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DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

HENRISON C. SANCHEZ
Assistant Professor I
Department of Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering
Central Luzon State University

INTRODUCTION

This reviewer will deal in solving problems relative to the application of theories and basic
concepts of functions and limits, continuity, derivatives and its applications, algebraic functions,
polynomial curves, maxima and minima, differential of exponential, logarithmic, inverse
trigonometric and hyperbolic functions.

BASIC THEORIES AND CONCEPTS OF LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

Definition of Limits
The limits of (𝑥) 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠 𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝐿, lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿, if any 𝜖 > 0, however small, there
𝑥→𝑎
exists a 𝛿 > 0 such that |𝑓(𝑥) − 𝐿| < 𝜖 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 0 < |𝑥 − 𝑎| < 𝛿.

Theorems on Limits of Functions

Let lim 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐴 and lim 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐵, and let 𝑐 be a constant then the following holds true:
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎
Theorems Examples
1 lim 𝑐 = 𝑐 lim 3 = 3
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→2
lim [(2𝑥 + 3) + (−𝑥 + 4)] = (2(2) + 3) + (−2 + 4)
2 lim [𝑓(𝑥 ) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝐴 + 𝐵 𝑥→2
𝑥→𝑎
=9
lim [(2𝑥 + 3) ∙ (−𝑥 + 4)] = (2(2) + 3) ∙ (−2 + 4)
3 lim [𝑓 (𝑥) ⋅ 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝐴𝐵 𝑥→2
𝑥→𝑎
= 14
𝑥 3 − 27 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 9)
𝑓 (𝑥 ) 𝐴 lim =
𝑥→2 𝑥 − 3 𝑥−3
4 lim [ ]=
𝑥→𝑎 𝑔(𝑥 ) 𝐵 = 22 + 3 (2) + 9
= 19
lim [𝑓(𝑥 )]𝑛 = 𝐴𝑛 lim(2𝑥 − 3)3 = (2(2) − 3)3
5 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→2
where 𝑛 is a positive integer =1

One-sided Limits
When considering the limit of a function of independent variable 𝑥 is restricted to values
less than (greater than) a number 𝑎, 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 from the left (right), then the limits is call left
hand limits (right hand limits).

NOTE: lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) exist and equal to 𝐿 if and only if lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) and lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) both exist and equal
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎+ 𝑥→𝑎−
to 𝐿.

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−1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 0
Example: Let 𝑓 be defined by 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑠𝑔𝑛 𝑥 = { 0 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 0
1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0
Find lim− 𝑓(𝑥 ) and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥 ).
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
Ans: lim− 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = −1 and lim+ 𝑓 (𝑥) = 1
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Infinite Limits
As 𝑥 approaches 𝑎, 𝑓 (𝑥 )increases (decreases) without bound.
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = +∞
𝑥→𝑎
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = −∞
𝑥→𝑎

2𝑥 2𝑥
Example: (a) lim− 𝑥−1 = −∞ and (b) lim+ 𝑥−1 = +∞
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

Limits at Infinity
If the values of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) eventually get as close as we like to a number 𝐿 as 𝑥 increases without
bound, we write
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→+∞
Similarly, if the values of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) eventually get as close as we like to a number 𝐿 as 𝑥
decreases without bound, then we write
lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐿
𝑥→−∞
Limit of polynomials as 𝑥 → ±∞
The end behaviour of a polynomial matches the end behaviour of its highest degree term.
lim (𝑐0 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ) = lim 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛
𝑥→−∞ 𝑥→−∞
lim (𝑐0 + 𝑐1 𝑥 + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 ) = lim 𝑐𝑛 𝑥 𝑛
𝑥→∞ 𝑥→∞

Examples:
1. lim (1 + 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 5 ) = −∞
𝑥→+∞
2. lim (7𝑥 5 − 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 9) = −∞
𝑥→−∞

Limit of Rational Functions as 𝑥 → ±∞

The end behaviour of a rational function matches the end behaviour of the highest degree
term in the numerator divided by the highest degree term in the denominator.

Examples:
4𝑥 2 −𝑥
1. lim
𝑥→−∞ 2𝑥 3 −5
1
4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 (4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 ) ( 3 )
lim = lim 𝑥
𝑥→−∞ 2𝑥 3 − 5 𝑥→−∞ 1
(2𝑥 3 − 5) ( 3 )
𝑥
4 1
− 2
= lim 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥→−∞ 5
2− 3
𝑥
0
=
2
=0
5𝑥 3 −2𝑥 2 +1
2. lim 1−3𝑥 3
𝑥→+∞

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1
5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 1 (5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 1) ( 3 )
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = lim 𝑥
𝑥→+∞ 1 − 3𝑥 3 𝑥→+∞ 1
(1 − 3𝑥 3 ) ( 3 )
𝑥
2 1
5−𝑥+ 3
= lim 𝑥
𝑥→+∞ 1
−3
𝑥3
5
=−
3

Continuity of a Function

The function f is continuous at a if and only if

(i) 𝑓(𝑎) exists
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists
𝑥→𝑎
(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑥→𝑎

(2𝑥+3)(𝑥−1)
𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 1
Example: Given: 𝑓(𝑥 ) = { 𝑥−1
2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 1
(i) 𝑓 (1) = 2
(ii) lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5
𝑥→1
(iii) not satisfied since 𝑓 (1) ≠ lim 𝑓 (𝑥 )
𝑥→1
Therefore, the function f(x) is discontinuous at 1.

