SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL PACKETS

BASIC CALCULUS (GRADE 11 STEM STRAND)

WEEK 4
I. OBJECTIVES
A. Content Standards
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of
derivatives

B. Performance Standards
The learners shall be able to formulate and solve accurately situational
problems involving extreme values

C. Learning Competencies
The learners
1. illustrate the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point;
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIe-1)
2. apply the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number;
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIe-2)
3. relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line;
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIe-2) and
4. determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a function.
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIe-1)

D. Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. illustrate the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point;
2. apply the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number;
3. relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line; and
4. determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a function.

II. CONTENT
UNIT 2: Derivatives
Lesson 2.1: The Derivative of a Function and the Slope of the Tangent Line
Lesson 2.2: Continuity and Differentiability

Learning Resources
A. Reference
• Department of Education. (2016). Basic Calculus Teacher’s Guide. (1st ed.). p38-51
• Mercado, J., & Orines, F. (2016). Next Century Mathematics Basic Calculus. p42-58
• dela Cruz, P., Maderal, L., & Valdez, M. (2018). Basic Calculus for Senior High
School. p49-65

III. PROCEDURES

A. Reviewing previous lesson or presenting the new lesson.

First, let us recall the last lesson we’ve discussed about Continuity. Here is the
summary of the previous discussion:
• A function is said to be continuous when it has no “holes”, no “jumps” or no
“gaps”.
• A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at the number 𝑐 if
𝑓(𝑐) exists, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐) .
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐
• A function f(x) is continuous on an open interval (𝑎, 𝑏) if it is continuous at every
point on the interval (𝑎, 𝑏).
• A function f(x) is continuous on a closed interval [𝑎, 𝑏] if: (1) It is continuous on
the open interval (𝑎, 𝑏), (2) It is continuous from the right of a, and (3) It is
continuous from the left of b.

40
 • Polynomial function is continuous at every real number, that is, it is continuous
everywhere.
• Absolute value function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is continuous everywhere.
• Rational function is continuous at every number in its domain.
• A square root function is continuous at every number in its domain.

B. Establishing a purpose for the lesson

What is your idea about a tangent line? Where did you first heard the word ”tangent”?
Some of you might answer: “line which touches the graph at only one point”, “trigonometric
function tangent (and cotangent)”, “touching but not intersecting (cutting through)”, tangent
comes from the Latin word tángere meaning “to touch” (cf. Noli me Tángere) and many
more possible definitions that you have recalled. The above-mentioned definitions are all
correct in almost cases, but these could not be very precise in general. In fact, the formal
definition of a tangent line is stated using limit. That will be explained as the lesson
progress.

C. Presenting examples/instances of the new lesson

Consider line 𝐿 tangent to the curve at point 𝑃 below.

To find the tangent line at point 𝑃, there is a need for a second point 𝑄 on the curve.

In the figure below, the line passing through points 𝑃 and 𝑄 is secant ⃡𝑃𝑄 .

If point 𝑄 will slide down to point 𝑃, it will get closer to point 𝑃 and the slope of secant
⃡𝑃𝑄 will then approach the value of the slope of the line 𝐿 tangent to the curve at point 𝑃.

This means that if ∆𝑥 is made arbitrarily small, the slope of secant ⃡𝑃𝑄 would get arbitrarily
closer to the slope of tangent line 𝐿.

Recall that to determine the slope, we will use the formula

𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = =
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑥 ∆𝑥 𝑥2 − 𝑥1

41
 Let the coordinates of point 𝑄 be 𝑥2 and 𝑦2 and coordinates of point 𝑃 be 𝑥1 and 𝑦1
respectively. Substituting the values to the formula:
𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = =
(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑥 ∆𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Let the limit of the right side be denoted by 𝑑𝑥
as ∆𝑥 → 0. 𝑑𝑥 is read as the derivative of 𝑦
with respect to 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

= lim = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑥
can be written as 𝑦′ (𝑦 prime).

The limit is so important that it is given a name. It is called derivative. The derivative of
a function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is defined as follows:

𝑑𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

= lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

Derivative is the slope of a curve at an exact point. And the process of finding the
derivative of function is called differentiation.

D. Discussing new concepts and practicing new skills #1

DERIVATIVES OF ALGEBRAIC POLYNOMIALS

Consider the graph below

Based on the figure, 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥).

