MATH 10091

Module 2: The Derivative

The Derivative
(Textbook Section 3.1 Defining the Derivative)

The derivative of a function at a point is the slope of the tangent line of the function at that point.
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)−𝑓𝑓(𝑎𝑎) 𝑓𝑓(𝑎𝑎+ℎ)−𝑓𝑓(𝑎𝑎)
That is, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑎𝑎) = lim 𝑥𝑥−𝑎𝑎
or alternatively, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑎𝑎) = lim
ℎ
𝑥𝑥→𝑎𝑎 ℎ→0

The derivative of a function at a point represents the instantaneous rate of change of the function at
that point.

Practice

1. For the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 5𝑥𝑥 + 4, find 𝑓𝑓 ′ (−1)

2. For the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 9𝑥𝑥, find 𝑓𝑓 ′ (2)

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MATH 10091
Module 2: The Derivative

The derivative of a function is a function itself. The derivative function gives the derivative of a
function at each point in the domain of the original function for which the derivative is defined. We can
find the derivative of a function by evaluating the limit:
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Calculating derivatives this way is sometimes referred to as applying “first principles,” “the delta
method,” or “finding the derivative by the definition.”

Practice

3. Find the derivative of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = √𝑥𝑥 using first principles

4. Find the derivative of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥 using first principles

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Module 2: The Derivative

Derivative Notation
A variety of different notations are used to represent the derivative, including:

• Lagrange Notation. For example:

o 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥), read as “f prime of x”
o 𝑦𝑦′, read as “y prime”

• Leibniz Notation. For example:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
o , read as “dy by dx”
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑
o (𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)), read as “the derivative of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) with respect to 𝑥𝑥”
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Graphing a Derivative
(Textbook Section 3.2 The Derivative as a Function)

The derivative 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥) represents the rate of change of the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥), or the slope of the tangent line
to 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥). There is a correspondence between the graph of a function and its derivative.

Discussion

Consider the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥 and its derivative, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 + 2 below.

What do you notice about the relationship

between these two graphs?

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Module 2: The Derivative

In general, we can summarize:

When 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is increasing, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) > 0

When 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) is decreasing, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) < 0

When 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) has a horizontal tangent line, i.e. is neither increasing nor decreasing, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 0

Practice

5. Use the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) to sketch the graph of its derivative 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥).

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Module 2: The Derivative

6. Use the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) to sketch the graph of its derivative 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥).

ii

Higher Order Derivatives

The derivative of a function is a function itself, so we can also find its derivative.

For example, the derivative of the function 𝑠𝑠(𝑡𝑡) that gives the position of an object at time 𝑡𝑡, is 𝑠𝑠′(𝑡𝑡),
which is the rate of change of position with respect to time, or velocity.

In turn, the derivative of the velocity function, 𝑠𝑠′′(𝑡𝑡), is the rate of change of velocity with respect to
time, or acceleration. Acceleration represents the second derivative of the original position function.

We can also take the third, fourth, and fifth derivatives of functions, and so on. These are referred to
as higher order derivatives and denoted in one of a few ways:

Lagrange Notation 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥), 𝑓𝑓 ′′ (𝑥𝑥), 𝑓𝑓 3 (𝑥𝑥), 𝑓𝑓 4 (𝑥𝑥), …

or

𝑦𝑦 ′ , 𝑦𝑦 ′′ , 𝑦𝑦 3 , 𝑦𝑦 4 , …

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Module 2: The Derivative

Leibniz Notation 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑 2 𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑 3 𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑 4 𝑦𝑦

, , ,
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 3 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 4

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

7. Find the second derivative of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑥. Then graph it below.

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Module 2: The Derivative

Derivative Rules
(Textbook Section 3.3 Differentiation Rules)

Finding the derivative of functions from first principles can be a lengthy process. Rather than applying
the delta method every time, we can generalize rules for differentiating functions to simplify the
process. We start with simple functions and build up the complexity with each new rule.

The Derivative of a Constant 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑐𝑐

Discussion

Consider the graph of the constant function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3 below.

What is the slope of the tangent line to this

graph at any point on the graph?

