DERIVATIVES CHAPTER 2: APPLICATIONS OF THE

DERIVATIVE
CHAPTER 1: DIFFERENTIATION
1. L’HOSPITAL’S RULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
1. INTRODUCTION TO DERIVATIVES ..... 2
A. THE INDETERMINATE FORM 0/0 . . . . . . . . . .82
A. TANGENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 B. THE INDETERMINATE FORM ∞ /∞ . . . . . . . . .85
B. VELOCITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
C. RATES OF CHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 EXERCISES 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
D. DERIVATIVE OF A FUNCTION . . . . . . . . . . . .10
E. LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DERIVATIVES . .13 2. APPLICATIONS OF THE FIRST
F. DIFFERENTIABILITY AND CONTINUITY . . . . .14
DERIVATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Activity: Linear Approximation . . . . . . . . . . . .18
A. INTERVALS OF INCREASE AND DECREASE . . .88
EXERCISES 1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 B. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUES . . . . . . . .92
1. Absolute and Local
2. TECHNIQUES OF DIFFERENTIATION . . . 22 Maximum and Minimum . . . . . . . . . .92
A. BASIC DIFFERENTIATION RULES . . . . . . . . . .22 2. Finding the Local Extrema . . . . . . . .94
B. THE PRODUCT AND THE QUOTIENT RULES . . .28 3. The First Derivative Test . . . . . . . . .97
C. THE CHAIN RULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 4. Finding the Absolute Extrema . . . . .102
D. HIGHER ORDER DERIVATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . .37
EXERCISES 2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Activity: Linear Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
3. APPLICATIONS OF THE SECOND
EXERCISES 1.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
DERIVATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
3. DERIVATIVES OF ELEMENTARY A. CONCAVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 B. THE SECOND DERIVATIVE TEST . . . . . . . . . . .114
A. DERIVATIVES OF EXPONENTIAL
EXERCISES 2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . .45
1. Exponential Functions . . . . . . . . . .45 4. OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . . . 118
2. Logarithmic Functions . . . . . . . . . . .48
3. Logarithmic Differentiation . . . . . . .50 Activity: Refraction of Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
B. DERIVATIVES OF TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
EXERCISES 2.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
C. DERIVATIVES OF SPECIAL FUNCTIONS . . . . .56 5. PLOTTING GRAPHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
1. Absolute Value Functions . . . . . . . .56
2. Sign Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 A. ASYMPTOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
3. Floor Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 B. CURVE PLOTTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
D. IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
E. DERIVATIVES OF PARAMETRIC FUNCTIONS . . .64 EXERCISES 2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
F. DERIVATIVES OF INVERSE
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . .67 CHAPTER SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

EXERCISES 1.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 CONCEPT CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

CHAPTER SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2A . . . . . . . . .140

CONCEPT CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2B . . . . . . . . .142
CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2C . . . . . . . . . .144
CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 ANSWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Differentiation 1
A. TANGENTS
The word ‘tangent’ comes from the Latin word tangens, which means ‘touching’. Thus, a
"
tangent line to a curve is a line that “just touches” the curve. In other words, a tangent
line should be parallel to the curve at the point of contact. How can we explain this idea
clearly? Look at the figures below.
$

$ $ $
!
!"#!$%&$#"'($&"#)"!"*+,-& #

),(%($!'"*+,-& 3))4&5"($")$*& 3))4&5"($"#6(*&

"
#

As we zoom in to the curve near the point A, the curve becomes almost indistinguishable from
$
the tangent line. So, the tangent line is parallel to the curve at the point A.
How can we find the equation of a tangent to a curve at a given point? The graphs below
! show one approach.
!".&*!$#"'($&"#)"!"*+,-& (
" "
#0!2"'0!11 #

'0!1"/"'0%1 #

$0%2"'0%11 $ #
The slope of the line is
!&/&%
the tangent of the angle
between the line and the
positive x-axis.
% ! ! !

! ! The first graph shows the curve y = f(x). The points A(a, f(a)) and B(x, f(x)) are two points on
this curve. The secant line AB has slope mAB, where
7).(#(-& $&%!#(-& f (x) − f (a)
.')7& .')7& mAB = .
x−a
Now suppose that we want to find the slope of the tangent to the curve at point A. The
second graph above shows what happens when we move point B closer and closer to
3&,) $) point A on the curve. We can see that the slope of the secant line AB gets closer and
.')7& .')7& closer to the slope of the tangent at A (line t). In other words, if m is the slope of the
tangent line, then as B approches A, mAB approaches m.

2 Derivatives
 Definition tangent line
The tangent line to the curve y = f(x) at the point A(a, f(a)) is the line through A with the
slope
f (x) − f (a )
m = lim ,
x→ a x−a
provided that this limit exists.

Example 1 Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = x2 at the point A(1, 1).

Solution We can begin by calculating the slope of the tangent.

Here we have a = 1 and f(x) = x2, so the slope is

f (x) − f (1) x2 − 1
m = lim = lim
x →1 x −1 x →1 x − 1

The equation of a line (x − 1)(x +1)

through the point (x1, y1) m = lim = lim( x+1) =1+1= 2.
x →1 (x − 1) x →1
with slope m:
y – y1 = m(x – x1).
Now we can write the equation of the tangent at point (1, 1):
y – y1 = m(x – x1)
y – 1 = 2(x – 1)
y = 2x – 1.

Example 2 Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = x3 – 1 at the point (–1, –2).

Solution Here we have a = –1 and f(x) = x3 – 1, so the slope is

f ( x) – f ( −1) ( x3 − 1) − (( −1)3 −1) x3 +1
m = lim = lim = lim
x→ –1 x – (–1) x→ –1 x +1 x→ –1 x +1

( x +1)( x2 – x + 1)
x3+ y3=(x+ y)(x2–xy+y2) m = lim
x→ –1 ( x +1)
m = lim( x2 – x +1) = (–1) 2 – (–1)+1
x→ –1

m = 3.

So the equation of the tangent line at (–1, –2) with slope m = 3 is

y – y1 = m(x – x1)
y – (–2) = 3(x – (–1))
y + 2 = 3x + 3
y = 3x + 1.

Differentiation 3
 We can also write the expression for the slope of a tangent line in a different way. Look at the
graphs below.
" " "9'0!1
# #
"9'0!1

$ $

% %8) ! ) !
)
)
)

From the first graph, writing x = a + h gives us the slope of the secant line
f (a+ h) − f (a)
mAB = .
h
We can see in the second graph that as x approaches a, h approaches zero. So the
expression for the slope of the tangent line becomes:
f (a + h) − f (a )
m = lim .
h→0 h

THE SLOPE OF A TANGENT LINE TO A CURVE

The slope of a tangent line to a curve y = f(x) at x = a is

f (a + h) − f (a )
m = lim .
h→0 h

Example 3 Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = x3 at the point (–1, –1).

Solution Let f(x) = x3. Then the slope of the tangent at (–1, –1) is
f ( − 1+ h) − f (–1) ( −1+ h) 3 −( −1) 3
m = lim = lim
h→0 h h→0 h
(–1)3 + 3(–1) 2 h+ 3(–1) h2 + h3 −(–1) 3
3 3 2 2 3 m = lim
(x+y) =x +3x y+3xy +y h→0 h
h(3 − 3h + h2 )
m = lim = lim(3 − 3 h+ h2 ) = 3.
h→0 h h→0

So, the equation of the tangent at point (–1, –1) is

y – (–1) = 3(x – (–1))
y + 1 = 3x + 3
y = 3x + 2.

4 Derivatives
 Example 4 Find the equation of the normal line to the curve y =
2
x
at the point (2, 1).

Solution Recall that a normal line is a line which is perpendicular to a tangent. The product of the

slopes mt of a tangent and mn of a normal is –1.

Let us begin by finding the slope of the tangent.
2 2 2
– –1
f (2+ h) – f (2) 2+ h 2 2+ h
mt = lim = lim = lim
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
2 – (2+ h) –h –1
mt = lim = lim = lim
h→ 0 h( h + 2) h → 0 h( h + 2) h → 0 2+ h

1
mt = – .
2
We have mt ⋅ mn = –1.

mn ⋅ mt = –1 –1 –1
The product of slopes of So, mn = = = 2.
mt 1
the tangent line and the –
normal line at a point 2
equals –1. The equation of the normal line passing through the

point (2, 1) with the slope mn = 2 is

y – y1 = mn(x – x1)
y – 1 = 2(x – 2)
y = 2x – 3.

Check Yourself 1
1. Find the equation of the tangent line to each curve at the given point P.
a. f(x) = x2 – 1 P(–1, 0)

b. f(x) = x3 + 1 P(0, 1)
1 1
c. f(x) = P( , 2)
x 2
2. Find the equation of the normal line at point P for each curve in the previous question.
Answers
1. a. y = –2x – 2 b. y = 1 c. y = –4x + 4

1 1
2. a. y = x+ b. x = 0 c. y = 1 x + 15
2 2 4 8

Differentiation 5
B. VELOCITIES
7).(#()$"!# 7).(#()$"!#
Imagine you are in a car driving #(4&"(&9": #(4&"(&9":8)

across a city. The velocity of the car

will not be constant. Sometimes
the car will travel faster, and
sometimes it will travel slower.

However, the car has a definite !

;
velocity at each moment. This is *0:"8")1"/"*0:1
called the instantaneous velocity of
*0:1
the car. How can we calculate the
instantaneous velocity?
*0:8)1
To answer this question, let us look at a simpler example: the motion of an object falling
through the air. Let g = 9.8 m/s2 be the acceleration of the object due to gravity. We know
from physics that after t seconds, the distance that the object will have fallen is
1 2
s(t) =gt meters or s(t) = 4.9 t2 meters.
2
Suppose we wish to calculate the velocity of the object after two seconds. We can begin by
calculating the average velocity over the time interval [2, 2 + h]:
distance travelled
average velocity =
elapsed time

s(2 + h) − s(2) 4.9(4 + 4h+ h2 − 4)

= = = 19.6 + 4 .9 h
h h

If we shorten the time period, the average velocity is becoming closer to 19.6 m/s, the value
of instantaneous velocity.
More generally, we can calculate the instantaneous velocity V(a)
of an object at time t = a by the limit of the average velocities:
s(a + h) − s(a)
V(a ) = lim
h→ 0 h
This is not the first time we see the above formula. It is the
same formula that we use for the slope of the tangent line to a
curve. Remember that
f (a + h) − f (a )
m = lim .
h→ 0 h
This means that the velocity at time t = a is equal to the slope
of the tangent line at A(a, s(a)).

6 Derivatives
 Example 5 A stone is dropped from the top of the Eiffel Tower. What is the velocity of the stone after five
seconds?

Solution We use the equation of motion s(t) = 4.9t2 to find the

velocity V after five seconds:
s(5+ h) − s(5) 4.9(5+ h) 2 − 4.9(5) 2
V(5) = lim = lim
h →0 h h →0 h
4.9(25 +10 h+ h2 − 25) 4.9(10 h+ h2)
V(5) = lim = lim
h →0 h h →0 h
4.9h(10+ h)
V(5) = lim = lim(49+ 4.9 h) = 49 m/s.
h →0 h h →0

Example 6 A particle moves along a straight line with the equation of motion s(t) = t2 + 3t + 1, where
s(t) is measured in meters and t is in seconds.
a. Find the average velocity over the interval [1, 2].
b. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 2.
Solution a. Average velocity is the ratio of distance travelled to elapsed time. So, we have
s(2) – s(1) (2 2 + 3 ⋅ 2+1) – (1 2 + 3 ⋅1+1)
average velocity = = = 6 m/s.
2 –1 1
b. Let V(2) be the velocity after two seconds.
s(2+ h) – s(2) ( h+ 2 )2 + 3 ⋅( h + 2) +1 −[2 2 + 3 ⋅2 +1]
V(2) = lim = lim
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
h2 + 4h + 4+ 3h +6+1 − 11 h2 +7 h
V(2) = lim = lim = lim( h+7) = 7 m/s.
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0

Check Yourself 2
1. A basketball player throws a ball upward at a speed of 20 m/s. This means that after t
seconds, the ball’s height will be s(t) = 20t – 4.9t2.
a. Find the average velocity of the ball over the interval [1, 2].
b. Find the instantaneous velocity of the ball after two seconds.
2. The displacement of a particle moving in a straight line is given by the equation of motion
s(t) = 2t3 + 3t – 2, where t is measured in seconds and s(t) is in meters.
a. Find the average velocity of the particle over the following intervals.
i. [1, 3] ii. [1, 4] iii. [2, 4]
b. Find the instantaneous velocity of the particle at each time.
i. t = 2 ii. t = 3 iii. t = 4
Answers
1. a. 5.3 m/s b. 0.4 m/s 2. a. i. 29 m/s ii. 45 m/s iii. 59 m/s b. i. 27 m/s ii. 57 m/s iii. 99 m/s

Differentiation 7
C. RATES OF CHANGE
In section A we learned how to find the slope of a tangent line and in section B we learned
how to calculate the instantaneous velocity of an object from a given acceleration. We can
say that acceleration is a rate of change: it shows how fast or slowly a quantity (the velocity)
changes from one moment to the next. Other examples of rates of change are how fast a
population grows, or how fast the temperature of a room changes over time.

The problem of finding a rate of change is mathematically equivalent to finding the slope of
a tangent line to a curve. To understand why, suppose y is a quantity that depends on
another quantity x. Thus, y is the function of x and we write y = f(x).

Look at the graph of f(x). If x increases by an amount h, then y increases by f(x + h) – f(x).
" "9'0!1

#0!8)2"'0!8)11
'0!8)1
'0!8)1"/"'0!1"(."#<&
'0!8)1"/"'0!1 *<!$%&"($"""#<!#"*),,&.7)$5.
$0!2"'0!11 #)"!"*<!$%&")"($"!=
'0!1
)
! !8) !

f (x+ h) − f (x)
The difference quotient is called the average rate of change of y with
h
respect to x over the interval [x, x + h] and can be interpreted as the slope of the secant line
AB. If we take the limit of the average rate of change, then we obtain the instantaneous rate
of change of y with respect to x, which is interpreted as the slope of the tangent line to the
curve y = f(x) at A(x, f(x)).

The following summarizes this part:

RATES OF CHANGE

1. The average rate of change of f over an interval [x, x + h] is

f (x+ h) − f (x)
.
h
2. The instantaneous rate of change of f(x) at a point x is
f (x + h) − f (x)
lim .
h→0 h

8 Derivatives
 Example 7 A student begins measuring the air temperature in a room at eight o’clock in the morning.
2
She finds that the temperature is given by the function f (t ) =16+ t 2 °C, where t is in
3
hours. How fast was the temperature rising at 11:00?

Solution We are being asked to find the instantenous rate of change of the temperature at
t = 3, so we need to find the following limit:
f (3+ h) – f (3)
rate of change = lim
h →0 h
2 2
16 + (3 + h)2 – (16 + (3) 2 )
= lim 3 3
h →0 h
2 2
16+ ⋅ (9+6 h + h2 ) – 16 − ⋅ 9
= lim 3 3
h →0 h
2
(9 + 6 h + h2 – 9)
= lim 3
h →0 h
2h(6+ h)
= lim
h →0 3h
2
= lim(6+ h)
3 h →0
2
= ⋅ 6 = 4 °C per hour
3

Example 8 A manufacturer estimates that when he produces x units of a certain commodity, he earns
R(x) = x2 – 3x – 1 thousand dollars. At what rate is the revenue changing when the
manufacturer produces 3 units?

Solution We need to find the instantaneous rate of change of the revenue at x = 3, so

R(3+ h) – R(3) (3+ h) 2 – 3(3+ h) – 1 – (3 2 – 3 ⋅3 –1)

rate of change = lim =
h→ 0 h h
9+6 h + h2 – 9 – 3 h 3 h + h2
= lim = lim = lim(3+ h) = 3.
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0

It follows that revenue is changing at the rate of $3000 per unit when 3 units are produced.

In conclusion, rates of change can be interpreted as the slope of a tangent. Whenever we

solve a problem involving tangent lines, we are not only solving a problem in geometry but
also solving a great variety of problems in science.

Differentiation 9
D. DERIVATIVE OF A FUNCTION
f (x+ h) − f (x)
Up to now we have treated the expression as a ‘difference quotient’ of the
h
function f(x). We have calculated the limit of a difference quotient as h approaches zero.

Since this type of limit occurs so widely, it is given a special name and notation.

Definition derivative of a function

The derivative of the function f(x) with respect to x is the function f ′(x) (read as “f prime of x”)
defined by
f (x + h) − f (x)
f ′(x) = lim .
h→ 0 h
The process of calculating the derivative is called differentiation. We say that f(x) is
differentiable at c if f ′(c) exists.

Thus, the derivative of a function f(x) is the function f ′(x), which gives
1. the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at any point (x, f(x)),
2. the rate of change of f (x) at x.

FOUR-STEP PROCESS FOR FINDING f′′ (x)

1. Compute f(x + h).

2. Form the difference f(x + h) – f(x).
f (x+ h) − f (x)
3. Form the quotient .
h
f (x + h) − f (x)
4. Compute f ′(x) = lim .
h→ 0 h

Example 9 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x2.

Solution To find f ′(x), we use the four-step process:

1. f(x + h) = (x + h)2 = x2 +2xh + h2
2. f(x + h) – f(x) = x2 + 2xh + h2 – x2 = 2xh + h2
2
3. f (x+ h) − f (x) = 2 xh+ h = h(2x+ h ) = 2x+ h
h h h
4. lim(2 x + h) = 2 x
h→ 0

Thus, f ′(x) = 2x.

10 Derivatives
 Example 10 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x2 – 8x + 9 at x = 1.

Solution We apply the four-step process:

1. f(x + h) = (x + h)2 – 8(x + h) + 9 = x2 + 2xh + h2 – 8x – 8h + 9
2. f(x + h) – f(x) = x2 + 2xh + h2 – 8x – 8h + 9 – (x2 – 8x + 9) = 2xh + h2 – 8h
2
3. f (x+ h) − f (x) = h + 2 xh − 8h = h + 2x − 8
h h
f (x + h) − f (x)
4. lim = lim(h + 2 x − 8) = 2 x − 8
h→0 h h→0

So, f ′(x) = 2x – 8 and f ′(1) = 2 ⋅ 1 – 8 = –6.

This result tells us that the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at the point x = 1 is
–6. It also tells us that the function f(x) is changing at the rate of –6 units per unit change
in x at x = 1.

Example 11 Let f(x) =

1
x
.

a. Find f ′(x).
b. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at the point (1, 1).

1 1 h
− −
f (x + h) − f (x) x(x + h) 1 1
Solution a. f ′(x) = lim = lim x + h x = lim = lim( − )= − 2 .
h→0 h h→0 h h→0 h h→0 x(x + h) x

b. In order to find the equation of a tangent line, we "

"&9"/!8:
have to find its slope and one point on the
tangent line. We know that the derivative gives us
the slope of the tangent. Let m be the slope of the :
>
tangent line, then > "&9
!

1 > : !
m = f ′(1) = −= −1. >
12 "&9
!
So, the equation of the tangent line to the graph
of f(x) at the point (1, 1) with the slope m = –1
is
y – 1 = –1(x – 1)
y = –x + 2.

Differentiation 11
Example 12 The function f(x) = ñx is given. Find the derivative of f(x) and the equation of the normal
line to f(x) at the point x = 1.

f (x + h) − f (x) x+ h − x  x + h – x x+ h + x 
Solution f ′(x) = lim = lim = lim  ⋅ 
h→ 0 h h → 0 h h → 0
 h x+ h + x 
x+ h − x h 1
f ′(x)=lim = lim = lim
h→ 0
h( x + h + x ) h→ 0
h( x + h + x ) h→ 0
x+ h + x
1
f ′(x)=
2 x

Remember that if mt is the slope of a tangent and mn is the slope of a normal at the same
point, then mt ⋅ mn = –1. So, we can find the slope of the normal from the slope of the
tangent. Then we can write the equation of normal line to f(x) at the point x = 1.
The slope of the tangent is

1
1
mt = f ′(1) = = .
2⋅ 1 2
The slope of the normal is
1 1
mn = − = − = −2.
mt 1
2
The equation of the normal line is
y – y0 = mn ⋅ (x – x0)
y – 1 = –2(x – 1) (Note that y0 = f(x0), that is y0 = f(1) = 1)
y = –2x + 3.

Check Yourself 3
1. Find the derivative of the function f(x) = 2x + 7.
2. Let f(x) = 2x2 – 3x.
a. Find f ′(x).
b. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at the point x = 2.
3. Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x3 – x.
1
4. If f ( x) = , find the derivative of f(x).
x+ 2
Answers
1
1. 2 2. a. 4x – 3 b. y = 5x – 8 3. 3x2 – 1 4. −
2 ( x + 2)3

12 Derivatives
E. LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DERIVATIVES
When we were studying limits we learned that the limit of a function exists if and only if the
left-hand and the right-hand limits exist and are equal. Otherwise the function has no limit.
From this point, we may conclude that the derivative of a function f(x) exists if and only if
f ( x + h) − f ( x ) f ( x + h) − f ( x )
f ′( x− ) = lim− and f ′( x+ ) = lim+ exist and are equal.
h→ 0 h h → 0 h
These expressions are respectively called the left-h hand derivative and the right-h hand
derivative of the function.

Example 13 Show that the function f(x)= ñx does not have a derivative at the point x = 0.

Solution Here we should find the left-hand derivative and the right-hand derivative. If they exist, then
we will check whether they are equal or not.
Let us find the left-hand derivative:
f (0 + h) − f (0) 0 +h − 0 h
f ′(0 − ) = lim− = lim− = lim− .
h→ 0 h h → 0 h h → 0 h
Since h < 0, ñh is undefined and this limit does not exist. So the left-hand derivative does
not exist either.
Thus, the function f(x)= ñx has no derivative at the point x = 0.

 x2 − 1, x ≥1
Example 14 f(x) is given as f ( x) = 
2 x − 2, x <1
.

Does this function have a derivative at the point x = 1?

Solution We will find the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives.

f (1 + h) − f (1) 2(1 + h) − 2 − 0 2h
f ′(1− ) = lim− = lim− = lim− =2
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
f (1 + h) − f (1) (1 + h) 2 − 1 − 0 h2 + 2 h
f ′(1+ ) = lim+ = lim+ = lim+ = lim( h + 2 ) = 2.
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 +

The left-hand and the right-hand derivatives are equal to each other. Thus, the derivative of

the function at the point x = 1 exists and

f ′(1) = f ′(1–) = f ′(1+) = 2.

Differentiation 13
F. DIFFERENTIABILITY AND CONTINUITY
Recall that if f ′(c) exists, then the function f(x) is differentiable at point c. Similarly, if f(x)
is differentiable on an open interval (a, b), then it is differentiable at every number in the
interval (a, b).

Example 15 Where is the function f(x) = |x| differentiable?

Solution We can approach this problem by testing the differentiability on three intervals:
x > 0, x < 0 and x = 0.
1. If x > 0, then x + h > 0 and |x + h| = x + h.
Therefore, for x > 0 we have
| x + h | – | x| x+ h – x h
f ′(x) = lim = lim = lim = lim1=1.
h→ 0 h h → 0 h h → 0 h h→0

So, f ′(x) exists and f (x) is differentiable for any x > 0.

2. If x < 0, then |x| = –x and |x + h| = –(x + h) if we choose h small enough such that
it is nearly equal to zero.
Therefore, for x < 0 we have

| x + h | – | x| –( x + h) – (– x) –h
f ′(x) = lim = lim = lim = lim(–1) = –1
x→0 h x → 0 h h → 0 h h→ 0

So, f ′(x) exists and f(x) is differentiable for any x < 0.

3. For x = 0 we have to investigate the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives separately:
|0+ h| – |0| | h| h
lim+ = lim+ = lim+ = lim+ 1=1
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0

|0+ h| – |0| | h| –h
lim = lim– = lim– = lim(–1) = –1
h→ 0– h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→0–

Since these limits are different, f ′(x) does not exist. So, f(x) is not differentiable for
x = 0.
In conclusion, f(x) is differentiable for all the values of x except 0.
Alternatively, from the graph of f(x), we can see that f(x) does not "
"&9"'0!1
have a tangent line at the point x = 0. So, the derivative does not
exist.
Note that the function does not have a derivative at the point where !
the graph has a ‘corner’.

14 Derivatives
 If a function f(x) is differentiable at a point, then its graph has a non-vertical tangent line at
A function f is this point. It means that the graph of the function cannot have a ‘hole’ or ‘gap’ at this point.
continuous at x = a
Thus, the function must be continuous at this point where it is differentiable.
if and only if
lim f ( x) = f ( a).
x→ a

Note
If f(x) is differentiable at a, then f(x) is continuous at a.

The converse, however, is not true: a continuous function may not be differentiable at every
point.
For example, the function f(x) = |x| is continuous at 0, because lim f (x) = 0 = f (0).
x →0

But it is not differentiable at the point x = 0.

2 x2 − x, x>2

Example 16 The piecewise function f(x) is given as f ( x) = 6,
 3
x = 2.
 x − 2, x<2
a. Is f(x) continuous at x = 2?
b. Is f(x) differentiable at x = 2?

Solution a. Since lim f ( x) = f (2), f(x) is continuous at x = 2.

x→ 2

b. Let us find the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives of the function f(x) at the point x = 2.

f (2+ h) − f (2) (2 + h)3 − 2 − 6

f (2 − ) = lim− = lim−
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h

2 3 + 3 ⋅ 2 2 h + 3 ⋅ 2 h2 + h3 – 8 h(12+6 h+ h2 )
= lim− = lim−
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h

= lim(12+6
−
h+ h2 ) =12
h→ 0

f (2+ h) − f (2) 2 ⋅(2+ h)2 − (2 + h) − 6

f (2 + ) = lim+ = lim+
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h

2 ⋅ (4+ 4h + h2 ) − 2 − h − 6 8+8 h + 2 h2 − 2 − h − 6
= lim+ = li m+
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h

h(7+ 2 h)
= lim+ = lim(7+ 2 h) = 7.
h→ 0 h h→ 0 +

Since f ′(2+) ≠ f ′(2–), the derivative of the function f(x) does not exist at the point x = 2.
So, the function is continuous at x = 2, but it is not differentiable at the same point.

Differentiation 15
 We have seen that a function f(x) is not differentiable at a point if its graph is not
continuous at x = a. The figures below show two more cases in which f(x) is not
differentiable at x = a:
" " "

% ! % ! % !

!"5(.*)$#($+(#? !"*),$&, !"-&,#(*!'"#!$%&$#

CRITERIA FOR DIFFERENTIABILITY

For the following cases the function is not differentiable at a given point:
1. the graph has a discontinuity at the point,
2. the graph has a ‘corner’ at the point,
3. the graph has a vertical tangent line at the point.

Example 17 Explain why the function shown in the graph

on the right is not differentiable at each of the
"
""9"'0!1

points x = a, b, c, d, e, f, g.

Solution The function f(x) is not differentiable at the

points x = a, b, c because it is discontinuous at
each of these points. The derivative of the
function f(x) does not exist at x = d, e, f % + , - . ' / !
because it has a corner at each of these points.
Finally, the function is not differentiable at x = g because the tangent line is vertical at that point.

16 Derivatives
 Check Yourself 4
 x − 1, x <1
1. Given that f ( x) =  2 , show that the derivative of f(x) does not exist at the
 x − 1, x ≥1
point x = 1.

2. f(x) = |x2 – 4x + 3| is given. Find the derivative of f(x) at the point x = 3.

3. The graph of a function f is given below. State, with reasons, the values at which f is not
differentiable.
"
""9"'0!1

C>
> : D B E @ F A G >; >> !

Answers
1. compare f ′(1–) and f ′(1+).
2. does not exist.
3. x = –1, corner; x = 4, discontinuity; x = 8, corner; x = 11, vertical tangent.

Differentiation 17
 EXERCISES 1 .1
A. Tangents C. Rates of Change
1. Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of
each function at the given point. 5. The volume of a spherical cancer tumor is given
4 3
a. f(x) = 5x – 1 ; x = 3 by the function V( r ) = π r , where r is the
3
b. f(x) = 4 – 7x ; x = 2 radius of the tumor in centimeters. Find the rate

c. f(x) = x2 – 1 ; x = –1 of change in the volume of the tumor when

2
d. f(x) = 3x2 – 2x – 5 ; x = 0 r = cm.
3
e. f(x) = x3 – 3x + 5 ; x = 1
6. A certain species of eagle faces extinction. After a
f. f(x) = x + ñx ; x = 4 conservation project begins, it is hoped that the
1 eagle population will grow according to the rule
g. f ( x) = ; x= 2
x2 N(t) = 2t2 + t + 100 (0 ≤ t ≤ 10), where N(t)
4x denotes the population at the end of the year t.
h. f ( x) = ; x= 2
x +1 Find the rate of growth of the eagle population
when t = 2 and the average rate of growth over
the interval [2, 3].
2. Find the equation of the tangent line to each
function at the given point.
a. f(x) = 2x + 5 at (2, 9)
b. f(x) = x2 + x + 1 at (1, 3)
c. f(x) = x3 – x at (2, 6)
d. f(x) = 2ñx at (4, 4)

B. Velocities
7. The fuel consumption (measured in litres per
3. A particle moves along a straight line with
hour) of a car travelling at a speed of v kilometers
the equation of motion s(t) = t2 – 6t – 5, where s
per hour is c = f(v).
is measured in meters and t is in seconds. Find
the velocity of the particle when t = 2. a. What is the meaning of f ′(v)?

b. What does the statement f ′(20) = – 0.05 mean?

4. If a stone is dropped from a height of 100 m, its
height in meters after t seconds is given by
s(t) = 100 – 5t2. Find the stone’s average velocity
over the period [2, 4] and its instantaneous
velocity at time t = 4.

20 Derivative
D. Derivative of a Function  x +6, x> 3
8. Each limit below represents the derivative of a 14. Given that f ( x) = x2 , x = 3 find f ′(3).
function f(x) at x = a. Find the function f and the  3
 x – 6 x, x> 3
number a in each case.
(1+ h)10 − 1
b. lim 8+ h − 2
3
a. lim Mixed Problems
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
3x − 81 cos(π + h)+1 15. Consider the slopes "
c. lim d. lim
x→ 4 x − 4 h→0 h of the tangent lines $ 2
to the given curve at
9. Find the derivative of each function. each of the five # 1
2 x +1
a. f(x) = 3 – 2x + x 2
b. f ( x) = points shown. List
x −1 0
these five slopes in
3 !
c. f ( x) = d. f ( x) = 3x +1 decreasing order.
x
16. If the tangent to the graph of f(x) = x2 – 2ax + 3
E. Left-Hand and Right-Hand
at x = –1 is parallel to the line 2x – y = 1, find a.
Derivatives
6x, 0≤x≤8
10. Let f(x) = . 17. At which point of the curve y = x2 + 4 does its
9x – 24, 8 < x
tangent line pass through the origin?
Does the function have derivative at x = 8? Why
or why not?
18. An arrow is shot upward on a planet. Its height (in
11. Given that f(x) = |x – 1|, find f ′(1). meters) after t seconds is given by h(t) = 60t – 0.6t2.
a. At what time will the arrow reach the top?
F. Differentiability and Continuity
12. b. With what velocity will the arrow hit the
"
ground?

19. Given the continuous function

""9"'0!1
 x2 +10 x +8, x ≤ –2

f ( x) = ax2 + bx + c, –2 < x < 0,
/: /> > D @ !
 2
 x + 2 x, x≥0
find a, b and c such that its graph has a tangent
The graph of f(x) is given. At what numbers is f(x)
touching it at three points..
not differentiable? Why?

20. Given that f(x) = |x2 – 2x|, find f ′(1).

x2 + 7x, x ≤ 1
13. Let f(x) = .
9x – 24, x > 1
Does the function have derivative at x = 1? Why 21. Using linear approximation calculate ò99.
or why not?

Differentiation 21
A. BASIC DIFFERENTIATION RULES
Up to now, we have calculated the derivatives of functions by using the definition of the
derivative as the limit of a difference quotient. This method works, but it is slow even for
quite simple functions. Clearly we need a simpler, quicker method. In this section, we begin
to develop methods that greatly simplify the process of differentiation. From now on, we will
use the notation f′′(x) (f prime of x) to mean the derivative of f with respect to x. Other books
and mathematicians sometimes use different notation for the derivative, such as
d dy
f (x) = y′ = = Dx( f (x)).
dx dx
All of these different types of notation have essentially the same meaning: the derivative of a
function with respect to x. Finding this derivative is called differentiating the function with
respect to x.
In stating the following rules, we assume that the functions f and g are differentiable.
Our first rule states that the derivative of a constant function is equal to zero.

