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Differentiation First Principles

The document provides an overview of differentiation, focusing on first principles and standard rules for finding derivatives. It outlines the process for calculating the derivative using limits and includes a step-by-step example. Additionally, it covers related concepts such as average gradient, point of inflection, and sketching cubic functions.

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jadonsmi8
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3 views6 pages

Differentiation First Principles

The document provides an overview of differentiation, focusing on first principles and standard rules for finding derivatives. It outlines the process for calculating the derivative using limits and includes a step-by-step example. Additionally, it covers related concepts such as average gradient, point of inflection, and sketching cubic functions.

Uploaded by

jadonsmi8
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 First principles

Limits

Notation

Standard Rules
Optimisation of
Differentiation

Interpretation
of graphs
Grade 12 Tangents

Average
Derivative
gradient

Determine Point of
intercepts Inflection

Sketching cubic
functions
OVERVIEW

DIFFERENTIATION
- First Principles
DIFFERENTIATION
To find the derivative of a function or expression, we use two different
methods.

FIRST PRINCIPLES: RULES OF DIFFERENTIATION


𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥)
(STANDARD RULES)
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑛

NB: FORMAT 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1

NB: NOTATION
FIRST PRINCIPLES
The average gradient formula is used, with the addition of a limit where h→ 0.
To obtain the Gradient function at a specific point on the curve.
Learn the set format: no deviation.
1. Write out the formula.
2. Substitute 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) as well as h into the formula.
3. Simplify numerator.
4. Factorise numerator.
5. Simplify.
6. Substitute h = 0 into the expression. (DO NOT SHOW THE SUBSTITUTION)
7. Remove “ lim: h → 0"
8. This is your final answer. 𝑓’(𝑥) =……
Example: 𝑓 𝑥 = −𝑥 2 + 3𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim ℎ≠0
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
− 𝑥+ℎ + 3(𝑥 + ℎ) − (−𝑥 2 + 3𝑥) Substitute into formula
= lim ℎ≠0
ℎ→0 ℎ

− 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + 3𝑥 + 3ℎ + 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 Simplify: Remember the


= lim ℎ≠0 negative sign
ℎ→0 ℎ

−𝑥 2 − 2𝑥ℎ − ℎ2 + 3𝑥 + 3ℎ + 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 All terms with “𝑥” only


= lim ℎ≠0 cancel
ℎ→0 ℎ
−2𝑥ℎ − ℎ2 + 3ℎ
== lim ℎ≠0 Remove a common factor
ℎ→0 ℎ
of “ℎ”
ℎ(−2𝑥 − ℎ + 3)
= lim Substitute ℎ = 0
ℎ→0 ℎ

= −2𝑥 + 3
5 May 2026
Differentiation from First Principles

MAS
Page 91
Exercise 2
(b) 12-102
(b) ; (c) 12-201

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