Note:
If 𝑓 and 𝑔 are two functions which are continuous at 𝑎, then
(i) 𝑓 ± 𝑔 is continuous at 𝑎.
(ii) 𝑓 ∙ 𝑔 is continuous at 𝑎.
(iii) 𝑓/𝑔 is continuous at 𝑎.
If 𝑔(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑎 and 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous at 𝑔(𝑎), then the composite function 𝑓 ⃘𝑔
is continuous at 𝑎.

Evaluating limits easily using calculator

To evaluate the lim 𝑓(𝑥) easily, substitute for 𝑥 a value that is very close to 𝑎 then use a
𝑥→𝑎
calculator. The following are some examples:
For 𝑥 → 2, substitute 𝑥 = 1.9999 or 𝑥 = 2.0001
For 𝑥 → 0, substitute 𝑥 = −0.00001 or 𝑥 = 0.00001
𝑥 4 −81
Example: lim
𝑥→3 𝑥−3
Substitute 𝑥 = 2.9999
(2.9999)4 − 81
= 107.99
2.9999 − 3
≈ 108

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DERIVATIVES OF ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS

Derivative of Functions

Delta notation
Delta refers to a small change in the value of variable, whereas the average rate of change
is given by
∆𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 +∆𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥0 )
= 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑥 = 0 ∆𝑥 , where 𝑥0 is the initial value of 𝑥.
∆𝑥
Example: Let 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥. Starting at 𝑥0 = 1, change 𝑥 to 1.5.
Then ∆𝑥 = 0.5, thus,
∆𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 ) − 𝑓 (𝑥0 )
= 𝑓 (1.5) − 𝑓(1)
= 5.25 − 3
= 2.25.
Hence, the average rate of change of 𝑦 between 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 1.5 is
∆𝑦 2.25
=
∆𝑥 0.5
= 4.5.

Formal definition of derivative

The derivative of 𝑓(𝑥 ) with respect to 𝑥 is the function 𝑓′(𝑥) and is defined as
𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ ) − 𝑓 (𝑥 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
h→0 ℎ

Rules for differentiating functions

𝑑
1. The derivative of a constant is zero: (𝑐 ) = 0
𝑑𝑥
Example:
𝑑
(4) = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
2. The derivative of the constant and polynomial: (𝑐𝑢) = 𝑐
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example:
𝑑 𝑑
(4(2𝑥 + 3)) = 4 (2𝑥 + 3)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
=8
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
3. Sum and Difference Rule: 𝑑𝑥 (𝑢 ± 𝑣 ± ⋯ ) = 𝑑𝑥 (𝑢) ± 𝑑𝑥 (𝑣) ± ⋯ )
Example:
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
(2𝑥 + 3) = (2𝑥) + (3 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
=2
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
4. Product Rule: 𝑑𝑥 (𝑢𝑣) = 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 (𝑣) + 𝑣 𝑑𝑥 (𝑢)
Example:
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
(4(2𝑥 + 3)) = 4 (2𝑥 + 3) + (2𝑥 + 3) (4)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 4(2) + (2𝑥 + 3)(0)
=8
𝑑 𝑑
𝑑 𝑢 𝑣 (𝑢)−𝑢 (𝑣)
5. Quotient Rule: ( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
;𝑣 ≠ 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑣 𝑣2
Example:
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𝑑 𝑑
𝑑 2𝑥 + 1 (1 − 𝑥 ) (2𝑥 + 1) − (2𝑥 + 1) (1 − 𝑥 )
( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 1 − 𝑥 (1 − 𝑥 )2
(1 − 𝑥 )(2) − (2𝑥 + 1)(−1)
=
(1 − 𝑥 )2
1
=
(1 − 𝑥)2
𝑑
6. Power Rule: 𝑑𝑥 (𝑥 ) = 𝑚𝑥
𝑚 𝑚−1

Example:
𝑑 4
𝑥 = 4𝑥 4−1
𝑑𝑥
= 4𝑥 3
𝑑
7. Chain Rule: ′ ′
[𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))] = 𝑓 (𝑔(𝑥)) ⋅ 𝑔 (𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥
Example:
𝑑 2
(𝑡 − 3)4 = 4(𝑡 2 − 3)3 (2𝑡)
𝑑𝑥
= 8𝑡(𝑡 2 − 3)3
8. Alternative chain rule:
Let 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥 ) and 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑢). Then the composite function of 𝑔 and 𝑓 is 𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝑢) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 ))
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑢
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑥
Example: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = (4𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 5)3 .
2

