Chaprcr 4

Differentiation:
Definition and
Basic Derivative
Rules
AP Calculus AB Prep

DEFINING AVERAGE AND INSTANTANEOUS RATES OI

GHANGE AT A POINT
As we discussed in Chapter 3, calculus was invented to help solve the problem of finding
change ar an instant. There are two types of rates of change that we will be concerned with.
The first is called the Average Rate of Change. This is the rate that something changes over an
interval of time. 'We can find this with what we call the Difference Quotient and the formula
is given in two forms:

f (o+ n)- f (,)

____-,-ano; , f (.\- f (,)
x-tl

The second type of rate of change is called the Instantaneous Rate of Change. This is the rate
.We
that something is changing at an instant of time. can also use the Difference Quotient but
this time, we'll use a limit:

lim f
(a+ h)- f (a)
and lim
f (.)- f (,)
h+0 h x)q x-A

W'e will explore these formulas later in this chapter. For now, let's do an example.

Example 1: A car leaves its initial location and 3 hours later has traveled 120 kilometers. \7hat
is its average rate ofchange?

Use the first formula for Average Rate of Change.'We can call the initial time A, where a = 0.

Then three hours laterwould be time a + 3 (rn otherwords, h = 3). The position attime a = 0

irflO) = 0, and the position at time a + 3 isf(3) = 120. Plugging into the formula, we get

ry3-0 = 40 kilometers per hour. If we had used the second Average Rate of Change for-

mula, the initial time would be a = 0 and three hours later would be x = 3. The position at time

a = 0 isf(O) = 0 and the position at time x = 3 isf(3) = 120. Plugging into the formula, we get

-5-q = 40 kilometers per hour. Note that they give the exact same answer. It would be a
3-0
problem if they didn't!

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

DEFINING THE DERIVATIVE OF A FUNGTION AND USING

DERIVATIVE NOTATION

Deriving the Formula

The best way to understand the definition of the derivative is to start by looking at the simplest
continuous function: a line. As you should recall, you can determine the slope of a line by tak-
ing two points on that line and plugging them into the slope formula.

rn= tz- lr ea stands for slope.

xz-xr

Notice that you can

For example, suppose line goes through the points (3,7) and(8,22). First, you sub- use the coordinates in
a
reverse order and still
tract they-coordinates: (22 -7) = 15. Next, subtract the corresponding r-coordinates: get the same result.
It doesn't matter in
(8 - 3) = 5. Finally, divide the first number by the second: = l. The result is the which order you do the
] subtraction as long as
slope of the line: m = 3. you're consistent.

Let's look at the graph of an arbitrary line. The slope measures the steepness of the line, which
looks like the following:
I

tz

tr
x
x x2

You probably remember your teachers referring to the slope as the "rise" over the "run." The
rise is the difference between the y-coordinates, and the run is the difference between the
r-coordinates. The slope is the ratio of the two.

Now for a few changes in notation. Instead of calling the x-coordinares r, and x2,
Sometimes,
wete going to call them r, and r, + h, where E is the difference between the two instead of h,
x-coordinates. Second, instead of usingT, andyr, we'll useflr andf(x, + h).
r) some books
use Ax.

4. Differenf iation: Definition and Basic Derivative nutes I tte

AP Calculus AB Prep

So now the graph loohs like the following;

JVr* h)

.fv,)
x
xr xr+ h

The picture is exactly the same-only the notation has changed.

The Slope of a Gurve

Suppose that instead of finding the slope of a line, we wanted to find the slope of a curve. In
that case, the slope formula no longer works because the distance from one point to the other is
along a curve, not a straight line. But we could find the approximate slope if we took the slope
of the line between the two points. This is called the sccant line.

f(xr+ h)

f(xr)
x
xr+ h

While at first the

Oifference 0uotient The formula for the slope of the secant line is
may seem like another
formula to memorize, f (*,+ h)- f (*,)
keep in mind that h
it's just another way
of writing the slope Remember this formula!This is called the Difference Quotient.
formula.

