Differentiation:

CLASS NOTES / Definition and Basic

GUIDED PRACTICE Derivative Rules

CHA AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

Topic: 2.1 Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates Days: 13 & 14
2 of Change at a Point
Learning Objective CHA-2.A: Determine average rates of change using difference quotients.

What is a Tangent Line?

Examples of Tangent Lines drawn to a curve f(x) at a point P.

Note: Although many times, we might say that a tangent line drawn to a curve may only “touch” the curve
one time, that is not entirely true.
A secant line, by definition, is a line that can intersect a curve at least twice.

Misconceptions about Tangent Lines

Writing a formal definition of what a tangent looks like is often problematic. The following four
misconceptions can be helpful when deciding whether a line is tangent to a curve.

Misconception 1: Misconception 2:
A line is tangent A tangent line to a
to a curve if the curve must cross the
line crosses the curve only once.
curve at exactly
one point.

Although line L touches curve C at one point, line L Line L is tangent to curve C at point P despite the
is not a tangent line. fact that line L crosses curve C at two other points.

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 Misconception 3: Misconception 4:
A line is tangent to A tangent line to a
a curve if the line curve is a line that
touches the curve at just “grazes” the
one point but does curve at a point
not cross the curve. but does not cross
the curve.

Again, although line L touches curve C at point P, it In the example above, line L is tangent to curve C at
is still not considered a tangent line. point P despite the fact that is crosses the curve.

The Tangent Line Problem

ACTIVITY Begin with a graph of y = f(x).

y Step 1: Let’s begin with an arbitrary point and call it ( c, f (c) ) .

Then, let’s choose another point on the curve that has a horizontal distance of
(c, f (c)) x units to the right of our initial value c.
For now, let’s call that new point ( x, f ( x)) . Place this point on your curve –
preferably close to the right edge. Connect those points.
What is the slope of that secant line joining those two points?
x

=======================================================
Step 2: Now, just for kicks, let’s let our second x-value from above move
y

closer to our original x-value of c. Reposition that point so that it is about

half as close to (c, f (c)). Connect the two points.
(c, f (c)) Do we still see a secant line?

Is there any difference in the way we calculate its slope?

x

=======================================================
Step 3: Since we are having such a blast moving our second x-value closer
to c, let’s move that x value so that it almost touches c. Reposition ( x, f ( x))
(c, f (c)) so this it lies right next to (c, f (c)) and connect the two points.

Do we still see a secant line?

x

How could we perceive the slope now using a very important concept from
Unit 1?

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 Definition of a Tangent Line with Slope m
If f is defined on an open interval containing c, and if the limit
f ( x) − f (c)
mtan = lim
x→ c x−c
Exists, then the line passing through the point ( c, f (c) ) with slope m is the tangent line to the graph of f
at the point ( c, f (c) ) .

Example 1: The Slope of the Graph of a Linear Function.

Find the slope of the graph of f ( x) = 2x − 3 at the value x = 1.

Example 2: The Slope of the Graph of a Nonlinear Function.

Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of f ( x) = x 2 + 1 at the value x = 1.

The limit equation that we have been working with is so frequently used that a special notation is used.

Prime Notation
read “f prime of c” is used to denote the slope of a tangent
line to a function at . Therefore,

We will call the derivative of f (x).

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 f ( x) − f (−2)
Example 3: If f is a function for which lim = 0, then which of the following statements must be
x→−2 x+2
true?

(A) x = −2 is a vertical asymptote of the graph

(B) The function f is continuous at x = 2

(C) The derivative of f at x = −2 exists

(D) f is not defined at x = −2

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 CHA
FUN
AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

1 Topic: 2.2 Defining the Derivative of a Function and Days: 14 & 15

Using Derivative Notation
4
Topic: 2.3 Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a
1 Point
Topic 2.4 Connecting Differentiability and Continuity:
3 Determining When Derivatives Do and Do
Not Exist
Learning Objective CHA-2.B: Represent the derivative of a function as the limit of a difference quotient.
Learning Objective CHA-2.C: Determine the equation of a line tangent to a curve at a given point.
Learning Objective CHA-2.D: Estimate derivatives.

Learning Objective FUN-2.A: Explain the relationship between differentiability and continuity.

f ( x) − f (c)
Recall from Topic 2.1, f (c) = lim . This limit, which calculates the derivative of the function f
x→ c x−c
when x = c, can be expressed a little differently.
What if we wanted a general derivative that can be computed for any value of x (and not just at c)?

f ( x) − f (c)
ACTIVITY. Consider the limit: lim . Let x = c + h .
x→ c x−c
Rewrite, and simplify, the limit above using the new expression for x.

Alternate Form of the Derivative

Another way to think of the derivative of the function f when
is

What is powerful about the above definition of the derivative is that if we don’t use the value c, but instead use
the variable x, we have an expression that can be used to find a general derivative at any point.

