MTH210

(Cameron)
Unit 2: Derivatives
Calculus I
3.3 Rules of Differentiation
CO2.7 Determine the derivative of each of the following functions: xn (where n is any real number), ex, ax
The derivative of f can always be evaluated using the limit definition for the
Unit 2 derivative. This chapter presents differentiation rules that simplify the process!

Derivatives Constant Rule.

d
f ′(x) = c=0 c is a real number
dx
PROOF (use Definition of Derivative):

EXAMPLE 1. Find the derivative for each of the following:

a) f(x) = 2 d) f(x) = π

Power Rule.
d
dx
( )
x n = n x n−1 for any real number, n

Proof (when n is a positive integer) using a definition for the derivative of f(x) = xn and a factoring
formula for xn – an.

xn – an = (x – a)(xn – 1 + xn – 2a + xn – 3a2 + xn – 3a2 + ··· + x2a General Factoring Formula

f ( x) − f (a)
f′(a) = lim Derivative of f(x) at x = a
x →a x−a

The power rule is valid for any real number exponent, although we have Start B1 #1
only shown it to be valid for whole number here.

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 1 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 2. Find the derivative for each of the following. Before determining the derivative, rewrite
any denominator as an expression with a ____________ exponent and to rewrite any radical expression
as an expression with a ___________ exponent.

a) f ( x) = x

b) f ( x ) = x5

1
c) f ( x) = 4
x

d) f ( x) = 3 x

1
e) f ( x) = 5 x

f) f ( x) = 26

CO2.8 Apply the Constant Multiple Rule, the Sum Rule, the Difference Rule
Constant Multiple Rule.
d d
If f is differentiable at x and c is a constant, ( cf ( x) ) = c ( f ( x) )
dx dx
EXAMPLE 3. Find the derivative for each of the following:
a) f(x) = 3x

b) f ( x) = 8 x 2

c) f ( x) = −8 x3

5
d) f ( x) = − 3
x

4 x
e) f ( x) =
2

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 2 5/19/2024

 3
f) f ( x) =
7 x

3
g) f ( x) = 2
( 4x )

Sum (or Difference) Rule. d d d

[ f ( x) + g ( x) ] =dx
f(x) +
dx
g(x)
dx
If f and g are differentiable at x: d  d d
 f ( x) − g ( x)  = f(x) – g(x)
dx   dx dx
EXAMPLE 4. Find the derivative for each of the following:
a) f ( x ) = 5 x 4 − 3x 2 + 7 x − π

3 1
− 1 x4 + 2 4 x −
b) y = + 4
2 3 2
x 4x

c) g ( x)
= x ( )
x −1

3 2
d) h ( x ) = x −26 x +8 x
x −2 x

Finish B1 #2

Do 3
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 3 5/19/2024
Definition The Number e
n 1
is e lim (1 + 1n )
A definition for e = Substituting m = 1n , this definition becomes
= e lim (1 + m ) m
n →∞ m →0

Use the limit definition of the derivative to find the derivative of ex

y = ex

The Derivative of ex.

d
dx
( ) = ex
ex for all real numbers x

The derivative for bx will be derived after the introduction of the Chain Rule. For now, we will use the
result without proof. Notice the derivative of bx is different than the derivative for xb!
The Derivative of bx.
d
dx
( )
b x = b x ln b b>0, b ≠ 1, for all x

EXAMPLE 5. Find the derivative of the following:

a) f(x) = 3ex + e

b) f(x) = 5x + 2

c) f(x) = 5x2 + 2x + 4∙ 3x

d) f(x) = e1 + x

Start Quiz B2 #3
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 4 5/19/2024
CO2.5 Determine the equation of the tangent line to the graph of a function at a specified x-value.
Slopes of Tangent Lines
Recall, the derivative is the slope of tangent lines to a function.
2 x2 − 8x + 1
EXAMPLE 6. For f ( x ) =
x
a) Find f ′(x).

b) Use the result you found in part (a) to write the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) at
x = 1.

EXAMPLE 7. Let f ( x ) =x3 − 27 x + 5

a) Find the values of x for which the slope of the curve of f ( x ) is 0.

b) Find the coordinates of the points at which the slope of the curve of f ( x ) is 21.

x
EXAMPLE 8. ) e −x
Given f ( x=
4
a) Write an equation of the line tangent to the graph of f ( x) at x = 0 .

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 5 5/19/2024

 b) Find the point(s) on the graph of f ( x) where the tangent line is horizontal.

Now do B2 #4 and 5
Higher-Order Derivatives
dny dn
CO2.10 Use any of the following notations to represent higher order derivatives of : y = f ( x) : y ( n) , f ( n) ( x), , ( f ( x) ) . Second and third order derivatives may
n n
dx dx
also be denoted using the double prime or triple prime notation. CO2.9 Determine higher order derivatives.