The Constant Rule

In general, for any function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑐𝑐, where 𝑐𝑐 is some constant, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 0.

𝑑𝑑
Alternatively, 𝑐𝑐 = 0.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Practice

8. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2

b. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝜋𝜋

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Module 2: The Derivative

The Power Rule

We have already seen that the derivative of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 is 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥. We can take the derivative of
any power of 𝑥𝑥 using the power rule.

The Power Rule

Let 𝑛𝑛 be a positive integer. If 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛 , then 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛−1 .

𝑑𝑑
Alternatively, 𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛 = 𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛−1 .
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Practice

9. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 6

b. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥10

c. ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥

d. 𝑝𝑝(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥1000

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Module 2: The Derivative

The Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple Rules

Polynomial functions are functions that result from adding and subtracting multiples of power
functions. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 3 − 𝑥𝑥 5 + 7 and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = −7𝑥𝑥 3 + 5 are examples of polynomial functions.

To find the derivative of polynomial functions, as well as other more complex functions we will discuss
later on, we need three more derivative rules: the sum, difference, and constant multiple rules.

The Sum and Difference Rules

Let 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) be differentiable functions.

Then, [𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) ± 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)]′ = 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥) ± 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥).

𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
Alternatively, [𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) ± 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)] = �𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)� ± 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 �𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)�.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Generally, the derivative of a sum is equal to the sum of the derivatives, and the derivative of a
difference is equal to the difference of the derivatives.

Practice

10. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑥 − 5

b. 𝑠𝑠(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑡𝑡 7 − 𝑡𝑡 4 + 𝑡𝑡 3 + 2

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Module 2: The Derivative

The Constant Multiple Rule

Let 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) be a differentiable function and 𝑘𝑘 be a constant.

Then [𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)]′ = 𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥).

𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
Alternatively, [𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)] = 𝑘𝑘 ∙ [𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)]
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Generally, the derivative of a constant multiplied by a function is the same as the constant multiplied
by the derivative of the function.

Practice

11. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = −2𝑥𝑥 5

b. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 4𝑥𝑥 2 − 7𝑥𝑥

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Module 2: The Derivative

c. ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = 4𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 5 − 8)

d. 𝑝𝑝(𝑥𝑥) = (𝑥𝑥 − 5)(𝑥𝑥 + 3)

e. 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = −9.8𝑡𝑡 2 + 5𝑡𝑡 − 4

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Module 2: The Derivative

12. Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 3 + 4𝑥𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑥 − 3 at 𝑥𝑥 = −1

13. Determine all points on the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 3 + 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑥 − 1 for which

a. The tangent line is horizontal

b. The tangent line has a slope of −1

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MATH 10091
Module 2: The Derivative

Extending the Power Rule

We can extend our use of the power rule to include any real power of 𝑥𝑥. Recall that the power rule
states: If 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛 , then 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 𝑛𝑛−1 . We may need to first re-write our function using exponent
rules.

Practice

14. Re-write the following functions so that the power rule can be applied. Then differentiate.
1
a. 𝑖𝑖 (𝑡𝑡) = 3
𝑡𝑡

b. 𝑓𝑓 (𝑟𝑟) = 6√𝑟𝑟

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Module 2: The Derivative

5
c. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥 ) =
√𝑟𝑟

1
d. 𝑠𝑠(𝑡𝑡) =
6𝑡𝑡 3

e. ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = √7𝑥𝑥

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Module 2: The Derivative

5
f. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥 ) = − √𝑥𝑥 3 + 2𝑥𝑥 1.4
𝑥𝑥 3

𝑥𝑥 3 +1
g. 𝑓𝑓 (𝑥𝑥 ) =
𝑥𝑥

4𝑥𝑥 3 −7𝑥𝑥+8
h. 𝑛𝑛(𝑥𝑥 ) =
𝑥𝑥 2

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Module 2: The Derivative

The Product Rule

Sometimes, when we have a product of two functions, it is possible to expand the product before
differentiating. For example:

Discussion
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
15. Find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 for 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑥𝑥 + 2)(𝑥𝑥 − 5) by first expanding, then differentiating.

It is tempting to assume that, similar to the sum and difference rules, the derivative of a product would
be equal to the product of its derivatives. i.e. one may assume that [𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)]′ = 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑔𝑔′ (𝑥𝑥).
However, this is not the case!

Consider 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑥𝑥 + 2)(𝑥𝑥 − 5) again.

This example illustrates that the derivative of a product is not equal to the product of the derivatives.

When we are differentiating a product function, we need to either:

• Expand if possible, OR
• Apply the product rule

The Product Rule

Let 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) be differentiable functions.

Then, [𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)]′ = 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) + 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥) ∙ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥).

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

16. Find the derivative of the following products

a. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = (𝑥𝑥 + 2)(𝑥𝑥 2 − 3)

b. 𝑓𝑓(𝑡𝑡) = (𝑡𝑡 2 + 5𝑡𝑡 + 6)(4𝑡𝑡 2 + 5)

17. Given that 𝑝𝑝(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 7 ∙ ℎ(𝑥𝑥), ℎ(−1) = 2, and ℎ′ (−1) = 5, calculate 𝑝𝑝′(−1)

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Module 2: The Derivative

18. Suppose 𝑓𝑓(3) = −10, 𝑔𝑔(3) = 1, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (3) = 2, and 𝑔𝑔′ (3) = −5. Find (𝑓𝑓 ∙ 𝑔𝑔)′(3).

The Quotient Rule

Much like with product functions, it is easy to assume that the derivative of a quotient is equal to the
quotient of its derivatives, however this is not the case.

When we differentiate a quotient function, we need to either:

• Factor and simplify the quotient to eliminate the fraction, OR

• Apply the quotient rule.

The Quotient Rule

Let 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) be differentiable functions.

𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥)∙𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)−𝑔𝑔′ (𝑥𝑥)∙𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)

Then, � �′ = .
𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) [𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)]2

𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥))∙𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)− �𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)�∙𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Alternatively, � �= .
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) [𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)]2

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

19. Find the derivative of the following functions:

𝑥𝑥 2 +4
a. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
𝑥𝑥 2 −4

6𝑥𝑥+5
b. ℎ(𝑥𝑥) =
6𝑥𝑥+4

√𝑥𝑥−2
c. 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) =
√𝑥𝑥+2

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Module 2: The Derivative

𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
20. Given that 𝑓𝑓(−3) = −2, 𝑓𝑓 ′ (−3) = 1, 𝑔𝑔(−3) = −4, 𝑔𝑔′ (−3) = −7 and ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥), compute ℎ′(−3)

𝑥𝑥
21. Let 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥+6. Find the values of 𝑥𝑥 where 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 5.

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Module 2: The Derivative

Derivatives of Trig Functions

(Textbook Section 3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions)

Discussion

Using the graph of the function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 shown below, sketch a graph of 𝑦𝑦′

What do you notice about the relationship between 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 and its derivative?

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Module 2: The Derivative

Derivatives of Primary Trig Functions

𝑑𝑑
(𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠) = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑
(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) = −𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑
(𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡) = sec 2 𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Derivatives of Reciprocal Trig Functions

𝑑𝑑
(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) = − csc 2 𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑
(𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠) = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑
(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) = −𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Practice
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
22. Find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 for the given functions

a. 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)2

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Module 2: The Derivative

b. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

c. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥 3 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

d. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(1 + 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)

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𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
e. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥

23. Find the equation to the tangent line of the function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 at the point 𝑥𝑥 = 0

24. Find all 𝑥𝑥 values (in radians) on the graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 for 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋𝜋 where the tangent line
has a slope of 2

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Module 2: The Derivative

Chain Rule
(Textbook Section 3.6 The Chain Rule)

Recall from module 1 that a composite function is a combination of two or more functions. We need a
new rule to find the derivative of composite functions.

Consider the function 𝑦𝑦 = sin (𝑥𝑥 3 ). We can break this function down into an inside function: 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 3
and an outside function: 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠. When we compose these functions we get:

𝑓𝑓(𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)) =

Now think about the derivative of this function with respect to 𝑥𝑥. We can see that as 𝑥𝑥 changes, the
value of our inside function 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) will change. This tells us that the derivative of the inside function,
𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥), should be involved in our final derivative.