Scan the QR
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video
5 introduction to
Topic 2.2.
 DEFINITION: The Derivative Function, f ’ THINK ABOUT IT.
The derivative function f ‘ of a function f is Sometimes the definition to
the left is written as

What do you think the

meaning of is?

Note: The word derivative is a noun. Often directions may ask you to
find the derivative of a function as “differentiate the function.” Here,
differentiate is a verb.

Example 1: Differentiate f ( x) = x and determine the domain of f ( x).

Scan the QR
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video solution to
Example 1.

Example 2: Identifying Parts of the Definition of a Derivative

The limits below represent f (c) for a function f and a number c . Find f and c .
(9 + h) − 3  2 + (−3 + x)3  − (−25)
a. lim b. lim
h→ 0 h x → 0 x

( x + x)3 − 5( x + x)2 + 4( x + x) − 7 − ( x3 − 5 x 2 + 4 x − 7)

c. lim
x →0 x

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video solution to
Example 2.

6
Graphs with Sharp Turns
Example 3: Derivative of a Graph With Sharp Turns. y

3
Sketch the graph and find the derivative of f ( x) = x − 2
when x = 2 . 2

-1 1 2 3 4

-1

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Vertical Tangent Lines Example 3.

The definition of a tangent line to a curve does not cover the possibility of a vertical tangent line.
For vertical tangent lines, it’s possible to use this definition:

Definition of a Vertical Tangent Line

If f is continuous at x = c, and
,

Then the vertical line passing through is a

vertical tangent line to the graph of .

Example 4: Derivative of a Graph With Vertical Tangent Lines

1
Sketch the graph and find the derivative of f ( x) = x 3 when x = 0 .
y
4

-3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4

-1

-2

-3

-4

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 Derivatives That Fail To Exist ACTIVITY
Sketch a graph of two different functions, f ( x) , where the
1. The derivative of a function, , at a derivative of f ( x) at x = c fails to exist because of each reason
point where has a sharp turn shown to the left.
(or cusp) does not exist. Reason 1 Reason 2

2. The derivative of a function, , at a

point where has a vertical tangent
line does not exist.

The theorem below will become very important throughout the course by allowing you to apply other special
theorems.

THEOREM: Differentiability Implies Continuity

If f is differentiable at x = c, then f is continuous at x = c.

True or False. The converse to the theorem

THINK ABOUT IT above is also true.

If the converse is not true, sketch a function to

the right that serves as a counter-example.

Scan the QR
Code to see a
video solution to
Example 4 and
its activity.

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Example 5: Estimating the Value of a Derivative Numerically
The table below gives the body temperature, T (in °F), over time, t (in minutes), of a polar bear
on a very cold arctic day.

t 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
T 98 94.95 93.06 91.90 91.17 90.73 90.45 90.28 90.17

Estimate the value of T (5.5) . Be sure to express its correct units.

Perhaps you recall a very important equation from Algebra I that enabled you to write the equation of a line. It
was called the point-slope formula and looked something like: y − y1 = m( x − x1 ) . By simply renaming some of
the values within that equation, we come up a powerful tool to write the equation of a tangent line.

THEOREM: Equation of a Tangent Line

If exists, then the equation of the tangent line to the graph of
at the point is

Example 6: The graph of the function f , given below, consists of three line segments. Find f (4) .

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 9 (D) f (4) does not exist

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Example 7: The function f is defined on the closed interval [−2,16] . The graph of the derivative of f ,
y = f ( x) , is given below.

The point (14, −2) is on the graph of y = f ( x) . An equation of the tangent line to the graph of f
at (14, −2) is

(A) y + 2 = x −14 (B) y + 2 = 3( x −14) (C) y = −2 (D) y − 3 = 3( x −14)

Example 8: If the line 2x + 3y = k is tangent to the graph of y = f ( x) at the point where x = 5 , the value of
f ( x) − f (5)
lim is
x→5 x −5

2 10
(A) 5 (B) − (C) − (D) 3
3 3

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Examples 5-8

10
 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 2.5 Applying the Power Rule Days: 16 & 17
1 Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference,
Topic: 2.6
and Constant Multiple
Learning Objective FUN-3.A: Calculate derivatives of familiar functions.

Basic Differentiation Rules

The Power Rule
The Constant Rule If n is a rational number, then the function f ( x) = x n
The derivative of a constant function is 0.
That is, if c is a real number, then Is differentiable and
d n
d
c = 0.  x  = nxn−1.
dx dx  
For f to be differentiable at x = 0, n must be a number
Special Case of the Power Rule such that x n −1 is defined on an open interval
d
 x = 1 containing 0.
dx

Example 1: Find the derivative of each of the following.

