Since dx = dx (y) and y = u + v, then we have (u + v) = + dx
dx dx

Proof of D5: Let y = uv. Then y + ∆y = (u + ∆u)(v + ∆v) and ∆y = (u + ∆u)(v + ∆v) − uv.
By definition 2.1,
dy ∆y
= lim
dx ∆x→0 ∆x
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

(u+∆u)(v+∆v)−uv
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x

u∆v+v∆u+∆u∆v
= lim
∆x→0 ∆x

∆v ∆u ∆u
= lim (u ∙ ∆x + v ∙ ∆x + ∆x ∆v)
∆x→0
∆v ∆u ∆u
= u lim + v lim + lim lim ∆v
∆x→0 ∆x ∆x→0 ∆x ∆x→0 ∆x ∆x→0
dv du du
= u ∙ dx + v ∙ dx + dx ∙ 0
dv du
=u +v
dx dx
dy d d dv du
Since dx = dx (y) and y = uv, then we have (uv) = u + v dx
dx dx

d
EXAMPLE 1. Find if y = 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 5
dx
dy d
Solution: = dx (𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 5)
dx
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= (𝑥 3 ) + (−4𝑥 2 ) + (5) by D4
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= (𝑥 3 ) − 4 (𝑥 2 ) + (5) by D3
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= 3𝑥 2 − 4(2𝑥 ) + 0 by D7, D1

= 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
𝑑𝑦
EXAMPLE 2. If 𝑦 = √3𝑥 + 2, find 𝑑𝑥

1st solution: Transform the radical sign into exponential form. Thus,
𝑑𝑦 1 1⁄ 𝑑
= 2 (3𝑥 + 2)− 2 (3𝑥 + 2) by D7
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1 1⁄
= 2 (3𝑥 + 2)− 2(3 + 0) by D4, D3
3
= 1
2(3𝑥+2) ⁄2

3
=2
√3𝑥+2

2nd solution: 𝑦 = √3𝑥 + 2

𝑑
(3𝑥+2)
𝑑𝑥
by D8
2√3𝑥+2
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

3
=2
√3𝑥+2
𝑑𝑦 4
EXAMPLE 3. Find 𝑑𝑥 if 𝑦 = (2𝑥+1)3

4
1st solution: 𝑦 = (2𝑥+1)3
𝑑 𝑑
𝑑𝑦 (2𝑥+1)3 (4)−4 (2𝑥+1)3
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= [(2𝑥+1)3 ]2
by D6
𝑑𝑥

(2𝑥+1)3 (0)−12((2𝑥+1)2 (2)

= (2𝑥+1)6

−24(2𝑥+1)2
= (2𝑥+1)6

−24
= (2𝑥+1)4
4
2nd solution: 𝑦 = (2𝑥+1)3 = 4(2𝑥 + 1)−3 why?

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 4 𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1)−3 by D3
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= 4(−3)(2𝑥 + 1)−4 𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1) by D7

= −12(2𝑥 + 1)−4 (2)

= −24(2𝑥 + 1)−4
−24
= (2𝑥+1)4
4
3rd solution: 𝑦 = (2𝑥+1)3

𝑑𝑦 4(−3) 𝑑
= (2𝑥+1)4 𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1) by D9
𝑑𝑥

−12
= (2𝑥+1)4 (2)
−24
= (2𝑥+1)4
MATH 111: CALCULUS 1 S.Y. 2021-2022

𝑑𝑦
EXAMPLE 4. Find 𝑑𝑥 if 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)3 (4𝑥 − 1)2 .

Solution:
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= (2𝑥 + 1)3 𝑑𝑥 (4𝑥 − 1)2 + (4𝑥 − 1)2 𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1)3 by D5
𝑑𝑥

= (2𝑥 + 1)3 ∙ 2(4𝑥 − 1)1 (4) + (4𝑥 − 1)2 ∙ 3(2𝑥 + 1)2 (2) by D7

= 2(2𝑥 + 1)2 ∙ (4𝑥 − 1)2 [4(2𝑥 + 1) + 3(4𝑥 − 1)]

= 2(2𝑥 + 1)2 (4𝑥 − 1)2 (20𝑥 + 1)