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

The Secant and the Tangent

As you can see, the farther apart the two points are, the less the slope of the line corresponds to
the slope of the curve.

f(xr+ h)

f(*r)
x
x x +h

Conversely, the closer the two points are, rhe more accurate the approximation is

f(xr+ h)

f(*r)
x
x xr+ h

Keep in mind that there

In fact, there is one line, called the tangent line, that touches the curve at exactly are an infinite number
one point. The slope of the tangent line is equal to the slope of the curve at exactly of tangents for any
this point. The objecrive of using the above formula, therefore, is to shrink / curve because there are
down to an infinitesimally small amount. If we could do that, then the difference any infinite number of
between (x, + h) and x, would be a point. points on the curve.

Graphicallp it looks like the following:

f(*r)

x
x1

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Rules 1t5

AP Calculus AB Prep

How do we perform this shrinking act? By using the limits we discussed in Chapter 3, we set
up a limit during which h approaches zero, like the following:

lim f + h)-
h40 h

This is the definition of the derivative, and we call itf '(x).

Notice that the expression above is simply the difference quotient, evaluated at the limit as D
(the horizontal distance between the points) approaches zero. 'We are finding the slope of the
line between two points, and asking what that slope approaches as the point on the right is
allowed to move infinitesimally close to the fixed point on the left.

Example 2: Find the slope of the curve f(x) = * atthe point (2,4).

This means that r, = 2 andf(2) = 22 = 4.If we can figure outlf (x, + h), then we can find the
slope.
'Well,
how did we find the value of f (x)?'We plugged x, into the equation f (*) = f . To
findf(x, + h),we plug x, + h into the equation, which now looks like this

f(x, * h) = (2 + h)2 = 4 + 4h + h2
Now plug this into the slope formula.

,r^f(xr+h)- f(xr) -rr^4+4h+h2 -4 =fi^4h*,h'

h+o h)o h h h+o h

Next simplify by factoring D out of the top.

\ry!4L=\iryKlL=fim(4+
h+O 11 t+O h
h)

Taking the limit as h approaches 0, we get 4. Therefore, the slope of the curve/ = * at the point
(2,4) is 4. Now we've found the slope of a curve at a certain point, and the notation looks like
this: f'(2) = 4. Remember this notation!

Example 3: Find the derivative of the equation in Exam ple 2 at the point (5, 25). This means
that r, = 5 andf(x) = 25. This time,
(x, + h)2 = (J + h)2 = 25 + l\h + h2

Now plug this into the formula for the derivative.

.. f(*,+h)-f(x,) ,. 25+loh+h'z-25 ,.
lllll--lttll--rurr
l\h + h2
h-ofit'+ofit+o h

Once again, simplifr by factoring / out of the top.

h'z h)
,'^toh!
h+o =fimh(loj
t+o = lim(ro+l,)
fi h h+o'

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

Taking the limit as / goes to 0, you get 10. Therefore, the slope of the curve
! =f atthe point
(5,25) is 10, orl'(5) = 10.

Using this pattern, let's forget about the arithmetic for a second and derive a formula.

f,lample 4: Find the slope of the equationf(x) = i atthe poinr (rr, *i)

Follow the steps in the last two examples, but instead of using a number, use .rr. This means
that /(x,) =f, and (xr+h)2 =4 +Zxrh+h2 .-Ihenthederivativeis

+zxrh+h'-x? Zxrh + h2
,.^4
h)o h
- lim
h)0 h

Factor / out ofthe top.

.. hQx, + h\
nT=\iY;(2x'+h7
Now take the limit as i goes to 0: you getZxr. Therefore,yf'(xr) = 2xr.

This example gives us a general formula for the derivative of this curve. Now we can pick any

point, plug it into the formula, and determine the slope at that point. For example, the deriva-
y.
3. thrderivative k
tive at the point x = 7 is 14. At the point r =2 ,
3

Notation
There are several different notations for derivatives in calculus. 'We'll use rwo different types
interchangeably throughout this book, so get used to them now.

'We'll
refer to functions three different ways:flr) , u or u, and 7. For example, we might write
f(*) = *, g(x) = xa, h(x) = vs. rVe'll also use notation likeu= sinxand r,= cosr. Orwe might
use 7 = fi. Usually, we pick the notation that causes the least confusion.

