THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS

CHAPTER 3
THE DERIVATIVE
The two important processes discussed in Calculus are differentiation and integration.
Here in Calculus 1, we will discuss all about differentiation.

Remember in Chapter 2, we need to use the concept of limits to get an instantaneous

rate of change such that of velocity and acceleration. With differentiation, we can avoid the
complex process used in limits. We just need to know the basic rules of differentiation.

Before we proceed in differentiation, we need first to know the following terms:

The derivative is the instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to one of its
variables. It can also be defined as the slope of a point in a curve.

A slope is the measure of the line’s inclination or declination. A vertical line has a slope
that is equal to infinite while a horizontal line has a slope of zero.

Differentiation is the process to calculate the rate of change of quantities such as velocity
and acceleration, temperature variation, production performance and many others.

Tangent Line represents the instantaneous rate of

change or slope of the function at that one point.

Secant Line is a line that intersects two or more points

on a curve.

Secant lines and tangent lines are very useful in Data Analysis. They are used to predict
stock market behavior, machine performance, supply and demand, population growth and many
others. Differentiation is the process to obtain the tangent line, which represents the slope of a
particular point in a curve. The derivative is the result after you differentiated a function. In other
words, differentiation is the process to get the derivative of a function.

In this chapter we will discuss the following:

 the Derivative
 the General formula for Differentiation, and
 the basic rules for differentiation.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, it is expected that the students can:

 explain the concept of differentiation.

 give some applications of differentiation.
 define the term derivative.
 apply the general formula for differentiation to get the derivative of a function.
 enumerate and apply the basic rules in differentiating functions.

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
Lesson 1 - The Derivative

By definition, the derivative of a function is the instantaneous rate of change of that

function. The derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) is commonly represented as

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥), 𝑦 ′, , 𝑓(𝑥), 𝐷𝑓(𝑥) …
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Concept of Differentiation

Again, differentiation is the process of identifying the instantaneous rate of change (the
slope) of a function. It is obtained using the slope formula and the application of limits.

Slope Formula:

∆𝑦 𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑚= =
∆𝑥 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

To approximate the
instantaneous rate of change or the
slope of the point in a curve, an interval
is established, as shown in the figure on
the right. The interval is equal to ∆𝑥.

Approximate is the word used

because the value obtained is not exact.
We can see that line 𝒎 is not parallel
with the tangent line at point 𝒑. Hence,
their slopes are not the same.

To get the slope of line 𝒎, the slope formula is used where 𝑥1 = 𝑥0 , 𝑥2 = 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥,
𝑦1 = 𝑓(𝑥0 ) and 𝑦2 = 𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥). Hence,

𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )

𝑚 =
𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 − 𝑥0

𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )

=
𝑥0

Again, the resulting value is not precise. To get a better result, ∆𝑥 should be small. To
achieve the correct slope, ∆𝑥 must approach zero. Hence, limit is added to the equation as
shown below.

𝑓(𝑥0 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥0 )

𝑓′(𝑥) = lim
∆𝑥→0 𝑥0

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
If we let 𝑥 = 𝑥0 and ℎ = ∆𝑥, then

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓′(𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

This is the general formula for obtaining the derivative of a function.

Lesson 2 - The General Formula for Differentiation

We have discussed in the previous lesson how the general formula for differentiation was
derived. In this lesson, we will use the formula to obtain the derivative of a function.

Examples. Find the derivative of the following function using the general formula for
differentiation.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

Sol’n.

Solve for 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ). We get 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 𝑥 + ℎ.

Then, substitute to the formula.
𝑥+ℎ−𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim 1
ℎ→0

= 1

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 − 𝑥 2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ2 )
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim 2𝑥 + ℎ2
ℎ→0

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
= 2𝑥 + (0)2

= 2𝑥

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 5

′ (𝑥)
(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + (𝑥 + ℎ) − 5 − (𝑥 2 + x − 5)
𝑓 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + 𝑥 + ℎ − 5 − 𝑥 2 − x + 5
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 + ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ + 1)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim 2𝑥 + ℎ + 1
ℎ→0

= 2𝑥 + 0 + 1
= 2𝑥 + 1

Test Yourself!