Subtracting 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) from both sides and dividing each side by ∆𝑥 results to

𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑦

∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)

∆𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) → =
∆𝑥 ∆𝑥

Getting the limit of both sides as ∆𝑥 → 0,

𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)
= lim = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

This process which is sometimes called the Delta Method (Four-Step Rule) of finding the
derivatives of the functions can be used to find the derivative of Algebraic Polynomials, slope
of curve at a number/point and the equation of the tangent line that passes through a curve.

42
The following are the steps in finding the derivative of a given function using Delta Method:
✓ Step 1. In the given equation, replace 𝑥 with 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 and 𝑦 with 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 then simplify.
✓ Step 2. Find ∆𝑦 by subtracting the given equation from the equation obtained in
Step 1 then simplify.
✓ Step 3. Divide both sides of the equation obtained in Step 2 by ∆𝑥 then simplify.
✓ Step 4. Find the limit as ∆𝑥 → 0.

EXAMPLE 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 5.

Solution:
Step 1.
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 3(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 − 5 → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 3(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 ) − 5
Note: 𝑥 and ∆𝑥 are not the same variable so we cannot combine them even the operation is
multiplication. Correct: 𝑥(∆𝑥) = 𝑥∆𝑥 Incorrect: 𝑥(∆𝑥) = ∆𝑥 2
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2 − 5

Step 2:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2 − 5 − 𝑦
∆𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2 − 5 − (3𝑥 2 − 5)
∆𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2 − 5 − 3𝑥 2 + 5 → ∆𝑦 = 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2
2

Step 3:
∆𝑦 6𝑥∆𝑥 + 3∆𝑥 2 ∆𝑦
= → = 6𝑥 + 3∆𝑥
∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥

Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (6𝑥 + 3∆𝑥) = 6𝑥 + 3(0) → = 𝟔𝒙
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙

EXAMPLE 2: Differentiate 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 9.

Solution:
Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)3 − 5(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) + 9
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 − 5∆𝑥 + 9
Step 2:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 − 5∆𝑥 + 9 − 𝑦
∆𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 − 5∆𝑥 + 9 − (𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 9)
∆𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 − 5∆𝑥 + 9 − 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 − 9
∆𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5∆𝑥
Step 3:
Δ𝑦 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 5∆𝑥
= = 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 5
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 + 𝑥 2 − 5) = 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥(0) + (0)2 − 5 → = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙
7
EXAMPLE 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥+8.

Solution:
Step 1:
7
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 =
𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8
Step 2:
7 7 7 7(𝑥 + 8) − [7(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = − 𝑦 → ∆𝑦 = − =
𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8 𝑥 + 8 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8)
7𝑥 + 56 − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥 − 56 −7∆𝑥
∆𝑦 = =
(𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8) (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8)

43
Step 3:
−7∆𝑥
Δ𝑦 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8) −7∆𝑥 1 −7
= = ∙ =
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8) ∆𝑥 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8)
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 −7 −7 𝒅𝒚 −𝟕
= lim = lim ( )= → =
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 + 8) (𝑥 + 0 + 8)(𝑥 + 8) 𝒅𝒙 (𝒙 + 𝟖)𝟐

EXAMPLE 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = √5 − 3𝑥.

Solution:
Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = √5 − 3(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥
Step 2:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − 𝑦 → ∆𝑦 = √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − √5 − 3𝑥

We cannot yet proceed on Step 3 for the given equations need to be simplified first by
multiplying the conjugate of the given. In multiplying the conjugate, just change the operation
in between the terms and multiply it on both numerator and denominator.

√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
∆𝑦 = √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − √5 − 3𝑥 ∙
√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
(√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥)(√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥) + (√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥)(√5 − 3𝑥) − (√5 − 3𝑥)(√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥) − (√5 − 3𝑥)(√5 − 3𝑥)
∆𝑦 =
√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
√(5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥)2 − √(5 − 3𝑥)2 5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − (5 − 3𝑥)
∆𝑦 = =
√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 − 5 + 3𝑥 −3∆𝑥
∆𝑦 = =
√5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
Step 3:
−3∆𝑥
Δ𝑦 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 −3∆𝑥 1
= = ∙
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 ∆𝑥
∆𝑦 −3
=
∆𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 −3 −3
= lim = lim ( )=
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3∆𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 − 3(0) + √5 − 3𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −3 −𝟑
= =
𝑑𝑥 √5 − 3𝑥 + √5 − 3𝑥 𝟐√𝟓 − 𝟑𝒙

It was stated above that in finding the derivative of a function using delta method we can also
determine the slope of the function and the equation of the tangent line to the graph of the
function. But how? Consider the following examples:

EXAMPLE 5: Find the slope of the curve at the given point. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 at (3, 1)

Solution:
First, find the derivative of the function using Delta Method.

Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5(𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 − 7(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 ) − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥
Step 2:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑦 = 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥 − 𝑦
∆𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥 − (5𝑥 2 − 7𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 7∆𝑥 − 5𝑥 2 + 7𝑥
2

∆𝑦 = 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7∆𝑥

Step 3:
Δ𝑦 10𝑥∆𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 2 − 7∆𝑥
= = 10𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 − 7
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥

44
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (10𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 − 7) = 10𝑥 + 5(0) − 7 → = 𝟏𝟎𝒙 − 𝟕
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙

We can now find the slope of the curve at any point (𝑥, 𝑦) or any number since the derivative
of the function was determined. To compute for the slope, substitute the value of 𝑥 to the
derivative of the function.
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑥
= 10𝑥 − 7, if 𝑥 = 3 (based from the point given)
𝑑𝑦
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = 10(3) − 7 = 30 − 7 = 𝟐𝟑
𝑑𝑥

EXAMPLE 6: Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function defined by
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1 at (−1, 4).

Solution:
Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)3 − 2(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) + 1 → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 − 2∆𝑥 + 1
Step 2:
∆𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 − 2∆𝑥 + 1 − (𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)
∆𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2∆𝑥
Step 3:
Δ𝑦 3𝑥 2 ∆𝑥 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2∆𝑥
= = 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 3 − 2) = 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥(0) + (0)3 − 2 → = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙

To solve for the slope substitute 𝑥 = −1 to the obtained derivative

𝑑𝑦
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = 3𝑥 2 − 2 = 3(−1)2 − 2 = 3 − 2 = 𝟏
𝑑𝑥

EXAMPLE 7: Find the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function defined by
𝑦 = 5 + 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2 at (−3, 1). Write the equation of the tangent line.

Solution:
Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5 + 4(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) − (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5 + 4𝑥 + 4∆𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 )
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5 + 4𝑥 + 4∆𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥∆𝑥 − ∆𝑥 2
Step 2:
∆𝑦 = 5 + 4𝑥 + 4∆𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥∆𝑥 − ∆𝑥 2 − (5 + 4𝑥 − 𝑥 2 )
∆𝑦 = 5 + 4𝑥 + 4∆𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥∆𝑥 − ∆𝑥 2 − 5 − 4𝑥 + 𝑥 2 → ∆𝑦 = 4∆𝑥 − 2𝑥∆𝑥 − ∆𝑥 2
Step 3:
Δ𝑦 4∆𝑥 − 2𝑥∆𝑥 − ∆𝑥 2
= = 4 − 2𝑥 − ∆𝑥
Δ𝑥 ∆𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (4 − 2𝑥 − ∆𝑥) = 4 − 2𝑥 − 0 → = 𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙

To compute for the slope, substitute 𝑥 = −3 to the obtained derivative

𝑑𝑦
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = 4 − 2(−3) = 4 + 6 = 𝟏𝟎
𝑑𝑥

To find the equation of the tangent line, use the point-slope form: 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )

Substitute the computed slope 𝑚 = 10 and the given point (−3,1) which are 𝑥1 and 𝑦1
respectively to the point-slope form.
𝑦 − 1 = 10(𝑥 + 3) → 𝑦 − 1 = 10𝑥 + 30 → 𝑦 = 10𝑥 + 30 + 1 → 𝑦 = 10𝑥 + 31
The equation of the tangent line is 𝑦 = 10𝑥 + 31.

45
 ACTIVITY 4.1

Directions: Answer the activity on your Basic Calculus notebook. Write Activity 4.1,
Week 4 Quarter 3 and the date today. Show your complete solution for each item.