Let 𝑢 = 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5 and 𝑦 = 𝑢3 , then

𝑑𝑢 = (8𝑥 − 2)𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 3𝑢2 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑢2 (8𝑥 − 2)
𝑑𝑥
= 3(4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 5)2 (8𝑥 − 2)

Higher-order Derivatives Notation

𝑑𝑦
First Derivative 𝑦 ′ , 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) , , 𝐷𝑥 𝑦
𝑑𝑥
𝑑2𝑦
Second Derivative 𝑦 ′ ′, 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) , , 𝐷𝑥2 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑3𝑦
Third Derivative 𝑦 ′ ′′, 𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥 ) , , 𝐷𝑥3 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 3
𝑑𝑛 𝑦
nth Derivative 𝑦 (𝑛) , 𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) , , 𝐷𝑥𝑛 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑛

Implicit Differentiation

An equation 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 0 defines 𝑦 implicitly as a function of 𝑥. The domain of that implicitly

defined function consists of those x for which there is a unique y such that 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 0.
Example: Find 𝑦’, given 𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 0.
𝐷𝑥 ( 𝑥 2 𝑦) − 𝐷𝑥 (𝑥𝑦 2 ) + 𝐷𝑥 ( 𝑥 2 ) + 𝐷𝑥 (𝑦 2 ) = 0
𝑥 2 𝑦 ′ + 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥2𝑦𝑦 ′ − 𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦)𝑦 ′ + (2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 ) = 0
(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦)𝑦 ′ = 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥
𝑦 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥
𝑦′ = 2
𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦
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DERIVATIVES AND SHAPE OF A GRAPH OF A FUNCTION

Critical Numbers
Critical number 𝑐 are values that makes 𝑓 ′ (𝑐 ) = 0 or 𝑓′(𝑐) undefined.
Example: Determine all the critical points for the function.
𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 5 + 33𝑥 4 − 30𝑥 3 + 100
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 30𝑥 4 + 132𝑥 3 − 90𝑥 2
𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 (5x − 3)(x + 5) = 0

By solving the values of 𝑥, we can get the critical numbers. These are:
3
𝑐 = 0, , −5
5

Increasing/Decreasing Test
a. If 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) > 0 on an interval, then 𝑓 is increasing on that interval
b. If 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) < 0 on an interval, then 𝑓 is decreasing on that interval

First Derivative Test

Suppose we have the critical number 𝑐 of a continuous function
(i) If 𝑓 ′ changes from positive to negative at 𝑐, then 𝑓 has local maximum at 𝑐.
(ii) If 𝑓 ′ changes from negative to positive at 𝑐, then 𝑓 has local minimum at 𝑐.
(iii) If 𝑓′ does not change sign at 𝑥0 (for example, if 𝑓′ is positive on both sides of 𝑐 or negative
on both sides), then 𝑓 has no local maximum or minimum at 𝑐

Concavity
If a graph of 𝑓 lies above all its tangents on an interval 𝐼, then it is called concave upward
on 𝐼. If a graph of 𝑓 lies below all its tangents on an interval 𝐼, then it is called concave downward
on 𝐼.

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Concavity Test
If 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) > 0 on an interval, then the graph of 𝑓 is concave upward on that interval
If 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) < 0 on an interval, then the graph of 𝑓 is concave downward on that interval

Points of Inflection
A point 𝑃 on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is called point of inflection if 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑃, and
the curve changes from concave upward to concave downward or from concave downward to
concave upward at 𝑃.

Second Derivative Test

Suppose 𝑓′′ is continuous near the critical number 𝑐,
i. If 𝑓 ′ (𝑐 ) = 0 and 𝑓 ′′ (𝑐 ) > 0, then 𝑓 has a local minimum at 𝑐.
ii. If 𝑓 ′ (𝑐 ) = 0 and 𝑓 ′′ (𝑐 ) < 0, then 𝑓 has a local maximum at 𝑐.

Tabular Method for critical numbers, interval at which the function is increasing/decreasing,
concavity and points of inflection and relative extrema.

Examples:
1. Locate the relative extrema of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 + 𝑥 2/3 and the intervals on which 𝑓 is increasing
or decreasing, concavity, and points of inflection.
2 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 −3 = 0
3
We have the critical number 𝑐 = 0
𝑥<0 0 𝑥>0
2 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 −3 − +
3
The function is increasing in the interval 𝑥 > 0, and the function is decreasing in the interval
𝑥 < 0. Since 𝑓′ changes sign from negative to positive at 𝑥 = 0, it has a local minimum at 𝑥 = 0.
We also need to compute the second derivative 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ).
2 4
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = − 𝑥 −3 = 0
9
We have a critical number 𝑐 = 0.
𝑥<0 0 𝑥>0
2 −
4
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) = − 𝑥 3 − −
9
The function 𝑓 is concave downward on the interval 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑥 > 0. The function 𝑓 does
not have a point of inflection since the sign of 𝑓′′ does not change as it goes near the critical
number 𝑐.