Self-Test 3.1 Find the derivative of the following using the general formula for differentiation.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2)2

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑥

Exercises (35 pts.)

Exercise 3.1 Find the derivative of the following using the general formula for differentiation.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥
1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

1
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 1−𝑥

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3

Lesson 3 - Rules for Differentiation

Differentiating using the general formula for differentiation is not an easy process.
Differentiation of just a simple radical function or a 3 rd degree function requires a very long
solution. However, if we apply these following rules, the process becomes so short and simple.

Rules for Differentiation

(1) Derivative of a Constant

𝑑
𝐶=0
𝑑𝑥 where 𝐶 is constant

(2) Derivative of an Identity Function

𝑑 𝑑
𝑥=1 𝑦=1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦

(3) Power Rule

𝑑 𝑛
𝑥 = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥

(4) Constant Multiple Rule

𝑑 𝑑
[𝑘𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑘 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 where 𝑘 is constant

(5) Sum and Difference Rule

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

(6) Product Rule

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

or

𝐷(𝑢𝑣) = 𝑢𝑑𝑣 + 𝑣𝑑𝑢

(7) Quotient Rule

𝑑 𝑑
𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)
( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑔2 (𝑥)

or

𝑢 𝑣𝑑𝑢 − 𝑢𝑑𝑣
𝐷( ) =
𝑣 𝑣2

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
Examples. Find the derivative of the following function.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1

𝑑
𝑓′(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑
= (𝑥) + (1) 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

=1+0 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (2)

=1

𝑑𝑦
2. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 4 + 5, find 𝑑𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= (3𝑥 4 + 5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑
= (3𝑥 4 ) + (5) 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 4 𝑑
=3 (𝑥 ) + (5) 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (4)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= 3 ∙ 4𝑥 3 + 0 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (3)

= 12𝑥 3 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑦

𝑑𝑦
3. 𝑦 = 𝑥√𝑥, find 𝑑𝑥 .
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
=𝑥 √𝑥 + √𝑥 𝑥 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (6)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 1/2 𝑑
=𝑥 𝑥 + √𝑥 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
1
= 𝑥 ∙ 2 𝑥 −2 + √𝑥 ∙ 1 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (2)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (3)

𝑥
= + √𝑥 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑦. 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
2 √𝑥

3 √𝑥
= 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟
2

*Note: You can first simplify the function before differentiation. It will be easier. The
process shown above is just to demonstrate how the product rule is applied.

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
𝑥 2 +1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

𝑑 2 𝑑
𝑥 (𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 2 + 1) 𝑥
′
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑅𝑢𝑙𝑒 (7)
𝑥2

𝑥(2𝑥 + 0) − (𝑥 2 + 1)(1)
= 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠
𝑥2

𝑥2 − 1
= 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑦
𝑥2

Test Yourself!

Self-Test 3.2 Find the derivative of the following. Do not simplify. Apply the rules for
differentiation directly.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥(1 − 3𝑥) + 2

3
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 2

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 1)√4𝑥

1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥) (𝑥 3 )

5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 (𝑥 + 4)

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE
THE DERIVATIVE DIFFERENTIAL and INTEGRAL CALCULUS
CHAPTER 3
Exercises (3 pts. each)

Exercise 3.2 Find the derivative of the following where 𝑥 is the independent variable.

1. 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥2

𝑥4 3
2. 𝑦= + (5𝑥 − 1)2 + 5
2

3
3. 𝑦 = √𝑥 2

1 2
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑥)

3
1
5. 𝑦 = √𝑥√𝑥 2

2
6. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 3 )5

7. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 4)

1+𝑥
8. 𝑓(𝑥) = 1−𝑥

3𝑥 2
9. 𝑦 = (2𝑥+1)

1−√𝑥
10. 𝑧 = 𝑥

11. 𝑦 + 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑦

12. √𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥

Carry on Task (20 pts.)

Derive the product rule formula using the general formula for differentiation.

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SKSU PROPERTY – DO NOT REPRODUCE OR SHARE IN PUBLIC
Author: Ivan Roy S. Evangelista, MEng, EcE