1
a. f ( x) = x 5 b. g ( x) = 4 x3 c. y =
x3

The Constant Multiple Rule

If f is a differentiable function and c is a real number,
then c ∙ f is also differentiable and
d
c  f ( x) = c  f ( x)
dx

Example 2: Find the derivative of each of the following.

6
3 x5
a. y = 2 x7 b. g( x) = 2 c. f ( x) =
x 8

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Using Parentheses When Differentiating
Example 3: Try these on your own. Find the derivative of each of the following.
3x 4 ( 3x )
4
9 9
a. y = b. y= c. y= d. y=
8 8 7 x2 ( 7 x )2

Finding the Derivatives of Polynomials

The Sum and Difference Rules

The sum (or difference) of two differentiable functions is differentiable and is the sum (or difference) of their
derivatives.
d
 f ( x) + g ( x) = f ( x) + g( x) SUM RULE
dx
d
 f ( x) − g ( x) = f ( x) − g( x) DIFFERENCE RULE
dx

is defined on an open interval containing 0.

Example 4: Find the derivative of each of the following.

x3 − 4 x + 5
a. f ( x) =
x
( )
b. g ( x) = x2 + 1 ( x − 3)

2 x 2 − 3x
c. f ( x) = ( x − 3)
3
d. g ( x) =
x

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video solution to
Examples 1-4
Mr. M

12
Writing Equations of Tangent Lines (Using the Power Rule)
Example 5: Writing Equations of Tangent Lines

a.) Write the equation of a tangent line to the function at the given point. Caution
A very common mistake in
f ( x) = x − 2 x 2 , (1, −1) an Example like #5 part a
is to think the slope of the
specific tangent line is
1 − 4x .
It is important that you find
the specific slope to that
point (1, −1) .
In this case, the slope is
b.) Write the equation of a tangent line to the function at the given value of x. f (1) = 1− 4(1) = −3 .
f ( x) = 2 x , x = 1

Example 6: Finding Locations of Horizontal Tangent Lines

At what point(s) does the graph of y = x 2 + 4 x − 1 have a horizontal tangent line?

Example 7: Ensuring Tangency to a Given Line

Given the function, f ( x) = x3 + kx , and the line, y = 6x − 2 , find the value of k so that the line is
tangent to the function.

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Examples 5-7
13 Mr. M
 FUN
LIM
AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD

Topic: 2.7 Derivatives of cosx, sinx, ex, and lnx Day: 17

1
Learning Objective FUN-3.A: Calculate derivatives of familiar functions.

Differentiating Sine and Cosine Functions Activity

Derivatives of Sine and Cosine Functions Investigate these derivatives
d
sin x = cos x
d
cos x = − sin x on your TI-Nspire
dx dx Derivative_Function.tns
Pages 5.1 and 6.1

Proof of the derivative of sin x .

d sin( x + h) − sin x sin x ( cos h − 1) + sin h  cos x
sin x = lim
h →0
= lim
h →0
dx h h
sin x  cos h + sin h  cos x − sin x cos h − 1 sin h
= lim = sin x  lim + cos x  lim
h →0 h h →0 h h →0 h
sin x  cos h − sin x + sin h  cos x
= lim = sin x(0) + cos x(1) = cos x
h →0 h

Example 1: Find the derivative of each of the following.

sin x
a. y = 2sin x b. y = c. y = x + cos x
2

Scan the QR
Code to see an
Introduction to
Topic 2.7 and a
video solution to
Example 1

Differentiating ex
Activity:
Activity
Derivative of the Natural Exponential Function
d x Investigate
Investigate this derivative
these derivatives
e  = e x on your TI-Nspire
on your TI-Nspire.
dx   ExponentialDifferentiation.tns
Pages 1.1 through 2.1
Example 2: Find the derivative of each of the following.

a. y = 5e x b. y = e x − 4 x c. y = 7e x + cos x

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14 Example 2
Differentiating ln(x)
Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function Activity
d 1 Investigate this derivative
ln x = on your TI-Nspire
dx x
Derivatives of Logs.tns
Example 3: Find the derivative of the following function.

1
y = 3ln x − 2ex − cos x
2
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video solution to
Example 3

Differentiating logb(x)
Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function
d 1
logb x =
dx ( ln b ) x

While we hate to reduce calculus and the concept of taking a derivative to rote memorization, there is an easy
way to conceptualize this derivative formula.

ln x
Recall the change of base formula from College Algebra: logb x =
ln b
 ln x 
d
ln b 
Find  .
dx

Recall the two limit definitions of derivative from Topic 2.2

General Derivative Derivative at a Point

Example 4: More Practice With Recognizing the Definition of Derivative

Evaluate each of the following by recognizing the function whose derivative the limit defines.

  3
sin  + h  −
ln ( x ) − 1
a. lim   2
3
b. lim
h →0 h x →e x−e
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15 Example 4
 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 2.8 The Product Rule Days: 18 & 19
1
Learning Objective FUN-3.B: Calculate derivatives of products and quotients of differentiable functions.