Definition Higher-Order Derivatives

Because the derivative of a function f is a function in its own right, we can take the derivative of f′
Assuming y = f(x) can be differentiated as often as necessary,
d d2 f
The second derivative of f is: [ f ′(
= x ) ] = 2
f (2)=
( x) f ′′( x) (“f double prime”)
dx dx
(n) d (n – 1)
The nth derivative of f is: f (x) = (f (x)) (f is a “higher order” derivative)
dx
32
EXAMPLE 9. Find the first and second derivatives of f ( x)= x +
x2

EXAMPLE 10. Find the first, second, and third derivatives of x) 3x 2 + 5e x

f (=

Finish B2 #6
▪

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.3: Rules of Differentiation ~ 6 5/19/2024

3.4 The Product and Quotient Rules
CO2.8 Apply the Product Rule, the Quotient Rule,

Geometric Interpretation of the Product Rule u Δu

Suppose we are interested in the changing area of a rectangle where
u = f(x) and v = g(x) are expressions for the length (u) and width (v) v Area = uv vΔu
of the rectangle. If x changes by an amount Δx, then u will change
by Δu and v will change by Δv. And the change in the area of the Δv u Δv Δu Δv
rectangle, Δ(uv) is:
Δ(uv) = (u + Δu) (v + Δv) – uv = u Δv + v Δu + Δu Δv
Divide through by Δx, and take the limit as Δx → 0

Product Rule
Product Rule.
d d d
If f and g are differentiable at x, then [ f ( x) g ( x)] = f(x) [g(x)] + g(x) [f(x)]
dx dx dx
This is also expressed as: (uv)′ = uv′ + vu′

EXAMPLE 11. Use the product rule to find the derivative of the following functions.
a) ( x 4 − 3 x) ( 2 x + 5 )
f ( x) =

b) f ( x) = ( 3 x ) (ex )

The product rule can be extended to cover products involving more than two factors:
(uvw)′ = u′vw + uv′w + uvw′

EXAMPLE 12. Find the derivative of f(t) = (t2 – 1)(t3 + 3)(t – 5). Do not simplify.

Start B3 #7
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.4: The Product and Quotient Rules ~ 7 5/19/2024
Quotient Rule
f ( x)
Use the Product rule to find the derivative of F(x) =
g ( x)

Quotient Rule. HIGH

If f and g are differentiable at x and g(x) ≠ 0, then Quotient Song for
LOW
Low, Low, LOW, d’HIGH
d  f ( x)  Minus HIGH d’LOW
= All over LOW squared
dx  g ( x)  That’s the Quotient Rule
  Sing to the tune of “Row Row Row Your Boat”

EXAMPLE 13. Find the derivative of the following functions:

x+2
a) f ( x) =
x −3

ex − 2x
b) f ( x) =
7 − 6 x5

2 x12 − 3
c) f ( x) =
4x

Now do B3 #8
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.4: The Product and Quotient Rules ~ 8 5/19/2024
 2x2
EXAMPLE 14. Find an equation for the line tangent to the graph of f ( x) = at x = 1
3x − 1

Finish B3 #9
The Derivative of ekx
In section 3.7 the technique (the chain rule) for finding the derivative of ef(x) will be introduced. For now,
just the result is given:

The derivative of ef(x).

d f(x)
(e ) =
dx

EXAMPLE 15. Find the derivative of the following.

a) f(x) = (40 – 2x)e 7 – 3x

x
b) g(x) = 2
ex

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.4: The Product and Quotient Rules ~ 9 5/19/2024
Combining Derivative Rules
CO2.8 Apply the Constant Multiple Rule, the Sum Rule, the Difference Rule, the Product Rule, the Quotient Rule, and the Chain Rule to differentiate combinations and
compositions of any of the functions listed in objective 2.7.

EXAMPLE 16. Use multiple differentiation rules to find the derivative of the following functions:
5x x2
a) f(x) = 3
x +2

b) f ( x) = x2+1x
x e

Start B4 #10
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.4: The Product and Quotient Rules ~ 10 5/19/2024
3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
CO2.7 Determine the derivative of each of the following functions: xn (where n is any real number), sin x, cos x, tan x, sec x, csc x, cot x, ex, ax
Derivatives of Sine and Cosine Functions
Derivatives of Sine and Cosine.
d d
(sin x) = (cos x) =
dx dx
** All derivative formulas for trig functions require angles in radians
2 y
sin(x)
From a geometric perspective, these formulas make sense: 1
x
0 π π 3π 2π 5π 3π 7π 4π
f and f ′ are both _______________ -1 2
cos(x) 2 2 2
-2

Horizontal tangent lines of f occur where f ′ is _____ 2 y

1
cos(x)
When f has a negative slope, f ′ is _____________ x
0 π π
3π 2π
5π
3π
7π
4π
-1 2 2 2 2
-sin(x)
-2

d
Use the definition of the derivative to prove: (cos x) = – sin x
dx

Note: Angles used in derivatives of trigonometric functions are ALWAYS expressed in radians. If the
angles are in degrees instead, additional factors of π/180 are needed in the formulas.

