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Calculus I: Derivatives & Applications

These lecture notes cover the fundamentals of differentiation, including definitions, rules, theorems, and applications in various fields. Key topics include the limit definition of derivatives, derivative rules, and the Mean Value and Rolle’s Theorems, along with practical applications such as optimization and curve sketching. The document also includes worked examples and exercises for practice.

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8 views10 pages

Calculus I: Derivatives & Applications

These lecture notes cover the fundamentals of differentiation, including definitions, rules, theorems, and applications in various fields. Key topics include the limit definition of derivatives, derivative rules, and the Mean Value and Rolle’s Theorems, along with practical applications such as optimization and curve sketching. The document also includes worked examples and exercises for practice.

Uploaded by

chenlianghan1688
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Calculus Lecture Notes ② | Differentiation &

Applications
Formal lecture-style notes on derivative definitions, theorems, applications, examples,
and exercises.

Author: Anthony | Department of Electrical Engineering, NIU


Course: Calculus I
Style: Formal Lecture Notes
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Derivative
3. Derivative Rules
4. Mean Value and Rolle’s Theorem
5. Applications: Curve Sketching & Optimization
6. Worked Examples
7. Exercises
8. References
1. Introduction
Motivation
Derivatives describe instantaneous rates of change.
They are fundamental in physics (velocity, acceleration), economics (marginal cost), and
engineering (signal slopes).
2. Definition of Derivative
Limit Definition
f'(a) = lim_{h→0} (f(a+h)-f(a))/h, provided the limit exists.
This defines the slope of the tangent line at (a, f(a)).
3. Derivative Rules
Basic Rules
(x^n)' = n x^{n-1}, (e^x)'=e^x, (ln x)'=1/x.
(sin x)'=cos x, (cos x)'=-sin x, (tan x)'=sec^2 x.
Product rule, Quotient rule, Chain rule.
4. Mean Value and Rolle’s Theorem
Statements
Rolle’s Theorem: If f continuous on [a,b], differentiable on (a,b), and f(a)=f(b), then
∃c∈(a,b) with f’(c)=0.
Mean Value Theorem: ∃c∈(a,b) with f’(c)=(f(b)-f(a))/(b-a).
5. Applications
Optimization
Critical points from f’=0 or undefined.
Second derivative test: f''>0 min, f''<0 max.

Curve Sketching
Use f’, f’’ to determine monotonicity and concavity.
6. Worked Examples
Example 1
Differentiate f(x)=ln(x^2+1).
Solution: f’=2x/(x^2+1).

Example 2
Find extrema of f(x)=x^3-3x.
f’=3x^2-3=0 → x=±1.
f''=6x. At 1→min, at -1→max.
7. Exercises
Problems
Q1. Differentiate y=√(1+x^2).
Q2. Tangent line to y=sin x at x=π/3.
Q3. Use MVT to show f(x)=x^2 satisfies conditions on [0,2].
Q4. Optimize f(x)=x e^{-x}.
Q5. Find inflection points of f(x)=x^4.

Answers
A1. y’=x/√(1+x^2).
A2. Slope=cos(π/3)=0.5. Equation: y-√3/2=0.5(x-π/3).
A3. c=1 gives slope 2, matches average slope.
A4. Max at x=1, value=1/e.
A5. f’’=12x^2, zero at x=0 (inflection).
8. References
Texts
Stewart, Calculus.
Apostol, Calculus.
MIT OCW 18.01.

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