4𝑥−7
a. Find the derivative of the functions: (𝑖)𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 9; (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 8; (𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑦 =
2𝑥+1
(Pointing system: 1 point each derivative)

b. Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the curve (𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 +
2 𝑎𝑡 (−2, −1); (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 𝑎𝑡 (6, −1)
(Pointing system: 1 point derivative, 1 point slope, 1 point tangent line equation)

Now, check your work by turning to the Excellent Fair

key to corrections. (9 Points) (5-6 Points)
How many correct answers did you
get? Rate your result using the table Good Poor
given. (7-8 Points) (0-4 Points)
Turn to sec. J and
If your score is at least 5 out of 9, you answer Remedial 4.1
may now proceed to the next part of
the discussion.

E. Discussing new concepts and practicing new skills #2

DIFFERENTIABILITY AND CONTINUITY

The operation of finding the derivative of a function is called differentiation. If a function

has a derivative for a particular value of 𝑥 (which means that the computed value for the slope
at any value of 𝑥 exist – a real number), the function is said to be differentiable at that value
of 𝑥.

Also, recall that A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at the number 𝑐 if

𝑓(𝑐) exists, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

Determine whether each of the following functions is (a) continuous (b) differentiable.

EXAMPLE 1: 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 1 at 𝑥 = 1
(a) Testing the continuity of the function at 𝑥 = 1:
𝑖. 𝑓(1) = 5(1) + 1 = 6,
𝑖𝑖. lim (5𝑥 + 1) = lim (5𝑥) + lim 1 = 5(1) + 1 = 6
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
𝑖𝑖𝑖. 𝑓(1) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) → 6 = 6
𝑥→1
The function is continuous at 𝑥 = 1

(b) Testing the differentiability of the function at 𝑥 = 1:

Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5(𝑥 + ∆𝑥) + 1 → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 + 1
Step 2:
∆𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 + 1 − (5𝑥 + 1) = 5𝑥 + 5∆𝑥 + 1 − 5𝑥 − 1 = 5∆𝑥
Step 3:
Δ𝑦 5Δ𝑥
= =5
Δ𝑥 Δ𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (5) = 5 → = 𝟓 = 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙

46
 Since there is no variable 𝑥 on the obtained derivative of the function, 5 is considered as the
slope of the function. Also, it is important to note that the obtained derivative is constant, we
can conclude form that, the given function is differentiable at any value of 𝑥.

EXAMPLE 2: 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 7 at 𝑥 = −2

(a) Testing the continuity of the function at 𝑥 = −2:

𝑖. 𝑓(−2) = (−2)2 − (−2) + 7 = 4 + 4 + 7 = 15
𝑖𝑖. lim (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 7) = ( lim 𝑥)2 − lim 𝑥 + lim 7 = (−2)2 − (−2) + 7 = 4 + 4 + 7 = 15
𝑥→−2 𝑋→−2 𝑥→−2 𝑥→−2
𝑖𝑖𝑖. 𝑓(−2) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) → 15 = 15
𝑥→−2
∴The function is continuous at 𝑥 = −2

(b) Testing the differentiability of the function:

Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = (𝑥 + ∆𝑥)2 − (𝑥 + ∆𝑥) + 7 → 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − ∆𝑥 + 7
Step 2:
∆𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − ∆𝑥 + 7 − (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 7)
∆𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − ∆𝑥 + 7 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 7 = 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − ∆𝑥
2

Step 3:
Δ𝑦 2𝑥∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 − ∆𝑥
= = 2𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 1
Δ𝑥 Δ𝑥
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 𝒅𝒚
= lim = lim (2𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 + 0 − 1 → = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟏
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 𝒅𝒙
If 𝑥 = −2,
𝑑𝑦
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = 2(−2) − 1 = −4 − 1 = −𝟓
𝑑𝑥
∴ The function is differentiable at 𝑥 = −2.

EXAMPLE 3: 𝑦 = √𝑥 − 3 at 𝑥 = 3

(a) Testing the continuity of the function at 𝑥 = 3:

𝑖. 𝑓(3) = √3 − 3 = √0 = 0
𝑖𝑖. lim √𝑥 − 3 = √ lim 𝑥 − lim 3 = √3 − 3 = √0 = 0
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3

𝑖𝑖𝑖. 𝑓(3) = lim 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 = 0

𝑥→3
∴ The function is continuous at 𝑥 = 3.

(b) Testing the differentiability of the function at 𝑥 = 3.

