Differential Calculus
Differential Calculus
Derivative Definition:
The derivative of a function at a point is defined as the limit of the average rate
of change of the function as the interval over which the rate of change is
calculated approaches zero. Mathematically, if
)
f(x) is a function, then the derivative of
)
f(x) at a point
x is denoted as
′
(
)
f
′
(x) or
dx
dy
.
Interpretation:
Geometrically, the derivative represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph
of the function at a specific point. This tangent line is the best linear
approximation to the function near that point.
Notation:
dx
dy
)
dx
d
f(x),
′
(
)
f
′
(x), and
˙
y
˙
There are various rules and techniques for finding derivatives, including:
Power Rule:
)
=
−
1
dx
d
(x
n
)=n⋅x
n−1
where
n is a constant.
Product Rule:
)
=
′
+
′
dx
d
(u⋅v)=u
′
v+uv
′
where
u and
v are functions of
x, and
′
u
′
and
′
v
′
are their respective derivatives.
Chain Rule:
)
)
)
=
′
(
)
)
⋅
′
(
)
dx
d
(f(g(x)))=f
′
(g(x))⋅g
′
(x) which deals with the composition of functions.
Quotient Rule:
)
=
2
dx
d
(
v
u
)=
v
2
u
′
v−uv
′
where
u and
v are functions of
x.
Higher Order Derivatives:
′
′
(
)
f
′′
(x) or
2
2
dx
2
d
2
y
, represents the rate of change of the rate of change, or the acceleration. Higher
order derivatives can also be defined.
Applications:
Derivatives are used to find maximum and minimum values of functions, which is
crucial in optimization problems. For example, in economics, they are used to find
profit-maximizing and cost-minimizing quantities.
Related Rates: