Pretest

Begin the lesson by answering this diagnostic examination which

will help you recall concepts which are necessary for you to perform the activities of
the topic. The answers are provided at the end of the file. Get at least 7 correct
answers else review the prerequisite concepts.
Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of
paper
1. What is the slope of a line through A (2,3) and B (4, 1)?
A. 1 B. 2 C. -2 D. – 1
2. What line touches a curve at one point?
A. derivative B. normal C. secant D. tangent

3. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1, find 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ).

A. (𝑥 + ℎ)2 + (𝑥 + ℎ) + 1 B. (𝑥 2 + ℎ) + (𝑥 + ℎ) + 1

C. (𝑥 + ℎ2 ) + (𝑥 + ℎ) + 1 D. (𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 𝑥 + 1
4. Find lim 𝑓(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3.
𝑥→0

A. −3 B.-2 C. 2 D. 0
5. Find lim (3𝑥 − 2ℎ).
ℎ→0

A. 3 B. x C. 3x D. -2h
4
6. Find lim ( ). A. 4 B. 2 C. -2 D. −4
ℎ→1 2ℎ−3
7. What is the expanded form of 2(𝑥 + ℎ)2 ?

A. 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥ℎ + 2ℎ2 B. 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + 2ℎ2

C. 4 + 4𝑥ℎ + 4ℎ2 D. 4𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + 4ℎ2

2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2
8. Simplify the expression .
ℎ
A. 2x B. 2x +h C. 2+h D. 2h

9. What is the product of the sum and difference √𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 √𝑥 + 1 ?

A. -1 B. 1 C. 0 D. x
10. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1, what is 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)?
A. 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − 1 B. 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − 1 − (2x − 1)
C. (2𝑥 + ℎ) − 1 − (2x − 1) D. 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − 1 − 2(x − 1)
 1
11. If 𝑓(𝑥) = , what is 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)?
2𝑥
1 1 1 1
A. B. C. D.
2𝑥+ℎ 2𝑥+2 2ℎ+2 2𝑥+2ℎ

12. If 2 √3𝑥 + 1, what is 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)?

A. 2 √3𝑥 + ℎ + 1 B. 2 √3𝑥 + 3ℎ + 1

C. 2 √3𝑥 + ℎ + 1 D. 2 √3ℎ + 1
1
13. If 𝑓(𝑥) = , what is 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)?
𝑥
ℎ −ℎ ℎ −ℎ
A. B. C. D.
2𝑥+ℎ 𝑥2 +ℎ𝑥 2ℎ+2𝑥 𝑥+2ℎ2

14. If √𝑥, what is 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)?

A. √ℎ B. 2 √𝑥 + ℎ C. √𝑥 + ℎ − √𝑥 D. √2𝑥
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ) −𝑓(𝑥)
15. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1, what is ?
ℎ
2 ℎ
A. B. C. 2h D. 2
ℎ 2

DISCUSSION

What is a tangent?
Let us start by looking at a line touching a curve. The line touching the
curve at one and only one point is a tangent.

Tangent

Curve
Figure 1: A general Curve and a Tangent

How many tangents can be drawn through a given point on a curve?

 Consider figure 2a. There can only be one tangent through point A on
the curve otherwise the line is a secant.

secant
tangent B
A

A D

Figure 2a: Tangent to a Circle Figure 2b: Tangents at different Points

The curve in figure 2b has tangents at different points on the curve. At

each point A, B, C and D, one tangent can be drawn. This means that the
tangents vary at the different points on the curve and have varying slopes as
well. The slopes of the tangent lines at points A and D are positive as the curve
is rising at these points while the slopes of the tangent lines at points B and
C are positive since the curve is falling at these points. The sign of the slope
of a tangent line indicates the change in the function.

Definition of a tangent

A tangent is a line that touches a curve at a point, matching the curve's

slope there. This means that the slope of the curve at a point is the same as
the slope of the tangent at the given point. If the slope of the tangent line is
positive, the function is increasing at the point and if the slope is negative,
the function is decreasing at the point of tangency. You may watch the sliding
tangents of a curve in the given link: Sliding Derivative

Notice the sliding tangent is green at the interval where the function is
increasing and is red at the interval where the function is decreasing. But
what is the rate of change of the function at each point of tangency? How fast
is the function changing at a certain point on the curve?
What is a derivative?