The derivatives of the functions will use notation that depends on the function, as shown in the

following table:

f (*) .f '(*) f"(x)

s@) g'(x) g" (x)
dr!
I l'or4
dx
I or
dx2

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Rutes I tt Z

AP Calculus AB Prep

Sometimes math books

In addition, ifwe refer to a derivative of a function in general (for example, d.x2 + bx + c),
refer to a derivative we might enclose the expression in parentheses and use either of the following nota-
using either D, or f, tions:
We're not going to use
either of them

(ac' + bx + c)' * ft@' + bx + c)

PRACTICE PROBLEM SET 3

Now find the derivative of the following expressions. The answers are in Chapter 11, starting
on page 363.

l. f(x)=5xrtx=3 9. f(x)=*

2. f(x)=4xatr=-8 10. f (x) = ZJi at x =9

3. f(*)=5*atx=-l 11. f(*)=5Jil etx=8

4. f (x) =8*
t2. f(*)=sinr at *=l
5. ft*l=-r1*
13. f@)= x' + x
6. fO=20* attc = tt.

14. f(x)= x3 +3x+2

7. f@)=2f atx=-3
11. f@)=r
JC

8. f(*) =-3i

f6. f(x)= ax2 +bx+c

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

ESTIMATING DERIVATIVES OF A FUNCTION AT A POINT

Sometimes we cant find the derivative explicitly but we can estimare it from some
data. 'We use the formulas for Average Rate of Change and try to make the time
The College Board rarely
interval as small as possible. tests this topic, but it
sometimes shows up
Let's do an example. as part of a question in
Section ll of an exam.
Example 5: suppose that we drop a rock from the roof of a building and we find its
height above the ground , seconds later. 'We find the following data:

Time Height
0.49 second 44J584 feet
0.5 second 44 feet
0.51 second 43.8384 feet

Estimate the derivative of the rockt position (its instantaneous velocity) at time t = 0.5 second.

'S(/'e 0.5 0.49 44- 44.1584

---''-^ =-15.84 feet
can estimate the derivative by finding
0.5-o.49
=-- 0.01
per second.

0.51 0. 43.8384- 44
I07e can also find = = -16.16 feer per second.
0.51 - 0.5 0.01
A good guess for the instantaneous velocity, or the derivative of the rockt position, is halfivay
between the two estimates, or -16 feet per second.

Another way that we can estimate a derivative at a point is from the graph of a function.
Remember that the derivative is the slope of the tangent line at a point. If we look ar a graph,
we can guess what the slope of the tangent line is. Lett do an example.

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Rules 1t9

AP Calculus AB Prep

Example 5: Given the graph of the function/ below, esdmate the derivative at x = 2.

0
-4 -2 6

-6

'W'e
don't have the equarion of this graph, which would make finding the derivative much
easier. But we do have some points on the graph that we can use to make an estimate. The
function appears to go through the points (0, 8) and (3, -4).If we were to use those points, we
would get the slope of the secant line. Let's graph the secant line:

0
-4 -2 6

-4
I
I
-6

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

This looks like a pretty good estimate. The slope of the secant tirr. i, , so our esri-
f_gq -4
=
mate for the derivative et x = 2 is -4.

Sometimes it's easy to figure out the derivative at a point on a graph.

Erample Z Using the graph from the previous example, find the derivative at tc = 3.

Notice how the curve has a minimum atx = 3.This means that the tangenr linewould be hori-
zontal there. Let's draw a picture:

-4 -2 6

-2

A horizontal line has a slope of ziro, so the derivative at r = 3 is 0.

4. Differentiation:Definition and Basic Derivative Hutes

I tZt
AP Calculus AB Prep

CONNEGTING DIFFERENTIABILITY AND CONTINUITY:

DETERMINING WHEN DERIVATIVES DO AND DO NOT EXIST
One of the important requirements for the differentiability of a function is that the function
be continuous. But, even if a function is continuous at a point, the function is not necessarily
differentiable there. Check out the graph below.

t
Il

)c

If a functionhas a "sharp corner," you can draw more than one tangent line at that point, and
because the slopes ofthese tangent lines are not equal, the function is not differentiable there.

