MATH1520

University Mathematics for Applications

Fall 2022

Chapter 5. Applications of Differentiation

(with reference to past Lecture Notes)
Key Learning Objectives of this Chapter
(1) Apply L’Hොopital’s rule to evaluate limits of indeterminate forms.
(2) Explore the concepts of increasing and decreasing functions.
(3) Define critical points and relative/absolute extrema of real functions of 1
variable.
(4) Use the first derivative test to study relative/absolute extrema of functions.
(5) Use the sign of the second derivative to find intervals of concavity.
(6) Locate and examine points of inflection.
(7) Apply the second derivative test to determine relative extrema.
(8) Determine horizontal, vertical and oblique asymptotes of a graph.
(9) Curve Sketching based on given conditions.
(10) Model and analyze 1-variable optimization problems.
(11) Examine daily life problems that involve rates of change.
Limits of indeterminate forms and L’H𝐨
ෝpital’s rule

Examples
More Examples
(2)
(1)

Hence,

Hence,
Monotonicity of Functions and the First Derivative Test
Monotonicity: Increasing/Decreasing Functions
Maxima and Minima of Functions
Convexity / Concavity

Concave downwards Concave upwards

(Concave) (Convex)
A test for shapes of graphs
Curve Sketching
Optimization Problems
• The goal is to maximize / minimize certain quantities from the
perspectives of practical problems. This is simply an application of
absolute extrema of functions.
Procedures to solve Optimization problem:
1. Assign variables, set up a function by expressing the quantity to be optimized in terms of the
independent variable.
2. Find the absolute extrema of the function, by Calculus.
Problems involving Rate of change
Goal: Given rate of change of a quantity A, find the rate of change of another quantity B
that is related to A. This is an application of implicit differentiation.