LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

(SHS) BASIC CALCULUS

Quarter 3/Week # 5

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date:______________

Grade and Section: _______________________________________

Differentiability and Continuity

I. Most Essential Learning Competencies

1. Determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a function
(STEM_BC11D-IIIf-1); and
2. Apply the differentiability rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic, exponential,
logarithmic, trigonometric functions and inverse trigonometric functions; (STEM_BC11D-IIIf-3).
II. Objectives:
1. To differentiate differentiability and continuity;
2. To determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity;
3. To enumerate the differentiability rules; and
4. To apply the differentiability rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic, exponential,
logarithmic, trigonometric functions and inverse trigonometric functions.

III. Key Concepts:

The difference between continuity and differentiability is a critical issue. Most, but not all, of the
functions we encounter in calculus will be differentiable over their entire domain. Before we can
confidently apply the rules regarding derivatives, we need to be able to recognize the exceptions to the
rule (Balmaceda, et. al. 2016).
A differentiable function at a point a  is also continued at this point a .
(The reciprocal need not to be true, that is, a continuous function at a point a needs not to be differentiable at
this point). We are going to study the continuity and differentiability of the following functions (Sangku, S.L.,
2021).

A function f is continuous at x=c provided that A function f is differentiable at x=c provided that

(a) f has limit as x→c, that is
(a) f has a limit as x→c, that is f ( x )−f ( c)
lim ¿= lim ¿ lim exists and finite
−¿ +¿ x →c x−c
x→ c f (x)¿ x→ c f (x)¿
−¿ ¿
(b) f is defined at x=c, and (b) f has equal limit as x → c and
+¿¿ lim ¿
x→c
, that is c −¿ f ( x ) −f (c) =
(c) lim f ( xCalculus
)=f(c). Learner’s Material, Department of Education p. x→ ¿
Lifted from Basic 153 x−c
x →c
lim ¿
+¿ f ( x ) −f (c)
x→ c ¿
x−c
 If a function f is differentiable at a, then f is continuous at a.
Remark 1:
1. If f is continuous at x = a, it does not mean that f is differentiable at x = a.
2. If f is not continuous at x = a, then f is not differentiable at x = a.
3. If f is not differentiable at x = a, it does not mean that f is not continuous at x = a.
4. A function f is not differentiable at x = a if one of the following is true:
(a) f is not continuous at x = a.
(b) the graph of f has a vertical tangent line at x = a.
(c) the graph of f has a corner or cusp at x = a.
x 2−9
 Investigate the function f(x) = x−3
{
if x ≠ 3
6 if x=3
The function f(x) is continuous at x=3, since f(3)=6 and lim f ( x )=6
x →3

{
2
x +2 x −3
if x ≠ 1
 Investigate x −1
4 if x=1

The piecewise function is continuous at c = 1. This is because f(1) = 4, lim f ( x )=lim ( x−1)(x +3) = 4,
x →1
x →1 x−1
and f(1) = lim f (x ).
x →1

f ( x +h )−f (x)
 Investigate the function f(x) = √
3 '
x . By definition, its derivative is f ( x )= lim
h→ 0 h
' f ( x +h )−f (x)
f (x) =lim
h→ 0 h
√3 x−h−√3 x * √(x−h) + √( x−h)( x )+ √ x
3 2 3 3 2
'
f (x) =lim
h→ 0h 3 2 3
√(x−h) +√( x−h)( x )+ √ x
3 2

( x +h )−x
f (x) =lim
'

h ( √ ( x−h ) + √( x−h ) ( x ) + √ x )
3 2 3 3 2
h→ 0

1
f ' (x) =lim
h ( √ ( x−h ) + √( x−h ) ( x ) + √ x )
3 2 3 3 2
h→ 0

1
f (x) =lim
'
h ( √ ( x−0 ) + √( x−0 ) ( x ) + √ x )
3 2 3 3 2
h→ 0

'
1
f (x) =
3 √x
3 2
 1 1
Since f ' (1)= = ,then f is differentiable at x = 1. On the other hand, f ' (0) does not exist.
3 √1
3 2
3
Hence f is not differentiable at x = 0.

 Investigate function defined by f(x) = {2 5x +3x ififx <1x ≥ 1 is continuous but not differentiable at x =
1. Indeed, f(1) = 2(1) + 3 = 5. Now,
• If x < 1, then f(x) = 5x and so lim
x →1
5 x = 5.