Figure 1.Graph of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2 + 𝑥 2/3

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2. Locate the relative extrema of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 5, and the intervals on which 𝑓
is increasing or decreasing, concavity, and points of inflection.
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 12𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 − 24𝑥
= 12𝑥(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0
We have the critical numbers 𝑐 = 0,2, −1
𝑥 < −1 −1 −1 <𝑥 < 0 0 0<𝑥<2 2 𝑥>2
12𝑥 − − + +
𝑥−2 − − − +
𝑥+1 − + + +
12𝑥(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) − + − +
The function 𝑓 is increasing in the intervals −1 < 𝑥 < 0 and 𝑥 > 2, and the function is
decreasing in the interval 𝑥 < −1 and 0 < 𝑥 < 2. We have the local minimums at 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 =
2 and local maximum at 𝑥 = 0.
We also need to compute for the second derivative 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ).
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) = 36𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 − 24 = 0
1±√7
We have the critical numbers 𝑐 = 3 ≈ −0.549, 1.215.
𝑥 < −0.549 − 0.549 − 0.549 < 𝑥
< 1.215 1.215 𝑥 > 1.215

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥 ) = 36𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 − 24 + − +
The function 𝑓 is concave upward in the intervals 𝑥 < −0.549 and 𝑥 > 1.215, and concave
downward in the interval −0.549 < 𝑥 < 1.215. It has points of inflections at 𝑥 = −0.549 and 𝑥 =
1.215.

Figure 2. Graph of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 5.

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APPLICATIONS OF DERIVATIVES

Rate of Change

𝑓′(𝑥) represents the rate of change of 𝑓(𝑥)

Example: A 25-foot ladder rests against a vertical wall. If the bottom of the ladder is sliding away
from the base of the wall at the rate 3ft/sec, how fast is the top of the ladder moving down the
wall when the bottom of the ladder is 7ft from the base?
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
Let 𝑑𝑡 = 3𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐, 𝑥 = 7𝑓𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛.
Using Pythagorean theorem, we have,
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 252
Solving for 𝑦 given 𝑥 = 7𝑓𝑡, we get 𝑦 = 24𝑓𝑡.
We get the derivative of the equation above with respect to time, that is,
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥 + 2𝑦 =0
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
Substituting 𝑥 = 7𝑓𝑡, 𝑑𝑡 = 3𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐, and 𝑦 = 24𝑓𝑡 to the equation above and solving for 𝑑𝑡 ,
we have
𝑑𝑦
2(7)(3) + 2(24) =0
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑦 7
=−
𝑑𝑡 8
= −0.875𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐

This means that the ladder is sliding down at a rate of 0.875ft/sec

Tangent and Normal Lines

The slope 𝑚 of the tangent line to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) at any point 𝑥0 is the value of the first
derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥0.
𝑚 = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥0 )
Note: Normal line of curve at one of its points is the vertical line passes through the point and
perpendicular to the tangent line.
Example: Find the equations of the tangent and normal lines to 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4 at (2,4)
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥
At point (2,4), the slope of the tangent line is
𝑚 = 𝑓 ′ (2) = 4
Then the equation of the line is 𝑦 − 4 = 4(𝑥 − 2) 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 4. On the other hand, the
1 9
normal line is perpendicular to tangent line, thus, we have 𝑦 = − 4 𝑥 + 2.

Optimization

Deals with the largest value or the smallest value that a function can take.
Step 1. Find the absolute extrema
Step 2. First Derivative Test
Step 3. Use of second derivatives

Example: A manufacturer needs to make a cylindrical can that will hold 1.5 liters of liquid.
Determine the dimensions of the can that will minimize the amount of material used in its
construction.

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We are asked to minimize the amount of material in constructing the cylindrical can. This
is the same as saying to minimize the surface area of the can.
Minimize: 𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟ℎ + 2𝜋𝑟 2
Constraint: 𝑉 = 1.5𝐿 = 1500𝑐𝑚3

Note that for a cylindrical can, 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ, where 𝑟 = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 and ℎ = ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. So we have
1500 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
1500
ℎ=
𝜋𝑟 2
Substituting the value of ℎ to 𝐴 to make the surface area a function of 𝑟 only, we have,
1500
𝐴(𝑟) = 2𝜋𝑟 ( 2 ) + 2𝜋𝑟 2
𝜋𝑟
3000
𝐴(𝑟) = + 2𝜋𝑟 2
𝑟
Getting the first derivative of 𝐴(𝑟) and equating it to zero, we have,
3000
𝐴′(𝑟) = 4𝜋𝑟 − 2
𝑟
4𝜋𝑟 3 − 3000
=
𝑟2
The critical points of the equation above are 0 and 6.20.
0 6.20
4𝜋𝑟 3 − 3000 − − +
𝑟2 + + +
4𝜋𝑟 3 − 3000
− − +
𝑟2
We can see here that 𝑟 = 6.2 𝑐𝑚 is the local minimum. Solving for the height, we have ℎ =
12.41 𝑐𝑚. These dimensions will minimize the amount of material used to construct the cylinder.