THE DERIVATIVE OF A CONSTANT FUNCTION

If c is any real number, then c′ = 0.

We can see this by considering the graph of the constant !

function f(x) = c, which is a horizontal line. The tangent line to !!"
a straight line at any point on the line coincides with the straight
"#$%&'!'(
line itself. So, the slope of the tangent line is zero, and therefore
the derivative is zero.
We can also use the definition of the derivative to prove this $
result: )*&'"#$%&'$+',*&',-./&.,',$
f (x + h) − f (x) c −c ,*&'/0-%*'$+'#1$2'!'"3'4*&0&'"'5"
f ′(x) = lim = lim = lim 0 = 0. 6$.",-.,3'5"'7&0$8
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0

Example 14 a. If f(x) = 13, then f ′(x) = (13)′ = 0.

1  1 ′
b. If f (x) = − , then f ′( x) =  −  = 0 .
2  2

22 Derivatives
 Next we consider how to find the derivative of any power function f(x) = xn.
Note that the rule applies not only to functions like f(x) = x3, but also to those such as
1
g(x) = 4 x3 and h( x) = = x −5 .
x5

THE DERIVATIVE OF A POWER FUNCTION (POWER RULE)

If n is any real number, then (xn)′ = nxn – 1.

Example 15 a. If f (x) = x, then f ′( x) = x ′ = 1 ⋅ x1−1 = 1 .

b. If f (x) = x2 , then f ′( x) = ( x2 ) ′ = 2 ⋅ x 2 −1 = 2 x.

c. If f (x) = x3 , then f ′( x) = ( x 3 ) ′ = 3 ⋅ x 3 −1 = 3 x 2 .

Note
To differentiate a function containing a radical expression, we first convert the radical
expression into exponential form, and then differentiate the exponential form using the Power
Rule.

Example 16 a. If f (x) = 2 x3 , then f ( x) = x 3 / 2 in exponential form

3 3 / 2 −1 3 1 / 2
f ′(x) = (x3 / 2 )′ = x = x .
2 2
1
b. If f (x) = , then f ( x) = x −1 in exponential form
x
1
f ′(x) = (x−1 )′ = −1 ⋅ x −1−1 = −x −2 = − .
x2

Differentiation 23
 The proof of the Power Rule for the general case (n ∈ ) is not easy to prove and will no be
given here. However, we can prove the Power Rule for the case where n is a positive integer.

Proof (Power Rule) If f(x) = xn, then f (x + h) − f (x) (x + h)n − x n

f ′(x) = lim = lim .
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
Here we need to expand (x + h)n and we use the Binomial Theorem to do so:
 n n −1 n ⋅ (n − 1) n − 2 2 
 x + nx h + x h + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ + nxh n −1 + h n  − x n
2 
f ′(x) = lim
h→ 0 h
n ⋅ (n − 1) n − 2 2
n ⋅ xn −1h + x h + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅+ nxh n −1 + h n (every term includes h as a factor,
f ′(x) = lim 2
so h’s can be simplified)
h→ 0 h
 n ⋅ (n − 1) n − 2 
f ′(x) = lim  nxn −1 + x h + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅+ nxh n − 2 + h n –1  = n ⋅ x n −1 (if h = 0, then every term including
h→ 0
 2  h as a factor will be zero)

Check Yourself 5
Differentiate each function by using either the Constant Rule or the Power Rule.

1. f(x) = 2 2. f(x) = 0.5 3. f (x) = – 1 4. f (x) = 3

3 2
1
7. f (x) = 1
3
5. f(x) = x3 6. f (x) = x7 8. f (x) =
x2 x3
Answers
73 4 2 3
1. 0 2. 0 3. 0 4. 0 5. 3x2 6. x 7. – 8. −
3 x3 2 x5

The next rule states that the derivative of a constant multiplied by a differentiable function
is equal to the constant times the derivative of the function.

THE CONSTANT MULTIPLE RULE

[c ⋅ f (x)]′= c ⋅ f ′(x) , c∈

Example 17 a. If f (x) = 3x, then f ′( x) = (3 x) ′ = 3 ⋅ ( x) ′ = 3 ⋅ 1 = 3 .

b. If f (x) = 3x4 , then f ′( x) = (3 x 4 ) ′ = 3( x 4 ) ′ = 3 ⋅ (4 x 3 ) = 12 x 3 .

24 Derivatives
 Proof (Constant Multiple Rule) If g(x) = c ⋅ f(x), then
g(x + h) − g(x) c ⋅ f (x + h) − c ⋅ f (x)
g′(x) = lim = lim
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
f (x + h) − f (x)
g′(x) = c ⋅ lim
h→ 0 h
g′(x) = c ⋅ f ′(x).

Example 18 a. If f (x) = −
2
x3
x
6
, then f ′( x) = (–2 x −3 ) ′ = −2( x −3 ) ′ = –2(–3 x −4) = 6 x −4 = 4 .

b. 1  5 5
If f (x) = 5 x, then f ′( x) = (5 x1 / 2 ) ′ = 5( x1 / 2 ) ′ = 5  x −1 / 2  = x −1 / 2 = .
2  2 2 x

Next we consider the derivative of the sum or the difference of two differentiable functions.
The derivative of the sum or the difference of two functions is equal to the sum or the
difference of their derivatives. Note that the difference is also the sum since it deals with
addition of a negative expression.

THE SUM RULE

[ f (x) ∓ g(x)]′ = f ′(x) ∓ g′(x)

Note
We can generalize this rule for the sum of any finite number of differentiable functions.

[ f (x) ∓ g(x) ∓ h(x) ∓ ...]′ = f ′(x) ∓ g ′(x) ∓ h ′(x) ∓ ...

Differentiation 25
 Now, let’s verify the rule for a sum of two functions.

Proof (Sum Rule) If S(x) = f(x) + g(x), then

S′(x) = lim
S(x + h) − S(x)
= lim
[ f (x + h)+ g(x + h)] − [ f (x)+ g(x) ]
h→ 0 h h → 0 h
[ f (x + h) − f (x)]+ [g(x + h) − g(x)]
S′(x) = lim
h→ 0 h
f (x + h) − f (x) g(x + h) − g(x)
S′(x) = lim + lim
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
S′(x) = f ′(x)+ g ′( x).

Example 19 a. If f (x) = x−2 +7, then f ′( x) = ( x−2 +7) ′= ( x−2) ′+(7) ′= −2 x−3+0 = −2 x−3.

2
b. If g(t) = t + 5 , then g′( t) =  t
2
−2 
′  t2 ′ 1 2
 +(5 t ) ′= ( t ) ′+5( t ) .′
−2 −2
 +5t =
5 t2 5  5  5

1
g(t )′ = (2t 2–1 )+5(–2 t–2–1 )
5
2 2t 10
g(t )′ = t − 10t −3 = − 3 .
5 5 t
Notice that in this example, the independent variable is t instead of x. So, we differentiate
the function g(t) with respect to t.

By combining the Power Rule, the Constant Multiple Rule and the Sum Rule we can
differentiate any polynomial. Let us look at some examples.

Example 20 Differentiate the polynomial function f(x) = 3x5 + 4x4 – 7x2 + 3x + 6.

Solution f ′(x) = (3 x5 + 4 x4 − 7 x2 + 3 x +6)′

f ′(x) = (3 x5 )′+(4 x4 ) ′+(–7 x2 ) ′+(3 x) ′+(6) ′

f ′(x) = 3(x5 )′+ 4(x4 ) ′ − 7( x2 ) ′+ 3( x) ′+(6) ′

f ′(x) = 3 ⋅ 5 x4 + 4 ⋅ 4 x3 − 7 ⋅ 2 x+ 3 ⋅1+0

f ′(x) =15 x4 +16 x3 − 14 x+ 3

26 Derivatives
 Example 21 It is estimated that x months from now, the population of a certain community will be
P(x) = x2 + 20x + 8000.
a. At what rate will the population be changing with respect to time fifteen months from
now?
b. How much will the population actually change during the sixteenth month?

Solution a. The rate of change of the population with respect to time is the derivative of the
population function, i.e.
rate of change = P′(x) = 2x + 20.
Fifteen months from now the rate of change of the population will be:
P′(15) = 2 ⋅ 15 + 20 = 50 people per month.
b. The actual change in the population during
the sixteenth month is the difference between
the population at the end of sixteen months
and the population at the end of fifteen
months. Therefore,
the change in population = P(16) – P(15)
= 8576 – 8525
= 51 people.

Check Yourself 6
1. Find the derivative of each function with respect to the variable.
3 4
a. f (x) = b. f (r ) = π r 3 c. f(x) = 0.2ñx
2x 3

d. f(x) = 3x2 + 5x – 1 e. 4 t2 3 2
f. f (x) = x − 4x + 3
f (t ) = − +t
t3 3 x

x3 − 3x2 + 3x − 1
2. Find the derivative of f (x) = .
x −1
x2 x − x
3. Differentiate f (x) = .
x x+ x
Answers
3 0.1 12 2t 3
1. a. − 2 b. 4πr2 c. d. 6x + 5 e. – – +1 f. 2 x − 4 −
2x x t4 3 x2
2. 2x – 2 3. 1

Differentiation 27
B. THE PRODUCT AND THE QUOTIENT RULES
Now we learn how to differentiate a function formed by multiplication or division of
functions. Based on your experience with the Constant Multiple and Sum Rules we learned
in the preceding part, you may think that the derivative of the product of functions is the
product of separate derivatives, but this guess is wrong. The correct formula was discovered
by Leibniz and is called the Product Rule.
The Product Rule states that the derivative of the product of two functions is the derivative
of the first function times the second function plus the first function times the derivative of
the second function.

THE PRODUCT RULE

[ f (x)g(x)]′ = f ′(x)g(x) + f (x)g ′(x)

Be careful! The derivative of the product of two functions is not equal to the product of the
derivatives:
We can easily see this by looking at a particular example.
Let f(x) = x and g(x) = x2. Then

f (x)g(x) = x ⋅ x2 = x3 f ′(x) =1 and g′( x) = 2 x

[ f (x)g(x)]′ ≠ f ′(x)g′(x)
[ f (x)g(x)] ′ = 3 x2 f ′(x)g′(x) =1 ⋅ 2 x = 2 x

[ f (x)g( x)]′ ≠ f ′(x)g′(x).

Example 22 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x(x + 1).

Solution By the Product Rule,

f ′(x) = x ⋅ (x+ 1)′+ (x) ′ ⋅ (x+1) = x ⋅ 1+1 ⋅ ( x+1) = 2 x+1 .
We can check this result by using direct computation:
f(x) = x(x + 1) = x2 + x so, f ′(x) = 2x + 1, which is the same result.
Note that preferring direct differentiation when it is easy to expand the brackets is always
simpler than applying the Product Rule.

Example 23 Differentiate the function f(x) = (2x2 + 1)(x2 – x).

Solution f ′(x) = (2 x2 +1)′ ⋅ (x2 − x) +( 2x 2 + 1) ⋅ (x2 − x)′

f ′(x) = (4 x)(x2 − 1) + (2 x2 + 1)(2 x − 1)
f ′(x) = 4x3 − 4x+ 4x3 − 2x2 + 2x − 1
f ′(x) = 8 x3 − 2 x2 − 2 x − 1

28 Derivatives
 Example 24 Differentiate the function f(x) = (x3 + x –2)(2ñx + 1).

Solution First, we convert the radical part into exponential form:

f (x) = ( x3 + x – 2)(2 x +1) = ( x3 + x – 2) ⋅(2 x1/ 2 +1).
Now, by the Product Rule,
f ′(x) = (x3 + x – 2) ′ ⋅(2 x1/ 2 +1)+( x3 + x – 2) ⋅(2 x1/ 2 +1) ′
f ′(x) = (3 x2 +1)(2 x1/ 2 +1)+( x3 + x – 2) ⋅ x −1/ 2 = 6 x5 / 2 + 3 x2 + 2 x1/ 2 +1+ x5 / 2 + x1/ 2 – 2 x −1/ 2
f ′(x) = 7 x5 / 2 + 3x2 + 3x1 / 2 – 2 x–1/ 2 +1.

Let us look at the proof of the Product Rule.

Proof (Product Rule) If P(x) = f(x)g(x), then
P(x + h) − P(x) f (x + h)g(x + h) − f (x)g(x)
P′(x) = lim = lim
h→ 0 h h → 0 h

By adding –f(x + h)g(x) + f(x + h)g(x) (which is zero) to the numerator and factoring, we have:
f (x + h)g(x + h) − f (x + h)g(x ) + f (x + h)g(x ) − f (x)g(x)
P′(x) = lim
h→ 0 h
f (x + h) [g(x + h) − g(x)]+ g(x) [f (x + h) − f (x) ]
P′(x) = lim
h→ 0 h
  g(x + h) − g(x)   f (x + h) − f (x)  
P′(x) = lim  f (x + h)   + g( x)  
h→ 0
  h   h 
g(x + h) − g(x) f (x + h) − f (x )
P′(x) = lim f (x + h) ⋅ l im + lim g(x) ⋅ lim
h→ 0 h→ 0 h h→ 0 h→ 0 h
P′(x) = f (x) ⋅ g ′(x)+ g(x) ⋅ f ′(x) = f ′(x)g(x)+ f (x)g ′(x).

Example 25 Differentiate the function f(x) = (x2 + 1)(3x4 – 5x)(x3 + 2x2 + 4).

Solution In this example we have a product of three functions, but we are only able to apply the rule
for the product of two functions. So, before we proceed we must imagine the function as
a product of two functions as follows:
f ( x) = ( x2 +1)(3 x4 − 5 x) ( x3 + 2 x2 + 4)

f ′( x) = [( x2 +1)(3 x4 − 5 x)]′ ( x3 + 2 x2 + 4) +( x2 +1)(3x 4 − 5 x)( x3 + 2 x2 + 4)′

requires product rule once more

f ′( x) = [2 x(3x4 − 5x)+( x2 +1)(12 x3 − 5)] ( x3 + 2 x2 + 4) +( x2 +1)(3 x4 − 5 x)(3x2 + 4x ).

Our aim is to introduce this method and because any further simplification is time
consuming, we will stop at this point.

Differentiation 29
 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. Or,

 numerator ′ = derivative of the numerator ×denominator – numerator × derivative of the denominator

  .
 denominator  the square of the denominator

THE QUOTIENT RULE

 f (x) ′ f ′(x)g(x) − f (x)g ′(x)

 g(x)  = , g( x) ≠ 0
  ( g(x))2

The quotient rule is probably the most complicated formula you will have to learn in this text.
It may help if you remember that the quotient rule resembles the Product Rule.
 f (x) ′ f ′(x) Also note that like in the Product Rule, the derivative of a quotient is not equal to the
 g(x)  ≠ ′
  g (x ) quotient of derivatives.

Example 26 Find the derivative of the function f (x) =

3x+ 1
2x − 1
.

Solution Using the Quotient Rule:

(3x+ 1)′ (2 x − 1) − (3 x+1) (2 x − 1)′
f ′(x) =
(2 x − 1)2
3 ⋅ (2 x − 1) − (3 x+1) ⋅ 2 6 x − 3 − 6 x − 2
f ′(x) = =
(2 x − 1)2 (2 x − 1)2

5
f ′(x) = − .
( 2 x − 1)2

27
2
Example Differentiate the rational function f (x) = x + x − 21 .
x −1

Solution According to the Quotient Rule,

(2 x+ 1) ⋅ (x − 1) − (x2 + x − 21) ⋅ 1
f ′(x) =
(x − 1)2

2 x2 − x − 1 − x2 − x+ 21 x2 − 2 x+ 20
f ′(x) = =
(x − 1)2 (x − 1)2

x2 − 2 x+ 20
f ′(x) = .
x2 − 2 x+ 1

30 Derivatives
 Example 28 Differentiate the function f (x) =
2 x2 + 3x+ 1
2x
.

Solution Before trying to use the Quotient Rule let us simplify the formula of the function:
2 x2 + 3x+ 1 2 x2 3x 1 3 1
f (x) = = + + = x+ + x −1.
2x 2x 2x 2x 2 2
In this example, finding the derivative will be easier and quicker without using the Quotient Rule.
1 −2 1 x2 − 1
f ′(x) = 1+ 0 − x =1− 2 =
2 x x2

Note
We do not need to use the Quotient Rule every time we differentiate a quotient. Sometimes
performing division gives us an expression which is easier to differentiate than the
quotient.

Let us verify the Quotient Rule.

f (x)
Proof (Quotient Rule) Let Q(x) = and Q(x) be differentiable.
g(x)
We can write f(x) = Q(x)g(x).
If we apply the Product Rule: f ′(x) = Q′(x)g(x) + Q(x)g′(x)
Solving this equation for Q′(x), we get
f (x)
f ′(x) − ⋅ g ′(x)
f ′(x) − Q(x)g ′(x) g(x)
Q′(x) = =
g(x) g(x)
f ′(x)g(x) − f (x)g ′(x)
Q′(x) = .
( g(x))2

Example 29 f(x) = ñx ⋅ g(x), where g(4) = 2 and g′(4) = 3. Find f ′(4).

Solution f ′(x) = ( x ⋅ g( x)) ′ = ( x ) ′ ⋅ g( x)+ x ⋅ g ′( x)

g(x)
f ′(x) = + x ⋅ g ′(x)
2 x
g(4) 2 13
So f ′(4) = + 4 ⋅ g ′(4) = +2 ⋅3 = .
2 4 2⋅2 2

Differentiation 31
 Check Yourself 7
1. Find the derivative of each function using the Product or the Quotient Rule.

a. f(x) = 2x(x2 + x + 1) b. f(x) = (x3 – 1)(x2 – 2)

 1  1   1 
c. f (x) =  2 + x  + 1 d. f (x) = ( x + 1)  x 2 + 
x  x   x
2 x+ 4 x −1
e. f (x) = f. f (x) =
3x − 1 x +1
x2 − x+ 10 x3 + 3x2 − 5x+ 6
g. f (x) = h. f (x) =
x+ 1 2x

2. If f(x) is a differentiable function, find an expression for the derivative of each function.
f (x) 2
1+ xf (x)
a. y = x2f(x) b. y = c. y = x d. y =
x2 f (x) x

3. Suppose that f and g are two functions such that f(5) = 1, f ′(5) = 6, g(5) = –3 and

g′(5) = 2. Find each value.

 f ′  g ′
a. (fg)′(5) b.   (5) c.   (5)
 g f
Answers
2 3 5 1
1. a. 6x2 + 4x + 2 b. 5x4 – 6x2 – 2x c. 1 – – 4 d. x x + 2x −
x 3
x 2 2x x
14 2
3 3
e. – f. 1 g. x + 2 x −2 11 h. x − +
(3x – 1)2 x( x +1) 2
( x +1) x2 2

′ 2
′ 2 2
′
2. a. 2xf(x) + x2f ′(x) b. f ( x) ⋅ x 4– 2 xf ( x) c. 2 xf ( x) – f (2x) ⋅ x d. x f ( x2 ) – 1
x ( f ( x)) x
20
3. a. –16 b. – c. 20
9

32 Derivatives
C. THE CHAIN RULE
We have learned how to find the derivatives of expressions that involve the sum, difference,
product or quotient of different powers of x. Now consider the function given below.
h(x) = (x2 + x – 1)50
In order to differentiate h(x) using the rules we know, we need to expand h(x), then find the
derivative of each separate term. This method is, however, tedious!

Consider also the function m( x) = x2 + x − 1. This function is also difficult to differentiate

using the rules we have learned. For each of the two functions h(x) and m(x), the
differentiation formula we learned in the previous sections cannot be applied easily to
calculate the derivatives h′(x) and m′(x).
We know that both h and m are composite functions because both are built up from simpler
functions. For example, the function h(x) = (x2 + x – 1)50 is built up from the two simpler
functions f(x) = x50 and g(x) = x2 + x – 1 like this:
h(x) = f(g(x)) = [g(x)]50 = (x2 + x – 1)50
Here we know how to differentiate both f and g, so it would be useful to have a rule that tells
us how to find the derivative of h = f(g(x)) in terms of the derivatives of f and g.

THE CHAIN RULE

[ f ( g( x))]′ = f ′( g( x)) ⋅ g′( x )

outer argument derivative of derivative of

function of the the outer the argument
outer function of the outer
function function

For example, if h(x) = f(g(x)) = (x2 + x – 1)50, then

h′(x) = f ′(g(x)) ⋅ g′(x) = 50(x2 + x – 1)49 ⋅ (2x + 1).

1. [(x2 + x – 1)50]′ ≠ 50(x2 + x – 1)49

2. [(x2 + x – 1)50]′ ≠ 50(2x + 1)49
Example 30 Differentiate the function f(x) = (3x2 + 5x)2005.

Solution By the Chain Rule, f ′( x) = 2005(3 x +5 x) ⋅ (3 x2 +5 x) ′= 2005(3 x2 +5 x) 2004 ⋅(6 x+5).

2 2004

Example 31 Suppose m(x) = f(g(x)) and g(1) = 5, g ′(1) = 2, f(5) = 3 and f ′(5) = 4 are given.
Find m ′(1).

Solution By the Chain Rule, m′(x) = f′(g(x)) ⋅ g ′(x). So m ′(1) = f ′(g(1)) ⋅ g′(1) = f ′(5) ⋅ 2 = 4 ⋅ 2 = 8.

Note
The Chain Rule can be generalized for the composition of more than two functions as follows:
[ f1( f2( f3(...fn(x)...)))]′ = [ f1′( f2( f3(...fn(x)...)))] ⋅ ( f2′( f3(...fn(x)...))) ⋅ ( f3′(...fn(x)...)) ⋅ ... ⋅ fn′(x)

Using the Chain Rule we can generalize the Power Rule as follows:

GENERAL POWER RULE

[(f(x))n]′ = n(f(x))n – 1 ⋅ f ′(x)

By using this rule we can more easily differentiate the functions that can be written as the
power of any other functions.

Example 32 Differentiate the function m( x) = x2 + x − 1.

1
Solution We can rewrite the function as m(x) = (x2 + x – 1)2 and apply the General Power Rule:
1
1 –
m′( x) = ( x2 + x − 1) 2 ⋅ ( x2 + x − 1) ′
2
1
1 –
m′( x) = ( x2 + x − 1) 2 ⋅ (2 x +1)
2
2 x +1
m′( x) =
2 x2 + x − 1

1
Example 33 Differentiate the function f ( x) = 2
x + 3x
.

Solution f ′( x) =[( x2 + 3x)−1]′ = −1( x2 + 3 x) −2 ⋅( x2 + 3 x) ′

f ′( x) = −1( x2 + 3 x) −2 ⋅ (2 x + 3)

2x + 3
f ′( x) = −
( x2 + 3x)2

34 Derivatives
 34
1
–
Example Differentiate the function f(x) = (2x3 + x2 – 15) 3 .

4
1 –
Solution f ′( x) = − (2 x3 + x2 − 15) 3 ⋅(2 x3 + x2 −15) ′
3
1 1
f ′( x) = − ⋅ ⋅ (6 x2 + 2 x)
3 3 (2 x + x2 − 15)4
3

6 x2 + 2 x
f ′( x) = −
3 3 (2 x3 + x2 − 15)4

35
−
−3
Example Differentiate the function f ( x) = (( x +1) 3 +5 x) .

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

Example 36 Differentiate the function f ( x) = (2 x − 3)5 ⋅ x2 − 2 x.

Solution The function is the product of two expressions, so we can use the Product Rule:

f ′( x) = ((2 x – 3) 5 )′ ⋅ x2 − 2 x +(2 x − 3) 5 ⋅ ( x2 − 2 x) ′
1
1 –
f ′( x) = 5 ⋅ (2 x − 3)4 ⋅ 2 ⋅ x2 − 2 x +(2 x − 3) 5 ⋅ ⋅( x2 − 2 x) 2 ⋅(2 x – 2)
2
(2 x − 3)5 ⋅ (2 x − 2)
f ′( x) =10(2 x − 3) 4 x2 − 2 x +
2 x2 − 2 x
 7

Example 37  2t +1 
Differentiate the function g(t ) = 
 t−3 
 .

Solution
 2t +1   2t +1 ′
6

g′(t ) = 7   ⋅  (by the Power Rule)

 t−3   t −3 
6
 2t +1  2 ⋅ ( t − 3) − 1 ⋅ (2 t +1)
g′(t ) = 7   ⋅ (by the Quotient Rule)
 t−3  (t − 3)2
6
 2t +1  2t − 6 − 2t − 1
g′(t ) = 7   ⋅ (simplify)
 t−3  (t − 3)2

−49(2t +1)6
g′(t ) = .
(t − 3)8

Notation
dy
Remember that if y = f(x), then we can denote its derivative by y′ or .
dx
If y = f(g(x)) such that y = f(u) and u = g(x), then we can denote the derivative of f(g(x))
dy dy du
by y′ = f ′(g(x)) ⋅ g′(x) or y′ = f ′(u) ⋅ u′(x) or = ⋅ .
dx du dx
dy dy du
The notation = ⋅ is called Leibniz notation for the Chain Rule.
dx du dx

Example 38 Given that y = u2 – 1 and u = 3x2 + 1, find

dy
dx
by using the Chain Rule.

Solution By the Chain Rule,

dy dy du
= ⋅
dx du dx
dy d d
= ( u 2 – 1) ⋅ (3 x+1) (find the derivative of the first function with respect to u
dx du dx and the second function with respect to x)
dy
= (2 u – 1) ⋅ 3
dx
dy
= (2 ⋅ (3 x+1) – 1) ⋅ 3
dx
dy
=18 x + 3.
dx

36 Derivatives
 Check Yourself 8
1. Find the derivative of f(x) = (2x + 1)3.
2. Differentiate y = (x3 – 1)100.
1
3. Find f ′(x) given f ( x) = 3
.
2
x + x +1
x3 − 1
4. Find the derivative of g( x) = 4 .
x3 +1
1 dy
5. y = and u = 3x – 1 are given. Find .
u dx
Answers
2 x +1
1. 6(2x + 1)2 2. 300x2(x3 – 1)99 3.
3 ( x2 + x +1)4
3

1 x3 +1 43 6 x2 3
4. ( ) 5. –
4 x3 – 1 ( x3 +1)2 (3x – 1)2

Differentiation 37
D. HIGHER ORDER DERIVATIVES
If f is a differentiable function, then its derivative f ′ is also a function, so f ′ may have a
derivative of its own, denoted by (f ′)′ = f ′′. This new function f ′′ is called the second
derivative of f because it is the derivative of the derivative of f. Look at three different ways
of writing the second derivative of a function:
d2 y
f ′′( x) = y′′ = 2
dx

2x
Example 39 Find the second derivative of the function f ( x) =
x –1
.

Solution By the Quotient Rule,

2 ⋅ ( x – 1) – 2 x ⋅ 1 2 x – 2 – 2 x 2
f ′( x) = 2
= 2
=– .
( x – 1) ( x – 1) ( x – 1) 2

Now differentiate f ′(x) to get f ′′(x):

 2 ′ 4
f ′′( x) =  –  = (–2( x – 1) ) ′ = 4( x – 1) ⋅1=
–2 –3
2
 ( x – 1)  ( x – 1)3

Note
Before computing the second derivative of a function, always try to simplify the first derivative
as much as possible. Otherwise the computation of the second derivative will be more tedious.

Notation
If we differentiate the second derivative f ′′(x) of a function f(x) one more time, we get the
third derivative f ′′′(x). Differentiate again and we get the fourth derivative, which we write
as f (4)(x) since the prime notation f ′′′′(x) begins to get difficult to read. In general, the
derivative obtained from f(x) after n successive differentiations is called the nth derivative or
dn y
the derivative of order n and written by f (n)(x) or .
dxn

Example 40 Find the derivatives of all orders of the polynomial function

f(x) = x5 + 4x4 + 2x3 – 5x2 – 6x + 7.

Solution f ′(x) = 5x4 + 16x3 + 6x2 – 10x – 6

f ′′(x) = 20x3 + 48x2 + 12x – 10
f ′′′(x) = 60x2 + 96x + 12
f (4)(x) = 120x + 96
f (5)(x) = 120
f (n)(x) = 0 (for n > 5)

38 Derivatives
 Example 41 1
Find a general expression for the nth derivative of the function f ( x) = .
x
dy 1
Solution = ( x–1 )′ = – x–2 = – 2
dx x
d2 y 2
2
= (– x–2 )′ = 2 x–3 = 3
dx x
d3 y 6
3
= (2 x–3 )′ = –6 x–4 = – 4
dx x
d4 y 24
= (–6 x–4 )′ = 24 x–5 = 5
dx4 x
d5 y 120
5
= (24 x–5 )′ = –120 x–6 = – 6
dx x
n!=n⋅(n–1)⋅(n–2)⋅...⋅3⋅2⋅1
dn y (–1)n n!
for any natural number n = (...)′ = (–1) n
⋅ n! x –( n+1)
=
dxn xn+1

Check Yourself 9
1. Find the second derivative of each function.
x –1
a. f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 4x + 5 b. f ( x) =
x+ 2
2. Find the third derivative of each function.
2/3 1
a. f(x) = x b. f (t ) = ( t 2 – 1)5
2
Answers
6 7 2 2 2
2. a. 8 x 3 b. 15t( t − 2) (3t − 2)
−
1. a. 6x – 6 b. –
( x + 2)3 27 2

Differentiation 39
 EXERCISES 1 .2
A. Basic Differentiation Rules B. The Product and The Quotient Rules

1. Find the derivative of each function by using the 2. Find the derivative of each function by using the
rules of differentiation. Product or the Quotient Rule.

a. f(x) = 5x(x2 – 1)
a. f(x) = ñ2
b. f(x) = (2x + 3)(3x – 4)
1
b. f (x ) = − c. f(x) = 10(3x + 1)(1 – 5x)
151
d. f(x) = (x3 – 1)(x + 1)
c. f(x) = eπ
e. f(x) = (x3 – x2 + x – 1)(x2 + 2)
1 8 f. f(x) = (1 + ñt )(2t2 – 3)
d. f ( x) = x
12 3
g. f ( x) =
2x + 4
e. f(x) = 2x0.8
x −1
h. f ( x) =
5 4/5 2 x +1
f. f ( x) = x
4
1 − 2x
i. f ( x) =
2 1+ 3x
g. f ( x) =
6
411
j. x
f ( x) = 2
h. f(x) = 0.3x 0.7
x +1

x2 + 2
–12
k. f ( x) =
i. f(x) = 7x 2
x + x +1

l. x + 3x
j. f(x) = 5x2 – 3x + 7 f ( x) =
3x − 1

x 3 + 2 x2 + x − 1 3. Given that f(1) = 2, f ′(1) = –1, g(1) = –2 and

k. f ( x) =
x g′(1) = 3, find the value of h′(1).
4 3 2
l. f ( x) = − +
t4 t3 t a. h(x) = f(x) ⋅ g(x)

m. f ( x) = x + 3 x + 5 x b. h(x) = (x2 + 1) ⋅ g(x)

2 1 xf ( x)
n. f ( x) = x + + c. h( x) =
x x x + g( x)

1 3 f ( x) ⋅ g( x)
o. f ( x) =1 − + d. h( x) =
x x f ( x) − g( x )

42 Derivatives
 x − 3x x 7. h(x) = g(f(x)) and f(2) = 3, f ′(2) = –3, g(3) = 5
4. Differentiate the function f ( x) = by and g′(3) = 4 are given. Find h′(2).
x
simplifying and by the Quotient Rule. Show that

both of your answers are equivalent. Which

method do you prefer? Why? dy

8. By using the Chain Rule, find for each function.
dx

5. f(3) = 4, g(3) = 2, f ′(3) = –6 and g′(3) = 5 are a. y = u2 – 1, u = 2x + 1

given. Find the value of the following expressions.
b. y = u2 + 2u + 2, u = x – 1
a. (f + g)′(3) b. (fg)′(3)
1
c. y = , u = x3
 f ′  f  u –1
c.   (3) d.   (3)
 g  f − g
1
d. y = u + , u = x2 – x
u
C. The Chain Rule
6. Find the derivative of each function.
D. Higher Order Derivatives
a. f(x) = (3x – 1)2

b. f(x) = (x2 + 2)5 9. Find the second derivative of each function.

c. f(x) = (x5 – 3x2 + 6)7 a. f(x) = 3x2 – 7x + 2

d. f(x) = (x – 2)–3 b. f(x) = (x2 + 1)7

e. f ( x) = 2
x2
(5x2 + 3x – 1)2 c. f ( x) =
x –1
1
f. f ( x) =
4x2 +1 d. f ( x) = 2 x – 1

g. f ( x) = ( x +1+ x ) 3

h. f(x) = (x – 1)5 ⋅ (3x + 1)1/3

10. Find the third derivative of each function.
(1 – 3 x)7
i. f ( x) =
(2 x +1)4 a. f(x) = 5x4 – 3x3
3x – 9 3 2
j. f ( x) = ( ) b. f(x) =
2x + 4 x

2x – 1 c. f ( x) = 3x – 2
k. f ( x) =
3x +1
l. f(x) = 3x + [2x2 + (x3 + 1)2]3/4 d. f(x) = (2x – 3)4

Differentiation 43
 Mixed Problems 16. The concentration of a certain drug in a patient’s
bloodstream t hours after injection is given by
11. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph
0.2t
of the function f(x) = (x3 + 1)(3x2 – 4x + 2) at C(t ) = .
t2 +1
the point (1, 2). a. Find the rate at which the concentration of
the drug is changing with respect to time.
x
12. The curve y = 2 is called a serpentine b. How fast is the concentration changing
x +1
curve. Find the equation of the tangent line to the 1 hour after the injection? What about after 2
hours?
curve at the point x = 3.