Step 1:
𝑦 + ∆𝑦 = √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3
Step 2:
√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 − (𝑥 − 3)
∆𝑦 = √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 − √𝑥 − 3 ∙ =
√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3
𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 − 𝑥 + 3 ∆𝑥
∆𝑦 = =
√𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3
Step 3:
∆𝑥
Δ𝑦 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 ∆𝑥 1 1
= = ∙ =
Δ𝑥 Δ𝑥 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 ∆𝑥 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3
Step 4:
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦 1 1 1
= lim = lim ( )= =
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 √𝑥 + ∆𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 + 0 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3 √𝑥 − 3 + √𝑥 − 3
𝒅𝒚 𝟏
=
𝒅𝒙 𝟐√𝒙 − 𝟑

47
If 𝑥 = 3,
𝑑𝑦 1 1 1
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = = = = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
𝑑𝑥 2√3 − 3 2√0 0

Since the slope is undefined, the function is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 3.

F. Developing Mastery

ACTIVITY 4.2

Directions: Answer the activity on your Basic Calculus notebook. Write Activity 4.2, Week 4
Quarter 3 and the date today. Show your complete solution for each item (if necessary).

Determine whether each of the following functions is (a) continuous (b) differentiable.

1
1. 𝑦 = √1 − 3𝑥 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 =
3
1
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥−5 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 5
3. 𝑦 = 7𝑥 − 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −3

Now, check your work by turning to the Excellent! Fair!

key to correction. (6 Points) (3 Points)

How many correct answers did you

get? Rate your result using the table Good! Poor!
given. (4-5 Points) (0-2 Points)
Turn to sec. J and
If your score is at least 3 out of 6, you answer Remedial 4.2
may now proceed to the next part of
the discussion.

G. Finding practical applications of concepts and skills in daily living

Derivative isn’t just limited to mathematical problems; it has a broad range of practical utility.
Nothing is useless in this world, when we say something cannot be used, we don’t know how to
use it. The one who knows its utility, will not stop thinking about it.

The uniqueness of this concept is its predictive ability to evaluate the change in quantities.
Whether its speed, momentum, temperature and even the business speculations, all the
variations can be worked out using derivative.

Use in Physics: A moving body’s relative position can help us calculate the velocity. In the same
way, derivatives of acceleration and momentum can be found.

Use in Chemistry: In chemistry, the concentration of an element involved in a reaction, the

change in concentration can be predicted. Similarly, to measure the rate of chemical reactions
and to check the contribution and loss of a compound during the reaction.

Use in Economics: Nowadays, the decision making in economics has become more
mathematical. Statistical and mathematical principles are applied in making decisions regarding
possible gain or loss in investment. Confronted with massive statistical data, dependent on lots
of variables, there was a need of some tool that could assist the analysts. Here, calculus proved
to be beneficial. It implemented the derivative concepts to predict the results of different
investment possibilities. Ultimately, this enabled the analysts to select the one possibility that
might prove to be productive in terms of profitability.

Johnson, J. 2020. Derivatives and their real world applications. Retrieved from https://thriveglobal.com/stories/derivatives-and-their-real-world-
applications/

48
 H. Making generalizations and abstractions about the lesson

• Derivative is the slope of a curve at an exact point. And the process of finding the
derivative of function is called differentiation.
𝑑𝑦 𝑓(𝑥+∆𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥)
• The derivative of a function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is defined as: = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
• Delta Method (Four-step Rule) is used to determine the derivative of a function. The
following are the steps in finding the derivative of a given function using Delta Method:
▪ Step 1. In the given equation, replace 𝑥 with 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 and 𝑦 with 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 then simplify.
▪ Step 2. Find ∆𝑦 by subtracting the given equation from the equation obtained in Step
1 then simplify.
▪ Step 3. Divide both sides of the equation obtained in Step 2 by ∆𝑥 then simplify.
▪ Step 4. Find the limit as ∆𝑥 → 0.
• The operation of finding the derivative of a function is called differentiation. If a function
has a derivative for a particular value of 𝑥 (which means that the computed value for the
slope at any value of 𝑥 exist – a real number), the function is said to be differentiable at
that value of 𝑥.
• A function 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be continuous at the number 𝑐 if
𝑓(𝑐) exists, lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐).
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→𝑐