Business Application

Example: An apartment complex has 250 apartments to rent. If they rent X apartments then their
monthly profit, in dollars, is given by 𝑃 (𝑥 ) = −8𝑥 2 + 3200𝑥 − 80,000. How many apartments
should they rent in order to maximize their profit?
𝑃′ (𝑥 ) = −16𝑥 + 3200 = 0
We have the critical number 𝑥 = 200.
200
−16𝑥 + 3200 + −
The apartment complex will generate the most profit if they only rent out 200 of the
apartments instead of all 250 of them.

Rectilinear Motion

Rectilinear motion is motion of an object on a straight line.

𝑑𝑠
Instantaneous velocity (𝑣) is the derivative of 𝑠 = 𝑓(𝑡), that is, 𝑣 = 𝑑𝑡 .
Instantaneous speed is the absolute value of instantaneous velocity.
𝑑2 𝑠
Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity or the derivative of the velocity, that is, .
𝑑𝑡 2
1 3
Example: A body moves along a straight line according to the equation 𝑠 = 𝑡 − 2𝑡. Determine its
2
velocity and acceleration at the end of 2 seconds.
𝑑𝑠 3 3 𝑓𝑡
𝑣 = 𝑑𝑡 = 2 𝑡 2 − 2; hence when 𝑡 = 2, 𝑣 = 2 (2)2 − 2 = 4 𝑠𝑒𝑐.
𝑑𝑣 𝑓𝑡
𝑎= = 3𝑡; hence when 𝑡 = 2, 𝑎 = 3(2) = 6 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2.
𝑑𝑡

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If an object has been thrown straight up and down, and the only force acting upon it is
the gravitational pull then the resulting rectilinear motion is call free fall.
𝑓𝑡 𝑚
Note: Acceleration (a) is constant approx. equal to −32 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑜𝑟 − 9.8 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2.
𝑑𝑠
Velocity is equal to 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑣 = 𝑣0 − 32𝑡, where 𝑣0 is the initial velocity
Position of the object is given by 𝑠 = 𝑠0 + 𝑣0 𝑡 − 16𝑡 2 , where 𝑠0 is the initial position.
𝑓𝑡
Example: A stone, projected vertically upward with initial velocity 112 𝑠𝑒𝑐 , moves according to 𝑠 =
112𝑡 − 16𝑡 2 , where s is the distance from the starting point. Compute (a) the velocity and
acceleration when 𝑡 = 3, and (b) the greatest height reached. (c) When will its height be 96 𝑓𝑡.

𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑣
We have = 𝑣 = 112 − 32𝑡 and 𝑎 = = −32.
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
(a) At 𝑡 = 3, 𝑣 = 16 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = −32. This means that at 𝑡 = 3, the stone is rising at 16 𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐.
(b) The object is at highest point if 𝑣 = 0. Thus, 0 = 112 − 32𝑡 yields to 𝑡 = 3.5. Substituting
t value to function 𝑠, 𝑠 = 196 𝑓𝑡.
(c) Substitute the tentative height to function 𝑠, 96 = 112𝑡 − 16𝑡 2 yields to 𝑡 = 1, 6. At 𝑡 = 1,
the stone is at height of 96 𝑓𝑡 and is rising while at 𝑡 = 6, the stone is at the same height
but is falling.

Circular Motion

The motion of a particle 𝑃 along a circle is completely described by an equation 𝜃 = 𝑓(𝑡),

where theta is the central angle (in radians) swept over in time by a line joining 𝑃 to the center of
the circle. The coordinates of 𝑃 are given by 𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 and 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃.
𝑑𝜃 𝑑2 𝜃
Note: Angular velocity (𝜔) is equal to while angular momentum (α) is equal to .
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 2
𝑡3
Example: A particle rotates counter clockwise from rest according to 𝜃 = 50 − 𝑡, where 𝜃 is in
radians and t in seconds. Calculate the angular displacement, the angular velocity, and the angular
acceleration at the end of 10 seconds.
𝑡3
𝜃= − 𝑡 = 10 𝑟𝑎𝑑
50

𝑑𝜃 3𝑡 2 𝑟𝑎𝑑
𝜔= = −1=5
𝑑𝑡 50 𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑑 2 𝜃 6𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑑
𝛼= 2= = 1.2
𝑑𝑡 50 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2

Differentials: Newton’s Method

Given by the function 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )~𝑓(𝑥 ) + 𝑓′(𝑥)∆𝑥 which can used to approximate values of
a function.