EXAMPLE 17. Find the derivative for each of the following functions
a) f ( x ) = 3sin x − 5cos x + 2π

b) g (θ ) = sinθ
1+cosθ

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.5: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions ~ 11 5/19/2024

c) f ( x) = 3 e−2 x cos x
4

EXAMPLE 18. Find f ′( x) and ( )

f′ π
4
f ( x) sin x(sin x + cos x)
for =

Finish B4 #11

EXAMPLE 19. Determine the x− value(s) at which=y 3 x + 2cos x has a horizontal tangent line.
Restrict the domain to 0 ≤ x < 2π
5 y

1
x
π 0 π π
3π 2π
2 -1 2 2

Derivatives of Other Trigonometric Functions

The derivatives of the other trig functions are obtained using the derivatives of sin x and cos x, the
Quotient Rule and trigonometric identities.
EXAMPLE 20. Find f ′( x) for f ( x) = tan x Begin by rewriting tan x using the quotient identity.

The derivatives for the other three trig functions can be determined using the Quotient Rule.
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.5: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions ~ 12 5/19/2024
Derivatives of the Trigonometric Functions.
d d d
(sin x) = [ tan x ] = [sec x ] =
dx dx dx
d d d
(cos x) = [cot x ] = [csc x ] =
dx dx dx

EXAMPLE 21. Find the derivative for each of the following functions
a) f ( x) = csc x cot x

b) f ( x) = sec x
x

tan θ
c) f (θ ) =
1+ sec θ

Start B5 #12
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.5: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions ~ 13 5/19/2024
Higher-Order Trigonometric Derivatives
High order derivatives of the sine and cosine functions are cyclical and are important in problems
involving oscillations, vibrations, and waves.

Periodic derivatives
d (2n) d (2n)
(2n)
sin x = (-1)n sin x (2n)
cos x = (-1)n cos x
dx dx
EXAMPLE 22. Find the first and second derivative of f ( x) = sec x

Now do B5 #13

Do 4
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.5: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions ~ 14 5/19/2024
3.7 The Chain Rule
CO2.8 Apply the Chain Rule to differentiate combinations and compositions of any of the functions listed in objective 2.7.
Chain Rule Formulas
How to differentiate a composition of function (ie how to use the chain rule)
1. Draw a box around the INSIDE function
2. Take the Derivative of the OUTSIDE function, evaluated at the INSIDE function
3. Multiply the result with the Derivative of the INSIDE function.

EXAMPLE 23. Find the derivatives of the following functions:

a) y = 1
(2 x+1)5

b) =y 2x +1

c) y = 1
2x +1

EXAMPLE 24. Find the derivatives of the following functions:

a) y (6 x − 5)3
=

3
b) =y x2 + 1

1
c) y=
x3 + 2

Finish B5 #14
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.7: The Chain Rule ~ 15 5/19/2024
Notation used for the Chain Rule
The Chain Rule.
Given f(u) and g(x) are both differentiable functions and F(x) = (f ◦ g)(x) = f (g(x))
Or given y = f(u) f(u) is differentiable at the point u = g(x) and g(x) is differentiable at x.
Then F(x) is differentiable at x, and its derivative is:
d d d dy dy du
F(x) = f (g(x)) = f ′ ( g(x)) ∙ g(x) = f ′ ( g(x))∙g′(x) or F′(x) = = ⋅
dx dx dx dx du dx
(The difference is just in notation)
2 20
EXAMPLE 25. Find the derivative of F(x) = (6x – 5x + 8) using the formula F′(x) = f ′ ( g(x)) ∙ g′(x)
Identify f(u) (the OUTSIDE function ) and g(x) (the INSIDE function):
f(u) g(x) =
Determine the derivative of the outer function f ′ ( u). Evaluate it at the inner function g(x):
f ′ ( u) = f ′ ( g(x)) =
Determine the derivative of the inner function g′(x):
d
g′(x) = g(x) =
dx
Multiply the two derivatives together
f ′ ( g(x))∙g′(x) =

2 20 dy du
EXAMPLE 26. Find the derivative of F(x) = (6x – 5x + 8) using the formula: F′(x) = ⋅
du dx
Identify y (the OUTSIDE function) and u (the INSIDE function):
y= u=
Calculate the derivatives dy/du and du/dx
dy du
= =
du dx
Multiply the two terms together. Then replace u in the product with an equivalent expression in x:
dy du dy du
⋅ = ⋅ =
du dx du dx u

EXAMPLE 27. Let h( x) = f ( g ( x)) . Use the table to compute the following derivatives.

x 1 2 3 4 5 h′(1) h′(2) h′(3)

= = =
f ′ (x) -6 -3 8 7 2
g(x) 4 1 5 2 3
g ′ (x) 9 7 3 -1 -5

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.7: The Chain Rule ~ 16 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 28. Find the derivative of:
5
a) y = e x −2 x