Then, as 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 3 changes, our outside function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) will change as well, based on how the inside
function is changing. This tells us that the derivative of our outside function, with respect to the inside
function, will also be involved.

The Chain Rule

Let 𝑓𝑓 and 𝑔𝑔 be functions, and the function ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = (𝑓𝑓 ∘ 𝑔𝑔)(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓(𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥))

Then, ℎ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓′�𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)� ⋅ 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥).

Alternatively, if 𝑦𝑦 is a function of 𝑢𝑢 and 𝑢𝑢 is a function of 𝑥𝑥, then

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

= ⋅
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

More plainly, the derivative of a composite function is equal to the derivative of the outer function
evaluated at the inner function, times the derivative of the inner function.

To apply the chain rule, it is important to have an understanding of how composite functions are built.

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Practice

25. For each of the following composite functions, identify the inner function and outer function. Do not
differentiate
a. 𝑦𝑦 = (3𝑥𝑥 − 2)6

b. 𝑦𝑦 = 5(4𝑥𝑥 + 3)2

c. 𝑦𝑦 = √7𝑥𝑥

1
d. 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑥𝑥 2−5)2

e. 𝑦𝑦 = sin5 𝑥𝑥

f. 𝑦𝑦 = −3 cos(2𝑥𝑥)

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Problem Solving-Strategy for Applying the Chain Rule:

1. Identify the inside function 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) and outside function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)

2. Find 𝑓𝑓′(𝑥𝑥) and evaluate it at 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)
3. Find 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥)
4. Write ℎ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑓𝑓′�𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)� ⋅ 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥)

In Leibniz Notation:

1. Identify the inside function 𝑢𝑢(𝑥𝑥) and outside function 𝑦𝑦(𝑢𝑢)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2. Find and evaluate it at 𝑢𝑢(𝑥𝑥)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
3. Find
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
4. Write = ∙
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Practice

26. Find the derivatives of the following functions:

a. 𝑦𝑦 = (3𝑥𝑥 − 2)6

b. 𝑦𝑦 = 5(4𝑥𝑥 + 3)2

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c. 𝑦𝑦 = √7𝑥𝑥

1
d. 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑥𝑥 2−5)2

e. 𝑦𝑦 = sin5 𝑥𝑥

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Module 2: The Derivative

f. 𝑦𝑦 = −3cos (2𝑥𝑥)

27. Determine the slope of the tangent line to the curve ℎ(𝑡𝑡) = √3𝑡𝑡 2 + 1.2𝑡𝑡 − 4 at 𝑡𝑡 = 1

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Module 2: The Derivative

Discussion
4
Consider the function: 𝑦𝑦 = �𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(7𝑥𝑥 2 + 1)� . Can you identify an outside function and an inside
function?

Some composite functions are made of three or more functions. For these, we work from the outside
in, applying the chain rule multiple times, depending on how many functions are involved.

Chain Rule for a Composition of Three Functions

If 𝑘𝑘(𝑥𝑥) = ℎ �𝑓𝑓�𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)��, then

𝑘𝑘 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = ℎ′�𝑓𝑓(𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)� ⋅ 𝑓𝑓′�𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)� ∙ 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥)

Practice

28. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑦𝑦 = sin3(𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋)

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4
b. 𝑦𝑦 = �𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐(7𝑥𝑥 2 + 1)�

Leibniz notation is regularly used for some calculus applications. So, it can be useful to practice
applying the chain rule using Leibniz notation. Recall that if 𝑦𝑦 is a function of 𝑢𝑢, and 𝑢𝑢 is a function of
𝑥𝑥, then the chain rule states:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

= ⋅
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Practice
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
29. Find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 for the following functions:
a. 𝑦𝑦 = √9𝑥𝑥

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Module 2: The Derivative

b. 𝑦𝑦 = tan(2𝑥𝑥 + 3)

c. 𝑦𝑦 = (3𝑥𝑥 + 5)−3

d. 𝑦𝑦 = 5sec (2𝑥𝑥)

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Module 2: The Derivative

Implicit Differentiation
(Textbook Section 3.8 Implicit Differentiation)

So far our discussion of derivatives has involved explicit functions.

1
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + 1, 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐, and 𝑦𝑦 = are all examples of explicit functions.
3−𝑥𝑥

In each of these functions, 𝑦𝑦 is given explicitly in terms of 𝑥𝑥, i.e. 𝑦𝑦 is isolated on one side of the
equation.

Sometimes we may also be interested in implicit relationships. If the relationship between the function
𝑦𝑦 and the variable 𝑥𝑥 is expressed by an equation where 𝑦𝑦 is not expressed entirely in terms of 𝑥𝑥, we
say that the equation defines 𝑦𝑦 implicitly in terms of 𝑥𝑥.

For example, the equation of a circle with radius 3 is an example of an implicit relationship:

𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 9

Some implicit relationships can be easily re-written as explicit equations, at which point normal
derivative rules can be applied. In other cases, we can apply the technique of implicit differentiation.

To apply the derivative operator to an implicit term, use the chain rule:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= ⋅
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

30. Using the chain rule, take the derivative with respect to 𝑥𝑥 for each of the following:
a. 𝑦𝑦 5

b. 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

c. 𝑥𝑥 3 𝑦𝑦 3

𝑥𝑥 2
d.
𝑦𝑦 3

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Module 2: The Derivative

When applying the technique of implicit differentiation, we apply chain rule any time we are
differentiating a term involving one variable (usually 𝑦𝑦) with respect to the other variable (usually 𝑥𝑥).

Problem Solving Strategy for Implicit Differentiation:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
To find for an equation that defines 𝑦𝑦 implicitly in terms of 𝑥𝑥:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

1. Take the derivative of both sides of the equation. For any terms that involve y, use the chain rule
to differentiate with respect to x.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2. Re-write the equation so that all terms containing are on the left-hand side
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
3. Factor out on the left
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
4. Solve for by dividing both sides of the equation by the appropriate expression
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Practice
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
31. Find 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 for the following implicit expressions:

a. 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 9

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Module 2: The Derivative

b. 𝑥𝑥 3 − 𝑦𝑦 3 = 4𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 3

c. 2𝑥𝑥 2 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑥𝑥𝑦𝑦 2 = 5

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Module 2: The Derivative

32. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 9 at the point (2, √5)

𝜋𝜋
33. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve tan(𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥) = 𝑦𝑦 at the point �4 , 1�

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Module 2: The Derivative

Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

(Textbook Section 3.9 Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions)

Exponential functions are any function in the form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 , for any value 𝑏𝑏 > 0, 𝑏𝑏 ≠ 1.

1 𝑥𝑥
For example, 2 𝑥𝑥 , 5 𝑥𝑥 , 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 , and � � are all examples of exponential functions.
2

When the exponential function has base 𝑒𝑒 ≅ 2.718, the resulting function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 is called the
natural exponential function. This function has a very peculiar property, which is that the derivative
of the function at any value of 𝑥𝑥 is equal to the value of the function at that point. In other words:

The Derivative of the Natural Exponential Function

If 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 , then 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥

More generally, for any differentiable function 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥), if 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) , then applying the chain rule
yields:

𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) ∗ 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥)

Practice

34. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑒𝑒 3𝑥𝑥

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Module 2: The Derivative

b. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑒𝑒 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

c. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 3 𝑒𝑒 −𝑥𝑥

The Derivative of General Exponential Functions

Let 𝑏𝑏 > 0, 𝑏𝑏 ≠ 1, and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) be a differentiable function.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 , then = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
More generally, if 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) , then applying the chain rule yields = 𝑏𝑏 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) 𝑔𝑔′ (𝑥𝑥)𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

35. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑦𝑦 = 102𝑥𝑥+3

10𝑥𝑥
b. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙10

c. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3sin (3𝑥𝑥)

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Module 2: The Derivative

36. Find the equation of the line that is normal to the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 ∙ 5𝑥𝑥 at the point where 𝑥𝑥 = 1.
Recall that a normal line is perpendicular to the tangent line at the point of tangency.

Logarithmic Functions are inverses of exponential functions. Like exponential functions, logarithmic
functions can have any base 𝑏𝑏 > 0, 𝑏𝑏 ≠ 1. For example, 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙, 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙2 𝑥𝑥, and 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 are all examples of
logarithmic functions, with bases 10, 2, and 𝑒𝑒 respectively.

The function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 is called the natural logarithm.

The function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 is called the common logarithm.

The Derivative of the Natural Logarithm

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
For 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 , = .
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥

More generally, for any differentiable function 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥), if 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙(𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)), then applying the chain rule
1
yields: 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = ∙ 𝑔𝑔′ (𝑥𝑥)
𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)

The Derivative of General Logarithmic Functions

For any value 𝑏𝑏 > 0, 𝑏𝑏 ≠ 1, and any differentiable function 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥),

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
If 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥, then = .
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

1
More generally, if 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏𝑏 (𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)), then applying the chain rule yields 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑥𝑥) = ∙ 𝑔𝑔′(𝑥𝑥)
𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥)𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

37. Find the derivative of the following functions:

a. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = ln(4𝑥𝑥 3 + 𝑥𝑥)

b. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 ln(9𝑥𝑥)

c. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙2 (8𝑥𝑥)

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d. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙7 (6𝑥𝑥 4 + 3)5

38. Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦𝑦 = ln(𝑥𝑥 2 + 2) at the point 𝑥𝑥 = 4

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Module 2: The Derivative

Logarithmic Differentiation
Discussion

Consider the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 . What derivative rule can you use to evaluate its derivative?

Since there is a variable in both the base and the exponent, we cannot use any of the rules we have
previously discussed to evaluate the derivative.

Logarithmic differentiation is a differentiation technique that allows us to solve for derivatives of

functions like 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 . Logarithmic differentiation takes advantage of the properties of logarithms
that allow us to simplify and/or expand algebraic expressions. In particular we will rely on the
following three properties of logarithms:

ln(𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) = ln(𝑎𝑎) + ln (𝑏𝑏)

𝑎𝑎
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 − 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑏𝑏
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙(𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 ) = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

Problem Solving Strategy for Logarithmic Differentiation

To differentiate 𝑦𝑦 = ℎ(𝑥𝑥) using logarithmic differentiation:

1. Take the natural logarithm of both sides to obtain 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = ln�ℎ(𝑥𝑥)�

2. Use properties of logarithms to expand ln (ℎ(𝑥𝑥)) as much as possible
3. Differentiate both sides of the equation, remembering to apply the chain rule on the left hand side
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
4. Multiply both sides of the equation by 𝑦𝑦 to solve for 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
5. Replace 𝑦𝑦 by ℎ(𝑥𝑥)

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Module 2: The Derivative

Practice

39. Find the derivative using logarithmic differentiation

a. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥

b. 𝑦𝑦 = (5𝑥𝑥)4𝑥𝑥

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MATH 10091
Module 2: The Derivative

c. 𝑦𝑦 = (𝑥𝑥 2 − 1)𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙

𝑥𝑥+11
d. 𝑦𝑦 = 3
√𝑥𝑥 2 −4

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MATH 10091
Module 2: The Derivative

e. 𝑦𝑦 = (3𝑥𝑥 − 2)4 (4𝑥𝑥 2 + 6)2

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MATH 10091
Module 2: The Derivative

References
Strang, G. & Herman, E.J. (2016). Calculus Volume 1. [Link]
volume-1. Alternative formats available on the website.

Graphs on pages 3, 6, 7, 21, and 33 are built using [Link]

With thanks to Melissa Fox, Mohawk College, and her course notes for MATH MS377 and MATH
MA383.

i Graph from Section 3.2, Question 64. Strang, G. & Herman, E.J. (2016). Calculus Volume 1.
[Link] Alternative formats available on the website.
ii Graph from Section 3.2, Question 66. Strang, G. & Herman, E.J. (2016). Calculus Volume 1.

[Link] Alternative formats available on the website.

Page 49, Created by Professor Laura Fenwick-Sehl, Mohawk College