Example: Estimate the value of √16.2.

This could be written at 𝑥 + ∆𝑥, where 𝑥 = 16 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∆𝑥 = 0.2.
1
1
If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝑥 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 2 𝑥 −2 .
Thus,
1 1
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 )~𝑓(𝑥 ) + 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 )∆𝑥 = √16 + (16)−2 ∙ 0.2
2
1
= 4 + (0.2)
8
= 4.025
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DERIVATIVES OF TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS

Derivative of Trigonometric and Inverse Trigonometric Functions

𝑑
1. (sin 𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
2. (cos 𝑥) = − sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
3. (tan 𝑥) = sec 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
4. (cot 𝑥) = − csc 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
5. (sec 𝑥) = tan 𝑥 sec 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
6. (csc 𝑥) = − cot 𝑥 csc 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1
7. (sin−1 𝑥) =
𝑑𝑥 √1−𝑥 2
𝑑 1
8. (cos −1 𝑥) = −
𝑑𝑥 √1−𝑥 2
𝑑 1
9. (tan −1
𝑥) = 1+𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1
10. 𝑑𝑥
(cot −1
𝑥) = − 1+𝑥 2
𝑑 1
11. (sec −1 𝑥) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 √𝑥 2 −1
𝑑 1
12. (csc −1 𝑥) = −
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 √𝑥 2 −1

Example:
1. Let 𝑦 = 𝑥 sin 𝑥. Find 𝑦’’’.
𝑦 ′ = sin 𝑥 + 𝑥 cos 𝑥
𝑦’′ = 𝑥(− sin 𝑥) + cos 𝑥 + cos 𝑥
𝑦’′′ = −𝑥 cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 − 2 sin 𝑥
𝑦′′ = −𝑥 cos 𝑥 − 3 sin 𝑥
2. Let 𝑦 = tan2 (3𝑥 − 2). Find 𝑦’’.
𝑦 ′ = 2(tan(3𝑥 − 2))(sec 2 (3𝑥 − 2))(3)
𝑦 ′ = 6 tan(3𝑥 − 2) sec 2 (3𝑥 − 2)
𝑦 ′′ = 6[(tan(3𝑥 − 2))(2 sec(3𝑥 − 2))(sec(3𝑥 − 2) tan(3𝑥 − 2))(3)
+(sec 2 (3𝑥 − 2))(3)(sec 2 (3𝑥 − 2))]
𝑦 = 36 tan2 (3𝑥 − 2) sec 2 (3𝑥 − 2) + 18 sec 4 (3𝑥 − 2)
′′

3. Let 𝑦 = cos (𝑥 2 ). Find 𝑦’.

−1

1
𝑦′ = − (2𝑥 )
√1 − (𝑥 2 )2
2𝑥
𝑦′ = −
√1 − 𝑥 4

Derivative of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

1. 𝐷𝑥 (𝑒 𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥
1
2. 𝐷𝑥 (ln 𝑥 ) = 𝑥
3. 𝐷𝑥 (𝑎 𝑥 ) = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎
1
4. 𝐷𝑥 (log 𝑎 𝑥 ) = 𝑥 ln 𝑎

Example: Find 𝑦′ for the following

1. y = ln(𝑥 4 + 7𝑥 )
1
𝑦′ = (4𝑥 3 + 7)
𝑥4
+ 7𝑥
4𝑥 3 + 7
= 4
𝑥 + 7𝑥
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2. 𝑦 = ln(𝑐𝑜𝑠(3𝑥 2 + 3))
1
𝑦′ = (− sin(3𝑥 2 + 3))(6𝑥 )
cos(3𝑥 2 + 3)
−6𝑥 sin(3𝑥 2 + 3)
=
cos(3𝑥 2 + 3)
= −6𝑥 tan(3𝑥 2 + 3)
3. 𝑦 = tan(log 4 3𝑥)
1
𝑦 ′ = [sec 2 (log 4 3𝑥)] ( ) (3)
3𝑥 ln 4
1
= sec 2 (log 4 3𝑥 )
𝑥 ln 4
Recall that:
ln 𝑢𝑣 = ln 𝑢 + ln 𝑣
𝑢
ln = ln 𝑢 − ln 𝑣
𝑣
ln(𝑥 𝑟 ) = 𝑟 ln 𝑥
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑎

DERIVATIVE OF HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS

Properties
𝑒 𝑥−𝑒 −𝑥
1. sinh 𝑥 = 2
sinh 𝑥
2. tanh 𝑥 =
cosh 𝑥
1
3. sech 𝑥 = cosh 𝑥
𝑒 𝑥 +𝑒 −𝑥
4. cosh 𝑥 = 2
cosh 𝑥
5. coth 𝑥 = sinh 𝑥
1
6. csch 𝑥 = sinh 𝑥

