Module 4

DIFFERENTIALCALCULUS

Higher order
derivative
MODULE 4
Week 5

Topic Overview
We already know how to take some derivatives, but what if we want to find the second
derivative or more? To do that, we simply differentiate again. This module includes the
lesson teaching the students how to find these said derivatives of a function including using
differentiation rules.
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 Module 4

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Calculate higher-order derivatives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand that the derivative of a function can be itself be differentiated to form a higher-order
derivative of the original function.
2. Interpret and make us of notation for higher-order derivatives.

content exploration!
HIGHER-ORDER DERIVATIVES
Because the derivative of a function y = f(x) is itself a function y′ = f′(x), you can take the
derivative of f′(x), which is generally referred to as the second derivative of f(x) and written f“(x) or f 2(x).
This differentiation process can be continued to find the third, fourth, and successive derivatives of f(x),
which are called higher order derivatives of f( x).

Because the “prime” notation for derivatives would eventually become somewhat messy, it is
preferable to use the numerical notation f(n)( x) = y(n ) to denote the nth derivative of f( x).

Example 1. Find the first, second, and third derivatives of f (x) = 5 x 4 − 3x 3 + 7x 2 − 9x + 2.

Solution:
First derivative: ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Second derivative: ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Third derivative: ( ) ( ) ( )

Example 2. Find the first, second, and third derivatives of y = sin 2 x.

Solution:
( )
First derivative: ( )
( ) ( )
Second derivative: ( ) ( )

( ) ( )
Third derivative: * ( )( ) + * ( )( ) + ( )

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Example 3. Find f3(4) if ( ) √

Solution:

Because ( ) √
* +
( )

( ) * +
( )

* +
( ) ( )

Hence, ( ) ( ) ( )

References:
1. Toing, J.R., Tiong, J.C. Jr. (2012). Mathematics 1st Edition. First Benchmark Publisher, Inc.
2. Excel Academic Council (2008) .1001 Solved Problems in Engineering Mathematics 3rd Edition.
First Benchmark Publisher, Inc.
3. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/calculus/calculus/the-derivative/higher-order-
derivatives
4. https://www.math24.net/higher-order-derivatives/
5. https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/higherorderderivatives.aspx

Compiled by:

ENGR. LYSA DEE S. FABILA

Lecturer, CET

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