Anorher possible problem occurs when the tangent line is vertical (which can also occur at a

cusp) because a vertical line has an infinite slope. For example, if the derivative of a function is
1
it doesn't have a derivative at x = -1,
x *'l'

F.xampleS:Findthevalueofathatmakes/differentiable attc=2tiff'(r\-ll*'-4x+l;x<2 ')-l4i +8ax-5;x>2'

All we have to do is plug 2 intoboth pieces of f and,set them equal to each other. Then the

derivative of the one piece will be the same as the derivative of the other piece. For x 3 2, we get

f'(Z)=3a(2)2-4(2)+l=l2a-7.Forx>2,wegetf'(2)=-4(2)u+8a(2)-5=l6a-37'Set

the two pieces equal to each other: l6a-37 = l2a-7.Then a=Y .

2

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

APPTYING THE POWER RUIE

In the last chapter, you learned how to 6nd a derivative using the definition of the derivative,
a Process that is very time-consuming and sometimes involves a lot of complex algebra. Fortu-
nately, there's a shortcut to taking derivatives, so you'll never have to use rh;definiiion again-
except when itt a question on an exam!

The basic technique for taking a derivative is called rhe power Rule.

Rule No. l: If y =1, then 4- - n*'-'

dx

That's it. 'w'asn'r that simple? of course, this and all of the following rules can be
derived easily from the definition of the derivative. Look at these next-few examples Notice that when the
power of the function is
of the Power Rule in acion.
negative, the power of
the derivative is more
negative.
Example 9z lf y =.t', rhen 4
dx
= 5*n

When the power is a

Example l0zIf y
dy_
= fo, then 20x'e fraction, you should
dx
be careful to get the

subtraction right
Example llzlf f(x) = 15, thenf '(x) = -5te
(you'll see the powers

113 1 and
du I i' i' z'- -' -I 1

f,,aample l2zlf u =x2, rhen

-r-
,. often, so be comfort-
fr=r*
able with subtracting

1 from them).
dt
Example l3zIf 1' = xr, then = lro = 1. (Because ro is 1!)
dx

When the power is 1,

dy the function is linear,
Example l4zlf 1= .rP, then -0.x-r=0. and the derivative is
dx
a constant. when the
power is 0, the function
is a constant, and the
derivative is 0.

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative nules

I
123
AP Calculus AB Prep

DERIVATIVE RULES: GONSTANT, SUM, DIFFERENCE,

AND CONSTANT MULTIPTE

Constant Rule: Ifflr) = [, where ,0 is a constant, then/'(l) = 0' In the other notation,

4@)=0.
zlx

Constant Multiple Rule: If you have a constant multiplied by a function, and you
would like the derivative of the entire expression, you can "pull the constant out."
The derivative will be rhe constant times the derivative of the functi on: lh ' f(x))' =

h. f'(x).In the other notarion, this i, 4 W. f@)) = h' LVt*)1.

dx dx

Note: For future reference, A, b, c, n, and * always stand for constants.

Example l5zlfy= 8ra, then = 8'4x3 .=32x3

*=r'*.a
Example 16zIf y = 5x'00, theny'= 500ree.

dt
Example lTzIf y = -3r', then I 5x 4
dx
l'7 I

Example 18: If /(x) =7 *1 , then L *-l

/'(x) = -

Example lgzlf y = rJB, th.r,

dt_
dx
6
Example 2htlfy= 12,'dx
then !=0.
Ifyou have any questions about any of these examples (especially the last two), review the rules'
Now for one last rule.

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

The Sum Rule

If y = aa' + b{, where a and, b are constanrs, then

o@**')+ b(mx--')
*=

This handy rule works

If y at - b{, where a and bare constants, then
* =, @*,) - (***r).
= O for subtraction too.

Example 2lzIf I = 3xa + 8xro, then dt =12x3 + 80xe

dx

* 51 2 , then dy _\-=
-7
1x 2
f,aample 22zlf ! =7 x-a = -28x-' - .
dx 2

Example 232 lf y = 5xa(2 - f) = l}l. - 5f , then dt =40x3 - 35xG

dx

Example 242If y = (3* + 5)(x - 1), then

dt
l=3x3 -3x'+5x-5 and =9x2 -6x+5
dx

Example 25tlf y = ax' + bx' * cx * d, rt rn !dx = 3ax2 t 2bx t c.