Derivatives
𝑑
1. (sinh 𝑥) = cosh 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
2. (tanh 𝑥) = sech2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
3. 𝑑𝑥
(sech 𝑥) = −sech 𝑥 tanh 𝑥
𝑑
4. (cosh 𝑥) = sinh 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑑
5. (coth 𝑥) = csch2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
6. (csch 𝑥) = −csch 𝑥 coth 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Examples: Find 𝑦′ for the following

1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 5 cosh 𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 10𝑥 4 cosh 𝑥 + 2𝑥 cosh 𝑥

sinh(𝑥 2 +2𝑥)
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥+1
(𝑥 + 1)[cosh(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 )](2𝑥 + 2) − sinh(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) (1)
𝑦′ =
(𝑥 + 1 )2
(2𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1) cosh(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 ) − sinh(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 )
=
(𝑥 + 1)2
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REVIEW QUESTIONS

𝑥 2 +5𝑥+6
1. Evaluate lim .
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥 2 +1
a. 1 b. -2/3 c. 0 d. 1/3

2. Which of the following equation is not true?

𝑥 2 −4
a. lim =0 c. lim √25 − 𝑥 2 = 3
𝑥→−2 𝑥 2 +4 𝑥→4
𝑥 2 −25 1 1
b. lim =0 d. lim =5
𝑥→−5 𝑥+5 𝑥→−2 |𝑥|+3

𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0
3. Which of the following is not a behaviour of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = {
𝑥+1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
a. lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 b. lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 0 c. lim 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 1 d. limit doesn’t exist
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0− 𝑥→1

𝑥 2 +5𝑥+6
4. What is lim ?
𝑥→+∞ 𝑥+1
a. −∞ b. 0 c. +∞ d. does not exist

3𝑥 −3−𝑥
5. What is lim ?
𝑥→+∞ 3𝑥 +3−𝑥
a. −∞ b. +∞ c. 1 d. 0

6. Which of the following functions is continuous on the closed interval [0, 1]?
1
𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0
a. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = { 𝑥 c. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 1 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1
1 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0
−𝑥 2 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 0
b. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = { 2 d. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = {0 𝑖𝑓 0 < 𝑥 < 1
𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≤ 0 𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 1

7. Given that 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 4, find the value of dy/dx if x=4.

a. 25 b. 30 c. 35 d. 40

8. Find the increase in the volume of a spherical balloon when its radius is increased from 2
to 3 in.
4 54 76 86
a. 3 𝜋 𝑖𝑛3 b. 3 𝜋 𝑖𝑛3 c. 3 𝜋 𝑖𝑛3 d. 3 𝜋 𝑖𝑛3

9. Find the slope of the tangent line to 𝑦 = 8 − 5𝑥 2 at point 𝑥 = 1.

a. -10 b. -1 c. 1 d. 10

10. Differentiate 𝑠 = (𝑡 2 − 3)4 .

a. 8𝑡(𝑡 2 − 3)3 b. 4(𝑡 2 − 3)3 c. 4𝑡(𝑡 2 − 3)3 d. 4𝑡(𝑡 2 − 3)4

𝑑𝑦 𝑢 2 −1 3
11. Find , given that 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢 = √𝑥 2 + 2.
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 2 +1
8𝑥 8𝑥 8𝑥 8𝑥
a. b. 3(𝑢2−1)2 c. d. 3(𝑢2−1)2
3(𝑢 2 +1)2 3𝑢(𝑢 2 +1)2

1
12. A point moves along the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 + 5 so that 𝑥 = 2 √𝑡 + 3, where t is time. At
what rate is y changing when t=4?
a. 45/8 b. 42/8 c. 5 d. 38/8

13. Find 𝑦′ at point (2,1) on 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 = 1.

a. -5/4 b. 1 c. 45/8 d. 3/2

14. Find the equation of the tangent line to 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4 𝑎𝑡 (2,4).

1 1
a. 𝑦 = −4𝑥 − 4 b. 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 4 c. 𝑦 = − 4 𝑥 − 4 d. 𝑦 = 4 𝑥 − 4

15. One of the points of intersection of the curve 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 is (1,2). Find the acute angle of
intersection of the curve at that point.
a. 39o b. 41o c. 43o d. 45o

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1
16. The total cost of producing 𝑥 radio sets per day is 4 𝑥 2 + 35𝑥 + 25, and the price per set
1
at which they may be sold is 50 − 2 𝑥. What should be the daily output to obtain a
maximum total profit?
a. 15 b. 12 c. 10 d. 9

17. At 9AM, ship B is 65 miles due east of another ship A. Ship B is then sailing due west at
10 mi/h, and A is sailing due south at 15 mi/h. If they continue on their respective
courses, when will they be nearest one another?
a. 9:30 AM b. 10 AM c. 10:30 AM d. 11AM

18. The cost of fuel to run a locomotive is proportional to the square of the speed and is
25pesos/h for a speed of 25mi/hr. Other costs amount to 100pesos/h, regardless of
speed. Find the speed that minimizes the cost per mile.
a. 25 mi/h b. 30mi/h c. 40 mi/h d. 50 mi/h