13. f is a differentiable function. Find an expression

for the derivative of each of the following functions.

a. y = x2ñxf(x)

b. y = x3(f(x))2
x3
c. y =
f ( x)
x + xf ( x ) 17. g(x) = f(x2 + 1) is given. Find g ′(1) if f ′(2) = 3.
d. y =
x

14. Prove that (fgh)′ = f ′gh + fg′h + fgh′ if f, g and h 18. Find an expression for the derivative of
are differentiable functions.  g( x)h( x) 
f  if f, g, h, m and n are differentiable
 m( n( x)) 
15. A scientist adds a toxin to a colony of bacteria. He functions.

estimates that the population of the colony after t 19. If the tangent to the graph of f at point (2, 3) has an
24t +10 angle of 60° with x-axis, find the slope of tangent to
hours will be P(t ) = 2 thousand bacteria.
t +1 the graph of g(x) = f 2(x) – x ⋅ f(x) at x = 2.
Find the estimated rate of change of the

population after three hours.

20. Given that f ( x) = x x x and f ′′( a) = − 7 ,
64
find a.

21. Given that f(4 ⋅ g(x) + 7) = x3 – 2x2 + 3 and

g(x) = 1 – x, find f ′(–1).

22. Find an expression for the nth derivative of the

1
function f ( x) = .
2x

44 Derivatives
A. DERIVATIVES OF EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC
FUNCTIONS
In this section, we will study the derivative formulas for exponential and logarithmic
function. Let us begin with the derivative formulas for exponential functions.

1. Exponential Functions
DERIVATIVE OF NATURAL EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

(ex)′ = ex

Proof (Derivative of Natural Exponential Function)

Let f(x) = ex, then by the definition of derivatives
f ( x + h) − f ( x ) e x+ h − e x e x (e h − 1) eh − 1
f ′( x) = lim = lim = lim = e x ⋅ lim .
h→ 0 h h →0 h h →0 h h→ 0 h
We are unable to evaluate this limit using the techniques we have learned before. But the
calculations in the following table helps us to guess it correctly.
→h←
h – 0.1 – 0.01 – 0.001 0 0.001 0.01 0.1

eh − 1
0.9516 0.9950 0.9995 1 1.0005 1.0050 1.0517
h

eh − 1
The table tells us that, lim =1.
h→ 0 h
So, f ′(x) = e ⋅ 1 = e .
x x

Example 42 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x2ex.

Solution By the Product Rule,

f ′( x) = ( x2 e x )′ = ( x2 ) ′e x + x 2( e x ) ′ = 2 xe x + x 2e x = xe x( x + 2).

Differentiation 45
 43
5
Example Find the derivative of the function f(x) = (ex + 1)2 .

Solution By the General Power Rule,

3 3
5 5
f ′( x) = ( e x + 1) 2 ⋅ ( e x +1) ′ = e x( e x +1) 2.
2 2

CHAIN RULE FOR NATURAL EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

(e f(x))′ = e f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)

Example 44 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = e3x+1.

Solution By the Chain Rule,

f ′( x) = e 3x +1 ⋅ (3x +1) ′ = 3 e3 x +1.

Example 45 Find
dy
dx
2
if f ( x) = xe x −1.

Solution By the Product Rule,

dy 2 2 2 2 2
=1 ⋅ e x −1 + x ⋅ e x −1 ⋅ ( x2 − 1)′ = e x −1 + 2 x2 e x −1 = e x −1(2 x2 +1).
dx

DERIVATIVE OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

( ax )′ = ax ln a , a∈ +

Proof (Derivative of Exponential Function)

By using the identity a = eln a we can rewrite the expression as
x
f(x) = ax = eln a = ex ln a (by the property of logarithm)
x
f ′( x) = e x ln a ⋅ ln a = e ln a ⋅ ln a

f ′( x) = a x ln a.

Example 46 Given that f(x) = 3x, find f ′(x).

Solution f ′(x) = 3x ⋅ ln 3

46 Derivatives
 Example 47 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = ex ⋅ 2x.

Solution By the Product Rule,

f ′(x) = (ex )′ ⋅ 2x + ex ⋅ (2x)′ = ex 2x + ex 2x ln 2 = (2e)x (ln 2 + 1).

CHAIN RULE FOR EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

(a f(x))′ = a f(x) ⋅ ln a ⋅ f ′(x) , a∈ +

Example 48 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = 5x +1.

2

Solution By the Chain Rule,

2 2
f ′( x) = 5 x +1 ⋅ ln 5 ⋅ ( x2 +1) ′ = (ln 5) ⋅2 x ⋅5 x +1.

32 x+1
Example 49 If f ( x) =
x2 +1
, find f ′( x).

(32 x +1 )′ ⋅ ( x2 +1) – 3 2 x+1 ⋅ ( x2 +1) ′ (by the Quotient Rule)

Solution f ′( x) =
( x2 +1)2

32 x+1 ⋅ ln 3 ⋅ 2 ⋅ ( x2 +1) − 2 x ⋅ 3 2 x+1 (by the Chain Rule)

f ′( x) =
( x2 +1)2

2 ⋅ 32 x+1[( x2 +1) ⋅ ln 3 − x]
f ′( x) =
( x2 +1)2

Check Yourself 10
Find the derivative of each function.
3 2 3 – ex
1. f(x) = 2xex 2. g(x) = ex + 3x + 1 3. f(x) = ex
2
4. f(x) = e2x – 1 5. g(x) = (x + 1)ex –1
6. f(x) = ex ⋅ 3x
2 34 x+1
7. g(x) = 3x +x+1
8. h( x) =
x2 – 1
Answers
3 + 3x2 + 1 3 – ex
1. 2ex(x + 1) 2. ex ⋅ (3x2 + 6x) 3. ex ⋅ (3x2 – ex)
2–1
4. 2e2x – 1 5. ex ⋅ (2x2 + 2x + 1) 6. ex ⋅ 3x(1 + ln 3)
2+x+1 2 ⋅ 34 x+1 ⋅ (2 ln 3 ⋅ ( x2 − 1) − x)
7. 3x ⋅ ln 3 ⋅ (2x + 1) 8.
( x2 − 1)2

Differentiation 47
 2. Logarithmic Functions

DERIVATIVE OF NATURAL LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION

1
(ln x)′ = , x> 0
x

Example 50 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x ln x.

Solution By the Product Rule,

1
f ′( x) = ( x)′ ⋅ ln x + x ⋅(ln x) ′ =1 ⋅ ln x+ x ⋅ = ln x+1.
x

Example 51 Find the derivative of the function f ( x) = ln 5 x3 .

3
5
Solution We can write x3 = x 5 . Now,

3
3 3 1 3
f ′( x) = (ln x 5 ) ′ = ( ln x) ′= ⋅ = .
5 5 x 5x

Example 52 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = (ln x + x)2.

Solution Applying the General Power Rule,

f ′( x) = 2(ln x + x) ⋅ (ln x+ x) ′ (by the General Power Rule)

1  (by the Sum Rule and the derivative of ln (x))

f ′( x) = 2(ln x + x)  +1 .
 x 

CHAIN RULE FOR NATURAL LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION

f ′( x)
(ln f ( x))′ =
f ( x)

Example 53 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = ln(x2 + 3x + 1).

( x2 + 3x +1)′ 2 x+ 3
Solution f ′( x) = 2
= 2 .
x + 3x +1 x + 3x +1

48 Derivatives
 DERIVATIVE OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION

1
(log a x)′ = , x > 0, a > 0, a ≠ 1
x ln a

Proof (Derivative of Logarithmic Function)

Let f(x) = loga x, then af(x) = x.
Differentiating both sides of the equation af(x) = x with respect to x, we get
af(x)(ln a) f ′(x) = 1.
Note that we are looking for f(x).
1 1
f ′( x) = =
a f ( x ) ln a x ln a

Example 54 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = log2 x.

1
Solution f ′( x) =
x ln 2

CHAIN RULE FOR LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION

f ′( x)
(log a f ( x))′ =
f ( x) ⋅ ln a

Example 55 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = log2(x3 + 2x).

( x3 + 2 x)′ 3 x2 + 2
Solution f ′( x) = =
( x3 + 2 x) ⋅ ln 2 ( x3 + 2 x)ln 2

Example 56 2
Find the derivative of the function f(x) = ex +3x ⋅ log3(2x – 4).

Solution By the Product Rule,

2 2
f ′(x) = (ex +3x)′ ⋅ log3(2x – 4) + ex +3x ⋅ (log3(2x – 4))′
2 2 2
f ′(x)= ex +3x ⋅ (2x + 3) ⋅ log3(2x – 4) + ex +3x ⋅ .
(2 x – 4)ln 3

Differentiation 49
 Check Yourself 11
Find the derivative of each function.
7
1. f(x) = x2 ln x 2. g( x) = ln x5 3. h(x) = (ex + ln x)2

4. f(x) = ln(x2 – 5x + 1) 5. h(x) = [ln(x2 + x + 1)]2 6. f(x) = ln(ex + 2)

7. f(x) = log2(x2 + 5x – 1) 8. g(x) = log3[ln(x2 + 1)] 9. g(x) = log2(ex + x – 1)

Answers
5 1
1. x(2ln x + 1) 2. 3. 2(ex + ln x) ( e x + )
7x x

2x – 5 2 x +1 ex
4. 5. 2ln(x2 + x + 1) ⋅ ( 2
) 6. x
2
x – 5x+ 1 x + x +1 e +2

2 x +5 2x 2( e x +1)log( e x + x – 1)
7. 8. 9.
2
( x +5 x – 1)ln 2 ( x +1)[ln ( x2 +1)]ln 3
2
( e x + x – 1)ln10

3. Logarithmic Differentiation
Sometimes the task of finding the derivative of a complicated function involving products,
quotients, or powers can be made easier by first applying the laws of logarithms to simplify
it. This technique is called logarithmic differentiation. Let us look at some examples.

Example 57 f(x) = x(3x – 1)(x2 + 3) is given. Find the first derivative of f by using logarithmic
differentiation.

Solution f(x) = x(3x – 1)(x2 + 3)

ln f(x) = ln [x(3x – 1)(x2 + 3)] (take the logarithms is of both sides)
2
ln f(x) = In(x) + ln(3x – 1) + ln(x + 3) (write logarithms as sums)
ln (ab) = ln a + ln b f ′( x) 1 3 2x (take derivatives of both sides)
= + + 2
a, b > 0 f ( x) x 3x – 1 x + 3
1 3 2x
f ′( x) = f ( x)( + + ) (isolate f ′(x))
x 3x – 1 x2 + 3
1 3 2x (substitute for f(x))
f ′( x) = x(3x – 1)( x2 + 3)( + + )
x 3x – 1 x2 + 3

50 Derivatives
 3

Example 58 Find the derivative of the function f ( x) =

x5 ⋅ 3 x2 +1
(2 x +1)7
.

Solution First find the logarithms of both sides of the expression:

 53 3 2  3 1
ln f ( x) = ln  x ⋅ x +1  = ln x + ln( x2 +1) − 7 ln(2 x+1).
 (2 x +1)7  5 3
 
a
ln( ) = ln a – ln b Now differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x:
b
ln ap = p ln a f ′( x) 3 1 1 1 7 ⋅2
a, b > 0 = ⋅ + ⋅ 2 ⋅ 2x −
f ( x) 5 x 3 x +1 (2 x +1)

14   x5 ⋅ 3 x2 +1   3
3
 3 2x 2x 14 
f ′( x) = f ( x)  + 2 − =  + 2 − .
 5x 3x + 3 2 x +1   (2 x +1)7   5x 3x + 3 2 x +1 
 

If we had not used logarithmic differentiation here, finding the derivative would have been a
long and complicated process.

Example 59 Given that x > 0, find the derivative of f(x) = xx.

Solution First find the logarithms of both sides of the expression:

ln f(x) = ln xx = x ⋅ ln x.
Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x:
f ′( x)
= x′ ⋅ ln x + x ⋅ (ln x) ′ =1+ ln x
f ( x)

f ′( x) = f ( x)(1+ ln x) = x x(1+ ln x).

Check Yourself 12
Find the derivative of each function by using logarithmic differentiation.
2
e x +1 ⋅ ( x2 – 1)10 x2 +1
1. f(x) = (3x – 1)5(x3 + 1)6 2. f ( x) = 3. f ( x) = 4
x x2 – 1
1 1
4. g( x) = x x
5. h(x) = xln x 6. f ( x) = (ln x) ln x

Answers
2
 15 18 x2  20 x 1  e x +1 ⋅ ( x2 – 1)10
1.  + 3
5 3
(3x – 1) ( x +1)
6
2.  2 x + 2 – ⋅
 3x – 1 x +1   x – 1 2x  x

x  4 x2 +1 1 – ln x 1x 2 ln x ln x 1 – ln(ln x) 1
3.  – 4. ⋅x 5. ⋅x 6. ⋅ (ln x) ln x
 ( x2 – 1)( x2 +1)  ⋅ 2 x2 x 2
x ln x
  x –1
Differentiation 51
B. DERIVATIVES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Let us begin by looking at the derivatives of the sine and cosine functions.

DERIVATIVES OF SINE AND COSINE

(sin x)′ = cos x

(cos x)′ = –sin x

Example 60 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = (sin x + cos x)2.

Solution f ′( x) = 2(sin x + cos x)(sin x+ cos x) ′ (by the General Power Rule)

f ′( x) = 2(sin x + cos x)(cos x – sin x) (by the sum, derivative of the sine and cosine)
f ′( x) = 2(cos x – sin x)
2 2
(simplify)
cos 2x = cos2 x – sin2 x
f ′( x) = 2 cos 2 x (by the trigonometric identity)

Now let us derive the formula for the derivative of the function f(x) = sin x.

Proof (Derivative of Sine Function)

By the definition of the derivative, we have
f ( x + h) − f ( x ) sin( x + h) − sin x
f ′( x) = lim = lim
h→ 0 h h → 0 h
sin x cos h + cos x sin h − sin x sin x cos h − sin x cos x sin h 
f ′( x) = lim = lim  + 
h→ 0 h h→ 0  h h 
sin h
lim =1
h→0 h   cos h − 1   sin h   cos h − 1 sin h
f ′( x) = lim  sin x   + cos x    = lim sin x ⋅ lim + l im cos x ⋅ lim
lim
cos h − 1
=0
h→ 0
  h   h  h→ 0 h→ 0 h h →0 h→ 0 h
h→0 h
f ′( x) = sin x ⋅ 0 + cos x ⋅ 1 = c os x.

Example 61 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x ⋅ sin x.

Solution By the Product Rule

f ′( x) = ( x ⋅ sin x) ′ = ( x) ′ ⋅ sin x+ x ⋅(sin x) ′= sin x+ xcos x.

52 Derivatives
 Example 62 Find the derivative of the function f ( x) =
ex
cos x
.

 e x ′ ( e x )′ ⋅ cos x − e x ⋅ (cos x) ′
Solution f ′( x) =   = (by the Quotient Rule)
 cos x  cos 2 x
e x cos x + e x sin x
f ′( x) = (differentiate)
cos 2 x
e x (cos x + sin x)
f ′( x) =
cos 2 x (simplify)

CHAIN RULE FOR SINE AND COSINE

(sin f(x))′ = cos f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)

(cos f(x))′ = – sin f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)

Example 63 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = cos(x3 – x).

Solution f ′( x) = (cos( x3 − x)) ′ = − sin( x3 − x) ⋅ ( x3 − x) ′= −sin( x3 − x) ⋅(3 x2 −1)

Example 64 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = sin3x2.

Solution In this example we have the composition of three functions.

f ( x) = sin 5 x2 = (sin( x2 ))5

We apply the Chain Rule beginning from the outermost function:

f ′( x) = ( (sin( x2 ))5 ) ′ = 5(sin( x2 ))4 ⋅ ( sin( x2 )) ′

f ′( x) = 5(sin( x2 ) )4 ⋅ cos( x2 ) ⋅ ( x2 ) ′
sin 2x = 2sin x cos x
f ′( x) = 5(sin( x2 ) )4 ⋅ cos( x2 ) ⋅ 2 x

f ′( x) =10 x si n( x2 )cos( x2 )

Example 65 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = (sin (ex) – cos (lnx))100.

Solution f ′(x) = [(sin (ex) – cos (lnx))100]′

f ′(x) = 100 ⋅ (sin (ex) – cos (lnx))99 ⋅ (sin (ex) – cos (lnx))′ (by the General Power Rule)

sin (ln x) (by the Chain Rule

f ′(x) = 100 ⋅ (sin (ex) – cos (lnx))99 ⋅ (excos (ex) + )
x for sine and cosine)

Differentiation 53
 Check Yourself 13
Find the derivative of each function.
sin x
1. f(x) = x – 3 sin x 2. f(x) = xcos x 3. f ( x) =
1+ cos x
ex
4. f ( x) = 5. f(x) = cos2(x2 + x – 1) 6. f(x) = sin(ex + x2)
sin x + cos x
7. f(x) = cos2(ln x + 1) 8. f(x) = ex sin(ex)
Answers
1
1. 1 – 3cos x 2. cos x – xsin x 3.
1+ cos x
2 ⋅ e x ⋅ sin x
4. 5. –sin(2x2 + 2x – 2) ⋅ (2x + 1) 6. cos(ex + x2) ⋅ (ex + 2x)
(sin x + cos x) 2
– sin(2 ln x+ 2)
7. 8. ex(sin(ex) + ex cos(ex))
x

DERIVATIVES OF OTHER TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

(tan x)′ = sec2 x = 1 + tan2 x (tan f(x))′ = sec2 f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)

(cot x)′ = –csc2 x = –(1 + cot2 x) (cot f(x))′ = –csc2 f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
sin x
(sec x)′ = sec x ⋅ tan x = (sec f(x))′ = sec f(x) ⋅ tan f (x) ⋅ f ′(x)
cos2 x
cos x
(csc x)′ = –csc x ⋅ cot x = − (csc f(x))′ = –csc f(x) ⋅ cot f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
sin2 x

Example 66 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = tan(x2 – 3x + 1).

Solution f ′(x) = sec2(x2 – 3x + 1) ⋅ (x2 – 3x + 1)′ = sec2(x2 – 3x + 1) ⋅ (2x – 3)

or = (1 + tan2(x2 – 3x + 1))(2x – 3).

Example 67 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = csc(ln x).

1 csc(ln x) ⋅ cot(ln x)
Solution f ′(x) = –csc (ln x) ⋅ cot (ln x) ⋅ (ln x)′ = –csc (ln x) ⋅ cot (ln x) ⋅ =–
x x

Example 68 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = e–cot x.

2

Solution 2 2 2
f ′(x) = e–cot x ⋅ (–cot2 x)′ = e–cot x ⋅ (–2cot x)′ ⋅ (cot x)′ = e–cot x ⋅ (–2cot x) ⋅ (–csc2 x)
2
f ′(x) = 2e–cot x ⋅ cot x ⋅ csc2 x

54 Derivatives
 sec x
Example 69 Find the derivative of the function f ( x) =
1+ tan x
.

Solution By the Quotient Rule,

(sec x)′ ⋅ (1+ tan x) − sec x ⋅(1+ tan x) ′ (by the Quotient Rule)
f ′( x) =
(1+ tan x)2
sec x tan x ⋅ (1+ tan x) − sec x ⋅ sec 2 x
f ′( x) = (differentiate)
(1+ tan x)2
sec x(tan x + tan 2 x − sec 2 x)
f ′( x) = (factorize)
(1+ tan x)2
sec x(tan x − 1)
f ′( x) = (simplify using tan2 x + 1 = sec2 x)
(1+ tan x)2

Check Yourself 14
Find the derivative of each function.
tan x
1. f ( x) = 2. f(x) = 4 sec x – cot x
x
3. f(x) = excsc x 4. f(x) = ln(tan x)

5. f(x) = tan2(ln x) 6. f(x) = cot(x2 – x + 1)

Answers
x sec 2 x – tan x
1. 2. 4sec xtan x + csc2 x
x2
1
3. excsc x(1 – cot x) 4.
sin x cos x
2 tan(ln x) ⋅ sec 2(ln x)
5. 6. csc2(x2 – x + 1) ⋅ (1 – 2x)
x

Differentiation 55
C. DERIVATIVES OF SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Absolute Value Functions
!
!#!"#"#
 g′( x), g( x) > 0
If f(x) = |g(x)|, then f ′( x) =  .
 − g′( x), g( x) < 0
In general, a derivative does not exist when the function has 0 as
"
value because of a ‘corner’ as demonstrated in the graph on the right. $%&'(&

When g(x) = 0, the derivative exists only when the right-hand side and the left-hand side
derivatives are equal to each other.
We can also formulate the derivative expression as follows:
| g( x)|
f ′( x) = ⋅ g ′( x) = sgn[ g( x)] ⋅ g ′( x), g( x) ≠ 0.
g( x)

Example 70 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = |1 – x2| at the points x = 2, x = 1 and x = 0.

Solution Let us begin by trying to rewrite the function as a piecewise function.

The roots of the function are x = –1 and x = 2.

 x − 1, x < −1 and x ≥ 1
2

Then the function f will be f ( x) =  .

1 − x , –1 ≤ x < 1
2
!
Let us find f ′(2): !"!"$)"*
A piecewise function is a
function that is defined Note that f(2) ≠ 0.
by different formulae in
+
different parts of its For x = 2, f ′(x) = (x2 – 1)′ = 2x.
domain.
So, f ′(2) = 2 ⋅ 2 = 4.
,+ + "
Let us find f ′(1):
Since f(1) = 0, we will check the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives.
For x < 1, f ′(x) = (1 – x2)′ = –2x.
So, f ′(1–) = –2 ⋅ (1) = –2.
For x > 1, f ′(x) = (1 – x2)′ = 2x.
So, f ′(1+) = 2 ⋅ 1 = 2.
Since f ′(1–) ≠ f ′(1+), f ′(1) does not exist.
Let us find f ′(0):
Note that f(0) ≠ 0.
For x = 0, f ′(x) = (1 – x2)′ = –2x.
So, f ′(0) = –2 ⋅ 0 = 0.

56 Derivatives
 Example 71 Given that f(x) = |x3 – 4x2 + 4x|, find the derivative of f(x) at the point x = 2.

−
 x + 4x − 4x,x < 0
3 2

Solution The piecewise form of the function is f ( x) =  .

 x − 4x + 4x, x ≥ 0
3 2

Since f(2) = 0, we will check the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives.
For 0 ≤ x < 2, f ′(x) = (x3 – 4x2 + 4x)′ = 3x2 – 8x + 4
f ′(2–) = 3 ⋅ (2)2 – 8 ⋅ 2 + 4 = 0.
For x > 2, f ′(x) = (x3 – 4x2 + 4x)′ = 3x2 – 8x + 4
f ′(2+) = 3 ⋅ (2)2 – 8 ⋅ 2 + 4 = 0.
Since the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives are equal to each other, the derivative of
the function exists at the point x = 2 and f ′(2) = 0.

Example 72 Given that f(x) = |x – x2|, find f ′(2) and f ′(3).

| x − x2 |
Solution Since f(2) ≠ 0 and f(3) ≠ 0, we can use the formula f ′( x) = ⋅ (1 − 2 x).
x − x2
| 2 − 22 |
f ′(2) = ⋅ (1 − 2 ⋅ 2) = −1 ⋅( −3) = 3
2 − 22
| 3 − 32 |
f ′(3) = ⋅ (1 − 2 ⋅ 3) = −1 ⋅( −5) = 5
3 − 32

Example 73 Given that f(x) = |cos x|, find the derivative of f(x) at the points x =
π
3
and x = π.

π
Solution For x = , cos x > 0. So, f(x) = cos x and f ′(x) = – sin x.
3
π π 3
f ′( ) = − sin( ) = −
3 3 2
For x = π, cos x < 0. So, f(x) = –cos x and f ′(x) = sin x.
f ′(π) = sin π = 0

Example 74 Given that f(x) = |x3 – 9| + x2, find f ′′(2).

Solution For x = 2, x3 – 9 < 0 and so f(x) = –x3 + 9 + x2.

If we take the derivative twice,
f ′(x) = –3x2 + 2x
f ′′(x) = –6x + 2.
Therefore, f ′′(2) = –6 ⋅ 2 + 2 = –10.

Differentiation 57
 Check Yourself 15
1. Given that f(x) = |x2 – 3x|, find f ′(3) and f ′(5).
2. Given that f(x) = |x4 – 2x2 + 1|, find the derivative of f(x) at the point x = 1.
π π
3. Given that f(x) = |sin x|, find f ′( ) and f ′( ) .
6 2
Answers
1. does not exist; 7 2. 0 3. 3 ; 0
2

2. Sign Functions
Note that a sign function has the range {–1, 0, 1}. When !
-/%0("!"1
it takes –1 and 1 as its value, the graph is a horizontal line. +
!"!"-.'""
Since the slope of a horizontal line is 0, we have 0 as the
derivative. When the function takes 0 as its value, the
graph has a discontinuity. So, the derivative does not exist. "
'%"-/%0(
Look at the graph on the right: ,+
In conclusion, if f(x) = sgn (g(x)), then
-/%0("!"1
0, g( x) ≠ 0
f ′( x) =  .
does not exist, g( x) = 0

Example 75 Given that f(x) = sgn(x2 – x),

find the derivative of f(x) at the points
x = –2 and x = 1.

Solution We begin by finding the value of

f(–2) and f(1):
f(–2) = sgn((–2)2 – (–2)) = sgn(6) = 1
f(1) = sgn(12 – 1) = sgn(0) = 0.
Since f(–2) ≠ 0, f ′(–2) = 0.
Since f(1) = 0, f ′(1) does not exist
(f(x) is not continuous at x = 1).

58 Derivatives
 Example 76 Find the largest interval on which the function f(x) = sgn(x2 – x – 6) is differentiable.

Solution We can rewrite the function as a piecewise function:

 1, x < −2 and x > 3

f ( x) =  −1, −2 < x < 3 .

 0, x = −2 and x = 3

Since f(x) is not continuous at the points !

x = –2 and x = 3, it is not differentiable. + !"!"$)"*

It has a derivative at all other points, and
this is equal to zero. ,2 3
"
So, the largest interval on which f is
differentiable is \ {–2, 3}.
,+

3. Floor Functions
0, g( x) ∉
If f(x) = g(x) , then f ′( x) =  .
 may not exist, g( x) ∈
When g(x) ∈ , f(x) is certainly continuous and differentiable. However, when g(x) ∉ , we
cannot be certain. It may be differentiable or not. In order to determine whether a floor
function is differentiable or not at a given value, we check the left-hand and the right-hand
derivatives.

Example 77 Given that f ( x) = 2 x + 1 , find the derivative of f(x) at the points x = 2 and x = 4.
3

2 x +1 5 2x + 1
Solution For x = 2, = ∉ . Since the expression is not an integer for x = 2, f ′(2) = 0.
3 3 3
2 x +1
For x = 4, = 3 ∈ . Here we have to find the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives,
3
because the expression 2 x +1 is an integer for x = 4.
3
f ( x ) − f (4) 2 −3 −1
f ′(4− ) = lim− = – = − =+∞
x→ 4 x−4 4 −4 0
f ( x) − f (4) 3 −3 0
f ′(4+ ) = lim+ = + = =0
x→ 4 x−4 4 − 4 0+

Since f ′(4–) ≠ f ′(4+), f ′(4) does not exist.

Differentiation 59
Example 78 π
Given that f(x) = sin x , find f ′( ) and f ′(π).
6

!
π 1 π
Solution sin( ) = ∉ . So, f ′( ) = 0.
6 2 6 +
At x = π, f(x) is not continuous (see the graph). So, it is ,!42 ! 2!
!42 "
not differentiable. Thus the derivative of f(x) does not
,+
exist at this point. !"!"$)"*

Example 79 Given that f(x) = x2 , find f ′(0).

Solution For x = 0, f(x) = 0 ∈ . So, we have to find the left-hand and the right-hand derivatives of
the function f(x) = x2 at the point x = 0.
f ( x) − f (0) x2 − 0 0
f ′(0 − ) = lim− = lim− = − =0
x→0 x−0 x→0 x −0 0

f ( x) − f (0) x2 − 0 0
f ′(0 + ) = lim+ = lim+ = + =0
x→0 x−0 x→0 x −4 0
Notice that if –1 < x < 1, x2 = 0.
Since f ′(0–) = f ′(0+), the derivative of f(x) = x2 exists at the point x = 0 and f ′(0) = 0.

Example 80 3
Given that f(x) = x|x| + x sgn(x), find f ′( ).
2
–
 3
Solution For x =   , we can rewrite the function as f(x) = x ⋅ x + 1 ⋅ 1 = x2 + 1.
2
–
3
For x =   , we have the same function f(x) = x ⋅ x + 1 ⋅ 1 = x2 + 1.
2
3 3 3
So, for x = we have f ′(x) = 2x. That gives f ′( ) = 2 ⋅ = 3.
2 2 2

Check Yourself 16
1. Given that f(x) = sgn (x2 + x), find f ′(–1) and f ′(2).
π π
2. Given that f(x) = cos x , find f ′( ) and f ′( ).
3 2
3. Given that f(x) = |x + 3x – 4| + x + sgn (x2 – 1), find f ′(0).
2 2

Answers
1. does not exist; 0 2. 0; does not exist 3. –3

60 Derivatives
D. IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION
Up to now we have worked with the functions expressed in the form y = f(x). In this form,
the variable y is expressed easily in terms of the variable x. A function in this form is said to
be in the explicit form. However, some functions cannot be written in explicit form. Consider
the following equation:
y5 + y + x = 0
If we are given a value of x, we can calculate y in this equation. However, we cannot write
the equation in the form y = f(x). We say that x determines y implicitly, and that y is an
implicit function of x. Look at the same more implicit functions:
x5 + 2xy2 – 3y4 = 7
y – 2y2 = x
x2 – y2 + 4y = 0
How can we differentiate an implicit function? Recall the Chain Rule for differentiation. In
an implicit function, y is still a function of x, even if we cannot write this explicitly. So, we
can use the Chain Rule to differentiate terms containing y as functions of x. For example, if
we are differentiating in terms of x,
dy
(y4)′ = [(f(x))4]′ = 4( f(x))3f ′(x) = 4y3y′ or (y4)′ = y3 ,
dx
dy
(7y)′ = 7y′ or (7y)′ = 7 .
dx

The procedure we use for differentiating implicit functions is called implicit differentiation.
Let us summarize the important steps involved in implicit differentiation.

IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION

1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x. Remember that y is really
a function of x and use the Chain Rule when differentiating terms containing y.
dy
2. Solve the resulting equation for y′ or in terms of x and y.
dx

Example 81 Find y′ given the equation y5 + y + x = 0.