After you've worked through examples 9-25, you should be able to take the derivative of any
polynomial with ease.

As you may have noticed from these examples, in calculus you are often asked to convert from
fractions and radicals to negative powers and fractional powers. In addition, dont worry if your
answer doesn't match any of the answer choices. Because answers to problems are often pre-
sented in simplified form, your answer may not be simplified enough.

There are two basic expressions that you'll often be asked to differentiare. You can make your
life easier by memorizing the following derivatives:

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Bules 125

AP Calculus AB Prep

dy k
If y =1, .h.r, =--x 2
x dx

h
If y=P.!*,rhrnfr=
2Jx
-

Note that the Sum Rule and the Difference Rule are sometimes called the Addition Rule and
the Subtraction Rule, respectively.

DERIVATIVES 0F cos x, sin x, d,AND ln x

Derivatives of sin xand cos x

There are a lot of trigonometry problems in calculus and on the AP Calculus Exam.
You'll need to remember your trig formulas, the values of the special angles, and the
.I
. l-
llr\ trig ratios, among other stuff.
ttE
llr
'tI
,-' In addition, angles are alway referred to in radians. You can forget all about using
Trigon(linelometry degrees.
lf you're unsure of your
trig, log on to your free You should know the derivatives of all six trig functions. The good news is that the
online Student Tools derivatives are pretty easy, and all you have to do is memorize them. Because the
and download the AP Exam might ask you about this, though, let's use the definition of the derivative
Appendix, which con- to figure out the derivative of sin r.
tains a focused review
of Prerequisite Math. If f(x) = sin r, thenflx + h) = 5i11* * 1r1.

ffi
Substitute this into the definition of the derivative.

(*+ h)- f (*)

,.^f
-;o -,,,rsin(r+D)-sinr
t+o
fi h

Remember that sin(r + E) = sin x cos h + cos n sin E. Now simplify it.

sinx cos D+cos x sin h -sinx

llllr
h+0 h

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-
 AP Calculus AB Prep

Next, rewrite this as

lim
sinr(cosE - 1 )+cosrsin# lim sinr(cos/-l cosrsin/
b)o = +lim
h h+0 h h-+0 h

Next, use some of the trigonometric limits that you memorized back in Chapter 3. Specifically,

,r*
(cos? - t) li* tit}
b-+o = o and
--i;o =r
h h

This gives you

lirr
th*("T/-l) +[.., cos x sinlr (sin x) (0) + (cos
h+o r)(1) = coslc
h h+o h

d
;Smrf = COSff
,tx

Erample26: Find the derivative * r.(;-r) .

E
*,"(; -") = -,(; -,)r-,r = - cos
--x
2

lJse some of the rules of trigonometry you remember fiom last year. Because
lt
= slnff,
'.(;-l=cos,r",,a"o,[ --x
2

you can substitute into the above expression and get

d
= -Sln.r
=COS.r
rbc

4. Differentiation: Defnition and Basic Derivative Bules t27

AP Calculus AB Prep

The Derivative of ln x
When you studied logs in,the past, you probably concentrated on common logs (that
is, those with a base of 10), and avoided natural logarithms (base e) as much as Pos-
'Well,
sible. we have bad news for you: most of what you'll see from now on involves
natural logs. In fact, common logs almost never show up in calculus. But that's okay.
All you have to do is memorize a bunch of rules, and you ll be fine.

Log-online-arithms
Bemember: if you're not
d!
sure about logarithms, Rule No. l:If I = ln x, then =l
you can find a focused, dxx
downloadable review of
prerequisite mathemat-
ics like this online in
your free Student Tools. This rule has a corollary that incorporates the Chain Rule and is actually a more
useful rule to memorize.

ffi Rule No. Z:If y = ln z, then 4

dx=!du
udx

Remember: z is a function of x, 'dx

^na
4 is its derivative.

You'll see how simple this rule is after we try a few examples.

Example 2TzFindthe derivative of f(x) = ln(t').