I. Evaluating Learning
WRITTEN WORK #4
(DELTA METHOD & DIFFERENTIABILITY AND CONTINUITY)

Direction: Use yellow papers to answer the WRITTEN WORK #4. Copy all given problem set
and follow the given instructions. Show your complete solution for each item (if necessary).
Label your paper using the format shown below and it is to be submitted to your Basic
Calculus teacher.
Name: ________________________ Section: 11 – STEM __
Subject: Basic Calculus Week Number: 4 Parent’s Signature: ____________
I. Find the derivative of the following functions:
(a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1
(b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 9𝑥 − 4
II. Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the curve:
(a) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1 at (−2, 5)
(b) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 4 at (1, 3)
III. Determine whether each of the following functions is continuous and/or differentiable
at a given number:
5
(a) 𝑦 = 𝑥−7 at 𝑥 = 7
(b) 𝑦 = √𝑥 − 6 at 𝑥 = 2

J. Additional Activities / Remediation

REMEDIATION/ENHANCEMENT 4.1

Directions: Answer the activity on your notebook. Write R/E 4.1, Week 4 Quarter 3 and the
date today. Show your complete solution for each item (if necessary).

a. Find the derivative of the functions:

(𝑖) 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 5
(𝑖𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 9
(𝑖𝑖𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3
b. Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the curve
(𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 1 𝑎𝑡 (2, −3)
(𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 𝑎𝑡 (−1, 5)

49
 You may proceed to the next part of the discussion if your score is at least 5 out of 9. (please
see key to corrections)

If not, you have to go back to section A and try all over again.

If you need more help, send your teacher a message so he/she can assist you.

REMEDIATION/ENHANCEMENT 4.2

Directions: Answer the activity on your notebook. Write R/E 4.2, Week 4 Quarter 3 and the
date today. Show your complete solution for each item (if necessary).

Determine whether each of the following functions is (a) continuous (b) differentiable.
5
1. 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 5 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 3
5
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥−2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 2
3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −1

You may proceed to the next part of the discussion if your score is at least 3 out of 6. (please
see key to corrections)

If not, you have to go back to section A and try all over again.

If you need more help, send your teacher a message so he/she can assist you.
KEY TO CORRECTIONS
ACTIVITY 4.1
𝑑𝑦
a. Find the derivative of the functions: (𝑖)𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 9 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: = 5 ; (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 +
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 4𝑥−7 𝑑𝑦 18
8 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑑𝑥 = 6𝑥; (𝑖𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 2𝑥+1 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑑𝑥 = (2𝑥+1)2
b. Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the curve (𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 +
𝑑𝑦
2 𝑎𝑡 (−2, −1) 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠: = 2𝑥 − 5, 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −9, 𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑦 = −9𝑥 −
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
19; (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 𝑎𝑡 (6, −1)𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠: = 6𝑥 − 2, 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 =
𝑑𝑥
34, 𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑦 = 34𝑥 − 205

ACTIVITY 4.2
1 1
1. 𝑦 = √1 − 3𝑥 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 3 Answer: The function is continuous at 𝑥 = 3 ; the function is not
1
differentiable at 𝑥 =
3
1
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥−5 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 5 Answer: The function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 5; the function is not
differentiable at 𝑥 = 5
3. 𝑦 = 7𝑥 − 1 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −3 Answer: The function is continuous at 𝑥 = −3; the function is
differentiable at 𝑥 = −3

REMEDIAL 4.1
𝑑𝑦
a. Find the derivative of the functions: (𝑖)𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 5 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑑𝑥 = 4 ; (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 𝑥 2 +
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
9 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥; (𝑖𝑖𝑖)𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟: 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥
b. Find the slope and the equation of the tangent line to the curve (𝑖) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 +
𝑑𝑦
1 𝑎𝑡 (2, −3) 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠: = 2𝑥 − 5, 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒: − 1, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑦 = −𝑥 − 1; (𝑖𝑖)𝑦 =
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 𝑎𝑡 (−1, 5) 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠: 𝑑𝑥 = 6𝑥 − 1, 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −7, 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑦 = −7𝑥 − 2
REMEDIAL 4.2
5 5
1. 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 5 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = , Answer: the function is continuous at 𝑥 = , the function is differentiable
3 3
5
at 𝑥 = 3
5
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥−2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 2, answer: the function is discontinuous at 𝑥 = 2, the function is not
differentiable at 𝑥 = 2

50
3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 2 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = −1 Answer: the function is continuous at 𝑥 = −1, the function is
differentiable at 𝑥 = −1

51