Solution ( y5 + y + x)′ = (0)′ (differentiate both sides)

( y5 )′ +( y)′+( x) ′ = 0 (by the Sum Rule)

5y4 y′ + y′ +1= 0 (by the Chain Rule)

y′(5y4 +1) = −1 (factorize)

1
y′ = − (isolate y′ )
5y4 +1

Differentiation 61
 Example 82 Find
dy
dx
given the equation y3 – y2x + x2 – 1 = 0.

Solution ( y3 − y2 x + x2 − 1)′ = (0)′ (differentiate both sides)

( y3 )′ − ( y2 x)′ + ( x2 )′ − (1)′ = 0 (by the Sum Rule)

dy dy
3y2 − (2 y x + y2 ) + 2 x − 0 = 0 (by the Chain Rule and the Product Rule)
dx dx
dy
(3y2 − 2 yx) = y2 − 2 x (factorize)
dx
dy y2 – 2x dy
= 2 (isolate )
dx 3y − 2 yx dx

Example 83 The equation x2 + y2 = 4 is given.

dy
a. Find by implicit differentiation.
dx
b. Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at the point (ñ3, 1).
c. Find the equation of the tangent line at this point.

Solution a. Differentiating both sides of the equation with respect to x, we obtain

( x2 + y2 )′ = (4) ′

( x2 )′ +(y2 )′ = 0

dy
2x + 2y =0
dx
dy x
=– ( y ≠ 0).
dx y

b. The slope of the tangent line to the curve at the point (ñ3, 1) is given by
dy dy x 3
dx ( a, b)
m= =– =– = – 3.
dx ( 3, 1) y( 3 , 1) 1
is used for slope of the
curve at the point (a, b). c. We can find the equation of the tangent line by using the point-slope form of the
equation of a line. The slope is m = –ñ3 and the point is (ñ3, 1). Thus,
y – y1 = m(x – x1) !

y – 1 = –ñ3(x – ñ3) !"5"""3""","6"!"1

ñ3x + y – 4 = 0. 2

A sketch of this tangent line is given on the right.

,2 2 6 "
The line x + ñ3y – 4 = 0 is tangent to the graph
of the equation x2 + y2 = 4 at the point (ñ3, 1). "2"5"!2"!"6
,2

62 Derivatives
 Example 84 Find the derivative with respect to x of the implicit function x2 + y2 + x2 = 2.

Solution Differentiating both sides of the given equation with respect to x, we obtain

d 2 d d
( x + y2 )1/ 2 + ( x2 ) = (2)
dx dx dx
1 2 d 2
( x + y2 )1/ 2 ( x + y2 ) + 2 x = 0
2 dx
1 2 dy
( x + y2 )–1/ 2 (2 x + 2 y )+ 2 x = 0
2 dx
dy
2x+ 2y = –4 x( x2 + y2 )1/ 2
dx
dy
2y = –4 x( x2 + y2 )1/ 2 – 2 x
dx
2 2
dy –2 x x + y – x
= .
dx y

Check Yourself 17
dy
1. Find by implicit differentiation.
dx
a. x3 + x2y + y2 = 5 b. x2y + xy2 = 3x
c. exey = 1 d. exln y = 1

2. Find the equation of the tangent line to each curve at the given point.
2 2
a. x2y3 – y2 + xy – 1 = 0; (1, 1) b. x – y =1; (–5, 9 )
16 9 4
2 2
c. x 3 + y 3 = 4; (1, 3 3) d. ln y = xy; (0, 1)

Answers
–3x2 – 2 xy 3 – 2 xy – y2
1. a. b. c. –1 d. –yln y
x2 + 2 y x2 + 2 xy
3 5 5
2. a. y = – x+ b. y = – x–4 c. y = –ñ3x + 4ñ3 d. y = x + 1
2 2 4

Differentiation 63
E. DERIVATIVES OF PARAMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Sometimes we express the variables x and y as functions of a third variable t by a pair of
functions.
x = f(t), y = g(t)
Functions like these are called parametric functions, and the variable t is called the parameter.

PARAMETRIC DIFFERENTIATION

dy
dy dx
= dt , ≠0
dx dx dt
dt
dy
This enables us to find the derivative of a parametric function ( ) without having to
dx
eliminate the parameter t.

Example 85 Find the derivative with respect to x of the parametric curve x = t + 2 and y = 2t2 – 1.
dy
dy 4t
Solution = dt = = 4t
dx dx 1
dt

Example 86 If a is a positive constant and x = a cos t, y = a sin t, then find

dy
dx
.

dy
dy a cos t
Solution = dt = = – cot t
dx dx – a sin t
dt

Example 87 The parametric curve is given by the equations x = t +1 and y = t2 + 3t. Find the slope of
its tangent at x = 2.
dy
Solution Let us begin by finding in terms of t.
dx
dy d 2
(t + 3t )
dy 2t + 3
= dt = dt = = 2( t +1)1/ 2 (2 t + 3)
dx dx d 1
( t +1)
dt dt 2 t +1

For x = 2, x = t +1 = 2. So, t = 3.
dy
m= t=3 = 2 ⋅ ( t + 1)1/ 2 ⋅ (2t + 3) t=3 = 2 ⋅(3+1)1/ 2 ⋅(2 ⋅3+ 3) = 2 ⋅2 ⋅9 = 36.
dx

64 Derivatives
 Example 88 The parametric equations x = 1+et – 1, y = t2 + ln t describe a curve in the plane. Find the
tangent line to the curve at t = 1.
dy
Solution First we need to find in terms of t:
dx
dy 1
2t +
dy 2t 2 +1 1 2t 2 +1
= dt = t –1 t = ⋅ t –1 =
dx dx e t e t ⋅ et –1
dt
dy 2t 2 +1 2 ⋅ 12 +1 3
m= = = = = 3.
dx t=1 te t –1
t=1 1 ⋅ e1–1 1

If t = 1, then x = 1 + et–1 = 1 + e1–1 = 2 and y = t2 + lnt = 12 + ln 1 = 1 + 0 = 1.

Therefore, the line is tangent to the given curve at the point (2, 1).
The equation of the line passing through (2, 1) with the slope m = 3 is
y – 1 = 3(x – 2)
y = 3x – 5.

PARAMETRIC DIFFERENTIATION OF SECOND ORDER

dy′
d2 y dy′
= = dt
dx2 dx dx
dt
dy
1. Express y′ = in terms of t.
dx
2. Differentiate y′ with respect to t.
dx
3. Divide the result by .
dt

Example 89 A parametric curve is given by the equations x = 1 + et, y = t2et.

2
Find the second derivative d y .
dx2
dy d 2 t
dy (t e )
dy 2te t + t 2 e t
Solution First, we find in terms of t: = dt = dt = = t2 + 2t.
dx dx dx d t e t
(1+ e )
dt dt
dy d dy d
Then, we differentiate with respect to t: ( ) = (t 2 + 2t ) = 2t + 2.
dx dt dx dt
dx 2
Finally, we divide the result by = et to obtain d y = 2t + 2 .
dt dx2 et

Differentiation 65
Example 90 Find
d2 y
dx2
, if x = 2t – t2 and y = 1 – t3.

dy d
(1 – t3 )
dy dy –3t 2
Solution First, find in terms of t: = dt = dt = .
dx dx dx d 2
(2t – t ) 2 – 2 t
dt dt

dy d dy d 3t 2 –6t ⋅ (2 – 2t) – (–3t 2 ) ⋅(–2)

Then, differentiate with respect to t: ( ) = (– )= .
dx dt dx dt 2 – 2t (2 – 2t)2

dx dx d 2 y –12t +12t 2 – 6t 2 6t 2 – 12t 3t

Finally, divide the result by : : 2= 2
= 3
=– .
dt dt dx (2 – 2t) ⋅ (2 – 2 t) 8 ⋅(1 – t) 4( t – 1) 2

Example 91 Find the second derivative of the paremetric curve

given by x = 1+ et and y = 1 – sin t.

Solution First, dy = – cost t .

dx e

d dy sin t ⋅ e t – ( – cos t)e t sin t + cos t

Second, ( )= = .
dt dx et et

d2 y sin t + cos t sin t + cos t

Finally, = = .
dx et ⋅ et e 2t

Check Yourself 18
dy
1. Find for each parametric curve.
dx
t –1 t +1
a. x = 2t + 3, y = t2 – 1 b. x = 5cos t, y = 5sin t c. x = , y=
t +1 t –1
d2 y
2. Find for each parametric curve.
dx2
dy
a. x = ln t, y = 1 + sin t b. x = 3t2 + 2, y = 2t2 – 1 c. = 4+ sin 2 t , x = cos 2 t
dx
Answers
2
t +1 
1. a. t b. –cot t c. −  
 t −1
1
2. a. tcos t – t2sin t b. 0 c. –
4 4+ sin 2 t

66 Derivatives
F. DERIVATIVES OF INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS
In order to find the derivatives of the inverse trigonometric functions, we can use implicit
differentiation. For example, what is the derivative of Arcsin x?
π π
Let y = Arcsinx, then sin y = x and − ≤ y ≤ .
2 2

Now, if we differentiate sin y = x implicitly with respect to x,

dy dy 1
we get cos y ⋅ =1 or = .
dx dx cos y
π π +
cos y ≥ 0, since − "
≤ y ≤ . So, cos y = 1 − sin 2 y = 1 − x2 .
2 2 !
d 1 1 +",""2
Therefore, (Arcsin x) = = .
dx cos y 1 − x2
We can use a similar method to find the derivative of the other inverse trigonometric
functions.

DERIVATIVE OF INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

1 f ′( x)
(Arcsin x)′ = (Arcsin f ( x)) ′=
1 − x2 1 − ( f ( x))2

1 f ′( x)
(Arccos x)′ = – (Arccos f( x)) ′= –
1− x 2
1 − ( f ( x))2

1 f ′( x)
(Arctan x)′ = (Arctan f ( x)) ′=
1+ x2 ( f ( x))2 +1
1 f ′( x)
(Arccot x)′ = – (Arccot f( x)) ′= –
1+ x2 ( f ( x))2 +1

Example 92 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = Arcsin (x2).

( x2 )′ 2x
Solution f ′( x) = (Arcsin( x2 )) ′ = =
2 2
1 − (x ) 1 − x4

Example 93 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = Arccot (e3x).

Solution ( e3 x )′ 3e 3 x
f ′( x) = (Arccot( e 3 x ))′ = − = −
1+( e3 x )2 1+ e6 x

Differentiation 67
Example 94 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x2 – Arccos (ex).

Solution By the Sum Rule,

ex ex
f ′( x) = ( x2 – Arccos( e x )) ′= ( x2 ) ′– (Arccos( e x)) ′= 2 x– (– ) = 2 x+ .
1 – e2 x 1 – e2 x

Example 95 Find the derivative of the function f(x) = x⋅ Arctan ñx.

Solution By the Product Rule,

1 1 x
f ′( x) = ( x ⋅ Arctan x ) ′=1 ⋅ Arctan x + x ⋅ ⋅( x –1/ 2 ) = Arctan x + .
1+ ( x ) 2
2
2(1 + x)

Example 96 Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve f(x) = 2 Arccos
x
2
at x = ñ3.

 x ′ 1
  2
f ′( x) = –2 ⋅ 2 = –2 ⋅ 2 =–
Solution 2 2
x x 4 – x2
1 –   1 –  
2 2

The slope of the tangent line is f ′(ñ3 ) = –2.

2π 2π
The curve passes through the point ( 3, ) since f ′(ñ3 ) = .
3 3
The equation of the tangent line is: y – 2π = –2( x – 3) or y = –2 x+ 2 3 + 2 π .
3 3

Check Yourself 19
1. Differentiate the functions.
a. f(x) = (ex – Arcsin x)2 b. f(x) = eArccos x
c. f(x) = (Arctan x)3 d. f(x) = ln Arccot(x2 + 5x)
2. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = Arccos 2x at the point where it
crosses the y-axis.
Answers
 1  e Arccos x 3(Arctan x)2
1. a. 2( e x − Arcsin x)  e x −  b. − c.
 1 − x2  1 − x2 1+ x2

2 x +5 π
d. − 2. y = –2 x +
Arccot( x2 +5 x) ⋅ (1+( x2 +5 x) 2 ) 2

68 Derivatives
 EXERCISES 1 .3
A. Derivatives of Exponential and x +1
l. f ( x) = ln m. f ( x) = ln x – 1
Logarithmic Functions x –1 x +1

1. Differentiate the functions. n. f(x) = x2ln x o. f ( x) = ln x2

a. f(x) = 3ex b. f(x) = e3x – 1 p. f ( x) = ln x + x q. f(x) = ln(ñx – 1)–2
2–1
c. f(x) = ex d. f(x) = e–2x r. f(x) = ln(x2 – x) s. f(x) = ex ln x
1
e. f(x) = 2x f. f ( x) = ( )x 2
3 t. f ( x) = ln( x x − x) u. ln ( x +1)( x – 2)
e x –1
g. f(x) = ex ⋅ 3x h. f(x) = xex
x x +1
e x +1 v. f ( x) = log w. f ( x) = log 3
i. f(x) = x + 2e2 x
j. f ( x) = x x +1 x –1
e –1
x. f ( x) = ( e x – log 2 x2 )3
k. f ( x) = e x – 1 l. f(x) = (ex + x)100

1 y. f ( x) = x2 – log 3 e x
m. f ( x) = n. f(x) = (ex + x)(2ex – 1)
x
e +1
z. f ( x) = (log(1+ e x )) 3
e + e– x
x 1
o. f ( x) = p. f ( x) = e 2x
3
x –1
3. Find the derivative of each function by using
q. f ( x) = e x+1
r. f ( x) = e x+1 logarithmic differentiation.

6x – 1 a. f(x) = (2x – 1)7(x4 – 3)11

–2t 2 x2–1
s. f(x) = e + x e t. f ( x) = x
3 +1 b. f(x) = x(x + 1)(x2 + 1)
53 x+1 c. f ( x) = 3 x2 e x
2
–1
⋅ ( x3 – x)–2
2 + 4x
u. f(x) = 3x v. f ( x) =
x2 + e x
2

x2 – x – 1 ex + 2 d. f ( x) = 4 + 3x
w. f ( x) = 2 x. f(x) = 2 ⋅3 x
3
x2 +1
e. f(x) = xñx
f. f(x) = (ln x)x+1
2. Differentiate the functions.
4. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph
a. f(x) = 3ln x b. f(x) = ln 4x 2
of y = ex –1 at the point P(1, 1).
c. f(x) = 3ln 4x d. f(x) = 3ln (2x + 1)
e. f(x) = ln x 7
f. f(x) = ln ñx 5. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve
y = ex + e–x at the point (0, 2).
g. f(x) = log3 x h. f(x) = log1/2 x
i. f(x) = xlog x j. f(x) = log2 (x2 + 1) 6. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph
k. f(x) = ln (4x – 6x + 3) 2
of y = x2ln x at the point (1, 0).

Differentiation 69
B. Derivatives of Trigonometric 8. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve
Functions at the given point.
a. y = ex – cos x + 1; x=0
7. Differentiate the functions.
b. y = x cos x; x=π
a. f(x) = sin (3x – 5)
9. For what values of x does the graph of
b. f(x) = cos (x2 – 1) f(x) = x + 2 sin x have a horizontal tangent line?
c. f(x) = sin x – cos x C. Derivatives of Special Functions
d. f(x) = 2 tan x + sec x
10. Find the required values using the given data:
e. f(x) = sin x ⋅ tan x
 −

f. f(x) = 2x tan x – x cos x a. f ( x) =| 2 x − 3x2 |, f ′(0 − )+ f ′   2  + f ′(1) = ?
 3  
 
g. f(x) = cos2(2x3 – 3x)
 1
h. f(x) = sin3(ln cos 2x) b. f ( x) = x2 + x + sgn( x – 2), f ′   = ?
3
 3
i. f ( x) = sin x + e
tan x c. f(x) = (2x + 3) ⋅ sgn(x2 + 1), f ′(ñ2) = ?
3x +1
1 – cos x 10 d. f ( x) = sgn(4 x +5) ⋅ , f ′(2) = ?
j. f ( x) = ( ) 2
1+ cos x
4x
k. f ( x) =
cot x 11. Given that f ( x) =| x2 − 4| − sgn( x3 + x)+ ,
2 x2 − 1
1+ sec x
find the number of different x-values for which the
l. f(x) = (1 + sec x) ⋅ (1 – cos x)
function is not differentiable.
2
m. f(x) = tan x – x – 1 D. Implicit Differentiation
3
n. f ( x) = cot( x – 1) dy
12. Find for each equation below.
1 – sec 2 ( x3 – 1) dx
a. 5x – 4y = 3 b. xy – y – 1 = 0
tan(2 x – 1) 3
o. f ( x) = ( ) y
2 + ln x c. x3 + x2 – xy = 1 d. – 3x2 = 5
x
p. f(x) = (cos ex + x cos ex)2 e. 2x2 + 3y2 = 12 f. x2 + 5xy + y3 = 11
q. f(x) = (esin x + cos x + x cos ex)2 g. x2y3 – xy = 8 h. òxy – 3x – y2 = 0
1+ sin 2 x x
r. f ( x) = ln( ) i. ex+y – ex–y = 1 j. ln = xy – 1
1 – cos 2 x y

s. f(x) = [x2sin(x – 1)]5 13. Find the equation of the tangent line to the given
3 curve at the indicated point.
t. f ( x) = sec 2( 2x )
x –1 a. 4x2 + 2y2 = 12; (1, –2)

u. f(x) = tan2[ln(2x + 1)] b. 2x2 + xy = 3y2; (–1, –1)

x c. exy + x2 = 2x; (1, 0)
v. f ( x) = csc 3 e 2– ln x
x –1 d. ln(x – y) + 1 = 3x2; (0, –e–1)

70 Derivatives
 E. Derivatives of Parametric Functions Mixed Problems
dy
14 . Find for each pair of parametric equations. 19. Find the given order derivative by finding the first few
dx
a. x = 3t – 1 and y = t2 – 2t derivatives and observing the pattern that occurs.
1 27 d99
b. x = t(t + 1) and y = t –
t a. d 27 (cos x) b. (sin 2 x)
3 2 2 dx dx99
c. x = t – t – 1 and y = t + 3t + 1
35 51
d. x = t +1 and y = t2 + 3t c. d 35 ( x sin x) d. d 51 ( e3 x+1 )
dx dx
e. x = 3 t and y = 4 – t 2
2
f. x = 4cos t and y = 5sin t
20. Find the second derivative d y2 of each implicit
g. x = t + ln t and y = 1 – et dx
function.
15. Find the equation of the tangent line at the given a. x2y – 1 = 0 b. x3 + y4 = 20
point P. c. y2 + xy = 8 d. 3
x + 3 y =1
1
a. x = + t 2 , y = t2 – t + 1, P(2, 1)
t 21. Write the equation of the line which is tangent to
b. x = 3t2 + 2, y = 2t4 – 1, P(5, 1) the curve y = x2 – 2|x – 1| at exactly two points.

d2 y 22. Find the required values using the given data:

16. Find .
dx2
a. f ( x) = Arctan 2 x+ ln 1+ 4 x2 , f ′(1) = ?
a. x = t2 – t b. x = ñt + 1
1  2
y = t3 + 3t + 1 y= +1 b. f ( x) = sin x , f ′  π  = ?
t
 16 
c. x = et – 1 d. x = 2sin2 t
y = In t y = 3cos2 t c. f(x) = (5x + 1)5x+1, f ′(0) = ?

F. Derivatives of Inverse π
Trigonometric Functions 23. Given that < x<π ,
2
17 . Differentiate the functions.
|1 − tan x | ⋅ sgn(tan x)
x differentiate f ( x) = .
a. f(x) = Arcsin cos x
2
2
x2 – 1
b. f(x) = Arccos
x 24. Given that f(x) = x3|x2 – 2|, find f ′(–2) + f ′′(1).
x – Arcsin x
c. f ( x) =
ex x2 +1
25. Given that f ( x) = , solve f ′(x) > 0.
d. f(x) = ln Arccos ex x2 − 1
e. f(x) = Arctan (x2 + x – 1)
f. f(x) = Arctan x – 1 – x2 26. Given that f ( x) = (2 − x + 2 )2 , solve f ′(x) = 0.
g. f(x) = Arcsin (tan x)

18. Find the equation of the tangent line and the 27. Given the parametric equations x = z2 + 2z – 2,
x dy
normal line to y = Arcsin when x = 1. y = sin(x + 2), z = ln t, find
2 dt t =1

Differentiation 71
 CHAPTER SUMMARY
1. Introduction to Derivatives • The derivative of the first derivative of a function is
the second derivative of the function. The derivative of
• A tangent line to a curve is a line that touches the curve.
the second derivative is the third derivative of the
• The slope of a tangent line to the curve y = f(x) at the function.
point A(a, f(a)) is
• The nth derivative of a function is denoted by f (n)(x).
f ( x) – f ( a ) f ( a + h) – f ( a )
m = lim or m = lim .
x→a x–a h→ o h 3. Derivatives of Elementary Functions
• The problem of finding the slope of the tangent line to • Derivatives of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric
the graph of a function f(x) at the point A(x, f(x)) is functions:
mathematically equivalent to the problem of finding the
rate of change of f(x). Function Derivative Chain Rule
• The average rate of change of f(x) over the interval
ex ex ef(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
f ( x + h) – f (x)
[x, x + h] is .
h ax ax ⋅ ln a af(x) ⋅ ln a ⋅ f ′(x)
• The derivative of f(x) with respect to x is the instantaneous rate
f ( x + h) – f (x) 1 f ′( x)
of change of f(x) and f ′( x) = lim . ln x
h→ o h x f ( x)
• The process of calculating the derivative of a function is 1 f ′( x)
loga x
called differentiation. x ln a f ( x) ln a
• If f ′(a) exists, then the function f(x) is differentiable at a.
sin x cos x cos f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
• If a function f(x) is differentiable on the interval (a, b),
then it is differentiable for every value in that interval. cos x –sin x –sin f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
• If a function f(x) is differentiable at a, then
tan x sec2 x sec2 f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
its graph has a non-vertical tangent line at a,
it is continuous at a. cot x –csc2 x –csc2 f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
• In the following cases a function is not differentiable at a
given point: sec x sec x ⋅ tan x sec f(x) ⋅ tan f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
if its graph has a corner,
csc x –csc x ⋅ cot x –csc f(x) ⋅ cot f(x) ⋅ f ′(x)
if it is not continuous,
if its graph has a vertical tangent line. • Logarithmic differentiation is a technique that can be
used to find easily the derivatives of complicated
2. Techniques of Differentiation functions involving products, quotients and powers.
• Constant rule: (c)′ = 0 • If f(x) = |g(x)|, then
• Power rule: (x )′ = n ⋅ x
n n–1
| g( x)|
f ′( x) = ⋅ g′( x) = sgn( g( x)) ⋅ g′( x), g( x) ≠ 0.
• Constant Multiple rule: [c ⋅ f(x)]′ = c ⋅ f ′(x) g( x)
• Sum rule: [f(x) + g(x)]′ = f ′(x) + g′(x) • If f(x) = sgn(g(x)), then
• Product rule: [f(x) ⋅ g(x)]′ = f ′(x) ⋅ g(x) + f(x) ⋅ g′(x) 0, g( x) ≠ 0
f ′( x) =  .
f ( x) ′ f ′( x) ⋅ g( x) – f ( x) ⋅ g ′( x) does not exist, g( x) = 0
• Quotient rule:   =
 g( x)  ( g( x))2 • If f(x) = g(x) , then
• Chain rule: [ f(g(x))]′ = f ′(g(x)) ⋅ g′(x) 0, g( x) ∉
f ′( x) =  .
 may not exist, g( x) ∈
• General Power rule: [(f(x))n]′ = n ⋅ [ f(x)]n–1 ⋅ f ′(x)

72 Derivatives
• Method of implicit differentiation:
Concept Check
1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to
x. (Remember that y is really a function of x and the • What is a tangent line to a curve?
Chain Rule should be used to differentiate the terms
containing y.) • What is the expression for the slope of the tangent line to
2. Solve the resulting equation for y′ in terms of x and y. the curve y = f(x) at the point (a, f(a))?

• Derivatives of parametric functions: • Explain the geometrical meaning of the derivative.

If x = f(t) and y = g(t), then
• Explain the physical meaning of the derivative.
dy
dy • State the limit definition of f ′(x).
= dt ,
dx dx
dt • What do we mean when we say “when x = 3, the
value of the function is 1”?
dy′
d 2 y dy′
= = dt . • What do we mean when we say “when x = 3, the
dx2 dx dx
dt derivative of the function is 1”?

• Derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions: • What do we mean when we say “f is differentiable at a”?

Function Derivative Chain Rule • What is the relation between differentiability and
continuity?

1 f ′( x) • State the Power Rule.

Arcsin x 2
1– x 2 1 – ( f ( x))
• State the Constant Multiple Rule.

• State the Sum Rule.

–1 – f ′( x)
Arccos x • State the Product Rule.
1– x2 1 – ( f ( x))2

• State the Quotient Rule.

1 f ′( x) • State the Chain Rule.

Arctan x
1+ x2 1+( f ( x))2
• Which rules must be applied in order to find the following
derivatives?
–1 – f ′( x)
Arccot x [(f(x) ⋅ g(x))2005]′; 
f ( x) ′
1+ x2 1+( f ( x))2 + h( x) ⋅ m( x)  ; (f(g(h(x)))]′
 g ( x ) 

• Is it possible that the derivative of a function is equal to

itself? Give an example.

• Is it possible that the derivative of a function is equal to

negative of it? Give an example.

• Explain how logarithmic differentiation works.

• Explain how implicit differentiation works.

Chapter Summary 73
 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1A
1. f(x) = x3 – 2x2 + 1 is given. Find the value of the 5. The graph of the !

f ( x) – f (2) parabola !"!"&"2"5"'""5"(

limit lim .
x→ 2 x–2 y = ax2 + bx + c is
%
2 shown on the right such
A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) 5x + 1 E) 3x – 4 +42 678
that t is its tangent at "
the point (1/2, –1).
By using the information ,+

given in the figure, find

the value of a + b + c.
1
A) –2 B) − C) 0 D) 10 E) 15
2
2. f(x) = e – lnx is given. Find the value of the limit
x

f (1+ h) – f (1)
lim .
h→ 0 h

A) 0 B) 1 C) e D) e – 1 E) e + 1 6. f(x) = ax2 – 3x3 + 4 and f ′(2) = 8 are given. Find

the value of a.

A) 3 B) 4 C) 7 D) 11 E) 29

3. Find the slope of tangent line to the curve 7. f(x) = x2ex is given. Find f ′(x).
y = x4 – (lnx)2 at the point x = 1.
A) ex(2x + 1) B) x(2ex + x2)
A) 4 B) 5 C) 6 D) 10 E) 15
C) xex(x + 2) D) 2xex

E) xex

8. f(x) = sin x and g(x) = x2 + 3 are given.

4. Find the equation of the tangent line to the
Find the derivative of f(g(x)).
π
function f(x) = 3cos 2x – 1 at the point M( , − 1).
2 A) 2x cos (x2 + 3) B) 2x sin x

A) y = 1 B) y = 2 C) y = –4 C) x + sin x D) x sin (x2 + 3)

D) y = x – 2 E) y=–1 E) –x cos (x2 + 3)

74 Derivatives
  x3 , x ≤1 d
13. Find (ln(cos x)).
9. f ( x) =  is given. Find f ′(1). dx
3x, x >1
A) –tan x B) –sec x C) –cot x
A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 E) does not exist
1 1
D) − E)
sin x cos x

14. Find the derivative of the function f(x) = (sin x)x.

10. f(x) = 2x2 – 3x + 1 is given. Find f ′′(1). A) (sin x)xcos x

B) sin x[ln (sin x) + cos x]
A) 8 B) 6 C) 4 D) 3 E) 1
C) ln (sin x) + xcot x
D) (sin x)x[ln(sin x) + xcot x]
E) (sin x)x(sin x + xcos x)

11. f(x) = tan x – cot x is given. Find f ′(x). 15. If the parametric function is given by the equations
dy
4 3 x = sin2 θ, y = sin2 θ, find .
A) B) C) 2tan x 2 dx
sin2 2x sin 2x
A) 0 B) 1 C) –1 D) sin 2θ E) –tan 2θ
D) tan2 x + cot2 x E) sin 2x

16. The implicit function excos y + eysin x = 0 is

dy
given. Find .
dx
A) tan x B) tan y
x
e x y
C) ⋅ (cos y + sin x) D) e x cos y + ey cos x
12. f ( x) = 2 x − 1 is given. Find f ′(5). ey e sin y − e sin x
x y

A)
1
B)
1
C)
1
D)
1
E)
1 E) e y cos y + ex cos x
2 3 4 5 6 e sin x − e sin y

Chapter Review Test 1A 75

 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1B
dy x2
1. y = 3xt – x2t2 is given. Find . 5. If the curve y = is tangent to the straight line
dt a
with the equation x – y = 1, then find the value
A) 3 – 2t B) 3t – 2t2x C) 3x – 2x2t
of a.
D) 3x + 2x2 E) 3t + 2x2t
A) 5 B) 4 C) 3 D) 2 E) 1

6. If f(x) = |2 – x| + 2, then find the value of the

x
e −1 expression f ′(1) + f ′(3).
2. f ( x) = is given. Find f ′(x).
e x +1
A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 E) 4
ex
A) 2ex B) 2ex(ex + 1) C)
e x +1
2e x ex
D) E)
( e +1)2
x
( e − 1)2
x

7. The graph given on !

the right belongs to +

the function f(x).
f ( x) + 2 6 "
If g( x) = , then
x
find the slope of the !"!"$)"*
3. Given that f(1) = 3, lim f ( x) − 3 = 6 and
x →1 x −1 tangent line to the
h(x) = x ⋅ f(x), find h′(1).
3
graph of g(x) at the point x = 2.

A) 3 B) 6 C) 15 D) 18 E) 20 1
A) − 1 B) − C) 2 D) 1 E) 0
4 2

8. Find the shortest distance between the curve

4. f(3x – 5) = 2x2 + x – 1 is given. Find the value of 4
y= and the origin (0, 0).
the expression f ′(1) + f(1). x

A) 10 B) 12 C) 14 D) 16 E) 18 A) 8 B) 4 C) 2 D) 4ñ2 E) 2ñ2

76 Derivatives
 1 d2
9. f(x) = |x – 3| + sgn(x – 1) + x + is given. 13. Find (sin x + cos x)2.
2 dx2
Find the derivative of the function at the point A) 2(cos x – sin x) B) 2(sin x – cos x)
1 2
C) sin x – cos x 2
D) 2 cos 2x
x= .
2
E) –4 sin 2x
A) does not exist B) 0 C) 1

D) 2 E) 18

2
10. Find d 2 (sin e x ). 14. If the parametric curve is given by the equations
dx
d2 y
2x x x x x x = t3 – 2t, y = t3 – 3t, find .
A) e sin e B) e (cos e – sin e ) dx2 t =1

C) ex(cos ex – sin ex) D) ex(sin ex – cos ex) A) 20 B) 12 C) 6 D) –20 E) –30

E) ex(cos ex – exsin ex)

15. The implicit function e2xy – 4x2 + y3 + 7 = 0 is

x 3
11. f ( x) = − is given. Find f ′(9). dy
3 x given. Find .
dx t=0

A) 9 B) 3 C) 1 D) 1 E) 1
3 6 9 A) 1 B) 2 C) – 1 D) – 1 E) – 2
3 3 4 3 3

x2 − 3x + 3 df (2)
12. f ( x) = ln( 2
) is given. Find . 16. f(x) = (x + 2)x is given. Find the derivative of the
x − x+ 4 dx
function at the point x = –1.
1 3 5
A) B) e C) ln 3 D) E)
2 2 2 A) –2 B) –1 C) 0 D) 1 E) 18

Chapter Review Test 1B 77

 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 1C
4
16+ x − 2
5. !
1. Find lim .
x→0 x !
)
2
1 1 1
A) B) 1 C) 1 D) E) !"!"$)"*
2 4 8 16 32
,3 3 "

is tangent to the curve y = f(x) at the point M(3, 2).

f ( x)
If h( x) = , find h′(3).
x
 x2 + 2, x ≤ 1
2. f ( x) =  is given. 2 5 1 1
2 x +1, x > 1 A) B) − C) − D) E) 4
9 9 9 3 3
Find the derivative of the function at x = 1.