19. The sum of the two positive numbers is 20. Find the numbers if their product is a
maximum.
a. 8, 12 b. 10, 10 c. 11, 9 d. 7, 13

20. Find the acute angle between the parabolas 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 𝑦 2 𝑎𝑡 (1,1).
a. 28o b. 33o c. 37o d. 41o

21. If the angle of elevation of the sun is 45o and is decreasing by ¼ radians per hour, how
fast is the shadow cast on the ground by a pole 50 ft tall lengthening?
a. 25 ft/h b. 20 ft/h c. 32 ft/h d. 28 ft/h

3
22. What is the first derivative of 𝑦 = tan−1 (𝑥)?
3 3 3 3
a. b. 𝑥 2−9 c. − 𝑥 2+9 d. − 𝑥 2−9
𝑥 2 +9

23. A wheel turn through an angle θ radians in time t seconds so that 𝜃 = 128𝑡 − 12𝑡 2 . Find
the acceleration at the end of 3 seconds.
a. 56 rad/sec b. -36 rad/sec c. -24 rad/sec d. 46 rad/sec

24. An object moves in a straight line according to the equation 𝑠 = 𝑡 3 − 6𝑡 2 + 9𝑡, the units
being feet and seconds. Which of the following statements is true if 𝑡 = 1/2?
a. 𝑠 = 25/8 𝑓𝑡, moving to the left with 𝑣 = 15/4 𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐; speed increasing
b. 𝑠 = 25/8 𝑓𝑡, moving to the left with 𝑣 = 15/4 𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐; speed decreasing
c. 𝑠 = 25/8 𝑓𝑡, moving to the right with 𝑣 = 15/4 𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐; speed increasing
d. 𝑠 = 25/8 𝑓𝑡, moving to the right with 𝑣 = 15/4 𝑓𝑡/𝑠𝑒𝑐; speed decreasing

25. A stone is dropped down a well that is 144 ft deep. When will it hit the bottom of the
well?
a. After 3 seconds b. After 4 seconds c. After 5 seconds d. After 6
seconds
𝑓𝑡 3
26. Gas is escaping from a spherical balloon at the rate 2 𝑚𝑖𝑛. How fast is the surface area
shrinking when the radius is 12 ft?
a. ½ ft2/min b. 1/3 ft2/min c. 2/3 ft2/min d. 1 ft2/min

27. Find the radius of a sphere when the rate of change of the surface area and the rate of
change of the radius are equal.
1 1 1 1
a. 4𝜋 b. 6𝜋 c. 8𝜋 d. 10𝜋

28. If a point moves along the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥, at what point is the y coordinate changing
twice as fast as the x-coordinate?
a. (0, 0) b. (2, 0) c. (1, 2) d. (3, 0)

29. What is 𝑑𝑦 of the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6.

a. (3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 5)𝑑𝑥 b. (3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 5)𝑑𝑥
c. (3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 5)𝑑𝑥 d. (6𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 5)𝑑𝑥

30. Find 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 of 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 5.

𝑦−2 2𝑦−1 𝑦+1 2𝑦+1
a. 𝑥+1 b. 𝑥+1 c. d.
2−𝑥 𝑥−2
CLSU ABELE Review Class 2023 Differential Calculus
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31. What is the first derivatives of 𝑦 = ln(𝑥 + 3)2 ?

1 1 2 2
a. b. c. d.
𝑥−3 𝑥+3 𝑥−3 𝑥+3

4 2𝑥+3
32. Calculate 𝑦’ of 𝑦 = √2𝑥−3.
3𝑦 −3 3𝑦 −3 3𝑦 −3 3𝑦 −3
a. − 4𝑥 2−9 b. 4𝑥 2−9 c. − (2𝑥−3)2 d. (2𝑥−3)2

33. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3/𝑥 .

3𝑦(1−ln 𝑥) 3𝑦(1−ln 𝑥) 3𝑦(1−ln 𝑥) 3𝑦(1−ln 𝑥)
a. − b. c. − d.
𝑥2 𝑥2 𝑥 𝑥

3
34. Estimate the value of √124
a. 370/75 b. 374/75 c. 376/75 d. 378/75

35. Calculate the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑒 −𝑥 cos 𝑥.

a. 𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥)
b. 𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥)
c. c. −𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥)
d. d. −𝑒 −𝑥 (cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥)

CLSU ABELE Review Class 2023 Differential Calculus

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ANSWER KEY

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. C
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. A
10. A
11. C
12. C
13. D
14. B
15. D
16. C
17. D
18. D
19. B
20. C
21. A
22. C
23. C
24. D
25. A
26. B
27. C
28. B
29. A
30. C
31. D
32. C
33. B
34. B
35. B

CLSU ABELE Review Class 2023 Differential Calculus