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Derivatives of a Function a. Square of Binomial: ( a+ b ) 2=a2+ 2 ab+b 2

Learning Competencies
( a−b )2=a2−2 ab +b2
- Illustrate a tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point.
- Apply the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number; b. Cube of Binomial: ( a+ b ) 3=a3 +3 a2 b+3 a b 2+ b3
- Relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line.
( a−b )3 =a3 −3 a2 b+3 a b2 −b3
Introduction

The concept of derivative is important in Calculus. Geometrically, derivative is defined as c. Product of Sum & Difference of Two Terms: ( a+ b ) ( a−b )=a2−b 2
the slope of the tangent line at a point, and as the tangent of the line‘s angle of
inclination. In Calculus, it is defined as: d. Conjugates – a pair of binomials with identical terms but opposite signs in
the middle. Example: ( a+ b ) and ( a−b )
dy f ( x+ ∆ x )−f (x)
= lim
dx ∆ x→ 0 ∆x
The Derivative of a Function

Finding the slope of a line is a fundamental concept in Algebra. We need two points,
P1 (x 1 , y 1 ) & P2 (x 2 , y 2 ) to find the slope of a line. e. Rationalization – it involves the process of eliminating a radical or imaginary
number from the denominator of an algebraic function.

y2 − y1 Key Points
slope ( m )= ;x ≠x
x2 −x1 2 1 1. Rationalization eliminates radicals from denominators.
2. The conjugate or rationalizing factor of ( √ a+ √b ) is
y −y ( √ a−√ b ).
Two− point form : y− y 1=¿ 2 1 (x −x1 )
x 2−x 1 3. The algebraic identity used in rationalization is
( a+ b ) ( a−b )=a2−b 2
Point−Slope Form : y− y 1=¿ m(x−x 1)
EXERCISES
• The slope of a line is unique.
• If we get any two points on the line, the slope will always be the same. dy
Find in each of the following.
• If we are given linear function y=f (x )=mx+ b, then the slope is dx
constant, which means there is no change.
• The slope of a curve is not constant and will change with respect to x . 1. y=10
• We use tangent line to the curve at a point to determine the slope
• We define a secant line to a curve as a line that passes through two points
2. y=x
on a curve. 2
3. y=x
• We introduce the symbol Δ (delta) to mean “change”. 3
4. y=x
• The derivative of the function f (x)with respect to x is the function 2
5. y=x −5 x +8
f ’ (x )defined by, provided the limit exists. 3
• The derivative is the slope of the original function.
6. y=2 x + x
• The process of finding the derivative of a function is called differentiation. 2
• If the derivative exists, f (x) is said to be differentiable function. 7. y=
x +5
x
8. y=
x +1
The 4 – Step Rule
9. y= √ x
10. y= √2 x
1. Substitute x + Δ x for x and y + Δ y for y in y=f (x ).
2. Subtract y=f (x )from the result of (1) to obtain Δ y in terms of x
and Δ x .
3. Divide both sides of (2) by Δ x .
4. Find the limit of (3) as Δ x approaches zero.

Algebraic Functions

a. Constant Function: Ex.y=c

b. Identity Function:y=x
c. Quadratic Function: y=x 2
d. Cubic Function: y=x 3
e. Square Root Function: y= √ x
2
f. Rational Function: y=
x +5