The derivative of a function at a given value is the slope of the line tangent
to the function at that value. It is the instantaneous rate of change of a
function at a given point. Fig 1a shows the average rate of change of the
function from points A to B as the slope of the secant line AB. Fig1 b shows
the average rate of change becomes closer to the slope of the tangent and in
Fig 1c, the average rate of change becomes the slope of the tangent at point
B.

Fig 1 a

Fig 1 b Fig 1c

For moving objects, it is the instantaneous velocity of an object at a given

time. An example is the fastest sprinter on the planet by the name BOLT who
covers 100 meters in 9.8seconds. His speed is not constant through the race.
His speed varies through the span of 9.8 seconds. His speed at any time in
this span is a derivative of the function representing his motion.
Definition of the Derivative
The derivative of f(x) with respect to x is the function f’(x) and is defined
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
as 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ

Where: h is the change in x and

f(x+h)-f(x) is the change in y

Let us apply the equation.

Example 1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟑. Find 𝒇′(𝒙).
Step1. Given that 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 + 3,
then, 𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ) = 5(𝑥 + ℎ) + 3.
Step 2. Substitute the given in the formula
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
5(𝑥 + ℎ) + 3 − (5𝑥 + 3) Substitute in the formula
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
5𝑥 + 5ℎ + 3 − 5𝑥 − 3 Ungroup the terms by
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ performing the operations
5ℎ Combine like terms
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

so 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim 5 Divide by h
ℎ→0

𝒇 ′ (𝒙 ) = 𝟓 Evaluate the limit

Therefore, the derivative of the function or the rate of change is 5 per unit at
all values of x in the domain of the function.
 Example 2. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟑. Find 𝒇′(𝒙).
Step1. Given that
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟑, then
𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) = (𝒙 + 𝒉)𝟐 + (𝒙 + 𝒉) + 𝟑.
= 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒉𝒙 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑.
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
Step 2. Substitute the given in the formula 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒉𝒙 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑 − (𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝟑)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒉𝒙 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟑 − 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟑 Ungroup the last
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ three terms
𝟐𝒉𝒙 + 𝒉𝟐 + 𝒉 Perform combination
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
ℎ→0 ℎ operations
ℎ(2𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟏) Extract common
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ factor h
so 𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim (2𝒙 + 𝒉 + 𝟏) Divide by h
ℎ→0

𝒇′(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏 Evaluate the limit

Therefore, the derivative or the rate of change is 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏. And at x = 1, the

rate of change is 2(1)+ 1 = 3 which means the function is increasing at 3 per
unit. And when x = - 3, the rate of change is 2(-3) +1= -5 which means the
function is decreasing by 5 per unit at x = -3.

Example 3. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙. Find 𝒇′(𝒙).

Step1. Given that
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥.
then
𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ) = 3(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ)
= 3𝑥 2 + 6ℎ𝑥 + 3ℎ2 − 2𝑥 − 2ℎ
Step 2. Substitute the given in the formula

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒉𝒙 + 𝟑𝒉𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐𝒉 − (𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
3𝑥2 + 6ℎ𝑥 + 3ℎ2 − 2𝑥 − 2ℎ − 3𝑥2 + 2𝑥 Ungroup the last
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim terms
ℎ→0 ℎ
6ℎ𝑥 + 3ℎ2 − 2ℎ Perform combination
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
ℎ→0 ℎ operations
ℎ(6𝑥 + 3ℎ − 2) Extract common
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ factor h
so 𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim (6𝑥 + 3ℎ − 2) Divide by h
ℎ→0

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 2 Evaluate the limit

Therefore, the derivative or the rate of change is 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟐. And at x = 1, the

rate of change is 6(1)- 2 = 4 which means the function is increasing at 4 per
unit. And at x = - 3, the rate of change is 6(-3) – 2 = -20 which means the
function is decreasing at the rate 20 per unit at x = -3.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1.

