LECTURE ON REVIEW OF DIFFERENTIATION

TECHNIQUES

1. INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIATION TECHNIQUES

In calculus, differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of a function, which represents its rate of change. Several key
techniques for differentiation include the Chain Rule, implicit differentiation, and higher-order derivatives. Mastering these
methods is essential for solving complex real-world problems in fields like physics, economics, and engineering.

In this lecture, we will:

• Review the Chain Rule, implicit differentiation, and higher-order derivatives.

• Work through practical examples to demonstrate how these techniques are applied to different types of functions.

• Address common mistakes and problem areas that students often encounter when applying these techniques.

2. THE CHAIN RULE

The Chain Rule is used to differentiate composite functions. A composite function is a function within a function, such as 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)).
The Chain Rule helps us differentiate such functions by breaking them down into their components.

2.1. Chain Rule Formula

If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)), then the derivative of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥 is:

𝑑𝑦
= 𝑓 ′ (𝑔(𝑥)) ⋅ 𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

This means that you first take the derivative of the outer function 𝑓 with respect to 𝑔(𝑥), then multiply it by the derivative of the
inner function 𝑔(𝑥).

2.2. Practical Example: Using the Chain Rule

Let’s differentiate the function 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥 2 ).

1. Step 1: Identify the outer function and the inner function.

o The outer function is 𝑓(𝑢) = sin(𝑢).

o The inner function is 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 .

2. Step 2: Apply the Chain Rule.

o First, differentiate the outer function with respect to 𝑢 = 3𝑥 2 :

𝑑
sin(𝑢) = cos(𝑢)
𝑑𝑢

o Then, differentiate the inner function 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 :

𝑑
(3𝑥 2 ) = 6𝑥
𝑑𝑥
 3. Step 3: Multiply the results:

𝑑𝑦
= cos(3𝑥 2 ) ⋅ 6𝑥 = 6𝑥 cos(3𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Thus, the derivative of 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥 2 ) is = 6𝑥 cos(3𝑥 2 ).
𝑑𝑥

2.3. Common Mistakes with the Chain Rule

• Forgetting to differentiate the inner function: Many students apply the Chain Rule to the outer function but forget to
multiply by the derivative of the inner function. Always remember that both parts of the composite function must be
differentiated.

• Incorrect application in trigonometric or exponential functions: When differentiating functions like 𝑒 𝑔(𝑥) or sin(𝑔(𝑥)),
ensure that you apply the Chain Rule correctly by first focusing on the outer function.

3. IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION

Implicit differentiation is used when a function is not given explicitly as 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), but instead, both 𝑥 and 𝑦 are mixed together in
an equation. This method allows us to differentiate equations that implicitly define a function.

3.1. Implicit Differentiation Process

𝑑𝑦
If a function is defined implicitly, like 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦) = 0, to find , follow these steps:
𝑑𝑥

1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥, treating 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦
2. Whenever you differentiate a term involving 𝑦, apply the Chain Rule and multiply by .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
3. Solve the resulting equation for .
𝑑𝑥

3.2. Practical Example: Implicit Differentiation

Let’s differentiate the equation of a circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25.

1. Step 1: Differentiate both sides with respect to 𝑥.

o The derivative of 𝑥 2 is 2𝑥.

𝑑𝑦
o The derivative of 𝑦 2 is 2𝑦 ⋅ (using the Chain Rule).
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
2𝑥 + 2𝑦 =0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
2. Step 2: Solve for .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
o Isolate :
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
2𝑦 = −2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 −𝑥
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑦
 𝑑𝑦 −𝑥
Thus, the derivative of the implicit equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25 is = .
𝑑𝑥 𝑦

3.3. Common Mistakes with Implicit Differentiation

𝑑𝑦
• Forgetting to apply the Chain Rule: When differentiating terms involving 𝑦, many students forget to multiply by .
𝑑𝑥

𝒅𝒚 𝑑𝑦
• Solving for : After differentiating, ensure that you correctly isolate to solve for the derivative.
𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥

4. HIGHER-ORDER DERIVATIVES

Higher-order derivatives refer to the derivatives of a function taken multiple times. For example, the second derivative
f′′(x)f''(x)f′′(x) is the derivative of the first derivative 𝑓′(𝑥). Higher-order derivatives help analyze the concavity, acceleration, or the
rate of change of a rate of change in real-world scenarios.

