DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

MODULE 1

DIFFERENTIATION OF ALGEBRAIC FORMS

The Derivative

The derivative of a function is defined symbolically as

( ) ( )

where f(x+Δx) – f(x) is the increment or change in f(x) and Δx is the increment or
change in x. The derivative of a function is also the rate of change of the dependent
variable with respect to the independent variable.

Symbols for derivative: read as “derivative of y with respect to x”

y' read as “y prime”

f’(x) read as “f prime of x”

Differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of the particular function. The

symbol or operator means “to take the derivative of” or “to differentiate” the

quantity that follows after it with respect to the independent variable that is on the

denominator. Hence, is the derivative of t with respect to x, and is the

derivative of y with respect to p.

Rules for Differentiating Algebraic Forms

Let u, v, and w be differentiable functions of x.
I. Derivative of a Constant

( )

e.g. ( )
√
( )

A constant can also be a letter that could have possible values. These constants are
called arbitrary constants. The derivative of arbitrary constants is zero, as well. In this
module, letters a-k will be used as arbitrary constants and m-z as variables.

( ) ; ( )

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

II. Derivative of x

( )

III. Derivative of the form c v

( )
The rule states that the constant, either numerical or arbitrary, can be moved
across the differentiation symbol.

e.g. ( )

( √ ) √ √

IV. Derivative of a sum or difference of functions of x

( )

This rule states that the differentiation symbol is distributive to the finite sum
and/or difference of functions.

e.g. ( ) ( ) ( )

( )

V. Derivative of the form u v

( )
This rule is devised for functions having two distinct products of functions.
Examples of this form are x ( x – 1 ) and ( x – 2 ) ( x + 3 ) where each factor of these
products are easily distinguishable.

e.g. [ ( )] Here we can clearly notice that u = x,

and v = x – 1.

( ) ( ) Note: Observe the use of grouping

symbols such as parentheses and brackets

to avoid erroneous distribution of signs.

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VI. Derivative of the form

( )

e.g. ( ) ( )
( )

( )

( )

VII. Derivative of the form

( )

This formula is for functions that are assumes the form where both the

numerator and the denominator are functions of x.

( ) ( ) ( )
e.g. 1. ( ) It is customary to move
( )

out the numerical constant 7 applying III. If we move the constant to the left, then u = x
and v = x – 1. Otherwise, u = 7x. In all possible cases of differentiation, it is advisable to
move the constant out of the differentiation process (Rule no. III) especially when the
constant is not simple.
( )( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )

When the numerator u and denominator v are complicated, it is best to

differentiate them first before proceeding to the formula. The next example illustrates
this.

( )
Let u = 3x – ax + 4 v = 1 – 5x
∴ u’ = 3 – a v’ = -5

Take note that the derivatives u’ and v’ are also the same as and ,

respectively.
( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( ) ( )

( )

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

VIII. Derivative of the form

( )

Powers such as x2, ( x – 1 )2, and ( 3 – x2 )5/2 all assume the form un where n can

either be a numerical or arbitrary constant.

e.g. ( ) ( ) Here u = x and n = 2, therefore

IX. Derivative of the form √

(√ )
√

Take note that this formula is only for functions under a square root. Cube roots,
fourth roots and so on can only be solved by VIII by transforming the radical into

fractional exponent such as √ is transformed into x5/4.

Illustrative examples:
Differentiate the following functions with respect to the independent variable.

1. y = ax2 + bx + c

∴ ( ) ( ) ( )

Important note! Do not equate y to y’. If you differentiate the other side of the
equation, you must differentiate also the other side. Observe also the use of the PEMDAS
rule.

2. m = ( n – 1 ) ( n2 + n + 1 ) → u v (as much as possible, do not expand)

let u=n–1 ; v = n2 + n + 1
du dv
=1 = 2n + 1
dn dn
Take note that m is a function of n and n is the independent variable,

therefore the symbol for differentiation is not .

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 ∴

( )( ) ( )( )

3. s = ( t2 – 1 )8/9 → un

Let u = t2 – 1

du
∴ = 2t
dt
∴

( ) ( )

=
( )

3x 3
4. y = →
x x
Let u = 3x + 3 (in this case let us not take out the constant 3)

Then =3

Let v = x2 – 2x + 1

Then = 2x – 2

∴ y’ =

( )( ) ( )( )
( )

( )

( )

( )
( )

Some given may be simplified first (IF SIMPLIFIABLE) before differentiating.

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 5. √
This can be solved by either VIII or IX.

Solution 1: By IX
√

Let u = x2 – 1

∴ u’ = x

∴
√ √

Solution 2: By VIII (Power Rule)

√ ( )

Let u = x2 – 1

∴ u’ = x

∴ ( ) ( )
√

Important note: You may use the symbols , y’, or f’(x) for the derivative.

6. m = ( 5x – 4 )6 ( 25x2 + 20x + 16 )6

Since the two products have the same power 6, we can multiply them according to
the law of exponent. Otherwise, differentiation of this will be tedious since u and v are
both powers.

m = ( 125x3 – 64 )6 → un

( ) ( )

= ( ) ( )
= ( )

You must simplify the derivative as much as possible. Factoring plays an important
role in simplification of derivatives.

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

RULES FOR DIFFERENTIATING ALGEBRAIC FORMS
Let u, v, and w be differentiable functions of x.

Formula Name Formula Remarks

I. The Constant Rule ( )

dn dm
II. Derivative of x , dm are also equal
( ) dn
to 1

It is advisable to
III. Derivative of a function move out the
with constant coefficient
( ) constant especially
when arbitrary.

IV. Derivative of u + v – w ( )

V. The Product Rule ( )

VI. The Quotient Rule where ( )

the numerator is a constant

VII. The Quotient Rule

( )

Common error of
students in this
VIII. The Power Rule ( ) formula is that is
always forgotten.

Valid for functions

IX. Derivative of a Square Root (√ ) under square root
√ only!

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

Exercise 1.1
Name: __________________________________________ Date: __________________
Course, Year, and Section: _________________________

I. Express the following into symbols:

1. Derivative of y with respect to p = ______________________

2. Derivative of u with respect to w = ______________________

3. Derivative of t with respect to s = ______________________

4. Derivative of s with respect to t = ______________________

5. Derivative of p with respect to q = ______________________

6. Derivative of v with respect to w = ______________________

7. Derivative of m with respect to p = ______________________

8. Derivative of s with respect to r = ______________________

9. Derivative of r with respect to = ______________________

10. Derivative of w with respect to t = ______________________

II. Complete the following table:

y y

x x2

2x x3

5x x4

x√ x100

x sin a x2/7

a2bx xn

5x + 4 10x2

1 – 4x x

2 + 5x x

3
9–x ( x)

x √a ( ax)3
a

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

Exercise 1.2
Name: __________________________________________ Date: __________________
Course, Year, and Section: _________________________

Differentiate the following functions. Simplify your answer.

1. y = mx + b

2. m = ( 1 – n )10

3. s = ( a + x ) ( a – x )10

x
4. y = ( )
x

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg

5. p = √ q3 q by either by VIII or IX

6. y = Recall m = u–m
( x) u

7. y = x √mx

MATH 2074 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS 2017 \kmg