3
b) y = e x( )

EXAMPLE 29. Find the derivative of:

a) y = sin x

b) y = tan(πx2 – 5x)

c) y = sec(3x + πx)

d) y = csc(ex + 3 x )

Start B6 #15

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.7: The Chain Rule ~ 17 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 30. Find the derivative of the following and observe the differences!
a) y = sin x cos x

y = sin(cos x)

b) y = sin(x3)

y = sin 3 x

EXAMPLE 31. Use the chain rule with the product or quotient rule to find the derivative of:

a) =y x2 9 − x 2

2
 sin t 
b) f (t ) =  
 1 + cos t 

Finish B6 #16

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.7: The Chain Rule ~ 18 5/19/2024

The Composition of Three or More Functions
Basically, work your way in from the most outside piece of the function. Take one step inside and another step inside until you finally reach
the innermost basic function that was trapped inside everything else.

EXAMPLE 32. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a) g (θ ) = tan ( sin ( 2θ ) )

b) y = sin 2 ( 4 x )

2
c) y = sin ( 4 x )

d) y = x 2 sin 5 ( 2 x )

Start B7 #17

Do 5
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.7: The Chain Rule ~ 19 5/19/2024
3.8 Implicit Differentiation
CO2.11 Use implicit differentiation to determine the derivative of a function defined implicitly by a relation.
Up until now the functions we have encountered explicitly express one variable in terms of another
variable. Such functions are in explicit form. In contrast, when an equation is NOT solved for y, we say
the function is in implicit form.
Example. Rewrite each of the implicit functions below in explicit form:
y2 = x x + y3 =
6 x2 + y 2 =
25 sin y = x
xy 2 + 6 y + x =0

What if we have an equation that is NOT solved for y, yet we want to find y′?
Fortunately, it is not necessary to solve an equation for y before determining its derivative. Instead, we
can assume y is a differentiable function of x. Then the chain rule can be used to obtain the derivative of y
with respect to x.
For example:
Simple Function Chain Rule Implicit Differentiation
d 20
dx
x
d
dx
(
2 x 2 + 3x )20 d 20
dx
y

d d d
(sin x) (sin(2 x 2 + 3 x)) (sin y )
dx dx dx

d x d 2 x2 + 3 x d y
e e e
dx dx dx

How to perform Implicit Differentiation

1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x: take the derivative of each term with respect
to x. Use the Chain Rule to differentiate expressions involving y!
2. Solve the resulting equation for y′
d
Bring all terms with ( y ) or y′ to one side of the equation, all others on the other side
dx
d
Factor out ( y ) or y′, then solve for d ( y ) or y′
dx dx
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.8: Implicit Differentiation ~ 20 5/19/2024
EXAMPLE 33. Use implicit differentiation to find y′ for each implicit function below
y2 = x

x + y3 =
6

EXAMPLE 34. Find y′ for the equation x 2 + y 2 =

25 in two ways
a) Use implicit differentiation

b) Use explicit differentiation

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.8: Implicit Differentiation ~ 21 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 35. Use implicit differentiation to find y′ for each implicit function below
a) xy = 1

b) xy 2 + 6 y + x =0

c) x 2 y + xy 2 =
10

d) cos(xy) + sin(x) = 1

Finish B7 #18
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.8: Implicit Differentiation ~ 22 5/19/2024
Slopes of Tangent Lines
CO2.12 Determine the equation of the tangent line to an implicitly defined relation at a specified point.

EXAMPLE 36. Find

dy
a) Find implicitly: 2π when x = 1 and y = π
2 xy + π sin y =
dx 2

b) Determine the equation of the tangent line of the graph of x3 + y3 =

9 xy at the point ( 4, 2 ) .

EXAMPLE 37. Find the slope of the curve xy5/2 + x3/2y = 12 at the point (4, 1)

Start B8 #19
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.8: Implicit Differentiation ~ 23 5/19/2024
High Order Derivatives of Implicit Functions
d2y
EXAMPLE 38. [#32] Find implicitly: 2x2 + y2 = 4
dx2

Now do B8 #20

Do 6
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.8: Implicit Differentiation ~ 24 5/19/2024
3.9 Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
CO2.7 Determine the derivative of each of the following functions: ln x, loga x, ax

Inverse Properties for ex and ln x

x
eln x = x, for x > 0 ln (ex) = x, for all x y = ln x ↔ x = ey bx = e ln b = e x ln b

Log properties
log (ab) = log (a/b) = log (ak) = logb (x) =

Domain and graphs for:

y = ex y = ln x y = ln | x |

The Derivative of y = ln x
Find the derivative for y = ln x. Find the derivative for y = ln | x |
Restriction:
ln | x | =
Rewrite in exponential form
Use implicit differentiation

Derivative of ln x and logb x.

