Scribd
Upload
7 views3 pages

Calculus Study Guide

This document is a comprehensive guide to derivative rules in Calculus I, covering the definition of the derivative, fundamental rules, advanced rules for combining functions, and common transcendental functions. It includes key derivative rules such as the Product Rule, Quotient Rule, and Chain Rule, along with examples for clarity. The guide emphasizes efficient differentiation techniques for various types of functions.

Uploaded by

carolinemrc6
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
7 views3 pages

Calculus Study Guide

This document is a comprehensive guide to derivative rules in Calculus I, covering the definition of the derivative, fundamental rules, advanced rules for combining functions, and common transcendental functions. It includes key derivative rules such as the Product Rule, Quotient Rule, and Chain Rule, along with examples for clarity. The guide emphasizes efficient differentiation techniques for various types of functions.

Uploaded by

carolinemrc6
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Calculus I

Comprehensive Guide to Derivative Rules

Course: Calculus I (MATH 101)


Topic: Differentiation Techniques and Rules

1 Introduction: The Definition of the Derivative


The derivative of a function measures its instantaneous rate of change at a given point.
Geometrically, it represents the slope of the tangent line to the curve at that point. The
formal limit definition of the derivative of a function f (x) is given by:

f (x + h) − f (x)
f ′ (x) = lim
h→0 h
While the limit definition is foundational, it is often tedious to use in practice. Instead,
we rely on a set of proven derivative rules to differentiate functions more efficiently.

2 Fundamental Derivative Rules


Here are the standard rules for differentiating basic functions:

• Constant Rule: The derivative of a constant c is always zero.


d
[c] = 0
dx

• Power Rule: For any real number n, bring the exponent down to the front and subtract
one from the exponent.
d n
[x ] = nxn−1
dx
• Constant Multiple Rule: A constant c can be factored out of the derivative.
d d
[cf (x)] = c [f (x)]
dx dx

• Sum and Difference Rules: The derivative of a sum or difference is the sum or
difference of the derivatives.
d
[f (x) ± g(x)] = f ′ (x) ± g ′ (x)
dx

1
3 Advanced Rules for Combining Functions
When functions are multiplied, divided, or nested inside one another, we must use specific
rules to find their derivatives.

The Product Rule


Used when taking the derivative of two functions multiplied together.
d
[f (x)g(x)] = f ′ (x)g(x) + f (x)g ′ (x)
dx

The Quotient Rule


Used when taking the derivative of a function divided by another function.

d f (x) f ′ (x)g(x) − f (x)g ′ (x)


 
=
dx g(x) [g(x)]2

The Chain Rule


Used for differentiating composite functions (functions nested inside other functions).

d
[f (g(x))] = f ′ (g(x)) · g ′ (x)
dx

4 Common Transcendental Functions


Memorizing the derivatives of trigonometric and exponential functions is essential:

• Natural Exponential: dx [e ]
d x
= ex

• Natural Logarithm: dx [ln(x)]


d
= 1
x

• Sine: dx [sin(x)]
d
= cos(x)

• Cosine: dx [cos(x)]
d
= − sin(x)

• Tangent: dx [tan(x)]
d
= sec2 (x)

5 Worked Example
Problem: Find the derivative of the function y = sin(4x3 ).
Solution:
This requires the application of the Chain Rule. The “outside” function is sin(u) and the
“inside” function is u = 4x3 .

1. Differentiate the outside function, leaving the inside function alone: cos(4x3 )

2
2. Differentiate the inside function using the Power Rule: dx [4x ]
d 3 = 12x2

3. Multiply them together:

y ′ = cos(4x3 ) · (12x2 )
y ′ = 12x2 cos(4x3 )

You might also like