A) 0 B) 1 C) 2 D) 3 E) does not exist

6. f(x + 2) = ex ⋅ g(x2 + 1) and g(1) = 5 are given.

Find the value of f ′(2).

A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) 5 E) 7

x+ 2 2 df (3)
3. f ( x) = ( ) is given. Find .
x−2 dx
7. Find the slope of the normal line to the function
A) –300 B) –200 C) –150 D) –90 E) –40
π
f(x) = sin(cos 5x) at the point x = .
10

1 1 2
A) − 4 B) − C) D) E) 4
5 5 5 5 5

4. f(x) = |x2 + 3x – 4| + x2 + sgn(x2 – 1) is given.

At which one of the following points does the 8. f(x) = (x – 1)2 ⋅ (2x – t) and f ′′(0) = 0 are given.
derivative of the function exist? Find the value of t.

A) 1 B) 0 C) –1 D) –2 E) –3 A) 4 B) 2 C) 0 D) –2 E) –4

78 Derivatives
 d 2 ( x3 ⋅ e x ) 13. f(x) = ln(1 – x) is given. Find the derivative of
9. Find e − x ⋅ .
dx2 order n.
A) x3+3x2+3x B) x3+3x2+6x C) x3+3x2+9x
( −1)n n! ( −1)n +1( n – 1)!
3 2 3 2 A) B)
D) x +6x +6x E) x +9x +3x ( x − 1)n ( x − 1)n

( −1)n +1( n − 1) ( −1)2 n +1( n − 1)!

C) D)
( x − 1)n ( x − 1)2 n +1
2 n −1
E) ( −1) ( n2 n+1)!
( x − 1) −1
10. f ( x) = 2+ x is given. Find f ′(4).
1 1
A) 1 B) 4 C) D) 1 E)
2 4 16

14. The tangent line to the curve y = x3 at the point

A(2, 8) intersects the curve at another point
B(x0, y0). Find x0.
3 5
A) − B) C) –3 D) –4 E) –5
2 2
11. Which one of the following is correct for the
x3
tangent lines to the curve y = at the points
| x|
x = a and x = –a?

A) They are perpendicular to each other. 15. If the parametric curve is given by the equations
B) They are parallel to each other. dy
x = sin(ln t), y = etln t, find .
C) The angle between them is 30°. dx t =1

D) They are parallel to x-axis. e 3 1

A) e B) 2e C) D) E)
E) They are parallel to y-axis. 2 2 2

16. The implicit function sin (xy) + cos (xy) = 0 is

1 dy
df ( ) given. Find .
4 . dx
12. f ( x) = (arcsin 2 x ) is given. Find
2

dx y
A) 1 B) − C) 2xy
π 2
π 2 x
A) B) C) π2 D) π E) 2π
4 2 D) ycos (xy) E) xcos x – ycos y

Chapter Review Test 1C 79

 0
A. THE INDETERMINATE FORM –
0
Guillaume de Let us consider the following limit where both f(x) and g(x) approach to zero as x → a:
L'Hospital f ( x)
lim
(1661-1704) x → a g( x)
0
If we substitute x = a in this limit, we obtain a fraction of the form , which is a
0
meaningless algebraic expression. This limit may or may not exist and is called an
0
indeterminate form .
0
French mathematician solved a From earlier studies you have learned to calculate such limits by using the limit theorems.
difficult problem posed by Pascal
at age 15. He published the first In this section, we will discuss a very powerful method known as L’Hospital’s Rule. This rule
book ever on differential calculus
0
gives a connection between derivatives and limits of the indeterminate form .
“L'Analyse des Infiniment Petits 0
pour l'Intelligence des Lignes
Courbes” (1696). In this book,
L'Hospital introduced L'Hospital's
rule. Within the book, L'Hospital L’HOSPITAL’S RULE
thanks Bernoulli for his help. An
earlier letter by John Bernoulli Let the functions f and g be differentiable on an open interval that contains the point a.
gives both the rule and its proof,
so it seems likely that it was f ′( x)
Bernoulli who discovered the
Suppose that lim f(x) = lim g(x) = 0 and lim exists. Then,
x→a x→a x→ a g′( x)
rule. L'Hospital’s name is spelled
both “L'Hospital” and “L'Hôpital”,
the two being equivalent in f ( x) f ′( x)
lim = lim = L.
French spelling. x→ a g( x) x→ a g′( x)

Example 1 Find lim

x →0
sin x
x
.

Solution Since lim sin x = 0 and lim x = 0, we can apply L’Hospital’s Rule.
x→0 x→0

sin x (sin x)′ cos x

lim = lim = lim = cos 0 =1
x→0 x x → 0 ( x)′ x → 0 1

Note
Using L’Hospital’s Rule, differentiate both the numerator and the denominator seperately. Do
not apply the Quotient Rule.

82 Derivatives
Example 2 Find lim
x→ 4
x–4
x2 – 4
.

Solution If we attempted to use L’Hospital’s Rule, we would get

x–4 ( x – 4)′ 1 1
lim 2 = lim 2 = lim = .
x→ 4 x – 4 x → 4 ( x – 4)′ x→ 4 2 x 8
This is wrong!
x–4 0
Since lim 2 does not give the indeterminate form , we cannot apply L’Hospital’s Rule
x→ 4 x – 4
0
here. Let us find the correct answer:
x–4 4–4 0
lim 2
= 2 = =0
x→ 4 x – 4 4 – 4 12

Note
0
Before applying L’Hospital’s Rule, verify that we have the indeterminate form .
0

Example 3 Find lim

x → –1
x3 + x + 2
x +1
.

x3 + x + 2 (–1)3 +(–1)+ 2 0 0
Solution lim = = ( form; appl y the r ule)
x → –1 x +1 –1+1 0 0
x3 + x + 2 ( x3 + x + 2)′ 3 x2 +1
lim = lim = lim = 3 ⋅ (–1) 2 +1= 4
x → –1 x +1 x → –1 ( x +1)′ x → –1 1

Example 4 Find lim

x →1
ln x
x2 – 1
.

ln x 0 0
Solution lim = ( form; apply the rule )
x →1 x2 – 1 0 0
1
ln x (ln x)′ 1
lim 2 = lim 2 = l im x =
x →1 x – 1 x →1 ( x – 1)′ x →1 2 x 2
Example 5 Find lim
x →–1
2x + 3 – 1
x +5 – 2
.

0
Solution We have the indeterminate form . So, we can use L’Hospital’s Rule:
0
2
2x + 3 – 1 ( 2 x+ 3 – 1) ′ 2 x+5 2 ⋅ 4
lim = lim = lim 2 2 x + 3 = lim = = 4.
x → –1
x +5 – 2 x → –1
( x +5 – 2)′ x → –1 1 x → –1
2 x+ 3 1
2 x +5
Note
f ′( x) 0
If lim is still indeterminate form , we use L’Hospital’s Rule again.
x→ a ′
g ( x) 0
′
f ( x) ′′
f (x)
That gives lim = lim .
x → a g′( x) x → a g ′′( x )
0
In fact, whenever L’Hospital’s Rule gives , we can apply it again until we get a different result.
0

Example 6 Find lim

x→0
x – sin x
x2
.

x – sin x 0 0
Solution lim = ( form; apply the rule)
x→0 x2 0 0
x – sin x ( x – sin x)′ 1 – cos x 1 – cos 0 0 0
lim = lim = lim = = ( form; apply the rule agai n)
x→0 x 2 x → 0 ( x )′
2 x → 0 2x 2 ⋅0 0 0
1 – cos x (1 – cos x) ′ sin x 0
lim = lim = li m = =0
x→0 2x x→0 (2 x)′ x→0 2 2

7
x
Example Find lim e – ex2 .
x →1 ( x – 1)

e x – ex 0 0
Solution lim = ( form; apply the rule)
x →1 ( x – 1)2 0 0
e x – ex ( e x – ex)′ ex – e 0
lim = lim = lim ( form; apply the rule again)
x →1 ( x – 1)2 x →1 [( x – 1)2 ]′ x →1 2( x – 1) 0
ex – e ( e x – e )′ ex e
lim = lim = lim =
x →1 2( x – 1) x →1 [2( x – 1)]′ x →1 2 2

Check Yourself 1
Find the following limits:
x3 – 8 x2 – 8 x ex – 1 sin x – 1
1. lim 2. lim 3. lim 4. lim
x → 2 x2 – 4 x–4 cos 2 x +1
x→ 4 x →0
ln x +1 x →π/2

Answers
1. 3 2. 6 3. 2 4. –1/4

84 Derivatives
 ∞
B. THE INDETERMINATE FORM –
∞
∞
L’Hospital’s Rule is also valid for the indeterminate form . It is expressed as follows:
∞
f ′( x)
Suppose that lim f(x) = ±∞, lim g(x) = ±∞ and lim exists.
x→a x→a x → a g′( x)
f ( x) f ′( x)
Then, lim = lim .
x→ a g( x) x → a g′( x)

Example 8 Find lim

x2 – 3x +5
x →∞ 7+ 2 x – 3 x2
.

x2 – 3x +5 ∞ ∞
Solution lim = ( form; apply the rule)
x →∞ 7+ 2 x – 3 x2 –∞ ∞

x2 – 3x +5 ( x2 – 3 x+5) ′ 2x– 3 ∞
lim = lim = lim ( still f orm; apply the ru le)
x →∞ 7+ 2 x – 3 x 2 x→∞ (7+ 2 x – 3 x2 )′ x→∞ 2 – 6 x ∞

2x – 3 (2 x – 3)′ 2 1
lim = lim = lim =–
x →∞ 2 – 6 x x→∞ (2 – 6 x)′ x→∞ –6 3

Example 9 Find lim

ex + 2x
x →∞ e 2 x – 3
.

ex + 2x ∞ ∞
Solution lim = ( form; apply the rule)
x →∞ e 2 x – 3 ∞ ∞
ex + 2x ( e x + 2 x)′ ex + 2 ∞
lim = lim = lim ( stil l form; apply the rule)
x →∞ e 2 x – 3 x →∞ ( e 2 x – 3)′ x →∞ 2 ⋅ e 2 x ∞

ex + 2 ( e x + 2)′ ex 1 1
lim = lim = lim = lim = =0
x →∞ 2 ⋅ e 2 x x →∞ ( 2 ⋅ e 2 x )′ x →∞ 4 ⋅ e2 x x →∞ 4 ⋅ e x ∞

1
Example 10 Find lim+ x .
x →0 ln x

1
Solution When x → 0+, → ∞ and ln x → −∞. So, we can apply L' Hôs pital's Rule.
x
1 1 1
( )′ – 2
1
lim x = lim+ x = lim+ x = lim+ − = – ∞.
x → 0 + ln x x → 0 (ln x)′ x→0 1 x→0 x
x

Applications of the Derivative 85

 Note
L’Hospital’s Rule cannot be applied directly to the indeterminate forms ∞ ⋅ 0 and ∞ – ∞.
0 ∞
But it may be possible to convert them into the form or into the form .
0 ∞

Example 11 x →∞
1
Find lim x sin .
x
This limit leads to the form ∞ ⋅ 0, but we can change it to
Solution
0 1
the form by writing x = .
0 1
x

f g 1
f ⋅g= or f ⋅ g = sin
1 1 1 x=0
lim x ⋅ sin = lim
g f x →∞ x x→∞ 1 0
x
0
Since we have the form , we can apply L’Hospital’s Rule.
0
1 1 1 1
sin (sin )′ ( − 2 ) ⋅ cos
lim x = lim x = lim x x = lim cos 1 =1
x →∞ 1 x →∞ 1 x→∞ 1 x→∞ x
( )′ − 2
x x x

Example 12 1
Find lim( − x
x→0 x
1
e −1
).

Solution We have the indeterminate form ∞ – ∞, but we write

1 1 ex − 1 − x 0 0
lim( − x ) = lim = ( form; apply the rule)
x→0 x e −1 x → 0 x ⋅ ( e x − 1) 0 0

ex − 1 − x ( e x − 1 − x)′ e x −1 0 0
lim = lim = lim x = ( form; apply the rul e again )
x→0 x ⋅ ( e − 1) x→0 [ x ⋅ ( e − 1)]′ x→0 e − 1 + x ⋅ ex 0
x x
0

ex − 1 ( e x − 1)′ ex 1
lim = lim = lim = .
x→0 x
e −1+ x ⋅ e x x → 0 ( e − 1 + x ⋅ e )′
x x x → 0 x x
e + e + x ⋅e x
2

Check Yourself 2
Find the following limits:

2 x2 – 5 x +7 x3 – 3x +5 x 1 1
1. lim 2. lim 3. lim 4. lim xe − x 5. lim( − )
x →∞ 3x + 4 x →∞ ex x →∞
ln x
x →∞ x→0 x sin x
Answers
1. ∞ 2. 0 3. ∞ 4. 0 5. 0

86 Derivatives
 EXERCISES 2 .1
0 ∞
A. The Indeterminate Form – B. The Indeterminate Form ––
0 ∞

1. Find the following limits: 2. Find the following limits:

x x2 + x +1 9 – x2
2 sin a. lim b. lim
x – 4x + 4 3 x →∞ 3x3 + 4
a. lim 2 b. lim 2
x→ – ∞ x – 2 x – 3
x→ 2 x + x – 6 x →0 2 x

ex – 1 x2 + 4
3 c. lim d. lim
1+ 3x – 1 4x + 4 x →∞ e x +1 x →∞ x
c. lim d. lim
x →0 x x → –1 5 x2 +6 x +1
ln x ex
e. lim f. lim
1 – cos x x →∞ x5 x →∞ x + x2
e. lim f. lim 1 – x
x→0 x2 x →1 ln x

ln(1+ e x )
g. lim h. lim ln x
x2 – 8 x
x →∞ 2x x →∞
x
g. lim h. lim sin(2 x + 4)
x→ 2 x–2 x → –2 x2 – x – 6
cot 3 x 2
i. lim j. lim x + cos x
x →0 cot 5 x x →∞ 3 x2
2 – 3 x+ 6 3 3
i. lim j. lim 3 – x
x→ 2 x2 – 4 x→ 3
x– 3

2 x2 + 3 x – 2
k. lim l. lim sin x – sin a
x →1/ 2 6x – 3 x→ a x–a Mixed Problems
3. Find the following limits:
e2 x – 1 2
m. lim n. lim tan( x – 4) 3
tan x
a. lim x 3 + x − 2
2
x → 0 ln( x + x +1) x→ 2 4 – x2 b. lim
x→1 2 x − 3 x + 1 π
x→ 1 + tan x
2

5x x
x x cos + sin
o. lim 3 – 7 p. lim 6 3 c.
1
lim x ln(1 + ) d. lim(tan x − sec x)
x →0 x x →π x–π x →∞ x π
x→
2

arctan 3 x ecos x – 1 6
x −1 πx
q. lim r. lim e. lim sin x f. lim
x →0 arctan 4 x x →π / 2 cos x tan
x→0 3x x →1 2 2

x π
arctan( ) –
x2 / 3 – 4 2 4 1
s. lim t. lim g. lim( − csc x) h. lim( x2 + 3 x − x )
x→8 x–8 x→ 2 x–2 x→0 x x→∞

Applications of the Derivative 87

A. INTERVALS OF INCREASE AND DECREASE
In this section, we will first briefly review the increasing
!
and decreasing functions and then discuss the !!""
relationship between the sign of the derivative of a
function and the increasing and decreasing behavior of
the function.
Recall the graph of the function f(x) = x2. As we move
"
from left to right along its graph, we see that the graph of
f falls for x < 0 and rises for x > 0. The function f is
2
the graph of f(x) = x

said to be decreasing on (–∞, 0) and increasing on (0, ∞).

Definition increasing and decreasing functions

A function f is increasing on an interval I if f(x) increases as x increases on I. That is, for any
x1 < x2 on I, f(x1) < f(x2).
Similarly, f is decreasing on an interval I if f(x) decreases as x increases on I. That is, for any
x1 < x2 in I, f(x1) > f(x2).

a decreasing function an increasing function

Note
We refer to a function as increasing or decreasing only on intervals, not at particular points.

88 Derivatives
 We now learn how the first derivative can be used to determine where the function is
increasing or decreasing. Let us look at the following graphs.
! !

!#!#%$"% !#!#%$"%
"
"

0° < α < 90°

# $ " # $ "
positive slope
f is increasing f is decreasing
positive slopes (f′(x) > 0) negative slopes (f′(x) < 0)

Observe that the function f is increasing on the interval (a, b) and the tangent lines to the
graph of f have positive slope on that interval. We know that the slope of each tangent line is
given by the derivative f ′(x). Thus, f ′(x) must be positive on (a, b).
Similarly, we expect to see a decreasing function when f ′(x) is negative. These observations
lead to the following important theorem.

Theorem
Let f(x) be a differentiable function on the interval I.
a. If f ′(x) > 0 for all the values of x on I, then f(x) is increasing on the interval I.
b. If f ′(x) < 0 for all the values of x on I, then f(x) is decreasing on the interval I.

Note
According to the theorem above, when we are asked to determine the intervals of increase
and decrease for a given function, we must examine the sign of the derivative of the
function. To do this, we shall construct the sign chart of the first derivative. We assume that
you are familiar with constructing the sign chart of a function from your earlier studies.

Example 13 Find the intervals where the function f(x) = x2 – 4x + 3 is increasing and where it is
decreasing.

Solution Let us construct the sign chart of f ′(x). !

f ′(x) = 2x – 4 and x = 2 is a root of f ′(x) = 0 1

" '! " &!

%&!$"% ' &

0,*+,-.()/ ()*+,-.()/ "
%&$"%
$######% $######% 2 1 "

the graph of
From the chart, f ′(x) > 0 when x > 2 and f ′(x) < 0 when x < 2.
f(x) = x2 – 4x + 3
So, f is increasing on (2, ∞) and decreasing on (–∞, 2).
It would also be true to say that f is increasing on [2, ∞) and decreasing on (–∞, 2].

Applications of the Derivative 89

 Note
As in the previous example, we use an “up arrow” ( ) for the intervals where the function
is increasing and a “down arrow” ( ) for the intervals where the function is decreasing.

Example 14 For what values of x is the function f(x) = (x – 1)3 either increasing or decreasing?

Solution f ′(x) = 3(x – 1)2. !

f ′(x) ≥ 0 for any of the values of x because (x – 1) > 0. 2

We conclude that f is always increasing for all the values of x.

The graph of f is shown in the figure. 2 "
32
Note that when x = 1 we have f ′(x) = 0.
But that does not affect the increase since it is just a point.
the graph of (fx) = (x – 1)3

Example 15 3
Determine where f(x) = ex – 3x is increasing.

3
Solution f ′(x) = ex – 3x ⋅ (3x2 – 3)
3
Since ex – 3x > 0 for all the values of x, it is enough to check the sign of 3x2 – 3.
3x2 – 3 = 0 ⇒ 3(x – 1)(x + 1) = 0 ⇒ x = –1 and x = 1.

" '! '2 2 &!

%&!$"% & ' &

%$"%

The chart suggests that f(x) is increasing for x < –1 and x > 1.

Example 16 For what values of a is the function

f(x) = ax3 – 2x2 + 2x – 3 increasing for all real numbers?

Solution Since f is increasing for all real numbers, f ′(x) > 0.

f ′(x) = 3ax2 – 4x + 2 > 0
This is possible only if 3a > 0 and ∆ < 0
2
Given ax + bx + c = 0, 3a > 0. So, a > 0. (1)
∆ = b2 – 4ac. 2
∆ = (– 4)2 – 4 ⋅ 3a ⋅ 2 = 16 – 24a < 0. So, a > . (2)
3
2
By (1) and (2), we have a > .
3

90 Derivatives
 Example 17 For what values of m is f ( x) =
mx – 2
x+ 3
always decreasing in its
domain?

Solution Since f is always decreasing, f ′(x) < 0 for all the values of x except
x = –3.
m( x + 3) – ( mx – 2) 3 m + 2
f ′( x) = = < 0.
( x + 3)2 ( x + 3)2

Then, we have 3m + 2 < 0 because (x + 3)2 is always positive.

2
Thus, m < – .
3

18
!
EXAMPLE The graph of the function f is given on the interval (a, b). State
whether each of the following functions is increasing or decreasing !&!#%&$"%
on (a, b).

a. g(x) = x2 – f(x) b. h(x) = f 2(x) c. f ( x)

m( x) =
x
# $ "

Solution From the graph, we conclude that x < 0 and f(x) > 0 on (a, b). Also, we have f ′(x) > 0
because f is increasing on (a, b). Now let us find the derivative of each function.

a. g′(x) = 2x – f ′(x) < 0. So g is decreasing on (a, b).

b. h′(x) = 2 ⋅ f (x) ⋅ f ′(x) > 0. So h is increasing on (a, b).
′
c. m′(x) = f ( x) ⋅ x2− f ( x) < 0. So m is decreasing on (a, b).
x

Check Yourself 3
1. Find the intervals where each function is increasing or decreasing.
1
a. f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 6 b. f ( x) = c. f(x) = ln x
3x + 4
kx +1
2. The function f ( x) = is always increasing in its domain. Find k.
x +1
Answers
1. a. increasing on (–∞, 0) and (2, ∞), decreasing on (0, 2)
4
b. decreasing on  −∞, − 4  and  − , ∞ 
 3   3 
c. increasing on (0, ∞)
2. k > 1.

Applications of the Derivative 91

B. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUES
1. Absolute and Local Maximum and Minimum
In many applications we need to find the largest or the smallest value of a specified quantity.
Here are a few examples:
• What is the shape of a container that minimizes the manufacturing costs?
• At what temperature does a certain chemical reaction proceed most rapidly?
• Which path requires the least time to travel?
These problems can be reduced to finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.
Let us first explain what we mean by maximum and minimum values.

Definition absolute maximum and minimum

A function f has an absolute maximum at c if f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in its domain.
Similarly, f has an absolute minimum at c if f(c) ≤ f(x) for all the values of x in its domain.

Note
Here is some terminology: If a function f has a maximum (or minimum) at x = c, then we
say that f(c) is a maximum (or minimum) value of f and (c, f(c)) is a maximum (or
minimum) point of f.
An extremum of a function is either a maximum or minimum value of that function.

The figure on the right shows the graph of a !

function f with absolute maximum at x = a %$#%

and absolute minimum at x = d. Note that

(a, f(a)) is the highest point on the graph !#!#%$"%

and (d, f(d)) is the lowest point.

In the same graph, if we consider only %$(%
)2 )"
the values of x sufficiently near b (for $ % $ %
# $ ' ( "
example, in the interval I1), then f(b) is the
smallest of those values of f(x). In other words, no nearby points on the graph of f are lower
than the point (b, f(b)). To define such points, we use the word “local”. So, we say that the
function f has a local minimum at the point x = b.
Similarly, f has a local maximum at x = c because f(c) is the largest value of f(x) in the
interval I2. We see that no nearby points on the graph are higher than the point (c, f(c)). We
now state the formal definition:

92 Derivatives
 Definition local maximum and minimum
A function f has a local maximum at c if f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in an interval I
containing c.
Similarly, f has a local minimum at c if f(c) ≤ f(x) for all the values of x in an interval I
containing c.
The figure on the right illustrates some ! -9.54:8,#-)0
45*-4#6-7
local and absolute extrema of a function
45*-4#6-7
f with the domain [a, e]. We see that f has )58#-9.54:8,
a local maximum at x = c, and a local
minimum at x = b and x = d. Also, f has
45*-4#6()
an absolute minimum at x = b and an )58#-9.54:8,

absolute maximum at x = e. Observe $

that the absolute minimum is also local, # ' ( * "
but the absolute maximum is not local !#!#%$"%
because it occurs at the endpoint x = e.
-9.54:8,#-)0
45*-4#6()

Note
1. A function has at most one absolute maximum and one absolute minimum. But it may
have more than one local maximum or minimum.
2. An absolute extremum of a function is either a local extremum or an endpoint.

Check Yourself 4
1. Explain the difference between an absolute maximum !
and a local maximum. !#!#+$"%

2. The graph of a function with the domain [a, f] is given

on the right. For each of the points from a to f, state
whether the function has a local maximum or
minimum, or an absolute maximum or minimum.

# $ ' ( * % "
Answers
1. absolute max.: f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in the domain of f.
local max.: f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in an interval I containing c.
2. local max. at x = b, x = d
local min. at x = c, x = e
absolute max. at x = d
absolute min. at x = a.

Applications of the Derivative 93

 2. Finding the Local Extrema
We now learn how the first derivative can be used to locate ! !#!#%$"%
the local extrema. We first consider the functions that have
derivatives at the local extremum points. The figure on the
right shows the graph of a function f with a local
maximum at x = a and a local minimum at x = b. Observe
that the tangent lines to the graph at these points are # $ "
horizontal (parallel to the x-axis) and therefore each has
slope 0. Remember that the slope of the tangent line is given by the derivative. So, we say that

f ′(a) = 0, f ′(b) = 0.
This analysis reveals an important characteristic of the local extrema of a differentiable
function.

Theorem
If f has a local extremum at c, and f ′(c) exists, then f ′(c) = 0.

Note ! !#!#%$"%
The converse of this theorem is not true in general.
That is, when f ′(c) = 0, f does not necessarily have a
maximum or minimum at x = c. For example, consider
"
the function f(x) = x3. Here, f′(x) = 3x2, so f′(0) = 0. But,
f has neither a local maximum nor a local minimum at
x = 0.

Example 19 The function f(x) = 2x3 – mx + 5 has a local minimum

at x = 1. Find m.

Solution Since f(x) is a polynomial function, it is differentiable

everywhere. By the theorem above, we have f ′(1) = 0.
f ′(x) = 6x2 – m
f ′(1) = 0
6 ⋅ 12 – m = 0
m=6

94 Derivatives
 Example 20 Find the local extrema of the function f(x) = |x|.

Solution Let us plot the graph of f.

!
 x, x ≥ 0 !#!#%$"%
f ( x) =| x |= 
In some books, an − x, x < 0
extremum that occurs
at a point where the We see that f has a local minimum at x = 0.
"
derivative does not But there is no horizontal tangent there.
exist is called a singular
point. In fact, there is no tangent line at all since f ′(x) is not defined at x = 0.

Note
The function f(x) = |x| shows that a local extremum of a function may exist at which the
derivative does not exist. As a consequence, we say that the local extrema of any function f
occurs at the points c where f ′(c) = 0 or f ′(c) does not exist. Such points are given a special
name.

Definition critical point

The value c in the domain of f is called a critical point if either
1. f ′(c) = 0, or
2. f ′(c) does not exist.

Example 21 Find the critical points of f(x) = 2x3 – 9x2 + 12x – 7.

Solution The derivative of f is f ′(x) = 6x2 – 18x + 12 = 6(x – 1)(x – 2).

Since f ′(x) is defined for all the values of x, the only critical points are the roots of f ′(x) = 0.
Therefore, x = 1 and x = 2.

x2
Example 22 Find the critical points of f ( x) =
x –1
.

Solution The Quotient Rule gives

2 x( x – 1) – x2 ⋅ 1 x( x – 2)
f ′( x) = = .
( x – 1)2 ( x – 1)2
Since x = 0 and x = 2 are the roots of f ′(x) = 0, they are critical points. Next, observe that
f ′(x) does not exist when x = 1. However, since f is not defined at that point, the point
x = 1 is not a critical point.

Applications of the Derivative 95

 23
!
Example In the figure on the right the graph of a !#!#%$"%
function f with critical points at x = a, b, c, d,
and e are shown.
a. State why these points are critical.
b. Classify each of them as a local maximum,
a local minimum, or neither.
# $ ' ( * "

Solution a. Observe that there are horizontal tangents at the points x = c, d, and e, so f ′(x) = 0 at
these points. Next, f ′(x) does not exist at x = a because the tangent line at this point is
vertical. Finally, since there is a corner at x = b, f ′(x) does not exist there.

b. From the graph of f, we say that f has a local maximum at x = d, and a local minimum at
x = b and x = e. Note that f ′(c) = 0 and f ′(a) does not exist, and f has no local extrema
at these points. We conclude that not every critical point gives rise to a local extrema.

Check Yourself 5
Find the critical points of the following functions.

1. f(x) = x3 – 3x + 4 2. f(x) = 1 – ñx 3. f(x) = x2ln x

Answers
1
1. –1, 1 2. 0 3.
e

96 Derivatives
 3. The First Derivative Test
So far we have learned that any extremum of a function f must occur at any critical point of
f. In the previous example we have seen that not every critical point is a maximum or a
minimum.Therefore, we need a test that helps us classify critical points as local maximum,
local minimum, or neither.
Suppose that the function f is continuous at c and that f is defined on some open interval
containing c.

%&!#<#= & ' %&!#>#=

If f is increasing on the left of c and
& '
decreasing on the right, then f should ()*; 0,*; & '
have a local maximum at x = c. & '

' "

!
If f is decreasing on the left of c and & '
increasing on the right, then f should & '
0,*; ()*;
have a local minimum at x = c.
& '
& '
%&!#>#= %&!#<#=

' "

! !
& '
If f is increasing on both sides or & %&!#<#= '
decreasing on both sides, then f & %&!#>#= '
%&!#<#= & '
should have neither a local maximum %&!#>#=
& '
nor a local minimum at x = c. & '
' " ' "

Moreover, we know that f(x) is increasing where f ′(x) > 0 and decreasing where f ′(x) < 0.
These observations are the basis of the following test.

THE FIRST DERIVATIVE TEST

Let c be a critical point of a function f(x).

1. If f ′(x) changes from positive to negative at c, then f(x) has a local maximum at c.
2. If f ′(x) changes from negative to positive at c, then f(x) has a local minimum at c.
3. If f ′(x) does not change sign at c, then f(x) has no local maximum or minimum at c.

Applications of the Derivative 97

Example 24 Find the critical points of the function f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 9x + 6, and classify each critical
point as a local maximum, a local minimum, or neither.

Solution f ′(x) = 3x2 – 6x – 9 = 3(x – 3)(x + 1)

x = 3 and x = –1 are the critical points (where f ′(x) = 0). Since f ′(x) is a polynomial
function, it is differentiable everywhere. Thus, we have no points c such that f ′(c) is not
defined.
" '! '2 1 &!

%&!$"% & ' &

%$"%

$6-7% $6()%
From the sign chart, f increases for x < –1 and decreases for –1 < x < 3. So, f has a local
maximum at x = –1.
Similarly, f decreases for –1 < x < 3 and increases for x > 3. So, f has a local minimum at x = 3.

Example 25 Find the local extrema of the function f(x) = x2/3 + 2.

2
2 –1 2
Solution f ′( x) = ⋅ x3 = 1
3
3 ⋅ x3
There is no root of f ′(x) = 0.
Now we will look for the values of x such
that f ′(x) is not defined but f(x) is
defined. We see that f is defined for all
the values of x but f ′ is not defined at
x = 0. So, 0 is a critical point.

" '! = &!

%&!$"% ' &

%$"%

$6()%

Thus, the first derivative test tells us that

x = 0 is a local minimum of f.

98 Derivatives
 Example 26 Find the local extrema of the function f(x) = |x – 1|.

Solution If x > 1, then x – 1 > 0. So, f(x) = x – 1.

If x < 1, then x – 1 < 0. So, f(x) = 1 – x.
1, x>1
f ′(x) =
–1, x<1

Since f ′(1– ) ≠ f ′(1+), f ′(x) is not defined at x = 1.

So, x = 1 is a critical point. Furthermore, f ′(x) is not equal to zero anywhere.
For x > 1, we have f ′(x) = 1 > 0. So, f(x) is increasing on this interval.
For x < 1, we have f ′(x) = –1 < 0. So, f(x) is decreasing on this interval.

" '! 2 &!

%&!$"% ' &

%$"%

$6()%
Thus, f has a local minimum at x = 1.

Example 27 Find the local extrema of the function f(x) = 5x3 + 4x.

Solution f ′(x) = 15x2 + 4 is always positive. There is no real solution of f ′(x) = 0.

" '! &!

%&!$"% &

%$"%

f is increasing for all the values of x.

Since f(x) is a polynomial function, f(x) is continuous and differentiable everywhere.
Thus, f(x) has no local extrema.