d d
( ln x ) = x>0 ( ln x ) = x≠0
dx dx

EXAMPLE 39. Find the derivative of the following functions

a) f ( x) = x ln x

ln x
b) h( x ) =
x

c) f ( x) ln( x 2 + 3)
=

d) y = ln(ln x)

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.9: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions ~ 25 5/19/2024
Hint: Each of the next four examples can be rewritten using the natural logarithmic properties.
Whenever you can, apply the natural logarithmic properties before differentiating.

e) =y ln x 2 − 4

 x 
f) y = ln  
 x +1 

x 2 3x − 2
h) y = ln 2
( x − 1)

g) y = ln(2e− x sin x)

The Derivative of bx Finish B8 #21

Find the derivative of y = bx

Proof. Rewrite bx with base e using an inverse property
Use the Chain Rule

Derivative of bx.
d
dx
( )
b x = b x ln b b>0, b ≠ 1, for all x

EXAMPLE 40. Find the derivative of the following functions

x
a) y = 2 x b) y = π x c) y= (3 + π )

d) y = 5−3 x

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.9: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions ~ 26 5/19/2024
 32 x
e) y=
x3

The General Power Rule

Find the derivative of y = xp for any real number p
Rewrite xp with base e using an inverse property
Then use the Chain Rule

The General Power Rule.

d
dx
( )
x p = px p −1 For any real number p and x > 0

Power functions have the variable in the __________, while exponential functions have the variable in the ___________.
EXAMPLE 41. Find the derivative of the following functions
e
a) y = ( sin x )

b) y = cos (π x )

2 )2
c) y= x (π +

Start B9 #22
Derivatives of General Logarithmic Functions
Find the derivative of y = log (x)
b
Rewrite y = log (x) as an exponential equation
b
Then use implicit differentiation

Derivative of logb x.
d d
( log b x ) = x>0 ( log b x ) = x≠0
dx dx

EXAMPLE 42. Find the derivative of the following functions

a) y = log 2 x b) y = log x c) y = log (π +3) x

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.9: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions ~ 27 5/19/2024
EXAMPLE 43. Find the derivative of the following functions
a) =y log x 2 + 1 ( )

b) y = log ( ln x )

c) =y log 2 x 2 + 3x − 1

 x2 + 1 
d) y = log 2  2 
 x +2
 

Now do B9 #23
Logarithmic Differentiation
CO2.13 Use logarithmic differentiation to determine the derivative of a function.

There are times when direct computation of a derivative is very tedious. In such cases, the technique of
logarithmic differentiation makes the process easier

How to find the derivative of y = f(x) using logarithmic differentiation

1. Take the natural log of both sides of the equation.
Simplify as much as possible using log rules.
2. Take the derivative of both sides. Simplify.
3. Solve for y′.
4. Substitute the original function back in for y, so that y′ is a function of just x.
EXAMPLE 44. Find the derivative of the following functions using logarithmic differentiation
2
a) y = 3 3 x − 7
1 − 5x 4

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.9: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions ~ 28 5/19/2024
=b) y sec 4 (2 x)e7 x +1 ( x 6 − 2)

x
c) y = x

Finish B9 #24

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.9: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions ~ 29 5/19/2024
3.10 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions
CO2.7 Determine the derivative of each of the following functions: xn (where n is any real number), sin x, cos x, tan x, sec x, csc x, cot x, ex, ax, ln x, loga x, sin-1 x, tan-1
x, sec-1 x
(Inverse trig functions are reviewed in Section 1.4)
Inverse Sine and Its Derivative
Find the derivative of y = sin-1 x
Rewrite as an equation in sine
and draw a diagram for y

Use implicit differentiation

Using the diagram above:

sin(y) =

cos(y) =

Label the other angle in the right triangle in the diagram to establish the identity: sin-1 x + cos-1 x = π/2
Differentiate both sides to find the derivative of cos-1 x

Derivative of Inverse Sine.

d
dx
sin −1 x =
1
( ) d
dx
(
cos −1 x =
−1
) for -1 < x < 1
1− x2 1− x2

EXAMPLE 45. Find the derivatives of the following functions

a) f ( x) = sin −1 ( x2 )

b) f ( x) = cos−1 ( e− x )

c) f ( x) = sin −1 (5x 4 )

d) ( x) x sin −1 x + 1 − x 2
f=

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.10: Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions ~ 30 5/19/2024
Derivatives of Inverse Tangent and Secant
Find the derivative of y = tan-1 x
Rewrite as an equation in tangent and draw a diagram for y

Use implicit differentiation

Using the diagram above:

tan(y) =

cos(y) =

Label the other angle in the right triangle in the diagram to establish the identity: tan-1 x + cot-1 x = π/2
Differentiate both sides to find the derivative of cot-1 x

d
( )
tan −1 x =
1 d
(
cot −1 x = )
−1
for -∞ < x < ∞
dx 1+ x2 dx 1+ x2

EXAMPLE 46. Find the derivatives of the following functions

a) f ( x) = tan −1 x

b) f ( x) = ln ( tan −1 x )