• If x > 1, then f(x) = 2x + 3 and so lim (2 x+3)= 5.

x →1
Since the one-sided limits exist and are equal to each other, the limit exists and equals 5. So,
lim f ( x ) = 5 = f(1). This shows that f is continuous at x = 1. On the other hand, computing for
x →1
the derivative,
5 ( x+ h )−5 x
• For x < 1, f(x) = 5x and lim = 5.
h→ 0 h
[2 ( x+ h ) +3]−(2 x+ 3)
• For x > 1, f(x) = 2x + 3 and lim = 2. Since the one-sided limits at x = 1
h→ 0 h
do not coincide, the limit at x = 1 does not exist. Since this limit is the definition of the derivative
at x = 1, we conclude that the derivative does not exist. Therefore, f is not differentiable at x =1.

 Investigate function f(x) = |x| at x = 0. Clearly, f(0) = 0 = lim ⃓ ⃓x . However, if we look at the
x →0
( 0+ h )−f (0) ⃓ 0+ ⃓ h −⃓ 0 ⃓ ⃓ ⃓h
limit definition of the derivative, lim = lim = lim .
h→ 0 h h→ 0 h h→ 0 h
 Note that the absolute value function is defined differently to the left and right of 0 so we need to
compute one-sided limits. Note that if h approaches 0 from the left, then it approaches 0 through
lim ¿ lim ¿
negative values. Since h < 0 =⇒ |h| = −h, it follows that −¿
h→0
⃓ h⃓
¿
= −¿
h→0
−h
¿
= lim
−¿
¿=
h → 0 −1¿
h h
−1. Similarly, if h approaches 0 from the right, then h approaches 0 through positive values. Since
lim ¿ lim ¿
h > 0 =⇒ |h| = h, we obtain h → 0 +¿ ⃓ h⃓
¿
= h→0 +¿ h
¿
= lim ¿= −1.
+¿
h → 0 1¿
h h
Hence, the derivative does not exist at x = 0 since the one-sided limits do not coincide.
The previous two examples prove that continuity does not necessarily imply differentiability. That is,
there are functions which are continuous at a point, but not differentiable at that point. The next
theorem however says that the converse is always TRUE.

The Differentiation Rules and Examples Involving Algebraic, Exponential, and

Trigonometric Functions
Finding derivatives of functions by using the definition of the derivative can be a lengthy and, for certain
functions, a rather challenging process. For example, previously we found that
 d 2
(√ x ) =
dx 2√ x
by using a process that involved multiplying an expression by a conjugate prior to evaluating a limit.
d 3
dx √
The process that we could use to evaluate  ( x ) using the definition, while similar, is more
complicated.
In this section, we develop rules for finding derivatives that allow us to bypass this process. We begin
with the basics (Strang, G & Herman E., 2017).

Lifted from DepEd Learner’s Manual p. 159

DIFFERENTIATING CONSTANT FUNCTIONS
If f(x) = c where c is a constant, then f 0 (x) = 0. The derivative of a constant is equal to zero.

 Investigate the following:

1. If f(x) = 10, then f ' (x) = 0.
2. If h(x) = − √ 3, then h' (x) = 0.
3. If g(x) = 5π, then g' (x) = 0.

DIFFERENTIATING POWER FUNCTIONS

If f(x) = x n where n ∈ N, then f ' (x) = n x n−1.
 Investigate the following:
1. If f(x) = x 3 , then f ' (x) = 3 x 3−1 = 3 x 2 .
1
2. 2. Find g' (x) where g(x) = .
x2
Solution. In some cases, the laws of exponents must be used to rewrite an expression before
1 −2
applying the power rule. Thus, we first write g(x) = 2 = x before we apply the Power Rule.
x
−2
We have: g' (x) = (−2) x−2−1 = −2 x−3 or .
x3
1
3. If h(x) = √ x , then we can write h(x) = x 2 . So we have,
1 −1
1 −1 1 1
h' (x) = x 2 = x 2 or .
2 2 2√ x
DIFFERENTIATING A CONSTANT TIMES A FUNCTION
If f(x) = k h(x) where k is a constant, then f ' (x) = k h' (x).
 Investigate the following:
3 13
1. f(x) = 5 x 4 2. g(x) = √x 3. h(x) = -√
3
3x
3
Solution.
3 −1
1. f ' ( x ) = 5·
3 4 −1 = 15 4
x x
4 4
 ' 1 1 13 −1 1 −2
2. g (x) = · x = x3
3 3 9
3. h' ( x ) = - √ 3 x 1−1 = - √ 3