3x2 3
lf you want to find the
f '(*) *3x
derivative of ln(function),
write a fraction bar and
put the function on the If you recall your rules of logarithms, you could have done this another way.
bottom and the deriva-
tive on the top. ln(t') = 3ln x

Therefore, f' (*)=a[f] =f

\r/ x
F.xample 28: Find the derivative of f(x) = ln(5x - 3*)
5-1815
f'(*)= )x'tx
- ^6

F.rample 29: Find the derivative of f(x) = ln(cos x)

- sln ,f
J',l*)=-=-ranx
cos ,c

Finding the derivative of a natural logarithm is just a matter of following a simple formula.

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

The Derivative ol ex
As you ll see in Rule No. 3, the derivative of r is probably the easiest thing that you'll ever have
to do in calculus.

Rule No. 3:If y = d, then dt =e u

dtc

Thatt not a ryPo. The derivative is the same as the original function! Incorporating the Chain
Rule, we get a good formula for finding the derivative.

Rule No. 4tlf y l, dt du

= then e
I

dtc &c

And you were woried that all of this logarithm and exponenrial stuffwas going to be hard!

Example 30: Find the derivative of flx) = f-.

f'(x)=d.(3)=3A-
Example 3l: Find the derivative of f(x) = l.

f ' (*) = r.' (3 *') = 3 x' e*'

Example 32: Find the derivative ,f f (*) = e^* .

/'(lc) =(sec, *)r^.

Example 33: Find the second derivative of f($ = 8.

f'(*)=2tce*"
f"(*)=2e" +4x"t

Once again, itt just a mamer of following a formula.

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Rutes

I IZO
AP Calculus AB Prep

The Derivative of logp

This derivative is actually a little trickier than the derivative of a natural log. First, if you
remember your logarithm rules about change of base, we can rewrite logo.x.

ogr*=H

Because ln ais aconstant, we can take the derivative.

ll
lna x

This leads us to our next rule.

dvl
Z=-
Rule No. 5:lf I = logp, then
Ac xlna

Once again, incorporating the Chain Rule gives us a more useful formula.

ldu
No. 6zlf1=log"u,rhrn
Rule
fr= ulna dx

Exampte 34: Find the derivative of f (x)= log,o r.

Note: We refer to
log,o xas log x.
f'(*): # ,
F.xample 35: Find the derivative of /(r) = logr(r'+r)

f'(*)=ffi,
F;xample 36: Find the derivative of /(r) =log" x

1l
f'(*) xlne x

You can el(pect this result from Rules I and,Z involving natural logs.

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

The Derivative ol t
You should recall from your precalculus days that we can rewrire d as d"o. Keep in mind that
ln a is just a constant, which gives us the next rule.

Rule No. 7: If y = o., rhrnfr= (e.t")lna = a. (lna)

Given the pattern of this chapter, you can guess whatt coming: another rule that incorporares
the Chain Rule.

dt / du
RuleNo. S:If y=A",then a ( ln a )
drc dx

And now, some examples.

F.xample STzFind the derivative of

f(x) = 3.

f '(*)=3.1n3

Example 38: Find the derivative of f (x)=gai.

f'(*)=Bn.' (zor')t"s

F.xample 39: Find the derivative of f (x)= E"in* .

f'(*)=,"i"'(cos )ln r

Finally, heret every nasty teachert favorite exponential derivative.

Fxample 4O: Find the derivative of

f(x) = f .

First, rewrite this asflr) = €*tn*. Then, take rhe derivative.

-x
f '(*)= e't" lnr*- x = e*tn* (lnr + 1) = r' (lnx + 1)

\7ould you have thought of that? Remember this trick. It might come in handy! Okay. Ready
for some practice? Cover the solutions and get cracking.

4. Differentiatlon: Definition and Basic Derivative Rules t3r

AP Calculus AB Prep

Pnonrrnr l. Find the derivative of y = il115S * 4*1.

Answer: Use Rule No. 2.

l}x+4
dy ^--=- 30x+12
-=
dx "5x2+4x 5x2+4x

PnosLEIr{ 2. Find the derivative ,f f Q)= f"(ti"(rt )) .

Answer: Use Rule No. 2 in addition to the Chain Rule.

/,1,;=#=5,n"ot(,')

4"
Pnonrru 3. Find the derivative of f (x\ = ,3'7 -

Answer: Use Rule No.4.

- n"
f ' (*') = (2tx6 - Bx)e3"

Pnosr.Elr 4. Find the derivative of flx) = lo&(tan x).