Check Yourself 6
Find the local extrema of the following functions.
x2 +1
1. f(x) = 2x2 – 2x + 5 2. f(x) = 1 – x4 3. f(x) = 4. f(x) = |x2 – x|
x
Answers
1 1
1. min.: x = 2. max.: x = 0 3. max.: x = –1, min.: x = 1 4. max.: x = , min.: x = 0, x = 1
2 2

Applications of the Derivative 99

Example 28 If the function f(x) = x3 + ax2 + 15x + b has a local maximum at the point (1, 10), then
find a and b.

Solution We know that an extremum of a function must occur at a point where f ′(x) = 0 or f ′(x) does
not exist. Since f is a polynomial function, f is differentiable everywhere.
So, we have f ′(1) = 0.
f ′(x) = 3x2 + 2ax + 15
f ′(1) = 0
3 ⋅ 12 + 2a ⋅ 1 + 15 = 0
a = –9
Since the point (1, 10) is on the graph of f, we say that f(1) = 10.
f(1) = 10
13 + a ⋅ 12 + 15 ⋅ 1 + b = 10
a + b = –6
b = 3 (since a = –9)

Example 29 The graph of the derivative of the function f(x) is shown in !

!#!#%&!$"%
the figure. Find the intervals where f(x) is increasing or
decreasing and find the local extrema of f. 3" 32
2 "

Solution We know that f(x) is increasing when f ′(x) > 0. f ′(x) > 0 means that the graph of f (x) must
be above the x-axis. In the figure f ′(x) > 0 for x > 1. So, f(x) is increasing for x > 1. Similarly,
f(x) is decreasing when the graph of f ′(x) is below the x-axis. So, f(x) is decreasing for x < 1.

" '! 2 &!

%&!$"% ' &

%$"%

$6()%

From the chart, f has a local minimum at x = 1.

100 Derivatives
 Example 30 For what values of m does the function f(x) = x3 – (m – 1)x2 + 3x – 2 have no local extrema?

Solution Since f has no extrema, there must be no root of f ′(x) = 0.

f ′(x) = 3x2 – 2(m – 1)x + 3

The equation 3x2 – 2(m – 1)x + 3 = 0 must have no root.

A quadratic equation has
1. two solutions when We need ∆ < 0:
∆ > 0.
2. one solution when [–2(m – 1)]2 – 4 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 3 < 0
∆ = 0.
3. no solution when 4(m2 – 2m + 1) – 36 < 0
∆ < 0.
4(m2 – 2m – 8) < 0

4(m – 4)(m + 2) < 0

Let us construct a chart to solve the above inequality:

–2 4
+ – +

So –2 < m < 4.

Check Yourself 7
1. Find the local minimum value of y = e2x – 4ex – 6x.

2. The function f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 9x + a has a local maximum value of 10. Find a.

3. The graph of the derivative of the function f(x) is given. Find the local extrema of the
function f.
!

'" 2 " ?
'2 1 "

!#!#%&!$"%

Answers
1. –3 – 6ln 3 2. 5 3. max.: x = 0, x = 4, min.: x = –2, x = 2

Applications of the Derivative 101

 4. Finding the Absolute Extrema
In most types of maximum-minimum problems, we are more interested in the absolute
extrema rather than the local extrema. Recall that the absolute extrema of a function are the
largest and the smallest values of that function in its whole domain. The following figures
show the graphs of several functions and give the maximum and minimum values of the
functions if they exist.

! ! !

"
"
'2
"

minimum value is – 1 minimum value is 0 no minimum value

maximum value is 1 no maximum value no maximum value

We have seen that some functions have absolute extrema, whereas other do not. In what
conditions does a function have both the absolute maximum and the absolute minimum?
The following theorem answers this question.

Theorem
If a function f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], then f has both an absolute maximum
and an absolute minimum on [a, b].

The above theorem guarantees the existence of the absolute extrema of a continuous
function on a closed interval [a, b]. Moreover, we know that each absolute extremum can
occur either at a critical point in the interior of [a, b] or at an endpoint of the interval. The
following steps give a useful method for finding the absolute extrema of a continuous
function on [a, b].

CLOSED INTERVAL METHOD

1. Find the critical points of f on the interval [a, b].

2. Evaluate f(x) at each critical point.
3. Evaluate f(a) and f(b).
4. The largest of the values of f found in Steps 2 and 3 is the absolute maximum, the
smallest of these values is the absolute minimum.

102 Derivatives
 Example 31 Find the absolute extrema of the function f(x) = x2 – 4x + 3 on [0, 3].

Solution Let us apply the Closed Interval Method step by step:

1st Step: To find the critical points of f, we must solve f ′(x) = 0 and also find where f ′(x)
does not exist.
f ′(x) = 2x – 4 = 0 gives x = 2.
The domain of the function is [0, 3]. So, x = 2 is in the domain.
And there is no point where f ′(x) is not defined.
Thus, the only critical point on [0, 3] is x = 2. !
6-7
1
2 Step: f(2) = 2 – 4 ⋅ 2 + 3 = –1
nd 2

3rd Step: f(a) = f(0) = 02 – 4 ⋅ 0 + 3 = 3

f(b) = f(3) = 32 – 4 ⋅ 3 + 3 = 0 2 " 1
rd "
4 Step: fmax[0, 3] = 3, fmin[0, 3] = – 1. 32 !#!#%&$"%
The graph of f confirms our results. 6()

Example 32 Find the maximum and minimum values of the function f(x) = 2x3 + 12x2 + 18x + 6 on
the closed interval [–2, 0].

Solution f ′(x) = 6x2 + 24x + 18 = 6(x + 1)(x + 3)

f ′(x) = 0 when x = –1 and x = –3.
But x = –3 is outside the interval [–2, 0]. So, we do not take it.
The only critical point is x = –1.
Additionally, we should consider the endpoints of the interval [–2, 0].
Now, we evaluate f(x) at x = –1, –2, and 0:
f(–1) = –2
f(–2) = 2
f(0) = 6
fmax[–2, 0] = 6, fmin[–2, 0] = –2.

Notation
fmax[a, b] denotes the maximum value of the function f on the interval [a, b].
fmin[a, b] denotes the minimum value of the function f on the interval [a, b].

Applications of the Derivative 103

Example 33 Find the absolute extrema of the function f(x) = 2 – |x – 1| on [–1, 3].

Solution If x > 1, then x – 1 > 0. So, f(x) = 2 – (x – 1) = 3 – x.

If x < 1, then x – 1 < 0. So, f(x) = 2 – (1 – x) = x + 1.

 3 – x, x>1

We have f(x) =  2, x=1.

 x + 1, x<1
We say that f ′(1) does not exist because f ′(1–) = 1 and f ′(1+) = –1 are not equal.
So x = 1 is a critical point.
Next we consider the endpoints of the interval [–1, 3]. So, we should find the values of f for the
points x = 1, –1, and 3.
f(1) = 2
f(–1) = 0
f(3) = 0
fmax[–1, 3] = 2, fmin[–1, 3] = 0.

Example 34 x 2
Find the maximum and minimum values of the function f ( x) = + on [–3, 3].
2 x

1 2 x2 – 4
Solution f ′( x) =– 2=
2 x 2 x2
x = –2 and x = 2 are the roots of f ′(x) = 0. So, they are critical points. Next, f ′(x) does not
exist when x = 0, but f is not defined at this point; so 0 is not a critical point.
Now let us find the values of f for critical points and endpoints.
13 13
f (–3) = – , f ( –2) = –2, f (2) = 2, f(3) =
6 6
13 13
f max [–3,3]= fmin =[–3, 3]= –
6 6

Check Yourself 8
Find the absolute extrema of each function on the given interval.

1. f(x) = x2 – x + 2, [0, 1] 2. g(x) = x3 – 2x2 + x + 1, [–1, 2]

3. h(x) = x – ñx, [1, 4]
Answers
7
1. fmax = 2, fmin = 2. fmax = 3, fmin = –3 3. fmax = 2, fmin = 0
4

104 Derivatives
 EXERCISES 2 .2
A. Intervals of Increase and Decrease 3. Find the intervals where the function
f(x) = sin x + cos x is decreasing on [0, 2π].
1. You are given the graphs of two functions.
Determine where the functions are increasing 4. Show that the function f(x) = Arctanx is increasing
and where they are decreasing. for all the values of x.
a. ! b. !
5. For what values of m is the function
!#!#%&$"% 1
f ( x) = − x3 + mx2 − 4x +1 decreasing
3
'" " for all real numbers?
" '1 '2 "
'2 !#!#%&$"%
1
6. The function f(x) = ax3 – (a – 2)x2 + x
3
2. Find the intervals where each of the following
is always increasing for all the values of x. Find a.
functions is increasing or decreasing.
a. f(x) = 3 – 8x x2 − ax
7. Find the values of a, so that f ( x) = 2 is
b. f(x) = x2 + 1 x − 4x + 3
always decreasing in its domain.
c. f(x) = –x2 + 4x + 3
8. Find a, so that the function
d. f(x) = x3 + 6x
x3 f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 3ax + 15 is increasing on
e. f(x) = – 2x2 + 2 (–∞, –2) and (4, ∞), and decreasing on (–2, 4).
3
f. f(x) = 3x4 + 4x3 – 12x2 9. Let f be an increasing function on (0, ∞). State
1
g. f(x) = whether each of the following functions are
2–x
increasing or decreasing on the same interval.
h. f(x) = x2/3
5−x a. –f(x) b. x + f(x)
i. f(x) = 1
x2 c. d. f(x2)
3
f ( x)
j. f(x) = x –1
1 10. The graph of the function f is !
k. f ( x) = 2 x − 5 given on the closed interval
# $
l. f(x) = e x2 – 4x + 3 [a, b]. State whether each of
"
ln x the following functions are
m. f ( x) = 2 increasing or decreasing on
x
π [a, b].
n. f ( x) = sin  x + 
3 a. x ⋅ f(x) !#!#%$"%

2x
4 ⋅ 0.5 x b. f 2(x) + x
o. f ( x) = 0.5 – + 3x – 2
2 ln0.5 ln0.5 c. x2 – f(x)

Applications of the Derivative 105

B. Maximum and Minimum Values 3 − 6 x − x2
1
h. f(x) =  
11. For each of the points from x1 to x9, state whether 2
f has a local maximum or minimum, and an i. f(x) = x2 – 3x + xln x
absolute maximum or minimum.
j. f(x) = sin2x + sin x
!
!#!#%&$"%
15. The function f(x) = x3 – 9x2 + 15x + 7 is given.
Find the sum of the x-coordinates of its local
extrema.

16. The graph of y = ax2 + bx has an extremum at

"2 "" "1 "? "B "@ "A "C "D " (1, –2). Find the values of a and b.
12. Find the critical points of the following functions.
17. Find k, if f(x) = x3 – 2x2 – 7x + k has a local
3 2 x
a. f(x) = x + x b. f(x) = x e maximum value of 8.
1
c. f(x) = 2x – 2 d. f(x) = |x + 1|
x 18. Given that f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 1 has a local
maximum at x = –1 and a local minimum at
13. ! x = 2, find a and b.

19. Find the local minimum value of the function

!#!#%&$"% f(x) = x2ex – 3ex.

20. Find the value of m, if the curve y = x3 + 2mx2 + 30

# $ ' ( * "
is tangent to the line y = –2.
In the figure above the graph of a function f with
the critical points at a, b, c, d, and e are shown. 21. Find the relation between a and b, if the function
f(x) = ax3 + bx + c has one local maximum and
a. State why these points are critical.
one local minimum.
b. Classify each of them as a local maximum, a
local minimum, or neither.
22. For what values of m does the function
14. Find the local extrema of the following functions. 2
f(x) = mx + 1 have no local extrema?
a. f(x) = 8x + x2 x −1

b. f(x) = –x3 + 3x + 2 23. !

x3
c. f(x) = + 2x2 + 4x + 5 "
3
2 1 A
d. f(x) = (x – 1)2(x + 3)2
'" @ "
x
e. f(x) =
x +1 !#!#%&!&$"%
'1
16
f. f(x) = x2 –
x The graph of the derivative of a function f is
g. f(x) = |4 – x2| given. Find the local extrema of f.

106 Derivatives
24. Find the absolute extrema of each function on Mixed Problems
the given interval.
29. Given a parametric function y = f(x) with
a. f(x) = 2x2 – 4x + 3, [0, 2] y = 2t2 + 4t + 5
b. f(x) = –x2 + 2x – 1, [–2, 2] x = t3 + t.
a. Find the intervals of increase and decrease of f.
c. f(x) = x3 – 6x, [1, 4]
b. Find the local extrema of f.
d. f(x) = 2x3 – 15x2 + 24x + 19, [0, 2]
30. !
e. f(x) = x2 – 4ñx, [0, 3]
f. f(x) = x5 – 5x4 + 1, [0, 5] '1 '2 " ? @
'? B
g. f(x) = 9x2 – x4, [–3, 3]
!#!#%&!$"%
h. f(x) = 9 – x2 , [–1, 2]
1
i. f(x) = x – , [1, 3]
x The graph of the derivative of a function f is
j. f(x) = 3x , 2/3
[–1, 1] given.
a. Find the intervals of increase and decrease of f.
x–1
k. f(x) = , [0, 4] b. Find the local extrema of f.
x +1
l. f(x) = |x2 – 3x|, [1, 4]
31. At what point does the tangent to the curve
x3
m. f ( x) = 1 log 32 x − 3 log 22 x+8 log 2 x+1, [1, 8] y= – 2 x2 + x – 5 have the smallest slope?
3 3
n. f(x) = 9sin x – sin 3x + 3, [–π, 0] !
32. In the figure, graph of f ′(x)
is given. Given that the !#!#%&!$"%

25. Find the sum of the smallest value and the greatest equation f(x) = 0 has only
one root and that root is # $
"
value of f(x) = x2 – 4x + 8 on [–2, 3].
positive, plot a rough graph
of f(x).

26. If the point (1, 4) is the highest point of the graph 33. Find the range of the function
of f(x) = ax2 + 2x + b, find a + b.
3x4 − 4 x3 − 24 x2 + 48 x, x ≥ 0.5
f ( x) =  .
8 x3 +12 x2 + 2, x < 0.5
27. Let f(x) = ax3 – bx. Find a and b, if f(2) = 4 is the
maximum value of f on [0 , 4]. 34. For which values of a does the interval 0, 1 
 3
completely include the range of the function
28. Find the maximum value of f(x) = sinx + cosx. 1
f ( x) = 4 ?
3x − 8ax3 +12 a2 x2 + a

Applications of the Derivative 107

A. CONCAVITY
In this section we discuss the concept of concavity. As illustrated in the following figures, two
increasing graphs on an interval may have different shapes. This depends on how the graphs
bend or turn. As we scan the graphs from left to right, we see that the graph of f turns to the
left (upward), while the graph of g turns to the right (downward). We say that the function f
is concave up on the interval (a, b) and the function g is concave down on
the interval (a, b). We now define concavity geometrically.

# #

#!$"%#
#!&"%#

" ! % " ! %

increasing, concave up increasing, concave down

Definition concavity
A function f is concave up on an interval I if the graph of f lies above all of its tangent lines
on the interval I.
Similarly, f is concave down on I if the graph of f lies below all of its tangent lines on I.

108 Derivatives
 concave up (slopes increasing) concave down (slopes decreasing)
The graphs above illustrates the definition of concavity. Now, we shall see that the
second derivative f ′′ tells us where f is concave up and where f is concave down. If f is
concave up on (a, b), then the slopes of the tangent lines increase from left to right as shown
f ′ > 0 ⇔ f is increasing in the left figure above. This means that the first derivative f′ is increasing on (a, b). We know
f ′ < 0 ⇔ f is decreasing that if f ′ is an increasing function, then its derivative f ′′ must be positive on (a, b). In a
similar way, it can be shown that if f is concave down on (a, b), then f ′′(x) < 0 on (a, b).
These observations suggest the following theorem.

Theorem
Let the function f be twice differentiable on the interval I.
1. If f ′′(x) > 0 for all the values of x on the interval I, then f is concave up on I.
2. If f ′′(x) < 0 for all the values of x on the interval I, then f is concave down on I.

EXAMPLE 35 Determine where the following functions are concave up and where they are concave down.

a. f(x) = 9 – x2 b. f(x) = ex c. f(x) = x3

#
Solution a. f(x) = 9 – x2 #$!$%$&$%'

f ′(x) = –2x and f ′′(x) = –2

Since f ′′(x) < 0 for all the values of x, f is concave down
As a conclusion of the
above theorem, we must everywhere. %
examine the sign of the
second derivative. #
b. f(x) = ex #$!$'%
f ′(x) = ex and f ′′(x) = ex
As shown on the right, f is concave up on (–∞, ∞) because
f ′′(x) > 0 for all the values of x. %

c. f(x) = x3 % &! 4 3! #
#$!$%(
f ′(x) =3x and f ′′(x) = 6x
2
$(!!"%# & 3
Setting f ′′(x) = 0 gives x = 0.
$"%# )*+),-. )*+),-. %
/*0+ 12

From the sign chart, f′′(x) changes sign from negative to positive at the point x = 0. Observe
that the point (0, 0) on the graph of f(x) = x3 is where f changes from concave down to
concave up. We call it the inflection point of f.

Applications of the Derivative 109

 Definition Inflection point
An inflection point is a point where a graph changes its direction of concavity.

# # # #

" % " % " % " %

$(!!""#$!$4 $(!!""#$!$4 $(!!""#$/*.5$+*6$.7856 $(!!""#$/*.5$+*6$.7856

Note
At each inflection point, either
1. f ′′(a) = 0 or
2. f ′′(a) does not exist.

FINDING THE INFLECTION POINTS

To find the inflection points of a function, follow the steps.

1. Find the points where f ′′(x) = 0 and f ′′(x) does not exist. These points are the
possible inflection points of the function f.
2. Construct the sign chart of f ′′(x). If the sign of f ′′(x) changes across the point
x = a, then (a, f(a)) is an inflection point of f.

Example 36 Investigate f(x) = (x + 1)4 for concavity and find the inflection points.

Solution f ′(x) = 4(x + 1)3 #

f ′′(x) = 12(x + 1)2

9
x = –1 is a double root of f ′′(x) = 0.
% &! &: 3!

$(!!"%# 3 3

$"%# )*+),-. )*+),-. &: %

12 12
the graph of f(x) = (x + 1)4
From the sign chart, f(x) is concave up for all the values of x.
Also, we have f ′′(x) = 0 when x = –1.
But (–1, 0) is not the inflection point of f because f ′′ does not change sign across x = –1.

110 Derivatives
 Example 37 Find the intervals of concavity and the inflection points for f ( x) =
1 4
2
x – 4 x3 +9 x2 – 7 x+5.

Solution f ′(x) = 2x3 – 12x2 + 18x – 7

f ′′(x) = 6x2 – 24x + 18 = 6(x – 3)(x – 1)
Because f ′′(x) exists everywhere, the possible inflection points are the solutions of the
equation f ′′(x) = 0; that is, x = 1 and x = 3.
% &! : ( 3!

$(!!"%# 3 & 3

$("%# )*+),-.$12 )*+),-.$/*0+ )*+),-.$12

"8+;# "8+;#

From the sign chart for f ′′, we see that f is concave up on (–∞, 1) and (3, ∞) and concave
down on (1, 3). It would also be true to say that f is concave up on (–∞, 1] and [3, ∞) and
concave down on [1, 3].
Also, observe that f ′′(x) changes sign at x = 1 and x = 3. Therefore, the points (1, f(1)) and
(3, f(3)) are the inflection points of f.

Example 38 Find the intervals of concavity and the inflection points for f(x) = cos x – sin x on [0, 2π].

Solution f ′(x) = –sin x – cos x and f ′′(x) = –cos x + sin x

Since f ′′ is differentiable on [0, 2π], we must find the solutions of f ′′(x) = 0 on [0, 2π].
π 5π
f ′′(x) = 0 ⇒ –cos x + sin x = 0 ⇒ tan x = 1 ⇒ x = and x = .
4 4
58+
" <"
$(!!$!$4 % 4 '"
9 9
3
3
& $(!!"%# & 3 &

3 )*5 )*+),-. )*+),-. )*+),-.

& $"%#
/*0+ 12 /*0+
&
"8+;# "8+;#
$(!!$!$4
π 5π
The sign chart of f ′′ shows that f is concave down on (0, ) and ( , 2π) and concave up on
4 4
π 5π
( , ).
4 4
π π π 2 2 5π 5π 5π 2 2
f ( ) = cos − sin = − = 0 and f ( ) = cos −sin =− + =0
4 4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2 2
π 5π
So, ( , 0) and ( , 0) are the inflection points of f.
4 4

Applications of the Derivative 111

Example 39 The function f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 3 has an inflection point at (1, 3). Find the values of a
and b.

Solution f ′(x) = 3x2 + 2ax + b and f ′′(x) = 6x + 2a

We know that the inflection point of f occurs at a point where f ′′(x) = 0 or f ′′(x) does not
exist.
Since (1, 3) is an inflection point, f ′′(1) = 0.
Also we have f(1) = 3 because the point (1, 3) is on the graph of f.
f ′′(1) = 0 ⇒ 6 ⋅ 1 + 2a = 0 ⇒ a = –3
f(1) = 3 ⇒ 13 + a ⋅ 12 + b ⋅ 1 + 3 = 3 ⇒ a + b = 0 ⇒ b = 3

Example 40 Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve f ( x) = x2 +

1
x
at its inflection point.

Solution We first need to find the inflection point of f.

1 2
f ′( x) = 2 x − and f ′′( x) = 2+ 3
x2 x
Setting f ′′(x) = 0 gives x = –1 and (–1, 0) is the inflection point.
f ′′ does not exist when x = 0 but this point is not the inflection point of f. (Why?)
Now we can find the equation of the tangent line at the point (–1, 0). The slope of the
equation is
1
m = f ′( −1) = 2 ⋅ ( −1) − = −2 − 1 = −3.
( −1)2
Using the point-slope form of a line,
y – y1 = m ⋅ (x – x1)
y – 0 = –3 ⋅ (x + 1) or y = –3x – 3.

112 Derivatives
 Note
In the beginning of this section we have
seen that an increasing graph can be either
concave up or concave down. This shows
that the increase and decrease of a function
is independent of the concavity of the
function.
Remember that the sign of the first derivative determines where f is increasing and decreasing,
whereas the sign of the second derivative determines where f is concave up and concave down.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A GRAPH AND ITS DERIVATIVES

# # # #
#$!$$"%#
#$!$$"%#

#$!$$"%#
#$!$$"%#

% % % %
$(!$D$4A$$$8+)B.,58+C $(!$D$4A$$$8+)B.,58+C $(!$@$4A$$$/.)B.,58+C $(!$@$4A$$$/.)B.,58+C
$(!!$D$4A$$$)*+),-.$12 $(!!$@$4A$$$)*+),-.$/*0+ $(!!$D$4A$$$)*+),-.$12 $(!!$@$4A$$$)*+),-.$/*0+

Check Yourself 9
1. Find the intervals of concavity and the inflection points for each function.
x +1
a. f(x) = x3 – 2x2 – 7x + 3 b. f ( x) = c. h(x) = x + ex
x–1
2. The function f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 2 has an inflection point at (1, –1). Find a and b.
#
3. The graph of a function y = f(x) is shown in the figure.
#$!$$"%#
a. Find the intervals of increase and decrease of f.
b. Find the intervals of concavity of f.

: ' ( 9 < = > ? % %

Answers
2 2 2
1. a. concave up: ( , ∞ ) , concave down: (– ∞, ) , inflection point x = .
3 3 3
b. concave up: (1, ∞), concave down: (–∞, 1), no inflection point.
c. concave up: (–∞, ∞), no inflection point.

2. a = –3, b = –1 3. a. increasing: (1, 2), (4, 6), (8, 9) b. concave up: (3, 6), (6, 9)
decreasing: (2, 4), (6, 8) concave down: (1, 3)

Applications of the Derivative 113

B. THE SECOND DERIVATIVE TEST
We have seen that the first derivative test helps us classify the critical points of a function f.
Here we learn an alternative test for determining whether a critical point of f is a local
maximum or a local minimum.

THE SECOND DERIVATIVE TEST

Let f be twice differentiable on an interval I and c be a critical point of f in I such that

f ′(c) = 0.
1. If f ′′(c) > 0, then f has a local minimum at x = c.
2. If f ′′(c) < 0, then f has a local maximum at x = c.

# #
#$!$$"%#

#$!$$"%#

) % ) %

$$!")#$!$4A$$(!!")#$D$4 $$!")#$!$4A$$(!!")#$@$4
E*),E$F8+8F1F$,6$)G E*),E$F,78F1F$,6$)G

The graphs above illustrates the second derivative test. We know that f is concave up near c
if f ′′(c) > 0. This means that the graph of f lies above its horizontal tangent at c and so
f has a local minimum at c.

Example 41 Apply the second derivative test to find the local extrema of the function
f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 9x + 6.

Solution f ′(x) = 3x2 – 6x – 9 and f ′′(x) = 6x – 6.

So, f ′(x) = 0 gives x = –1 and x = 3, the critical points of f.
To apply the second derivative test, we compute f ′′ at these points.
f ′′(–1) = –12 and f ′′(3) = 12
Since f ′′(–1) < 0, the second derivative test implies that f(–1) = 11 is a local maximum value
of f. And since f ′′(3) > 0, it follows that f(3) = –21 is a local minimum value.
Remember that we had found the same results by using the first derivative test in Example 24.

114 Derivatives
 Note
The second derivative test can be used only when f ′′ exists. Moreover, this test fails when
f ′′(c) = 0. In other words, if f ′(c) = 0 = f ′′(c), then there might be a local
maximum, a local minimum, or neither at the point x = c. In such cases we must use the
first derivative test.

Example 42 Find the local extrema of the function f(x) = 3x5 – 5x3 + 3.

Solution f ′(x) = 15x4 – 15x2 = 15x2(x2 – 1) = 15x2(x – 1)(x + 1) = 0

So, the critical points are x = –1, x = 0, and x = 1.
The second derivative is f ′′(x) = 60x3 – 30x.
When we compute f ′′(x) at each critical point, we find that
f ′′(–1) = –30 < 0, f ′′(0) = 0, f ′′(1) = 30 > 0.
The second derivative test tells us that f has a local maximum at x = –1, a local minimum
at x = 1. Since f ′′(0) = 0, this test gives no information about the critical point 0. Let us
apply the first derivative test.
% &! &: 4 : 3!

$(!"%# 3 & & 3

$"%#

We see that f ′ does not change sign at x = 0. So, f does not have a local maximum or
minimum.

Check Yourself 10
Apply the second derivative test to find the local extrema of each function.

1. f (x) = 4x3 + 9x2 – 12x + 7

2. f (x) = 8x5 – 5x4 – 20x3

4
3. f (x) = x +
x

Answers
1. max.: x = –2 2. max.: x = –1 3. max.: x = –2
1 3
min.: x = min.: x = min.: x = 2
2 2

Applications of the Derivative 115

 EXERCISES 2 .3
A. Concavity i. f(x) = x +1

1. The graphs of two functions are given. Find the

3
intervals where the second derivative of the j. f(x) = 5– x
function is positive or negative.
ex – e– x
a. # k. f ( x) =
2

&9 ' 9
&' %
l. f(x) = –Arcsin(x – 2)

sin x
m. f ( x) =
b. 1 − cos x
#

&'
&( &: ' %
3. Find a and b, if f(x) = x4 – 4x3 + ax2 + b has an
inflection point at (1, 3).

2. Find the intervals of concavity and the inflection

points for each function. 4. The function f(x) = x4 + kx2 + 7x – 7 has an

inflection point at x = 1. Find the coordinates of
a. f(x) = x2 – 5x + 6
the other inflection point.

b. f(x) = –2x2 + 7x

c. f(x) = x3 + x2

d. f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 5x – 7 5. Find the coordinates of the inflection points of

ex
4 3
e. f(x) = 3x – 16x + 30x + 4 2 the function f ( x) = on the interval (0, ∞).
x2 +1
1 4
f. f(x) = x – 6x2 + 4x – 7
4

g. f(x) = 3x5 – 10x3 + 5x

6. Find the coordinates of the inflection points of
1
h. f(x)= the function f(x) = exsin x on the interval [0, π].
x2
116 Derivatives
 7. The graph of the derivative of a function f is shown Mixed Problems
in the figure. Find the intervals of concavity and
the inflection points of f.
10. Given the graph of f(x), plot a rough graph of
f ′(x).
#
#
#$!$$"%#
&: : <
&( ( %

#$!$$(!"%#
" ! %

11. Show that a cubic function has exactly one

inflection point.
B. The Second Derivative Test

8. Determine whether f has a local maximum or

12. Show that a polynomial function of degree 4 has
minimum at the given value of x, using the
either no inflection point or exactly two inflection
second derivative test.
1 points.
a. f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 7x + 5, x=7
3
b. f(x) = x4 – 3x2 + 2, x=0
1 4 13. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve
c. f(x) = 4x + x , 3 3
x = −1 1 3 1
y= x – 2 x2 + 3x + at its inflection point.
3 3
2
d. f(x) = x2 + , x =1
x

14. Find a, b, and c so that f(x) = ax3 – 3x2 + bx + c

has an inflection point at the point (–1, 1) and a
local extremum at x = –2.
9. Find the local extrema of the following functions,
using either the first or second derivative test.
15. The tangent line to the curve
a. f(x) = x3 + 6x2 + 9x + 1
f(x) = x3 + 3x2 + cx + 1 at the inflection point of
4 3 2
b. f(x) = x + 4x + 2x + 1 f is perpendicular to the line y = x + 4. Find c.
x2
c. f(x) =
x–2
2
d. f(x) = ( x + 3) 3 16. Given that g(x) = e–x ⋅ f(x) where f is a differentiable
1 function for all real numbers and the function g(x)
e. f(x) =
1 + x2 has an inflection point at x = a, find an expression
f. f(x) = x + sin x for f ′′(a) in terms of f ′(a) and f(a).

Applications of the Derivative 117

 In this section we solve applied maximum-minimum problems in which the function is not
given directly. When we face such a problem, we are required to first find the appropriate
function to be maximized or minimized. The following steps will be helpful for solving these
problems.
1. Determine the quantity to be maximized or minimized and label it with a letter (say M for now).
2. Assign letters for other quantities, possibly with the help of a figure.
3. Express M in terms of some of the other variables.
4. Use the data in the problem to write M as a function of one variable x, say M = M(x).
5. Find the domain of the function M(x).
6. Find the maximum (or minimum) value of M(x) with the help of the first derivative.
Such problems where we look for the “best” value are called optimization problems.

Example 43 A man has 40 m of fencing that he plans to use to enclose a

rectangular garden plot. Find the dimensions of the plot that
will maximize the area.

Solution We want to maximize the area A of the rectangular plot.

Let x and y represent the length and width of the rectangle.
Then, since there is 40 m of fencing,
2x + 2y = 40 or x + y = 20.

b
Then we express A in terms of x and y: A = x ⋅ y
a Expressing A as a function of just one variable,
Given a rectangle with
sidelength a and b we get A(x) = x ⋅ (20 – x) = 20x – x2 (since y = 20 – x).
Perimeter = 2(a + b) Since the dimensions will be positive,
Area = a ⋅ b
x > 0 and y = 20 – x > 0 or 0 < x < 20.
The derivative is A′(x) = 20 – 2x. So, the only critical point is x = 10. To investigate this
critical point, we calculate the second derivative. Since A′′(x) = – 2 < 0, the second
derivative test implies that A has a local maximum x = 10.
We can verify that this local maximum is the absolute maximum by showing that the graph of
A is concave down everywhere. Since A′′(x) < 0 for all the values of x in (0, 20), maximum
value of A occurs at x = 10. The corresponding value of y is y = 20 – x = 20 – 10 = 10.
Thus, the garden would be of maximum area (100 m2) if it was in the form of a square with
sides 10 m.

118 Derivatives
 Note
Suppose that f has only one critical point c in the interval I. If f ′′(x) has the same sign at all
points of I, then f(c) is an absolute extremum of f on I. This absolute interpretation of the
second derivative test is useful in optimization problems.

Example 44 Find two positive numbers x and y such that their sum is 15 and x2 + 5y is as small as possible.