DIFFERENTIATING SUMS AND DIFFERENCES OF FUNCTIONS

The Sum Rule
If f(x) = g(x) + h(x) where g and h are differentiable functions, then f ' (x) = g' (x) + h' (x).
 Investigate f ' (x ) + g' (x) ; g' (x) + h' (x ); f ' (x )+ h' ( x ), given the following:
3 13
1. f(x) = 5 x 4 2. g(x) = √x 3. h(x) = -√
3
3x
3
Copying the derivatives in the solution of Example (3), and substituting them into the formula of the Sum
Rule, we obtain
−1 −2
15 4 1
(i) x + x3 .
4 9
−2
1 3
(ii) x + (- √ 3 ).
9
−1
15 4 + (- ).
(iii)
4
x √3
The Difference Rule
If f(x) = g(x) - h(x) where g and h are differentiable functions, then f ' (x) = g' (x) - h' (x).
 Investigate f ' (x ) - g' (x) ; g' (x) - h' (x ); f ' (x ) - h' ( x ), given the following:
3 13
1. f(x) = 5 x 4 2. g(x) = √x 3. h(x) = -√
3
3x
3
Copying the derivatives in the solution of Example (3), and substituting them into the formula of the Sum
Rule, we obtain
−1 −2
15 4 1 3
(i) x - x .
4 9
−2
1 3 - (-
(ii)
9
x √ 3 ).
−1
15 4
(iii) x - (- √ 3).
4
The Product Rule
If f and g are differentiable functions, then Dx[f(x) g(x)] = f(x) g' (x) + g(x) f ' (x).
The derivative of the product of two differentiable functions is the first function times the derivative of
the second function plus the second function times the derivative of the first function.
 Investigate f ' (x) if f(x) = (3x 2 − 4)(x 2 − 3x).
Solution 1.
'
f (x) = (3x 2 − 4)Dx(x 2 − 3x) + (x 2 − 3x)Dx(3x 2 − 4)
'
f (x) = (3x 2 − 4)(2x − 3) + (x 2 − 3x)(6x)
'
f (x) = 6x 3 − 9x 2 − 8x + 12 + 6x 3 − 18x 2
 '
f (x) = 12x 3 − 27x 2 − 8x + 12.
Solution 2. f(x) = (3x 2 − 4)(x 2 − 3x). Multiply the factors
f(x) = 3x 4 − 9x 3 − 4x 2 + 12x
f '(x) = 3·4 x 4−1 - 9·3 x 3−1- 4·2 x 2−1+12·1 x 1−1
'
f (x) = 12x 3 − 27x 2 − 8x + 12
 Investigate f ' (x) if f(x) = √ x (6x 3 + 2x − 4).
Solution.
' 1/ 2 1/ 2
f (x) = x Dx(6x + 2x − 4) + Dx( x ) (6x + 2x − 4)
3 3

' 1/ 2 1 −1 /2
f (x) = x (18x 2 + 2) + 2 x (6x 3 + 2x − 4)
5 1 5 1 −1
'
f (x) = 18 x 2 + 2 x 2 + 3 x 2 + x 2 − 2 x 2

5 1 −1
'
f (x) = 21 x 2 + 3 x 2 − 2 x 2 x.

The Quotient Rule

Let f(x) and g(x) be two differentiable functions with g(x) ≠ 0. Then
' '
f (x ) g ( x ) f ( x ) −f ( x ) g (x )
D x=[ ]= 2
g ( x) [ g ( x )]
The derivative of the quotient of two functions is the fraction having as its denominator the square of the
original denominator, and as its numerator the denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus
the numerator times the derivative of the denominator.

