Calculus Reviewer
Limits, Derivatives, and Integrals
1. Limits and Continuity
A limit describes the value that a function approaches as the input approaches
some value. It is the foundation of calculus.
limx→c f(x) = L
A function is continuous at x = c if the limit exists, the function is defined at c, and
they are equal.
2. Differential Calculus (Derivatives)
The derivative represents the instantaneous rate of change of a function or the
slope of the tangent line at a point.
Core Derivative Rules
Power Rule: d/dx (xn) = nxn-1
Product Rule: (uv)' = u'v + uv'
Chain Rule: dy/dx = (dy/du) · (du/dx)
Example: Find the derivative of f(x) = 3x² + 5x − 7.
1. Apply power rule to 3x²: 2 × 3x2-1 = 6x.
2. Apply power rule to 5x: 1 × 5x1-1 = 5.
3. Derivative of constant −7 is 0.
Result: f'(x) = 6x + 5.
3. Integral Calculus (Antiderivatives)
Integration is the process of finding the area under a curve. It is the inverse
operation of differentiation.
Basic Integration Rules
Power Rule: ∫ xn dx = (xn+1 / n+1) + C (for n ≠ -1)
Constant: ∫ k dx = kx + C
Example: Evaluate ∫ (4x³) dx.
1. Add 1 to the exponent: 3 + 1 = 4.
2. Divide by the new exponent: 4x&sup4; / 4.
3. Add the constant of integration (C).
Result: x&sup4; + C.
4. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
This theorem links differentiation and integration, showing they are inverse
processes.
∫ab f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a)
Where F is the antiderivative of f.