4.1. Practical Example: Higher-Order Derivatives

Let’s differentiate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 twice.

1. First derivative:

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2

2. Second derivative:

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥

Thus, the second derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 is 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥.

Higher-order derivatives can also be used in physics. For example:

• The first derivative of the position function 𝑠(𝑡) gives velocity.

• The second derivative gives acceleration.

4.2. Common Mistakes with Higher-Order Derivatives

• Confusing derivatives: Students often confuse higher-order derivatives with the original function. Remember that each
derivative represents a new rate of change.

• Incorrect signs: Care must be taken when differentiating, especially with negative terms or trigonometric functions.

5. PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF APPLYING DIFFERENTIATION TECHNIQUES

5.1. Example: Combining Chain Rule and Implicit Differentiation

𝑑𝑦
Let’s find for the equation sin(𝑥𝑦) = 𝑥 + 𝑦.
𝑑𝑥

1. Step 1: Differentiate both sides with respect to 𝑥.

o On the left-hand side, apply the Chain Rule to sin(𝑥𝑦):

𝑑 𝑑𝑦
sin(𝑥𝑦) = cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ (𝑦 + 𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
 o On the right-hand side, differentiate 𝑥 + 𝑦 (using implicit differentiation):

𝑑 𝑑𝑦
(𝑥 + 𝑦) = 1 +
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2. Step 2: Write the full equation:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ (𝑦 + 𝑥 )=1+
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
3. Step 3: Solve for .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑦 + cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑥 = 1+
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Group the terms involving :
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑥 − = 1 − cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Factor :
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
(cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑥 − 1) = 1 − cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑦
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Finally, solve for :
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1 − cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑦
=
𝑑𝑥 cos(𝑥𝑦) ⋅ 𝑥 − 1

5.2. Example: Finding a Higher-Order Derivative

Let’s find the second derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑒 3𝑥 .

1. Step 1: First derivative:

𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑒 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥

2. Step 2: Second derivative:

𝑑2𝑦
= 9𝑒 3𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑2 𝑦
Thus, = 9𝑒 3𝑥 .
𝑑𝑥 2

6. ADDRESSING COMMON MISTAKES IN DIFFERENTIATION TECHNIQUES

Students often make mistakes when applying differentiation techniques. Let’s address some of the most common ones:

6.1. Forgetting the Chain Rule

One of the most frequent mistakes is forgetting to apply the Chain Rule when dealing with composite functions. Always remember
to differentiate both the outer and inner functions.

6.2. Failing to Use Implicit Differentiation Correctly

When dealing with implicit equations, students may forget to apply the Chain Rule for terms involving 𝑦, leading to incomplete
𝑑𝑦
derivatives. Be sure to treat 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥 and multiply by when necessary.
𝑑𝑥

6.3. Confusing Higher-Order Derivatives

Some students confuse the first, second, and higher-order derivatives, especially when dealing with position, velocity, and
acceleration in physics. Always remember that:

• The first derivative represents the rate of change (velocity in physics).

• The second derivative represents the rate of change of the rate of change (acceleration in physics).

6.4. Incorrect Use of Product and Quotient Rules

When differentiating products or quotients of functions, ensure that you apply the Product Rule or Quotient Rule correctly:

• Product Rule: For 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥), the derivative is:

𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥)
• Quotient Rule: For , the derivative is:
𝑔(𝑥)

𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥)

( )=
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)]2

7. CONCLUSION

This review covered several key differentiation techniques—the Chain Rule, implicit differentiation, and higher-order derivatives—
and how to apply them in various contexts. These methods are essential for analyzing complex functions in both theoretical and
practical settings.

Key Takeaways:

• Use the Chain Rule to differentiate composite functions.

• Apply implicit differentiation when dealing with equations where 𝑦 is not isolated.

• Higher-order derivatives help analyze acceleration and curvature in real-world applications.

• Always double-check for common errors such as missing the Chain Rule or incorrect application of product and quotient
rules.

SUGGESTED PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Chain Rule:
Differentiate 𝑦 = sin(2𝑥 3 ).

2. Implicit Differentiation:
𝑑𝑦
Find for the equation 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 6𝑥𝑦.
𝑑𝑥

3. Higher-Order Derivatives:
Find the second derivative of𝑦 = ln(𝑥 2 + 1).

4. Product Rule:
Differentiate 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 sin(𝑥).
5. Quotient Rule:
𝑥3
Differentiate 𝑦 = .
𝑥 2 +1