Although the derivative of the sum (and difference) of two functions is simply the sum (or difference) of their
derivatives, the product and quotient of two functions are handled quite differently when differentiating.

The Product Rule

The Product Rule A proof of the Product Rule can be
The product of two differentiable functions f and g is itself differentiable. seen on by following the Code
below or by watching the Power
Moreover, the derivative of f · g is the first function times the derivative of the Point Presentation on our
second, plus the second function times the derivative of the first function. Schoology page.
d
 f ( x) g ( x) = f ( x)  g ( x) + f ( x) g( x) or f ( x) g ( x) + g ( x) f ( x)
dx

Example 1: Find the derivative of h( x) = (3x − 2 x2 )(5 + 4 x) .

Did we have to use the product rule for Example 1? What other way could we have found h( x ) ?

Example 2: Find the derivative of each of the following.

a. f ( x) = x sin x b. g ( x) = e x x

c. h( x) = 2x cos x − 2sin x d. k ( x) = x 2 ln x

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Example 3: Using the Product Rule From a Table of Values
The differentiable functions f and g are defined for all real numbers x. Values of f , f , g, and g
for various values of x are given in the table below.

x f ( x) f ( x) g ( x) g ( x )
1 −4 10 3 3
2 3 −5 16 1
3 1 8 −4 −4
4 10 −1 1 2

d 
a. Let h( x) = f ( x) g( x) . Find h(3) . b. Find x  f ( x) when x = 4.
dx 

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Examples 1-3
Mr. M

17
 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 2.9 The Quotient Rule Day: 19
1
Learning Objective FUN-3.B: Calculate derivatives of products and quotients of differentiable functions.

The Quotient Rule

A proof of the Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule can be seen on by following
f the Code below. (Video
The quotient, of two differentiable functions f and g is itself differentiable provided by Mathispower4u)
g
f
at all values for x for which g(x)  0 . Moreover, the derivative of is given
g
by the denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus the numerator
times the derivative of the denominator, all divided by the square of the
denominator.

d  f ( x)  f ( x) g ( x) − f ( x) g ( x)
=
dx  g ( x)   g ( x ) 2

5x + 2
Example 1: Find the derivative of y = .
x2 − 1

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Example 1

ex  e
Example 2: Find the equation of the tangent line to y = at 1,  .
1+ x 2
 2

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Example 2

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Not every function that contains a quotient requires use of the Quotient Rule.

Example 3: Complete the table.

Original Function Rewrite Differentiate Simplify

x 2 + 3x
a. y =
6

−3(3x − 2 x 2 )
b. y =
7x

Scan the QR

Differentiation Using Data Tables Code to see a

video solution to
Example 3

Example 4: The values of two differentiable functions, f ( x) and g ( x) , along with their derivatives are
given in the table below for several values of x.
x f ( x) f ( x) g ( x) g ( x )
1 5 −1 1 2
3
2 4 −1 3
Scan the QR
2

−1
Code to see a
video solution to 3 3 4 1
Example 4 part a

4 2 −1 5 1
1
5 1 0 6 −
2

6 2 1 4 −2

f ( x) g ( x)
a.) Given h( x) = ,find h(2). b.) Given j ( x) = , find j(4) .
g ( x) x

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Differentiation Using Graphs
Example 5: The graphs of f and g are shown below and consist of line segments. Use the graphs to find each
of the following if possible.

f ( x) x2
a.) Given h( x) = ,find h(0). b.) Given w( x) = , find w(2) .
g ( x) g ( x)

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 FUN AP CALCULUS AB AVON HIGH SCHOOL MR. RECORD
Topic: 2.10 Finding the Derivatives of Tangent, Day: 20
1 Cotangent, Secant and Cosecant Functions

Learning Objective FUN-3.B: Calculate derivatives of products and quotients of differentiable functions.

Recall the derivatives of sin(x) and cos(x) that you previously learned.

In addition to those, you will have to be very familiar with the derivatives of the other four trigonometric
functions. They are provided in the box below.

1. Higher Order Derivatives

d
ACTIVITY Proof that  tan x = sec2 x .
dx

Example 1: Find the derivative of each.

a. y = x − tan x b. y = x sec x

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 Important Trigonometric Identities
Throughout AP Calculus, it can be helpful to know the three Pythagorean trigonometric identities as
well as the reciprocal identities.
Write each one of them in this box.

ACTIVITY

The following equation is a trigonometric identity.

1 − cos x
= csc x − cot x
sin x

Choose which side you and your table partner will differentiate. Play rock-scissors-paper if you cannot agree.
Work independently to solve your problem and compare your answer with that of your table partner’s derivative
of the other side of the equation. Are they the same?

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