Solution We have x + y = 15 and we want to minimize M = x2 + 5y. Expressing M as a function of

just one variable we get M(x) = x2 + 5(15 – x) = x2 – 5x + 75 (since y = 15 – x).
Since both numbers are positive, x > 0 and y = 9 – x > 0 or 0 < x < 9.
5
The derivative is M′(x) = 2x – 5. So, the critical point is x = .
2
Since M′′(x) = 2 > 0 for all the values of x in (0 , 9), the second derivative test implies that
5
x = is the minimum value of M(x).
2
5 5 25
Therefore, M gets its minimum value when x = , and y = 15 − x = 15 − = .
2 2 2

Example 45 A manufacturer has an order to make cylindrical cans with a

volume of 500 cm3. Find the radius of the cans that will
minimize the cost of the metal in their production.

Solution In order to minimize the cost of the metal, we minimize the

total surface area of the cylinder.
500
The volume of the can is V = πr2h = 500. So, h = .
πr 2
Hence the surface area of the can as a function of r is
!
500 1000
A( r ) = 2 πr 2 + 2 πr ⋅ ( ) = 2 πr 2 + , r > 0.
" πr 2
r
1000 4( πr 3 – 250)
The surface area of a The derivative of A(r) is A′( r ) = 4πr – = .
cylinder is 2πr2 + 2πrh r2 r2
and the volume is πr2h
where r is the radius 250
Thus, the only critical point is r = 3 .
and h the height. π

2000 250
Since A′′( r ) = 4π + > 0 for r = 3 , the second derivative test implies that A gets its
r 3
π
250
minimum value when r = 3 .
π

Applications of the Derivative 119

Example 46 Find the area of the largest rectangle that has two vertices on the x - axis and another two above
the x - axis on the parabola y = 3 – x2.

$
Solution Let (x, y) be the vertex of the rectangle in the
first quadrant. Then the rectangle has sides with
the lengths 2x and y. So, its area is A = 2xy. &#'$$(
Using the fact that (x, y) lies on the parabola
y = 3 – x2, the expression to be maximized is !!" !"

A(x) = 2 ⋅ x ⋅ (3 – x2) = 6x – 2x3. #

The domain of this function is (0, ñ3). $%#$"$!$#%

Its derivative is A′(x) = 6 – 6x2.

So, the critical points are – 1 and 1.
Only the positive value x = 1 lies in the
interval (0, ñ3). Since this is the only critical
value in the interval, we can apply the second
derivative test.
The second derivative is A′′(x) = –12x and in
particular A′′(x) < 0 for all the values of x in
(0, ñ3). So, the maximum value of A(x) in this interval is A(1) = 4. Therefore, the area of
the largest rectangle is 4.

Example 47 Find the point on the line y = x + 2 that is the closest to the point (1, 2).

Solution Let (x, y) be a point on y = x + 2 such that the distance $ $##+%

d between (x, y) and (1, 2) is a minimum. &#'$$(
&
We have d = ( x – 1) +( y – 2) .
2 2 % &*'$%(

Distance between If the point (x, y) is on the line, then y = x + 2. To

two points
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is rewrite d in terms of the single variable x, substitute
y = x + 2. )%
( x1 – x2 )2 +( y1 – y2 )2 .
* #
After substitution, d = ( x – 1)2 + x2 = 2 x2 – 2 x +1.

It is clear that the minimum of d occurs at the same point as the minimum of d2. So, we
minimize d2 to simplify calculations by letting M = d2.
M(x) = 2x2 – 2x + 1 has derivative M′(x) = 4x – 2.
1 1
So, M′(x) = 0 when x = . Since M′′(x) = 4 > 0, the minimum value occurs at x = .
2 2
1 5 1 5
Since y = + 2 = , the point ( , ) is the closest point to the point (1, 2).
2 2 2 2

120 Derivatives
 Example 48 The swimmer is 40 m from the shoreline. The lifeguard is 100 m from the point on the shore
that is directly opposite the swimmer. The guard can run at a speed of 5 m/s and swim at a
speed of 3 m/s. What path should the guard follow to get to the swimmer in the least time?

Solution Let x be the distance denoted in the given diagram.

,-.//01

67%$+$#%
67$/

23415

# '((%)%#

Recall that if travel is at a constant rate of speed, then

(distance traveled) = (rate of travel) ⋅ (time elapsed).
D
In short, D = R ⋅ T or T = .
R
The total time elapsed is
swim distance run distance 40 2 + x2 100 – x
T( x) = (swim time)+( run time) = + = + .
swim rate run rate 3 5

We wish to minimize the total time elapsed. So, we differentiate this equation to get
1 1 −1 1 x 1
T ′( x) = ⋅ ⋅ (40 2 + x2 ) 2 ⋅(40 2 + x2 ) ′ − = − .
3 2 5 3 40 2 + x2 5

T′(x) = 0 gives 5x = 40 2 + x2 ⇒ 25x2 = 9(402 + x2) ⇒ 16x2 = 9 ⋅ 402 ⇒ x = ± 30.

But x ≠ –30 since x measures a distance.
It is left to the student to verify that T′′(30) > 0 which means x = 30 corresponds to a path
of minimum time.

Check Yourself 11
1. Find two positive numbers x and y such that their sum is 9 and x2y is as large as possible.
2. A rectangle has area of 144 m2. What dimensions will minimize its perimeter?
3. An open rectangular box with a square base is to be made from 300 cm2 of material. Find
the dimensions of the box with the maximum volume.
4. Find the minimum distance from the line 2x + 3y = 13 to the origin.
Answers
1. x = 6, y = 3 2. 12, 12 3. 5, 10 4. ò13

Applications of the Derivative 121

 EXERCISES 2 .4
1. Find two positive numbers such that their sum is 7. A man has 120 metres of fencing. He wishes to
30 and their product is as large as possible. enclose a rectangular garden adjacent to a long
existing wall. He needs no fence along the wall.
What are the dimensions of the largest area he
2. One number is 4 larger than another. How must can enclose?
they be chosen in order to minimize their
product?

8. A closed rectangular
3. The sum of two positive integers is 10. Find the box is to be made with
maximum value of the sum of their squares. 192 cm2 of material.
The length of its base
$
is twice its width.
#
What is the largest %#
4. Find the minimum possible value of the sum of possible volume of
two positive numbers such that their product is m. such a box?

5. Find the value of m if the sum of squares of the

roots of x2 + (2 – m)x – m – 3 = 0 is to be
9. An open tank with a square base is to be made of
minimum.
sheet iron. Its capacity is to be 4 m3. Find the
dimensions of the tank so that the least amount of
sheet iron may be used.
6. A farmer has 100 m of fencing and wants to build
a rectangular pen for his horse. Find the
dimensions of the largest area he can enclose.

10. A rectangular sheet of #

tin, 30 cm by 48 cm,
#
has four equal squares
cut out at the corners.
68$9/

The sides are then

turned up to form an
open rectangular box.
Find the largest possible
volume of the box. "7$9/

124 Derivatives
11. A closed cylindrical drum with the volume 54 m3 17. In the figure on the right, $

is to be manufactured using the minimum the point (x, y) lies on 6

amount of metal sheet possible. Find the diameter the graph of the ellipse *&#'$$(
of the base of the drum. x 2
y 2
+ =1 in
9 16
the first quadrant. + , " #
For what value of y will
12. The sum of two non-negative numbers is 10. Find the area of the triangle POA be maximum?
the minimum possible value of the sum of their
cubes.
18. Find the length of the diagonal of the rectangle
with the largest area that can be inscribed in an
isosceles triangle of base 24 cm and height 10 cm.
13. Find the area of the
largest rectangle that is . / 19. A right cylinder is inscribed
inscribed in a circle with %- in a right circular cone with
the radius R. ([AC] is the the radius 3 cm and height
, 0
diameter of the circle 5 cm. Find the dimensions
because an angle inscribed in a of the cylinder of maximum
semicircle is a right angle). volume.

20. Car A is 125 km directly west of car B and begins

14. What is the shortest distance from a point on the moving east at 100 km/h. At the same time, car B
curve y2 = 8x to the point (4, 2)? begins moving north at 50 km/h. At what time t
does the minimum distance occur?

15. Find the point on the curve y = lnx that is closest

to the line y = x.

16. What is the minimum $

possible area of a right

triangle that is formed
&6'$"(
21. Among all tangents to graph of
in the first quadrant by a " 45
y = x3 − 6 x 2 +x +1 at positive x-values, the
line passing through the 4
6 # one which intersects y-axis at maximum y-value
point (4, 3) and the
coordinate axes? is chosen. Find that y-value.

Applications of the Derivative 125

A. ASYMPTOTES
When plotting the graph of a function, we need to know the behavior of the function at
infinity and the behavior near points where the function is not defined. To describe these
situations, we define the term “asymptote”. #"%"$'!(
An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches closer and %
closer until the distance between the asymptote and the
points on the curve approaches zero.
x −1
Consider the graph of the function f ( x) = .
x+ 2 )*+,-./.0
Observe that f is increasing on the interval (–2, ∞). So, you
might think that its values f(x) increase without bound as x #
We represent an asymptote
by drawing a dashed line. increases without bound. (f(x) → ∞ as x → ∞). However, we !"!"#
#"%
can see that the graph of f approaches the line y = 1 as !"$"#

x → ∞. So, we say that y = 1 is a horizontal asymptote of f. #"%"#

Next, the function f is not defined at x = –2. Let us examine
the behavior of f near –2. We see that the graph of f goes to !

plus infinity as x approaches –2 from the left, whereas the

graph goes to minus infinity as x approaches –2 from the !"%"!&
right. So, we say that x = –2 is a vertical asymptote.

Definition vertical asymptote

The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f(x) if #
either

lim f(x) = ±∞ or lim f(x) = ±∞.

x → a+ x → a–
!

102.34)5
)*+,-./.0

FINDING THE VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE

P( x)
A rational function f ( x) = has a vertical asymptote x = a whenever only the
Q( x)
denominator of f(x) equals zero (that is, Q(a) = 0 but P(a) ≠ 0).

126 Derivatives
 Example 49 Find the vertical asymptotes of the function f ( x) = 2
x
x –4
.

Solution Let P(x) = x and Q(x) = x2 – 4.

Note that x = –2 and x = 2 are the roots of the denominator.
Since P(–2) ≠ 0 and P(2) ≠ 0, x = –2 and x = 2 are both vertical asymptotes of the graph of f.

Definition horizontal asymptote

The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f(x) #
if either 6/237/8.)5
)*+,-./.0
lim f(x) = b or lim f(x) = b.
x → –∞ x→∞

FINDING THE HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE

an xn + an −1x n −1 +...+ a1x + a0

A rational function f ( x) = has the following limit as
bm xm + bm −1x m −1 +...+ b1x + b0
horizontal asympote:
±∞ if n>m
lim f ( x) = an / bm if n = m.
x→ ∓ ∞

0 if n<m

Example 50 Find the horizontal asymptote of the function f ( x) =

x
x2 – 4
.

Solution To find the horizontal asymptotes we must evaluate lim f ( x).

x →∞

Since the degree of the polynomial in numerator is smaller than the degree of the polynomial
x
in denominator, lim 2 = 0. So, y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote of f.
x →∞ x – 4

Example 51 Find all the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the function f ( x) = 2
x2 – x
2 x – 5x + 3
.

Solution To find the horizontal asymptotes we must evaluate lim f ( x).

x →∞
x2 – x 1
Since the degree of x2 – x equals the degree of 2x2 – 5x + 3, lim = . So, y = 1/2
x →∞ 2 x2 – 5 x + 3 2
is a horizontal asymptote of f.
Next, to find the vertical asymptotes we must solve 2x2 – 5x + 3 = 0.
2x2 – 5x + 3 = (x – 1)(2x – 3) = 0 gives x = 1 and x = 3/2.
However, x = 1 is also a root of numerator. So, only x = 3/2 is a vertical asymptote of f.

Applications of the Derivative 127

Example 52 Find all the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the function f ( x) =
2 x2 − 3x +5
x2 +1
.

Solution 2 x2 − 3x +5
lim = 2. So, y = 2 is a horizontal asymptote of f.
x →∞ x2 +1
Since the denominator x2 + 1 is never equal to zero, f has no vertical asymptotes.

Example 53 Find all the asymptotes of the function f ( x) = 2 x3 − 5x2 + 7 x − 12.

Solution The function f is a polynomial function. But we can write it as a rational function with
2 x3 − 5x2 + 7x − 12
the denominator 1 such as f ( x) = .
1
Since the denominator is never equal to zero, f has no vertical asymptotes.
Next, compute lim (2 x3 − 5 x2 + 7 x − 12).
x →±∞

We know that the limit of a polynomial at infinity is the limit of the term of highest degree.
So, lim (2 x3 − 5 x2 + 7 x − 12) = lim 2 x3 = 2 ⋅( ∞) 3 = ∞.
x →+∞ x→+∞

lim (2 x − 5 x + 7 x − 12) = lim 2 x3 = 2 ⋅( −∞) 3 = −∞.

3 2
x →−∞ x→−∞

In other words, lim f ( x) and lim f ( x) do not exist. Therefore, f has no horizontal asymptote.
x →+∞ x →−∞

Note
A polynomial function has no vertical or horizontal asymptotes.

Definition oblique asymptote

The line y = mx + n is an oblique asymptote of the graph of f(x) # /953:;0")*+,-./.0*
if either

lim[ f ( x) − ( mx + n)] = 0 or lim[ f ( x) −( mx + n)] = 0.

x →∞ x →−∞
!

To find the equation of an oblique asymptote, we use long division.

P( x)
For a rational function f ( x) = for which the degree of P is exactly one more than the
Q( x)
c
degree of Q, by dividing Q(x) into P(x), we get f ( x) = mx + n + .
Q( x)
c
In this case, we have lim[ f ( x) − ( mx + n)]= lim = 0.
x →±∞ x→±∞ Q( x )

So, the line y = mx + n is an oblique asymptote of the graph of f(x).

128 Derivatives
 x2 + x
Example 54 Find all the asymptotes of the graph of f ( x) =
x–2
.

Solution x = 2 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f because 2 makes only the denominator zero.
Note that the degree of the numerator is one more than the degree of the denominator. So,
the graph of f has an oblique asymptote.
x2 + x 6
By long division of x – 2 into x2 + x, we can find that f ( x) = = x + 3+ .
x–2 x−2
So, y = x + 3 is an oblique asymptote of f.

Check Yourself 12
Find all the asymptotes of the graph of each of the following functions.
x −1 5x x2 − 9 x2 − x − 2
1. f ( x) = 2. f ( x) = − 3. f ( x) = 4. f ( x) =
2x + 3 3 + x2 −3+7 x − 2 x2 x −1
Answers
3 1 1 1
1. x = − , y = 2. y = 0 3. x = ,y=− 4. x = 1, y = x
2 2 2 2

B. CURVE PLOTTING
Curve plotting is the final part of our study of the derivatives. So far we have seen how to use
the derivatives to find the most interesting features of a graph. With the use of all the
information about the graph of a function, we can easily draw it.

STEPS OF CURVE PLOTTING

1. Domain: Find where f(x) is defined.

2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: Construct the sign chart of f ′(x) to determine the
intervals where f(x) is increasing and where f(x) is decreasing.
3. Local Extrema: Find the critical points of f and classify each as a maximum, a
minimum, or neither by using the First Derivative Test.
4. Concavity and Inflection Points: Construct the sign chart of f ′′(x) to determine the
intervals where f(x) is concave up and where f(x) is concave down. With the help of
the chart, find the inflection points.
5. Intercepts: In y = f(x) setting x = 0 gives the y-intercept and y = 0 gives the
x-intercept(s). To find the x-intercept(s) may be difficult, in which case we do not use
this information.
6. Behavior at Infinity: Consider lim f(x) and lim f(x) to see how the graph of f
x → +∞ x → –∞
behaves as x → ±∞.
7. Asymptotes: Find all the asymptotes of the graph and draw the asymptotes in a
coordinate plane by using dashed lines.
8. Graph: Start graphing by plotting the local extrema, inflection points, and intercepts.
Then, using the rest of the information, complete the plot by joining the plotted points.

Applications of the Derivative 129

Example 55 Plot the graph of the function f(x) = x3 – 3x – 2.

Solution 1. Domain: Recall that the domain of a polynomial function is all real numbers. So, f is
defined for all the values of x.

2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: f ′(x) = 3x2 – 3 = 3(x + 1)(x + 1)

When f ′(x) = 0 we have x = –1 and x = 1. ! !! !# # $!
The sign chart of f ′ shows that f is increasing
$"!'!( $ ! $
on (–∞, –1) and (1, ∞) and decreasing on (–1, 1).
$'!(

',)<( ',38(

3. Local Extrema: We have learned that a polynomial function is differentiable everywhere.

So, the critical points of f(x) are the roots of f ′(x) = 0.
From the results of Step 2, we say that f has a local maximum at x = –1 and a local
minimum at x = 1.

4. Concavity and Inflection Points: f ′′(x) = 6x = 0

When f ′′(x) = 0 we have x = 0. ! "! ? !!

The sign chart of f ′′ shows that f is concave $"!!'!( ! $

down on (–∞, 0) and concave up on (0, ∞). 4/84)10 4/84)10
$'!(
=/>8 ;-
So, f has an inflection point at x = 0.

5. Intercepts: x = 0 ⇒ y = –2 (y-intercept)
Setting y = 0 leads to a cubic equation. Since the solution is not readily found, we will
not use this information.

6. Behavior at Infinity: Recall that the limit of a polynomial function at infinity is the limit
of the term of highest degree.
lim f(x) = lim (x3 – 3x – 2) = lim x3 = (–∞)3 = –∞
x → –∞ x → –∞ x → –∞

(This means that f(x) decreases without bound as x decreases without bound. So, the
graph of f goes to plus infinity as x → –∞)
lim f(x) = lim (x3 – 3x – 2) = lim x3 = (+∞)3 = +∞
x → +∞ x → +∞ x → +∞

(This means that f(x) increases without bound as x decreases without bound. So, the
graph of f goes to plus infinity as x → +∞)

7. Asymptotes: A polynomial function has no asymptotes.

130 Derivatives
 8. Graph: We can find f(–1) = 0, #

f(1) = –4, and f(0) = –2. 5/4)5 $'!("""$#

Plot a local maximum at (–1, 0) a local ,)<3,;,
)*"!"""$#
minimum at (1, –4), an inflection !# #
point at (–1, 0), and the y-intercept at !
y = –2. Finally, complete the graph by
passing a smooth curve through the #"%"$'!(
38A504.3/8
plotted points. !& -/38.

$'!("""!#
)*"!"""!#
!@ 5/4)5
,383,;,

It is clear from the graph of f that x = –1 is a root of f(x) = 0. So, x + 1 is a factor of

x3 – 3x – 2. The other factor can be found by division:
f(x) = (x + 1)(x2 – x – 2) = (x + 1)2(x – 2).
Hence x = 2 is also a root of f(x) = 0 and the graph crosses the x-axis at this point. But note
that x = –1 is a “double root” of f(x) = 0 and the graph is tangent to the x-axis at x = –1.

Example 56 Plot the graph of the function f(x) = –x4 + 8x2 – 7.

Solution 1. Domain: Since f is a polynomial, it is defined for all the values of x.

2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease:

! !! !& ? & $!
f ′(x) = –4x3 + 16x = –4x(x2 – 4)
When f ′(x) = 0 we have x = –2, x = 0, $"!'!( $ ! $ !
and x = 2. $'!(
f is increasing on (–∞, –2) and (0, 2), and
',)<( ',38( ',)<(
decreasing on (–2, 0) and (2, +∞).

3. Local Extrema: From the sign chart of f ′(x), f has local maximum at x = –2 and
x = 2, a local minimum at x = 0.

4. Concavity and Inflection Points: & &

!
! !! !B !B $!
f ′′(x) = –12x2 + 16 = 0
2 $"!!'!( ! $ !
When f ′′(x) = 0 we have x = ± .
3 4/84)10 4/84)10 4/84)10
$'!(
2 2 =/>8 ;- =/>8
f has inflection points at x = − and x = .
3 3
5. Intercepts: x = 0 ⇒ y = –7 (y-intercept)
y = 0 ⇒ x1 = –1, x2 = 1, x3 = –ñ7, x4 = ñ7 (x-intercepts)

Applications of the Derivative 131

 6. Behavior at Infinity:
lim f(x) = lim (–x4) = –(–∞)4 = –∞ and lim f(x) = lim (–x4) = –(+∞)4 = +∞
x → –∞ x → –∞ x → +∞ x → +∞

The graph goes to –∞ to the left and to the right.

7. Asymptotes: Since f is polynomial, it has no asymptotes.

2 5 2 5
8. Graph: f(–2) = 9, f(0) = –7, f(2) = 9, f ( − )= , f( )= .
3 3 3 3

#
5/4)5"')8=")9*/5;.0( 5/4)5
,)<3,;, ')8=")9*/5;.0(",)<3,;,
D

38A504.3/8"-/38. '! & F E (

!B B ' & F E ( 38A504.3/8"-/38.
!B B
E
B

!!C !& !# # & !C !

#"%"$'!(

$'!("""!# !C $'!("""!#
)*"!"""!# 5/4)5 )*"!"""$#
,383,;,

Check Yourself 13
Plot the graph of each function.
1. f(x) = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x 2. f(x) = x2(x – 2)2

Answers
1. # 2. #

C #"%"$'!( #"%"$'!(

&
!# ! #

# & !

!&?

132 Derivatives
 Example 57 Plot the graph of the function f ( x) =
x−3
2x + 4
.

Solution 1. Domain: Recall that the domain of a rational function is all real numbers except the
numbers that make the denominator zero. So, f is defined everywhere except x = –2.
1 ⋅ (2 x + 4) − ( x − 3) ⋅ 2 10
2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: f ′( x) = 2
=
(2 x + 4) (2 x + 4)2
Since f ′(x) > 0 for all the values of x except –2. So, f is always increasing in its domain.
3. Local Extrema: Note that f ′ does not change its sign. By the first derivative test, we say
that f has no local extrema.
−40
4. Concavity and Inflection Points: f ′′( x) =
(2 x + 4)3
The sign chart of f′′ shows that f is concave up ! !! !& $!
on (–∞, –2) and concave down on (–2, –∞).
$"!!'!( $ !
Observe that f ′′ changes its sign at x = –2. But
at this point f is not defined. Therefore, there is $'!( 4/84)10 4/84)10
;- =/>8
no inflection point.

3
5. Intercepts: x = 0 ⇒ y = − ( y - intercept)
4
y = 0 ⇒ x=3 ( x - intercept)

6. Behavior at Infinity:
x−3 1
lim f(x) = lim = .
x → ±∞ x → ± ∞ 2x + 4 2

1
7. Asymptotes: From Step 6, y = is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f.
2
Also, x = –2 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f because –2 makes the denominator zero.
8. Graph: #

#"%"$'!( #"% # 6/237/8.)5")*+,-./.0

&
#
&

!& B !
!B
@
!"%"!&
102.34)5")*+,-./.0

Applications of the Derivative 133

Example 58 Plot the graph of the function f ( x) = 2
x
x –4
.

Solution 1. Domain: The domain of f is all real numbers except x = –2 and x = 2.

1 ⋅ ( x2 – 4) – x ⋅ 2 x – x2 – 4 –( x2 + 4)
2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: f ′( x) = 2 2
= 2 2
= 2
( x – 4) ( x – 4) ( x – 4) 2
Since f ′(x) < 0 for all the values of x except –2 and 2, f is always decreasing in its domain.

3. Local Extrema: f has no local extrema.

4. Concavity and Inflection Points: ! !! G& ? & $!

2
2 ⋅ x( x +8) $"!!'!( ! $ ! $
f ′′( x) =
( x2 – 4)3
f ′′(x) = 0 only when x = 0. $'!( 4/84)10 4/84)10 4/84)10 4/84)10
=/>8 ;- =/>8 ;-
f ′′ is not defined at x = –2 and x = 2. '38A(

Thus, f is concave up on (–2, 0) and (2, ∞) and concave down on (–∞, –2) and (0, 2). The
sign of f ′′(x) changes at the points x = –2, 0, and 2. But the only inflection point is
x = 0 because f is not defined at –2 and 2.
5. Intercepts: x = 0 ⇒ y = 0 and y = 0 ⇒ x = 0.
The point (0, 0) is the only intercept.
6. Behavior at Infinity:
x
lim f(x) = lim 2
= 0.
x → ±∞ x → ±∞ x –4

7. Asymptotes: From Step 6, y = 0 (the x – axis) is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f.

Next, x = –2 and x = 2 are vertical asymptotes of the graph of f because they make the
denominator zero.
8. Graph: #

!"%"!"&
102.34)5
)*+,-./.0 #"%"$'!(

!&
& !
#"%"?
6/237/8.)5
)*+,-./.0
!"%"&
102.34)5
)*+,-./.0

134 Derivatives
 Example 59 Plot the graph of the function f ( x) =
x2 − x + 4
x –1
.

Solution 1. Domain: f is defined for all the values of x except x = 1.

(2 x − 1) ⋅ ( x − 1) − ( x2 − x + 4) x 2 − 2 x − 3
2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: f ′( x) = =
( x – 1)2 ( x − 1)2
When f ′(x) = 0, x = –1 and x = 3.
! !! !# # B $!
Also, note that f ′(x) is not defined at x = 1.
From the sign chart of f ′, f is increasing on $"!'!( $ ! ! $
(–∞, –1) and (3, ∞) and decreasing on $'!(
(–1, 1) and (1, 3).
',)<( ',38(
3. Local Extrema: f has a local maximum at x = –1 and a local minimum at x = 3.

! !! # $!
8
4. Concavity and Inflection Points: f ′′( x) =
( x − 1)3 $"!!'!( ! $
We conclude that f is concave down on (–∞, –1) and
4/84)10 4/84)10
concave up on (1, ∞). But it has no inflection point $'!(
=/>8 ;-
because –1 is not in the domain of f.
5. Intercepts: x = 0 ⇒ y = –4 (y-intercept)
y = 0 ⇒ x2 – x + 4 = 0 ⇒ ∆ < 0 (no x – intercepts)
2
6. Behavior at Infinity: lim f(x) = lim x – x + 4 = ±∞.
x → ±∞ x → ±∞ x–1
7. Asymptotes: Note that the degree of the numerator of f is exactly one more than the
degree of the denominator of f. #
'BF"E(
So, f has an oblique asymptote. 5/4)5",38H

4
By long division, we have f ( x) = x + .
x–1 E #"%"!
So, y = x is an oblique asymptote of f. /953:;0
)*+,-./.0
Next, x = 1 is a vertical asymptote of f.
!#
8. Graph: f(–1) = –3 and f(3) = 5. B !

!B
!@ !"%"#
102.34)5
)*+,-./.0
'!#F"!B(
#"%"$'!( 5/4)5",)<H

Applications of the Derivative 135

 Check Yourself 14
Plot the graph of each function.
x x +1
1. f ( x) = 2. f ( x) =
x +1 2
2−x
Answers
1. #
#"%"$'!(
#I&
!#
# !
!#I&

2. #
#"%"$'!(

!# #I& &
!
!#

Fill in the 3 × 3 field of squares such that

the graph of the derivative is located
! " below each graph.
' ( )

# $

* + ,

% &
 EXERCISES 2 .5
A. Asymptotes 5. The graph of the #
function
1. Find all the asymptotes of the graph of each function. B #"%"$'!(
f(x) = a(x – 2)2(x + b)
2 1
a. f ( x) = b. f ( x) = is shown in the figure.
x +1 ( x − 1)3
Find a and b. & B !
3 2 3x + 2
c. f(x) = x – 4x – 5x + 6 d. f ( x) =
4−x 6. The graph of the function #
#"%"$'!(
f(x) = a(x + b)3(x + c) is
−3 x 2
e. f ( x) = f. f ( x) = x +1 shown in the figure. f has
( x + 3)2 1 − x2
an inflection point at !#
2 2
g. f ( x) = 2( x − 1) h. f ( x) = 4 −2 x − 3x x = –1. & !
x + 2x − 3 2 x + 3x − 9 Find the sum a + b + c.
!&
3
i. f ( x) = 2 x − 3 j. f ( x) = 2x
x − 5x − 6 x +9 #
7. Find the equation of a #"%"$'!(
2
k. f ( x) = x + 2 x + 3 polynomial function of @
x −1 degree 4 whose graph is
shown in the figure. !#
!& & !
3x − 1
2. The curve y = 2
has exactly one vertical
x + x+ m
8. Plot the graph of each rational function.
asymptote. Find m.
x −1 1
a. f ( x) = b. f ( x) = 2
B. Curve Plotting x +1 x +1
3. Plot the graph of each polynomial function. x −1 2
c. f ( x) = d. f ( x) = 2( x + 1)
a. f(x) = x3 – 6x2 x − 2x − 3
2
x − 4x + 3
b. f(x) = (x – 1)2(x + 3) 2 2
3 2 e. f ( x) = x2 − 9 f. f ( x) = x + x
c. f(x) = x – 2x + x – 2 x + 3x x−2
d. f(x) = (x2 – 4)(3 – x)
e. f(x) = x4 – 2x2 + 1 Mixed Problems
f. f(x) = x(x – 1)(x + 1)2 9. Plot the graph of each function.

4. In the figure the graph of # x–2

#"%"$'!( a. f ( x) = −x 4 − x2 b. f ( x) =
a cubic function y = f(x) x+ 2
x −1
−x
is given. Find the local c. f ( x) = e x− 2 d. f ( x) = x
!# # e
minimum value of f. !
e. f(x) = ln(x2 + 4) f. f(x) = sin x + cos2x

!& 10. State how many solutions the equation

2x3 + 3x2 – 12x + 3 = a has for each value of a.

Applications of the Derivative 137

 CHAPTER SUMMARY
1. L’Hospital’s Rule • To find the absolute extrema of a continuous function on
a closed interval [a, b], use the Closed Interval Method.
• If we have the indeterminate forms 0/0 or ∞/∞.
f ′( x) 1. Find the critical points of f on the interval [a, b].
L’Hospital’s Rule says that if lim exists, then
x → a g′( x) 2. Evaluate f(x) at each critical point.
f ( x) f ′( x)
lim = lim . 3. Evaluate f(a) and f(b).
x →a g ( x) x →a g ′( x )
4. The largest of the values of f found in previous is the
2. Applications of the First Derivatives absolute maximum, shown by fmax[a, b]; the smallest of
these values is the absolute minimum, fmin[a, b].
• A function f is increasing on an interval I if f(x) increases
as x increases for every x in I. 3. Applications of the Second Derivatives
Similarly, f is decreasing on an interval I if f(x) decreases • A function f is concave up on an interval I if the graph of
as x increases for every x in I. f lies above all of its tangent lines on the interval I.
• If f ′(x) > 0 for all the values of x in the interval I, then Similarly, f is concave down on I if the graph of f lies
f(x) is increasing in I. below all of its tangent lines on I.
If f ′(x) < 0 for all the values of x in the interval I, then • If f ′′(x) > 0 for all the values of x on the interval I, then
f(x) is decreasing in I. f is concave up on I.

• A function f has an absolute maximum at c if If f ′′(x) < 0 for all the values of x on the interval I, then
f is concave down on I.
f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in the domain of f.
• An inflection point is a point where a graph changes its
Similarly, f has an absolute minimum at c if direction of concavity.
f(c) ≤ f(x) for all the values of x in the domain of f. • To find the inflection points of a function, follow the steps:
• A function f has an local maximum at c if 1. Find the points where f ′′(x) = 0 and f ′′(x) does not
f(c) ≥ f(x) for all the values of x in an interval I containing c. exist. These points are the possible inflection points of
the function f.
Similarly, f has a local minimum at c if
2. Construct the sign chart of f ′′(x). If the sign of f ′′(x)
f(c) ≤ f(x) for all the values of x in an interval I containing c.
changes across the point x = a, then (a, f(a)) is an
• The number c in the domain of f is called a critical point inflection point of f.
if either f ′(c) = 0 or f ′(c) does not exist. • The Second Derivative Test is an alternative test for
• If a function f has a local extremum at c, then c is a determining whether a critical point of f is a local
critical point of f. maximum or a local minimum. Let f be twice
• Let c be a critical point of a function f. The First differentiable on an interval I and c be a critical point of
Derivative Test says that: f in I such that f ′(c) = 0.
1. If f ′′(c) > 0, then f has a local minimum at x = c.
1. if f ′ changes from positive to negative at c, then f has
a local maximum at c. 2. If f ′′(c) < 0, then f has a local maximum at x = c.