3 x +5
Investigate h' (x) if h(x)= 2
x +4
Solution.
3 x +5
If h(x)= , then f(x) = 3x+ 5 and g(x) = x 2 + 4 and therefore f ' (x) = 3 and g' (x) = 2x.
x2 + 4
Thus,
g ( x ) f ( x ) −f (x ) g (x ) ( x + 4 ) ( 3 ) −(3 x +5)(2 x )
' ' 2
'
h (x) = 2 = 2
[ g ( x )] ( x 2+ 4 )
2 2
'
3 x +12−6 x −10 x
h (x) = 2
( x 2+ 4 )
2 2
'
12−10 x−3 x −3 x −10 x +12
h (x) = 2 or 2
( x2 + 4 ) ( x2 + 4 )
DIFFERENTIATING TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Derivative of trigonometric Functions
1. Dx(sin x) = cos x 4. Dx(cot x) = − csc2 x
2. Dx(cos x) = − sin x 5. Dx(sec x) = sec x tan x
3. Dx(tan x) = sec2 x 6. Dx(csc x) = − csc x cot x
  Investigate f ' (x ) if f(x) = sec x + 3 csc x
Solution.
'
f (x ) = sec x tan x + 3(− csc x cot x)
'
f (x ) = sec x tan x − 3 csc x cot x.
 Investigate g' ( x) if g(x) = x 2 sin x − 3x cos x + 5 sin x
Solution.
'
g (x) = [(x 2 )(cos x) + (sin x)(2x)] − 3[(x)(− sin x) + (cos x)(1)] + 5 cos x
g' ( x ) = x 2 cos x + 2x sin x + 3x sin x − 3 cos x + 5 cos x
g' (x) = x 2 cos x + 5x sin x + 2 cos x.

DIFFERENTIATING AN EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

Derivative of an Exponential Function
If f(x) = ex , then f ' (x ) = ex .

 Investigate f ' (x ) if f(x) = 3ex

Solution.
f ' (x ) = 3Dx[ex ] = 3ex .
 Investigate g' (x) if g(x) = −4x2 ex + 5xex − 10ex
Solution.
'
g (x)= [(−4x2 )Dx(ex ) + (ex )Dx(−4x2)] + [(5x)Dx(ex ) + (ex )Dx(5x) − 10 · ex ]
'
g (x)= [(−4x2 )(ex ) + (ex )(−8x)] + [(5x)(ex ) + (ex )(5) − 10 · ex ]
g' (x)= −4x2 ex − 3xex − 5ex or ex [−4x2-3x-5]

If f(x) = ax, then f ' (x) = ax ln(a).

 Investigate f ' (x) if f(x) = 2x
Solution.
'
f (x) = 2x ln 2.
 Investigate f ' (x) if f(x) = 43x
Solution.
d
Since 3 is constant with respect to x, the derivative of 3x with respect to x is 3 [x].
dx
3x d
4 ln(4)(3 dx [x])
Move 3 to the left of 4 3 x ln(4)
d
3⋅(4 3 x ln(4)) dx [x]
d n
Differentiate using the Power Rule which states that  [x ] is nxn−1 where n=1.
dx
3⋅43xln(4)⋅1 Multiply 3 by 1, then 3⋅43x ln(4).
Derivative of Logarithm
1
If f(x) = ln x, then f ' (x) =
x
1
If f(x) = log a x , then f ' (x) =
x ln a
 Investigate f ' (x) if f(x) = 5log 9 w
Solution.
' 5
f (x) =
w ln 9
 Investigate g' (x) if g(x) = 10x3lnx
Solution.
'
g (x) = 10Dx (x3)ln(x)+10x3Dx ln(x)
' 1
g (x) = 10(3x2)ln(x) +10x3( x )
'
g (x) = 30 x2 ln x + 10x3