Answer: Use Rule No. 6.

1
f'(*)= ln4''*"
tenx
=

x3
PnosEr,I5. Find the derivative of y = lsg,
l*;
Answer: First, use the rules of logarithms to rewrite the equation.

t = f;ltrcu,r - log, (t * "')]

Novr itt much easier to find the derivative.

b'=Ll | 2x I rlt 2x I
dtc 2 L"^rlnS l;[ |

h8(r+x')_l 2ln8[r (r*"').1

-

-l
- -
|

PnosLEN{ 6. Find the derivative of y =5G

Answer: Use Rule No. 8

dt 1 5G ln5
5.8 ln5 =
drc 2Jx
-zJ-*
-
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 AP Calculus AB Prep

xj
PnosLE[,I 7. Find the derivative of ry = !-. x
5cos

Answer: Here, you need to use the Quotient Rule and Rules Nos.4 and g.

THE PRODUGT RUIE

Now that you know how to find derivatives of simple polynomials, it's rime ro get more compli-
cated' '1'ohat irvou had . rI,f:
i;,.\; !r1rl,,,,, _ 7# + x)

You could multiply out the expression and take the derivative of each term, like

f(.1 = f - 2f - 39{ + 29f - 6xa + 5f - 4* + x

And the derivative is
f'(*) = s{ - t4# - 234x5 +'t45xa - 24t + t5*- g* + I With the Product Bule,
the order of these two
Needless to say, this procebs is missy. Naturally, there's an easier way. '\tr7hen a func- operations doesn't mat
tion involves two rerms multiplied by each other, we use the product Rule. ter. lt does matter with
other rules, though, so
it helps to use the same
order each'time.

The Product Rule: Ifflr) = ua, thenf'(i = u**r+

drc Ac

To find the derivative of two things multiplied by each other, you multiply the first function by
the derivative of the second, and add that to the second function multlplied by the derivative
of the first.

Lett use the Product Rule to find the derivative of our example.
(f
f'(*) = + 5* 4x + l)(.5xa 28f + l) + (t' -7xa +
- - x)(3* + L}x - 4)
If we were to simpliS, this, we'd get the same answer as before. But here's the best part: wete
not going to simpli$, it. One of the great things about the AP Exam is that when itt difficult to
simplify an expression, you almost never have to.

Nonetheless, you'll often need to simplify expressions when youte taking second derivatives,
or when you use the derivative in some other equation. Practice simplifying whenever possible.

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative Rules r33

AP Calculus AB Prep

Example 4lz f(x) = (9i + 4x)(f - 5*)

.f '(*) = (9* + 4x)(3* - 10r) + (i - 5f)(l8x + 4)

Example 42t 1t=(..f,* n{;)(r' -1k')

I 4
/ =(J; ++Ji\(>.^ -88x'z)+(x'-ttr') 2J; + 3{7

THE OUOTIENT RULE

\rhat happens when you have to take the derivative of a function that is the quotient of two
other functions? You guessed it: use the Quotient Rule.

du da
dtc dx
The Quotient Rule: If f (x)=!,thenf'(x)
u
=- u 2

In this rule, as opposedto the Product Rule, the order in'which you take the derivatives is very
important because youte subtracting instead of adding. Itt always the bottom function times
the derivative of the top minus the top function times the derivative of the bottom. Then divide
the whole thing by the bottom function squared. A good way to remember this is to say the
following:'

For the 0uotient Rule,

" LoDeHi- HiDeLo"
remember that order
matters! (to

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

Here are some more examples.

*t -3*4)
Example 442 fG)= x2 +7x

x2 +7x )(s*n -tz*' x5 -lxn)(zx +t)

f '(*) =
(*'+z*)'

x-1 -x -8
Example 45: y =
x-24+rc

4_ *-' + *u)(-3xa +8x-e )- (,-' - ,-' -2*-'-6*-')

, (*-' + **)
dx

'We're
not going to simplifr these, although the Quotient Rule often produces expressions that sim-
pli$' more readily than those involving the Product Rule. Sometimes itt helpful to simplifr, but
avoid it otherwise.'W'hen you have to find a second derivative, however, you do have tosimplif,
the quotient. If this is the case, the AP Exam usually will give you a simple expression to deal with,
such as in the example below.