Slope of the Tangent

The rate of change at any point on a function is the slope of the tangent
line through the point. Find the slope of the tangent line.
To do this, find the derivative of the function. Next, evaluate the
derivative at the specified value of x. The result is the slope of the tangent
line.
Try this on your own.Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper
Find the rate of change of the function at a given value.

1. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 − 3, 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 5

2. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 4
3. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = −3𝑥 2 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −3
4. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 3 − 𝑥 2 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −3
5. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 3
6. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 2
7. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 4 , 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −1

Activity 2.

Instantaneous Velocity
The velocity of moving object at a point during its motion can be
determined using derivatives. Given the function of the velocity of an object
to be 𝒇(𝒙) = −𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟐, where 𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠.
Find the instantaneous velocity of the object at the following instances:
a) at the end of 1 seconds
b) at the end of 3 seconds
c) at the end of 5 seconds
At what time is the object increasing or decreasing its velocity?

FURTHER DISCUSSION

Derivatives of functions involving rational and radical expressions

How do we determine the derivative of functions involving rational
expressions and radicals?
𝟏
Problem 1. Given 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟒 . What is 𝒇′(𝒙)?

Follow the steps in the examples:

Given function 𝟏
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟒

Determine 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) 𝒇 (𝒙 + 𝒉) =
𝟏
𝒙+𝒉−𝟒

Determine 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙) 𝟏 𝟏

−
𝒙+𝒉−𝟒 𝒙−𝟒
Get the difference of the (𝒙 − 𝟒) − (𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)
fractions. Find the LCD (𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟒)
Simplify the numerator 𝒙−𝟒−𝒙−𝒉+𝟒 −𝒉
=
(𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟒) (𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟒)
Substitute in the formula 𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
−𝒉 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim .
ℎ→0 (𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟒) ℎ

Divide by h −𝟏
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 (𝒙 + 𝒉 − 𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟒)

Evaluate the limit as h −1

𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) =
approaches 0 (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 4)
The derivative −1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥 − 4)2

−1
The function is not differentiable at x = 4 because 𝑓 ′(4) = which is
0
undefined.

Problem 2. Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝟏 − 𝟐𝒙 . What is 𝒇′(𝒙)?

This function involves a radical expression but shall be treated similarly to
the other problems.
Follow the steps in the examples:
Given function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = √𝟏 − 𝟐𝒙
Determine 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) = √𝟏 − 𝟐(𝒙 + 𝒉)

Determine 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − √𝟏 − 𝟐(𝒙 + 𝒉) − √𝟏 − 𝟐𝒙

𝒇(𝒙)
𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Substitute in the formula √1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − √1 − 2𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Multiply the right side √1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − √1 − 2𝑥 √1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥
with the conjugate = lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ √1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥

Use the product of the 𝟐

(√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) ) − (√1 − 2(𝑥))
𝟐

sum and difference of two 𝐥𝐢𝐦

𝒉→𝟎 𝒉(√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥)
terms
 Simplify the numerator 1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) − (1 − 2𝑥)
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉(√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥)
1 − 2𝑥 − 2ℎ − 1 + 2𝑥
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉(√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥)
−2ℎ
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉(√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥)

Divide by h −2
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 (√1 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + √1 − 2𝑥)

Evaluate the limit as h −2

𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) =
approaches 0 √1 − 2𝑥 + √1 − 2𝑥
Combine the −2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) =
denominator 𝟐√1 − 2𝑥
Derivative of the function −𝟏
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) =
√1 − 2𝑥

−1
The function is not differentiable at x = ½ because 𝑓 ′(1/2) = 0

Activity 3

Find Your Rate at this Moment

The next task will push you to performance at a higher level as you find the
derivative of the functions. Differentiate the following functions and determine
the slopes of the tangent lines at the given values of x. Write your answer in a
separate sheet of paper ans shiw your solution.
function At derivative Slope of tangent

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 − 1)2 x = 1/2

2. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥−3
2 x=4

3. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
1 x=0
2𝑥−1

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = √2 − 𝑥 x=-2

5. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 5 x=6
KEY ANSWERS

PRETEST

1. D 6. D 11. D

2. D 7. A 12. B

3. A 8. B 13. B

4. A 9. A 14. C

5. C 10. B 15. D