2. if f ′ changes from negative to positive at c, then f has 4. Optimization Problems

a local minimum at c. • To solve optimization problems, follow the steps:
3. If f ′ does not change sign at c, then f has no local 1. Determine the quantity to be maximized or minimized
maximum or minimum at c. and label it with a letter (say M for now).
• If a function f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], 2. Assign letters for other quantities, possibly with the
then f has both an absolute maximum and an absolute help of a figure.
minimum on [a, b]. 3. Express M in terms of some of the other variables.

138 Derivatives
 4. Use the information given in the problem to write M 5. Intercepts: In y = f(x) setting x = 0 gives the y-intercept
as a function of one variable x, say M = M(x). and y = 0 gives the x-intercept(s). To find the
5. Find the domain of the function M(x). x-intercept(s) may be difficult, in which case we do not
use this information.
6. Find the maximum (or minimum) value of M(x).
6. Behavior at Infinity: Find lim f(x) and lim f(x) to
5. Plotting Graphs x → +∞ x → –∞

• An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches more and see how the graph of f behaves as x → ±∞.
more closely until the distance between the asymptote 7. Asymptotes: Find all the asymptotes of the graph and
and the points on the curve must approach zero. draw the asymptotes in a coordinate plane by using
• The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f(x) dashed lines.

if either lim+ f(x) = ±∞ or lim– f(x) = ±∞. 8. Graph: Start graphing by plotting the local extrema,
x→ a x→ a inflection points, and intercepts. Then, using the rest
P( x) of the information, complete the plot by joining the
• A rational function f ( x) = has a vertical
Q( x) plotted points.
asymptote x = a whenever only the denominator of f(x)
Concept Check
equals zero (that is, Q(a) = 0 but P(a) ≠ 0).
• What does L’Hospital’s Rule say? How do we know how
• The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of
many times to use it in a given problem?
f(x) if either lim f(x) = b or lim f(x) = b. • How can we use L’Hospital’s Rule if we have
x→ – ∞ x→+∞

• To find the horizontal asymptote of a rational function, the indeterminate forms ∞ ⋅ 0 and ∞ – ∞?
apply the rule: • What is the relation between the first derivative and the
increasing and decreasing behavior of the function?
 ±∞, n > m
an xn + an −1x n −1 +...+ a1x + a0  • Explain the difference between an absolute extremum
lim m −1
=  an / bm , n = m and a local extremum.
x →±∞ b x m + b
m m −1x +...+ b1x + b0 
 0, n < m • Define a critical point of a function.
• How can we determine that a critical point of a function
• The line y = mx + n is an oblique asymptote of the is a maximum, a minimum, or neither?
graph of f(x) if either
• In what conditions does a function have both the
lim[ f ( x) − ( mx + n )] = 0 or lim [ f ( x) − ( mx + n)] = 0. absolute maximum and absolute minimum?
x →∞ x →−∞
• Discuss the significance of the sign of the second
• If the degree of the numerator of a rational function is derivative.
exactly one more than the degree of its denominator,
• What is an inflection point?
then the graph of the function has an oblique asymptote.
• What does a curve y = f(x) on which f ′ < 0 and
• A polynomial function has no asymptotes. f ′′ > 0 look like?
• To plot the graph of a function, follow the steps: • Let n be a positive integer. For what values of n does the
1. Domain: Find where f(x) is defined. function f(x) = xn have an inflection point at the origin?
2. Intervals of Increase and Decrease: Construct the • What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of
sign chart of f ′(x) to determine the intervals where the first and second derivative tests?
f(x) is increasing and where f(x) is decreasing. • Describe the procedure to solve optimization problems.
3. Local Extrema: Find the critical points of f and • What is an asymptote?
classify each as a maximum, a minimum, or neither • How many different asymptotes are there?
by using the First Derivative Test. • Give an example of a function whose graph has an
4. Concavity and Inflection Points: Construct the sign oblique asymptote.
chart of f ′′(x) to determine the intervals where f(x) • Describe the procedure to plot the graph of a function.
is concave up and where f(x) is concave down. With • When plotting the graph of a function, how do we know
the help of the chart, find the inflection points. the behavior of the function at infinity?

Chapter Summary 139

 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2A
x2 + x – 2 5. For what values of k is f(x)=x3 +(k+1)x2 +3x+2
1. Find lim 2 .
x →1 x – 4 x + 3 always increasing?
3 3 2
A) 1 B) − C) 0 D) – E) A) –6 < k < 3 B) k > 0
2 4 3
C) –4 < k < 0 D) –3 < k < 2

E) –4 < k < 2

6. Which of the following is a local extremum of

x
1 – sin f(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 3x + 1?
2. Find lim 2.
x →π π–x
A) –6 B) –1 C) 0
1 1
A) 1 B) C) 0 D) – E) –1
2 2 D) 2 E) no extremum

7. Which of the following is false #

#"%"$'!(
for the graph of the
function y = f(x)? #
3. Find the interval on which f(x) = x – 6x + 2 is2 !& !# & !

decreasing.
A) f(2) = 0 B) f ′(–1) = 0
A) (–∞, 3) B) (–3, 3) C) (3, ∞)
C) f ′′(1) > 0 D) f ′′(–1) > 0
D) (0, ∞) E) (–∞, 6) E) f ′(0) < 0

8. Find the interval on which y = (x + 2)3 is

concave up.
4. Find the maximum value of the function
2
f(x) = e4x – x . A) (–2, ∞) B) (–∞, –2) C) (–2, 2)

A) 1 B) e C) e2 D) e4 E) e8 D) (–∞, ∞) E) (2, ∞)

140 Derivatives
 9. For what value of m does the polynomial 13. Let x1 and x2 be the roots of the equation
P(x) = x4 + x3 + (m – 1)x2 have an inflection y = x2 – (m + 1)x + 2m – 1 = 0. Find the value
point at x = –1? of m that minimizes x12 + x22.

A) –3 B) –2 C) –1 D) 0 E) 1 A) 0 B) 1 C) –1 D) 2 E) –2

x2
14. Find the point on the parabola y = that is
10. The graph of the derivative # 2
#"%"$"!'!( 3
of the function closest to the point (– , 0).
2
f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 1 is 1 1
given in the figure. A) ( –1, ) B) (1, ) C) (0, 0)
& 2 2
Find a + b. ! 1 1 1 1
!# D)(– , ) E) ( , )
2 8 2 8

A) 17 B) 11 C) 5 D) –17 E) –10

15. Given the graph of a #

cubic function f, find E

&
f(2).
11. Find the intersection point of the asymptotes of
3– x
y= . !# # !
x+ 2
#"%"$'!(
A) (–2, 3) B) (3, –1) C) (–2, –1) 3 5
A) B) 0 C) –1 D) –2 E) –
2 2
D) (2, 1) E) (–1, 3)

16. Which one of the following graphs could be the

graph of y = x4 – 2x2?
12. Which of the following is true for the function
A) # B) # C) #
f(x) = 2x3 + 3x2 + 12x + 4?

A) f has a local minimum at x = 0.

! ! !
B) f′(2) < 0
1 D) # E) #
C) f is concave up on ( −∞, − ).
2
D) f is always increasing. !

E) f has a local maximum at x = –1. !

Chapter Review Test 2A 141

 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2B
3
x –1 6. Given that f(x) = a ln x + bx2 + x – 2 has a local
1. Find the value of the limit lim . minimum at x = 1 and a local maximum at
x →1 x2 – 1
1 1 1 x = 2, find a + b.
A) 0 B) C) 1 D) E)
2 3 6
5 2 1 5 4
A) – B) – C) – D) – E) –
6 3 6 3 3

3x3 +5 x + 4 7. Find the sum of the maximum and minimum

2. Find the value of the limit lim .
x →∞ e x + 3x x–2
values of f ( x) = on the interval [–4, 1].
3 5 x–3
A) 3 B) 0 C) D) ∞ E)
e 3
19 9 17 8
A) B) C) 1 D) E)
14 7 14 7

3. Let f be an increasing function on the closed x x

a
8. Given that lim a – b = 2, find .
interval [–4, 4]. Which of the following is definitely x →0 x b
true?
A) 0 B) 1 C) e D) e2 E) e2 + 1
A) f(3) > 0 B) f(–2) < 0

C) f ′ (1) < 0 D) f(2) < f(–2)

9. Which of the following is #
E) f(–1) < f(1)
false for the graph of the
function y = f(x)? !B !# @
!@ & !
#"%"$'!(

x2 + x
4. If the function f ( x) = has a local extremum 11
x+ a A) f ′(2) = 0 B) f ′′ ( ) <0
at x = 2, find a. 5

4 2 C) f(–1) = 0 D) f ′(1) > 0

4 2
A) B) C) –1 D) – E) – 13
5 5 5 5 E) f ′′ ( – ) < 0
4

10. If x = a and y = b are the asymptotes of the graph

5. Find the local minimum value of f ( x) = x + 84 . x2 + 3x + 2
x of f ( x) = , find a + b.
x2 – 2 x – 3
5 3 5 3
A) 1 B) C) D) E) A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4 E) 5
2 4 4 2

142 Derivatives
11. Find the area of the largest 15. Which of the following is #
) (
rectangle that can be the function whose graph
&
inscribed in a semicircle of is given in the figure?
radius 3. & * '
A) f(x) = (x + 1)2(x – 2) !# & !
A) 2ñ2 B) 3ñ2 C) 9 B) f(x) = (x + 1)(2 + x) #"%"$'!(

D) 8ñ2 E) 9ñ2 C) f(x) = (x + 1)(2 – x)

D) f(x) = (x + 1)2(2 – x)
E) f(x) = (x – 1)2(x – 2)

12. Find the maximum possible area of a right

triangle whose hypotenuse is 6 cm.

A) 36 B) 12 C) 3 D) 18 E) 9
16. Which one of the following could be the graph of
2x
the function f ( x) = ?
x2 – 1
A) # B) #

13. Given the graph of the #

function f, find the slope of B

!# !#
the tangent line to the # #
!@ ! !
graph of g(x) = x ⋅ f(x) at
!B !
x = – 3.
#"%"$'!(

A) 3 B) –4 C) –6 D) 0 E) –3 #
C) D)
#

!#
!# # !
14. # # !
#"%"$"!'!(

!B !# E C
!E & @ ! #
E)

Given the graph of the derivative of a function f,

!#
what is the sum of the abscissa of inflection # !
points of f?

A) –9 B) –6 C) 4 D) 7 E) 16

Chapter Review Test 2B 143

 CHAPTER REVIEW TEST 2C
ln(2 x2 − 1) 5. Find m if the inflection point of the function
1. Find lim . 1 3 2
x →1 sin( x − 1) f ( x) = x − x2 + mx + is on the parabola
3 3
A) 2 B) 4 C) 8 D) 16 E) 32 2
y = x – 2x + 3.

A) 2 B) 1 C) 0 D) –1 E) –2

6. #

2. Given that the function f(x) = x4 – ax3 + bx2 – 2x + 3

has a local minimum at the point (1, 2), find a.
!# #
A) –2 B) –1 C) 0 D) 1 E) 2 !E !B !& @ J !

#"%"$"!'!(

The graph of the derivative of the function f is

given in the figure. For what value of x does f have
a local maximum?

A) –5 B) –4 C) –3 D) –2 E) –1
3. Find the interval on which y = xln x is increasing.

A) (–∞, –e) B) (–e, 0) C) (1, e)

1 1
D) (–∞, ) E) ( , ∞) 7. At what point does the tangent to the graph
e e
f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 4x – 5 have the smallest slope?

A) (–2, 7) B) (–1, 1) C) (0, –5)

D) (1, –11) E) (2, 7)

4. Let A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) be the extremum 8. The length of a line segment [AB] is 10 cm. Take a
2
x +1 point C on [AB]. What should the value of |AC| so
points of y = . Find the distance between
x that |AC|2 + |BC| is a minimum?
these points.
1 1 1 1 2
A) B) C) D) E)
A) ñ5 B) 2ñ5 C) 3ñ5 D) 4ñ5 E) 5ñ5 5 4 3 2 3

144 Derivatives
 9. Which one of following could be the value of m if 14. A right cone is inscribed in a sphere of diameter 6 cm.
2
x −1 What is the maximum possible volume of the cone?
the function f ( x) = has no local extrema?
mx + 3
32π 24π 16 π 12 π 8π
A) –2 B) –1 C) 0 D) 2 E) 4 A) B) C) D) E)
3 3 3 3 3

10. The function f(x) is a positive valued increasing

function on the interval (a, b). Which one of the 15. The graph of the derivative #
following functions is decreasing on the same of a function f is given
interval? in the figure. Which .
+ , - !
1 of the following
A) f 2(x) B) − C) f 3(x) #"/"$"!0!1
f ( x) statements is false?
1
D) x + f(x) E) 2 A) f ′(a) = 0
f ( x)
B) f′′(0) = 0
11. Given that y = 3x – 3 is an oblique asymptote of C) f has a local minimum at x = a.
( m − 3)x3 − 4 x +1 D) f has a local maximum at x = d.
the graph of y = , find m.
x2 + x − 3
E) f has a local maximum at x = 0.
A) 3 B) 4 C) 5 D) 6 E) 7

12. Which of the following is # 16. The graph of a function f #

the function whose graph is given in the figure.
#"%"$'!(

is given in the figure? #

B Which of the following
!# #
!# # B could be the graph of !& & !
!
its derivative? !#

K( # L( #

x +1 x −1
A) y = B) y = !# #
x − 2x − 3
2
x − 2x − 32
# ! !# !
x +1 x +1
C) y = 2 D) y = 2
x + 2x + 3 x +3
M( # N( #
−1
E) y = 2
x − 2x − 3
!# # ! !# # !
13. Let f(x) = (x – a)(x – b)(x – c) and a < b < c.
Which one of the following statements is false? #
O(
A) f ′(a) > 0 B) f ′(b) <0 C) f ′(c) > 0
!# #
D) f ′′(a) < 0 E) f ′′(c) < 0 !

Chapter Review Test 2C 145

 EXERCISES 1 .1
5 1 4 1
1. a. 5 b. –7 c. –2 d. –2 e. 0 f. g. – h. 2. a. y = 2x + 5 b. y = 3x c. y = 11x – 16 d. y = x + 2 3. –2
4 4 9 2
16 π
4. 30; 40 5. 6. 9;11 7. a. rate of change of fuel consumption with respect to change in velocity b. if velocity
9
increases by 20 km/h, oil consumption decreases by 0.05 litres per hour 8. a. x10; 1 b. 3
x; 8 c. 3x; 4 d. cos x; π

3 3 3
9. a. 2x – 2 b. – c. – d. 10. no; f ′(8–) ≠ f ′(8+) 11. does not exist
( x – 1)2 2x x 2 3x +1
12. –2, 0, 6 : discontinuity; 1, 3 : corner 13. no; discontinuity at x = 1 14. does not exist 15. D, E, C, A, B

16. –2 17. (–2, 8), (2, 8) 18. a. 50 b. 60 19. a = 1, b = 6, c = 0 20. 0 21. 9.95

EXERCISES 1 .2
1
2 7 – 1
1. a. 0 b. 0 c. 0 d. x e. 1.6x–0.2 f. x 5 g. 0 h. 0.21x–0.3 i. –84 x–13 j. 10x – 3 k. 2 x + 2 + 2 l. –16t–5 + 9t–4 – 2t–2
3 x
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3
m. + + n. – – o. 2 – 2. a. 15x2 – 5 b. 12x + 1 c. –300x – 20 d. 4x3 + 3x2 – 1
2 x 3
3 x 2 5
5 x 4 2 x x x x2 x 2x x
3
3 – 21 6 3 5 1 − 3x2
e. 5x4 – 4x3 + 9x2 – 6x + 2 f. 5t 2 + 4t – t g. – h. i. – j.
2 (2 x + 4)2 (2 x +1)2 (1+ 3x)2 2 x( x2 +1)2
2
x – 2x – 2 1
k. l. − 3 3x + 2 x + 3 3. a. 8 b. 2 c. –9 d. 1 4. –3 5. a. –1 b. 8 c. –8 d. 8
( x2 + x +1)2 2 x(3x − 1)2 2 x
40 x +12 4x
6. a. 6(3x – 1) b. 10x(x2 + 2)4 c. 7(x5– 3x2+6)6(5x4– 6x) d. –3(x–2)–4 e. − 2 3 f.
−
(5x + 3x − 1) (4 x2 +1)3

1 1 4 6
h. 4( x − 1) (4 x +1) i. − (3x − 1) (18 x + 29)
2
g. 3( x +1+ x )2 ⋅ ( + ) j. 405( x − 3)
2 x +1 2 x 2
(2 x +1)5 8( x + 2)4
(3x +1) 3

1
5 2x − 1 3 2 3 2
–
3 2 –3x2
k. l. 3 + [2 x + ( x +1) ] 4 [4 x + 2( x +1)3 x ] 7. –12 8. a. 8x + 4 b. 2x c.
2(2 x − 1)(3 x +1) 3 x+1 4 ( x3 – 1)2

(2 x – 1)( x2 – x – 1) 2 1 12
d. 9. a. 6 b. 14(x2 + 1)5(13x2 + 1) c. ( x – 1)3 d. – 10. a. 120x – 18 b. − 4
2( x2 – x) x2 – x (2 x – 1) 2 x – 1 x
81 5
c. d. 384x – 576 11. y = 7x – 5 12. – 2 x + 27 13. a. x x f ( x)+ x2 x f ′( x )
8(3x − 1) 2
3x − 1 25 50 2

146 Derivative
 2 3
′ 63
b. 3x2[f(x)]2 + 2x3f(x)f ′(x) c. 3x f ( x) – x f ( x) d. 2 xf ( x)+ f ( x)+1 14. use the product rule twice 15. –
[ f ( x)]2
2 x 25

0.2 – 0.2 t2   ′ ′ ′ ′
16. a. C ′(t ) = b. 0, – 3 17. 6 18. f ′  g( x)h( x)  ( g ( x)h( x)+ g( x)h ( x))m( n( x)) −2g( x)h( x)m ( n( x))n ( x)
(t2 + 1)2 125  m ( n( x ))  ( m( n( x)))

1 n!
19. –3 + 4ñ3 20. 1 21. − 15 22. ( –1)n
4 2 xn+1

EXERCISES 1 .3
2 1 1 –2 e2 x ex
1. a. 3ex b. 3e3x–1 c. 2xex –1 d. –2e–2x e. 2xln2 f. ( )x ln g. ex3x(ln3 + 1) h. ex(x + 1) i. 2x + 2ex j. x k.
3 3 ( e – 1)2 2 ex – 1
1 x –1
x
– ex ex – e – x e2 x+1
e
p. – 2 q. e
x+1
l. 100(ex + x)99(ex + 1) m. n. 2xex + 4e2x + ex – 1 o. r.
2( e x +1) e x +1 3 2x 2 x x( x +1)2
x x x
s. 2xex
2
(1 + x2) t. 6 ln6+ 3 x ln 3+18
–1 ln 2 u. 2x2 + 4x ⋅ ln2 ⋅ (2x + 4) v. (3 ⋅ 53 x+1 ⋅ ln5)( x2 + e x ) – (2 x + e x )5 3 x+1
2
(3 +1) ( x2 + e x )2

3 1 3 6 1 1
e. 7 f. 1 g. i. ln x +1
x2 – x – 1
w. ñ2
x
(2x – 1)lnñ2 x. 2e ⋅3x (exln 2 + ln 3) 2. a.
+2
b. c. d. h.
x x x 2 x +1 x 2x x ln 3 1 ln10
x ln
2
2x 8x – 6 2 1 1
j. 2 k. l. m. 21 n. x(2lnx+1) o. p. x +1 q. –
( x + 1)ln 2 4x – 6 x + 3 (1 – x)( x +1)
2
x –1 x ln x 2
2 x ln x + x x( x – 1)

2 x − 1 − ( x2 − x)ln( x2 − x) 1
r. 22x – 1 s. e x  ln x + 1  t. x 2
u. 1 + 1 − 1 v. 1 w.
x –x  x e ( x − x) x +1 x − 2 x − 1 x( x+1)ln10 x(1 − x)ln 3

2 x – log 3 e x3
2 z. 3e (log(1+ e )) 3. a. ( 14 + 44
x x 2
x. 3( e x – log 2 x2 )2 ( e x – ) y. 4
)((2 x – 1)7 ( x4 – 3)11 )
x ln 2 2
2 x – log 3 e x
1+ e x
2 x – 1 x – 3

3x 2x 4+ 3x2
2
3 2 x −1
b. ( 1 + 1 + 22 x )( x( x +1)( x2 +1)) c. ( 2 + 2 x − 6 x − 2 ) x e
2
d. ( 2
− 2
)
x x +1 x +1 3x x3 − x ( x3 − x )2 4+ 3x 3x + 3 3 x2 +1
ln x + 2
e. x x
f. (ln x + x +1)(ln x) x +1 4. y = 2x – 1 5. y = 2 6. y = x – 1 7. a. 3cos(3x – 5) b. –2xsin(x2 – 1)
2 x x
c. cos x + sin x d. sec2x(2 + sin x) e. sin x(sec2x + 1) f. –cos x + 2tan x + 2xsec2x + xsin x
g. −2 cos(2 x3 − 3 x)sin(2 x3 − 3 x) ⋅(6 x2 − 3) h. −6 sin 2 (ln cos 2 x)cos(ln cos 2 x)tan 2 x i. –sin x – e3csc2x

20 sin x(1 − cos x) 9 cos x(cos x + sin 2 x+1) 1 – cos x 9 2 sin x 2 2

j. k. − l. 10( ) m. (2 x − 1)sec x − x − 1
(cos x +1)11 2
sin x(cos x + 1) 2
1+ cos x (1+ cos x)2
2 x2 − x − 1

Answers 147
 tan (2 x − 1) 2 2 x sec2 (2 x − 1) ⋅ (2+ ln x) − tan(2 x −1)
n. 9x2cot2(x3 – 1)csc2(x3 – 1) o. 3( ) ⋅
2+ ln x x(2+ ln x)2

p. 2((1 + x)cos ex)(cos ex – (1 + x)sin ex) q. 2(esin x+cos x + x cos ex)(esin x + cos x(cos x – sin x) + cos ex – xex sin ex)
x3 x3
2(cos 2 x − sin 2 x − 1) (2 x4 − 6 x2 )sec 2 tan
r. s. 5( x2 sin( x − 1))4(2 x sin( x −1)+ x2 cos( x −1)) t. x2 − 1 x2 − 1
(sin 2 x + 1)(1 − cos 2 x) 2
( x − 1)2

2 x
u. 4tan(ln(2 x+1))sec (ln(2 x+1)) v. −3csc 3 e − ln x e x − ln x ( xe x − 1)( x 2 −1) −( e x − ln x)2 x 2
2
⋅ cot 2 ⋅
2 x +1 x −1 x −1 x( x2 − 1)2
2 5 y 3x2 + 2x − y 6 x3 + y
8. a. y = x + 1 b. y = –x 9. ± 2π + 2π k, k ∈ 10. a. 0 b. c. 2 d. 0 11. 5 12. a. b. c. d.
3 3 4 1− x x x

2x 2 x +5 y y – 2 xy3 y xy − 6xy 1 − e2 y j. y – xy2 13. a. y = x – 3 b. y = x c. y = 0

e. − f. − g. 2 2 h. i.
3y 5x + 3y2 – x + 3x y 4xy2 − x xy e2 y +1 x2 y + x

1 2t – 2 t2 +1 2t + 3 3t ⋅ 3 t 2 5 te t
d. y = x − 14. a. b. 2 c. 2 d. (4t +6) t +1 e. − f. – cot t g. − 15. a. y = x – 1
e 3 t (2t +1) 3t – 2t 4 − t2 4 t +1
1
2 1− − x + Arcsin x
4 17 6( t − t − 1) 6 t +1 1 2
x +1 1 − x2
b. y = x – 16. a. 3 b. 2 c. − 2 2 t d. 0 17. a. b. – c.
3 3 (2 t − 1) t t e 4 − x2 – x6 + 3x4 – x2 ex

ex 2 x +1 1 x 1
d. − e. 2 2
f. 2
+ g. 18. y = 3x + π − 3
Arccos e x
1− e 2x 1+( x + x − 1) 1+ x 1 – x2 2 cos x − cos x
4 2
3 6 3

6y 27 x4 3x 2 xy + 2y2 3 2
d. 2 y + 2 y
3
19. a. sin x b. –299cos 2x c. –35sinx – xcosx d. 351e3x + 1 20. a. b. − − c.
x2 16 y7 2 y3 ( x + 2 y)3
3x 3 x 3x 3 x2
6 1
21. y = 2x – 2 22. a. b. c. 5 23. –sec2x 24. 48 25. (–∞, 0)\{–1} 26. 2 27. 2
5 π ⋅42

EXERCISES 2 .1
1 3 1 2 1 6 5 5 3 1 3
1. a. 0 b. c. d. –3 e. f. –1 g. 3 h. – i. – j. − 2 ⋅ 3 k. l. cos a m. 2 n. –1 o. ln p. – q. r. 1
6 2 2 5 48 9 6 7 4 4
1 1 1 5 1 4 1 3
s. t. 2. a. 0 b. –1 c. 1 d. 1 e. 0 f. ∞ g. h. 0 i. j. 3. a. b. 1 c. 1 d. 0 e. 0 f. – g. 0 h.
3 4 2 3 3 3 π 2

EXERCISES 2 .2
1. a. increasing: (–∞, –2) and (0, 2); decreasing: (–2, 0) and (2, ∞) b. increasing: (–∞, –3); decreasing: (–3, 0) and (0, ∞)
2. a. decreasing: (–∞, ∞) b. increasing: (0, ∞); decreasing: (–∞, 0) c. increasing: (–∞, 2); decreasing: (2, ∞)

148 Derivative
d. increasing: (–∞, ∞) e. increasing: (–∞, 0) and (4, ∞); decreasing: (0, 4) f. increasing: (–2, 0) and (1, ∞); decreasing:
(–∞, –2) and (0, 1) g. increasing: (–∞, 2) and (2, ∞) h. increasing: (0, ∞); decreasing: (–∞, 0) i. increasing: (–∞, 0)
and (10, ∞); decreasing: (0, 10) j. increasing: (–∞, ∞) k. decreasing: (–∞, 5) and (5, ∞) l. increasing: (2, ∞); decreasing:
5π π
(–∞, 2) m. increasing: (0, ñe); decreasing: (ñe, ∞) n. increasing:  − 
+ 2π k, + 2π k , k ∈ ; decreasing:
 6 6 
π 7π  π 5π
 + 2π k; + 2π k  , k ∈ k. increasing: (–∞, log0.53) and (0, ∞); decreasing: (log0.53, 0) 3. ( , )
6 6  4 4
1
4. f ′( x) = > 0 for all x, so f is increasing 5. –2 < m < 2 6. 1 < a < 4 7. 1 < a < 3 8. –8 9. a. decreasing
1+ x2
b. increasing c. decreasing d. increasing 10. a. decreasing b. increasing c. increasing 11. local max.: x2, x4, x6;

local min.: x3, x5, x7, x8; absolute max.: x6; absolute min.: x1, 12. a. no critical point b. 0, –2 c. –1 d. –1

13. a. f ′(a) = f ′(b) = f ′(c) = 0, f ′(d) and f ′(e) do not exist. b. local max.: a, d; local min.: b; neither: c, e

14. a. min.: x = –4 b. max.: x = 1; min.: x = –1 c. no local extrema d. min.: x = –3, x = 1; max.: x = –1 e. no local

extrema f. min.: x = –2 g. max.: x = 0; min.: x = –2, x = 2 h. min.: x = –3 i. min.: x =1

j. min.: x = 7π + 2π k, x = 11π + 2 π k; max.: x = π + π k, k ∈ 15. 6 16. a = 2, b = –4 17. k = 4 18. a = – 3 , b = –6

6 6 2 2
19. –2e 20. m = –3 21. ab < 0 22. –1 < m < 0 23. max.: x = –2, x = 7; min.: x = 3 24. a. f min =1, fmax = 3
b. f min = −9, fmax = 0 c. f min = −88, fmax = −7 d. f min =19, fmax = 30 e. f = −3, f = 9 − 4 3
min max

8
f. f min = −255, fmax =1 g. f min = 0, fmax = 20 h. f = 5, f = 3 i. f min = 0, fmax = j. f min = 0, fmax = 3
min max 3
3 1
k. f min = −1, fmax = l. f min = 0, fmax = 4 m. f min =1, fmax = 23 n. f min = −7, fmax = 3 25. 24 26. 2 27. a = – , b = –3
5 3 4
28. ñ2 29. a. increasing: (–2, ∞); decreasing: (–∞, –2) b. min.: x = –2 "

30. a. increasing: (–∞, –4) and (4, 6); decreasing: (–4, 4) and (6, ∞);
b. min.: x = 4; max.: x = –4, x = 6 31. x = 2 32.
33. (–∞, 6] ∪ [16, ∞) 34. a ≥ 3 # $ !

EXERCISES 2 .3
1. a. positive: (0, ∞); negative: (–∞, 0) b. positive: (–∞, –3), (–3, –1), (2, ∞); negative: (–1, 2) 2. a. concave up: (–∞, ∞),
1 1
no inflection point b. concave down: (–∞, ∞), no inflection point c. concave up: ( – , ∞ ), concave down: ( – ∞, – ),
3 3
inflection point x = – 1 d. concave up: (1, ∞), concave down: (–∞, 1), inflection point: x = 1 e. concave up:
3
5 5 5
(–∞, 1), ( , ∞ ), concave down: (1, ), inflection points: x = 1 and x = f. concave up: (–∞, –2), (2, ∞),
3 3 3
concave down: (–2, 2) inflection points: x = –2 and x = 2 g. concave up: (–1, 0), (1, ∞), concave down: (–∞, –1), (0, 1)

inflection points: x = –1, x = 0, x = 1. h. concave up: (–∞, 0), (0, ∞), no inflection point

Answers 149
i. concave down: (–1, ∞), no inflection point j. concave up: (5, ∞), concave down: (–∞, 5), inflection point: x = 5
k. concave up: (0, ∞), concave down: (–∞, 0), inflection point x = 0 l. concave up: (1, 2), concave down: (2, 3),
inflection point x = 2 m. concave up: (2πk, π + 2πk), concave down: (π + 2πk, 2π + 2πk), inflection point
e π π/2
x = π + πk, k ∈ 3. a = 6, b = 0 4. (–1, –19) 5. (1, ) 6. ( , e ) 7. concave up: (–1, 3), concave down:
2 2
(–∞, –1), (3, ∞), inflection points: x = –1, x = 3 8. a. minimum b. maximum c. minimum d. minimum

9. a. max.: x = –3, min.: x = –1 b. max : x = –3+ 5 , min : x = 0, x = –3 – 5 c. max.: x = 0, min.: x = 4

2 2
d. min.: x = –3 e. max.: x = 0 f. no extremum

10. " 11. consider the second derivative of f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d 12. consider the second
#
$ ! derivative of f(x) = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e 13. y = –x + 3 14. a = –1, b = 0, c = 3
15. c = 2 16. 2f ′(a) – f(a)

EXERCISES 2 .4
512
1. 15 and 15 2. –2 and 2 3. 50 4. 2ñm 5. m = 1 6. 50 m by 50 m 7. 30 m by 60 m 8. cm 3 9. 2, 2 and 1 m
6 3 5
10. 3888 cm3 11. 3 m 12. 250 13. 2R2 14. 2ñ2 15. (1, 0) 16. 24 17. y = 2ñ2 18. 13 19. r = 2 cm, h = cm
π 3
20. 1 hour 21. 9

EXERCISES 2 .5
1. a. x = –1, y = 0 b. x = 1, y = 0 c. no asymptotes d. x = 4, y = –3 e. x = –3, y = 0 f. x = ±1, y = –1
3 3 4 1
g. x = –3, y = 1 h. x = , x = –3, y = – i. x = 6, x = –1, y = 0 j. y = x k. x = 1, y = x + 3 2. − ,
2 2 9 4
3. a." b. " c. " d. " e. " f. "
& &
" & # !# # "
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!'(" & !
!&#
4 3 7 1
4. – 5. a = – , b= – 6. 0 7. y = ( x – 2)2 ( x +1)( x + 2)
27 14 2 2
8 a. " b. " c. " d. " e. " f. "
&
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&(" &("
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150 Derivative