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.10: Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions ~ 31 5/19/2024
Find the derivative of y = sec-1 x
Rewrite as an equation in secant and draw a diagram for y

Use implicit differentiation

If x < 0: If x > 0:

cos(y) = cos(y) =

cot(y) = cot(y) =

Use the diagram to rewrite the trig function in y as a function of x

Label the other angle in the right triangle in the diagram to establish the identity: sec-1 x + csc-1 x = π/2
Differentiate both sides to find the derivative of csc-1 x

Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions.

d
dx
sin −1 x = (1
) d
dx
cos −1 x =
−1
( ) for -1 < x < 1
1− x2 1− x2
d
tan −1 x =( 1
2
) d
cot −1 x =
−1
( ) for -∞ < x < ∞
dx 1+ x dx 1+ x2
d
dx
(
sec −1 x = )1 d
dx
(
csc −1 x = )−1
for |x| > 1
x x2 −1 x x2 −1

EXAMPLE 47. Find the derivative of sec −1 (3 x 2 − 4)

Do all B10 #25-27

Do 7
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.10: Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions ~ 32 5/19/2024
3.6 Derivatives as Rates of Change
Slope of a tangent line
In section 3.1 it was shown that as the distance between two points, P(a, f(a)) f(x)
and Q(x, f(x))) on a curve gets smaller and smaller (on both sides of P), the Q
slope mPQ of the _____________ lines formed connecting those two points
approaches the slope of the ____________ line through point P. The slope f(a)
f ( x) − f (a) P
of a line through PQ is given by the equation: mPQ = , and the
x−a
f ( x) − f (a)
slope of the tangent line through P is the __________ at P: lim
x →a x−a aa a+h
x

Rates of Change
Consider a function f(x) that varies as x varies. To determine the average rate of change in f(x) between
two values of x, say x = a and some other point x, then the average rate of change is given by the equation
f ( x) − f (a) f ( x) − f (a)
, and the instantaneous rate of change would be lim . Notice these are exactly
x−a x →a x−a
the same formulas as used for the slopes of secants and tangents! y
y2
The change in x is Δx =
y1
The corresponding change in y is Δy = x
x1 x2

CO3.1 Calculate the average rate of change of a function on an interval, and the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a point.
Average rate of change of y ∆y
= the difference quotient
with respect to x over the interval [x1, ∆x
x2] f ( x 2 ) − f ( x1 )
,
x 2 − x1
Instantaneous rate of change of y ∆y
with respect to x at a specific value of x lim , the _______________________
∆x→0 ∆x
(or simply “rate of change”)

A quantity is increasing if its rate of change is _______________.

A quantity is decreasing if its rate of change is _______________.
A quantity is not changing if its rate of change is _____________.

Interpretations of the derivative

There are two major interpretations for the derivative:
1. A derivative is the ________________________________
2. A derivative is the _________________________________
A special case of this is velocity which is the rate of change of an object’s
____________________ with respect to ___________
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 33 5/19/2024
Units for Rates of Change
CO3.3 In a variety of applied contexts, interpret the value of the derivative at a point as the instantaneous rate of change of a quantity at that point, including correct
units, and use the sign of the derivative to tell if the quantity is increasing or decreasing at that point.

Average and instantaneous rates of change must be accompanied by appropriate units. In general, the
units for a rate of change of y with respect to x are obtained by “dividing” the units of y by the units of x
and then simplifying according to the standard rules of algebra.

EXAMPLE 48.
a) If temperature (x in degrees Fahrenheit) affects the length of an object ( y in inches),
then the rate of change in the length of the object with respect to its temperature has units of
____________
and represents ___________________________________

b) Given energy (y, measured in foot-pounds) and time (x, measured in hours)
then the rate of the rate of change in energy with respect to time has units of
______________________

c) Given velocity (y, in feet per second) and time (x, in seconds),
then the rate of change in velocity with respect to time has units of ___________________________

d) Given work (y, in newton meters) and time (x, in minutes),

then the rate of change in work with respect to time has units of ____________________________

3V
EXAMPLE 49. The radius (in cm) of a balloon in terms of its volume is given by the equation r(V)= . 3
4π
a) What is the average rate of change in the balloon’s radius as the volume increases from 0 to 8 cm3?

b) What is the instantaneous rate of change of the balloon’s radius when the volume is 8 cm3? 12 cm3?

c) As the volume of the balloon increases, does the rate at which balloon’s radius change increase or
decrease? Why?

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 34 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 50. The volume of water in a tank at t minutes for 0 ≤ t ≤ 6 is given by Q(t) = 5t +10 – t2 (feet3)
a) Is the volume of water increasing or decreasing at t = 0?

b) Is the volume of water increasing or decreasing at t = 6?

c) Is the volume of water changing faster at t = 0 or at t = 6?

d) Does the volume of water ever stop changing? ______ If yes, at what time(s) does the volume stop
changing?