+ 5
Examole y
4Gz J =3x
t
5x-3
ay
dx
_(sx - t)(s)- (tx + s)(s) _(ts* -g)-(isx + zs) _
-
44
(s*-l)' (s*-t), (s*-t),

FINDING THE DEBIVATIVES OF TANGENT, GOTANGENT,

SECANT, AND/OR GOSECANT FUNCTIONS
Now, lett derive the derivatives of the other four trigonometric functions.

Example Oz Findthe derivativ. of

t'"
cos rc
Use the Quotient Rule.

d sinx _ (cosr)(cosx)-(sin*)(-sinr)_ cos2r+sin2x _ | z

cosx E=--*.r, = =sec-'c
dx *rr*

4. Difierentiation: D-efinition and Basic Derivative Rules t35

AP Calculus AB Prep

sinr
Because - tin x, you should ger
cos rc

F*anrple 48: Find the derivative of cos' .

. sinr
Use the Quotient Rule.

d cosx sirl -sln.r cos,f cos rc cos2 r + sin2 x 1 2

sln
=--=-
- sinz r csc ,r
dx sinx (sinr Jf

cos' = cotJ6 you get

Be.",rse {"or*= -csc2 rtr.
sinx tbc

I
Example 49: Find.the derivative of .
.o,,
Use the rule mentioned in the box on page 134.

d l -1 sinr I sinr
dx cosx (cosr)'
\ / cos', cosrt cosx

1
Because sec rc' you get
cos,f

Example 50: Find the derivdtive of -]- .

srn.r
You get the idea by now.
d1 -1 -cos, -1 cosx
dx sinx (sinr)'
.,
(cos rf ) =-----=-CSCrCOtrf
srn- ^r sln.r slnjf

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 AP Calculus AB Prep

Because .;I = csc.r, you get

slnr'

-csc.rcotn
ficscx'=

'We
There you go. have now found the derivatives of all six of,rhe trigonomeuic functions.
(You can find a full list of formulas you should know in your free onfinJStudent Tools) Now
inemorize them. You'll thank us later.

PRACTIGE PROBTEM SET 4

Find the derivative of each expression and simpliS,. The inswers are i6 Chapter ll,.starting on
page372.

1. (4* + 1\2 11. (6* + 3)(t2x-4)

2. (i + 3x)2 12. (3-x*2f)(6+#)

3. fi{ 13. 'eto

+ tf -7

4. l8f + lZx + ll t\(4 6\

t4. (i. z)le-;,)
I"
5. 17)
I
1({'1+ r5. G+
G
6. -it* + 2r -e) 16. 0

7. ,f 17, (r+ 1)3

8. -8r8 + n"l; 18. Ji +ali +al7

9. 6r(? - 4rl; r9. xQ,x +7)(x-2)

1
10. x'5 +
v 20.
"l;(el; +,1;)

4. Differentiation: Definition and Basic Derivative nutes

I tSZ
AP Calculus AB Prep

End of Chaprcr 4'Dril1

The answers are in Chapter 12

1. Use the Definition of the Derivative to find/'(r) for 5. Use the Definition of the Derivative to find //(2),
"f
(x):3'-" ' n fb):*.
(A) -1 I
(B) 0 (A) _G
1

(c) 8
(D) 8, '1
(B)
8
2. Use the Definifion of the Derivative to find/'(x) for
(c)
f ('):z*' *7x*2 ' : 8

(A) 6r (D)
1

(B) 6x-2 16
. (C) 6x+7
(D) 3r.+ 7 6. y:5.r' -7x2 +l!x+2.
Fiad
* if
3. Use the Definition of the Derivative to find/'(x) for
/('): x'-4x'+11' (A) +
dx
:15x2 -l4x
(A) 3*-4
(B) 3f - 4x+ ll (B) + :35x2 -2lx*ll
tlx
(C) 3#-8-r+ ll
(D) 3t'-8x (c) + :5x2 -7x+Ll
dx
4. Use the Definition of the Derivative to find /'(25), (Di 9- :15x2 -l4x-lll
rf f (x):6Ji. dx

(A) 1
5

(B)
*
(c) 6
25
6
(D)
=f

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