EXAMPLE 51. In t years from now, the population of a community will be P 6000 .
= (t ) 2000 −
t +1
′
a) Find P (t ) .

b) Find P′(9) . Include units in your answer.

c) Explain the meaning of P′(9) using a complete sentence(s).

− (t −10)
EXAMPLE 52. The function G (t ) = 30e 3 describes the number of gallons of oil in a tank t
minutes after the tank has started to drain.
a) Find G′(t ) .

b) Compute G′(2) . Include units in your answer. What does G′(2) represent in this situation?

c) Find the average rate of change in the volume of oil with respect to time between t = 1 and t = 2.

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 35 5/19/2024

EXAMPLE 53. the function f (t ) = 800 models the population of a culture of cells (t is in hours).
1+7e−0.2t
a) Find the instantaneous growth rate of the population for any t ≥ 0 .

b) What is the instantaneous growth rate at t = 5 hours?

c) What is the steady-state population (the limit as t →∞)

EXAMPLE 54. On a sunny day, a 50 ft flagpole casts a shadow that changes with the angle of elevation of
the sun. Let s be the length of the shadow and θ the angle of elevation of the sun. Find the rate at which
the length of the shadow is changing with respect to θ when θ = π .
4

At what angle is the length of the shadow changing least rapidly?

a) EXAMPLE 55. A small plane flies horizontally on a line 400 m

directly above an observer with a speed of 70 m/s. Let θ be the angle
of elevation of the plane. What is the rate of change of the angle of
elevation, dθ , when the plane is x = 500 m past the observer?
dx

Determine the point at which θ changes most rapidly.

Do all B11 #28-31

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 36 5/19/2024

One-Dimensional Motion
CO3.2 Given a position function for an object moving along a line, determine the average velocity of the object on a time interval, including correct units.
CO3.4 Given a position function for an object moving along a line, determine the functions that give the instantaneous velocity, acceleration, and speed of the object, and
calculate the instantaneous velocity, acceleration, and speed at specified times, including correct units.

Definition: Average and Instantaneous Velocity.

Let s = f(t) be the position of an object moving along a line.
The average velocity of an object over the time interval [ a, a + ∆t ] is the slope of the secant line.
∆s f (a + ∆t ) − f (a )
= v avg =
∆t ∆t
The instantaneous velocity (or simply velocity) at t = a is the slope of the line tangent to the position
curve, which is the derivative of the position function.
f ( a + ∆t ) − f ( a )
=v(a ) lim
= f ′(a)
∆t →0 ∆t

EXAMPLE 56. The following figure shows the position function s = f (t ) of an airliner on an out-and-
back trip from Seattle to Minneapolis, where s = f (t ) is the number of ground miles from Seattle t hours
after take-off at 6:00 am. The plane returns to Seattle 10 hours later at 4:00 pm.
S (Position) miles from Seattle
a) Calculate the average velocity of the airliner 1600 y

during the first 2 hours of the trip ( 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 ). 1400

1200

1000

800

600

b) Estimate the velocity at t = 2 400

200
x

-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

c) Calculate the average velocity of the airliner -200

t (hours since 6am)
between 2:30 and 3:30 pm ( 8.5 ≤ t ≤ 9.5 ).

d) At what time(s) is the velocity 0? Give a plausible explanation.

e) Determine the velocity of the airliner at 2:00 pm ( t = 8 ) and explain why the velocity is negative.

Start B11 #32

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 37 5/19/2024
Definition: Velocity, Speed, and Acceleration.
Rectilinear motion movement of an object along a straight line, expressed as a function of time.
Position function s(t )
Velocity function v(t ) = s ′(t )
Speed v(t )
Acceleration function a(t ) = v′(t ) = s ′′(t )
EXAMPLE 57. The graph below shows the velocity (inches/second) of an object moving along a
horizontal line.
a) Use the velocity graph to determine the direction the object is moving.
Velocity tells us both the ______________ and the ____________ an object is moving.
When the velocity is positive, the object is moving to the right
When the velocity is negative, the object is moving to the left.
The object moves ___________ for the first three seconds.

Then, the object moves ___________ for the next 2 seconds.

For one second, the object __________, then moves __________ again.

b) The object achieves its greatest speed at time t = _____, while moving ___________.

c) Identify when the object’s acceleration is negative, positive and zero.

Acceleration is the rate at which an object’s velocity changes
Acceleration measures how quickly the body picks up or loses speed.

d) Identify when the object speeds up, slows down, is constant, and stands still.
The object speeds up when the velocity and acceleration have the same sign; that is, the object
speeds up when it is pushed in the same direction that it is moving.
Velocity
y 3
(inches per second)
2

tx
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

-1

-2

-3

-4

-5

Velocity positive (+), negative (–) or

zero (0)
Movement Right (R), left (L) or stopped(S)

Speed increasing (I), decreasing (D),

constant (C), or zero (0)
positive (+), negative (–) or
Acceleration zero (0)
Now do B12 #33
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 38 5/19/2024
EXAMPLE 58. Suppose the position (in feet) of an object moving horizontally at time t (in seconds) is
s(t ) =−t 2 + 4t − 3 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 5 . Assume that positive values of s correspond to position to the right of
s = 0.

a) Graph the position function. s (t ) (feet)

5 y

4
3
2
1
x t (time
in seconds)
b) Find and graph the velocity function (on the same axes). -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1
-2
-3
-4
c) When is the object stationary? -5
-6
-7
-8
d) When is the object moving to the right? -9

f) When is the object moving to the left?

g) Determine the velocity and acceleration of the object at t = 1.

h) Determine the acceleration of the object when its velocity is zero.

Finish B12 #34

Contributors include Linda Carson and Judy Dean. Examples and format of these notes originally from the text: Briggs, Cochran, Gillett, and Schulz.
Single Variable Calculus (Early Transcendentals). 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Education, 2015. Updated in 2024.
▪
MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 3.6: Derivatives as Rates of Change ~ 39 5/19/2024
 Unit 2: Derivatives ~ Table of Contents
3.3 Rules of Differentiation ................................................................ 1 The Chain Rule. ..................................................................... 16
Constant Rule. ......................................................................... 1 The Composition of Three or More Functions ............................ 19
Power Rule. ............................................................................. 1 3.8 Implicit Differentiation ............................................................... 19
Constant Multiple Rule. ........................................................... 2 Slopes of Tangent Lines .............................................................. 22
Sum (or Difference) Rule. ....................................................... 3 High Order Derivatives of Implicit Functions ............................. 23
The Derivative of ex. ................................................................ 4 3.9 Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions............. 24
The Derivative of bx. ................................................................ 4 The Derivative of y = ln x............................................................ 25
Slopes of Tangent Lines................................................................ 5 Derivative of ln x and logb x. ................................................. 25
Higher-Order Derivatives ............................................................. 6 The Derivative of bx .................................................................... 26
3.4 The Product and Quotient Rules.................................................. 7 Derivative of bx. ..................................................................... 26
Product Rule ................................................................................. 7 The General Power Rule ............................................................. 27
Product Rule. ........................................................................... 7 The General Power Rule. ...................................................... 27
Quotient Rule ................................................................................ 7 Derivatives of General Logarithmic Functions ........................... 27
Quotient Rule........................................................................... 8 Derivative of logb x. ............................................................... 27
The Derivative of ekx ..................................................................... 9
The derivative of ef(x). .............................................................. 9 Logarithmic Differentiation......................................................... 28
Combining Derivative Rules ....................................................... 10 3.10 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions ...................... 29
3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions..................................... 10 Inverse Sine and Its Derivative.................................................... 30
Derivatives of Sine and Cosine Functions .................................. 11 Derivative of Inverse Sine. ..................................................... 30
Derivatives of Sine and Cosine. ............................................. 11 Derivatives of Inverse Tangent and Secant ................................. 31
Derivatives of Other Trigonometric Functions ........................... 12 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions. ................... 32
Derivatives of the Trigonometric Functions. ......................... 13 3.6 Derivatives as Rates of Change ................................................. 32
Higher-Order Trigonometric Derivatives .................................... 13 One-Dimensional Motion ............................................................ 36
3.7 The Chain Rule........................................................................... 14
Chain Rule Formulas .................................................................. 15

Unit 2: Tentative Schedule

Week
Notes pp 1-3 B1
3.3 Rules of Differentiation
Notes pp 4-6 B2
3.3 Rules of Differentiation
Notes pp 7-9 B3
5
3.4 Product and Quotient Rules
Notes pp 9-12 B4
3.4 Product and Quotient Rules
3.5 Derivatives of Trig Functions
WW03-Derivatives1 (polynomials)
Notes pp 12-15 B5
3.5 Derivatives of Trig Functions
3.7 The Chain Rule
Notes pp 16-18 B6
3.7 The Chain Rule
Notes pp 19-22 B7
6 3.7 The Chain Rule
3.8 Implicit Differentiation
Notes p 23-26 B8
3.8 Implicit Differentiation (con’d)
3.9 Derivatives of Log, Exp Functions
WW04-Derivatives2 (trig)
WW05-ChainRule
Notes pp 26-29 B9
3.9 Derivatives of Log, Exp Functions
Notes pp 30-32 B10
3.10 Derivatives of Inverse Trig
Functions
7 Notes pp 33-36 B11
3.6 Derivatives as Rates of Change
Notes pp 37-398 B12
3.6 Derivatives as Rates of Change
WW06-NatLogImplicit Diff
WW07-expLogInvTrig
Review
8 Exam #2 (3.3-3.10) Derivatives

MTH 210 Calculus I: Unit 2 MTH 210 Unit 2 ~ Derivatives ~ 40 5/19/2024