Activity #1 Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the letter of the answer on the space provided
before the number. (Lifted from the DepEd Learner’s Manual)
_________ 1. Suppose f is a function such that f ' (1) is undefined. Which of the following statements is
ALWAYS true?
a. f must be continuous at x = 1.
b. f is NOT continuous at x = 1.
c. There is not enough information to determine whether or not f is continuous at x = 1.
d. None of the above
_________ 2. Which of the following statements is/are ALWAYS true?
a. A function that is continuous at x = a must be differentiable at x = a.
b. A function that is NOT continuous at x = a must NOT be differentiable at x = a.
c. A function that is NOT differentiable at x = a must NOT be continuous at x = a.
d. A function that is differentiable at x = a must NOT be continuous at x = a.
_________ 3. Suppose that f is a function whose domain is the set of all real numbers, R, which is NOT
continuous at x = −1. Which of the following statements is/are FALSE?
a. f is NOT differentiable at x = −1.
b. Either f (−1) ≠ lim ¿ or f (−1) ≠ lim ¿.
+¿ −¿
x→−1 f (x)¿ x→−1 f (x)¿
c. f (−1) is defined.
d. None of the above
_________ 4. All functions are continuous on their domains. This statement is…
a. Always True c. Never True
b. Sometimes True d. None of the Above
_________ 5. If a function is differentiable, then it is continuous. This statement is …
a. Always True c. Never True
b. Sometimes True d. None of the Above
________ 6. If a function is continuous, then it is differentiable. This statement is …
a. Always True c. Never True
b. Sometimes True d. None of the Above
_________ 7. Discuss the continuity and differentiability of the function 𝑓 at 𝑥=0 given
𝑓(𝑥)= 2 {
−9 x−6 x if x <0
x −9 x−6 if x ≥ 0
a. The function is not continuous, so it is not differentiable at 𝑥=0.
b. The function is continuous and differentiable at 𝑥=0.
c. The function is not continuous but differentiable at 𝑥=0.
d. The function is continuous but not differentiable at 𝑥=0.
_________ 8. Discuss the differentiability of a function 𝑓 at 𝑥=−4 given f(x) =
+¿¿ −¿ ¿
{28xx+7 if x ← 4
+5 if x ≥−4.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) is not differentiable at 𝑥 = −4 because 𝑓′(−4 )≠𝑓′(−4 ).
b. 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 = −4 because 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = −4 .
c. 𝑓(𝑥) is not differentiable at 𝑥 = −4 because 𝑓(−4) is undefined.
+¿¿ −¿ ¿
d. 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 = −4 because 𝑓′(−4 ) = 𝑓′(−4 ).
1
_________ 9. Discuss the differentiability of the function 𝑓(𝑥)= −4𝑥 +  at 𝑥=−7.
x
a. The function is differentiable at 𝑥= −7 because 𝑓′(−7) exists.
b. The function is not differentiable at 𝑥 = −7 because 𝑓′(−7) does not exist.
c. The function is not differentiable at 𝑥 = −7 because 𝑓(𝑥) is not continuous at that point.
d. The function is differentiable at 𝑥 = −7 because 𝑓(−7) exists.
_________10. Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏 given the function 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑥 = −1 where

𝑓(𝑥) = {ax 9+xbx−4

2
+5 x if x ←1
x if x ≥−1
.

a. 𝑎 = −4, 𝑏 = 1
b. 𝑎 = −9, 𝑏 = −9
c. 𝑎 = −10, 𝑏 = −8
d. 𝑎 = −18, 𝑏 = 0

Activity # 2. Find the correct differentiation value of the item in Column A with the items in
Column B. Write the letter of the answer on the space provided before the number.
A B
_______ 1. f(x) =5 A. 5 x1/4
_______ 2. f(x) = 5x18 5
B. x -1/3
6
_______ 3. f(x) = 4x + x
5
−1 -3/4
C. x
2
_______ 4. f(x) = 4x5/4 D. x-1
5 E. 10e5x
_______ 5. f(x) = x 2/3
4
_______ 6. f(x) = 4x4 − 5x − 3 F. 90x17
 _______ 7. f(x) = −2 √4 x G. 16x2-5
3 H. 20x4+1
_______ 8. f(x) = 3
x
_______ 9. f(x) = 2𝑒5x I. 0
_______ 10. f(x) = log e (3 x) J. -9x-4

Activity # 3. Find the derivative of the following by applying the Rules of Differentiation
1. f (x) = x 5 − x 4 + x 3 − x 2 + x − 1
2. f (x)= (2x2 - 3x)(- 4x-2 +5)
x +2
3. f(x) = 2
x −3 x
sin x
4. f(x) =
secx+ x 2
5. f(x) = x 2 - e x sinx

IV. Log Me In
Discuss how will find the derivative of f (x) =√
3 3
x – cos x

V. Reference for Learners

Balmaceda, J.M. P. et. al 2016. Basic Calculus Learner’s Material, Department of Education,
Philippines, Pasig City, Philippines

Bogley, W.A & Robson, R. 1996. Differentiability Versus Continuity

Retrieved from: https://oregonstate.edu/instruct/mth251/cq/Stage5/Lesson/diffVsCont.html

Calculus Index, 2017. Derivative Rules

Retrieved from: https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/derivatives-rules.html

Dawkins, P. 2003-2021. Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Retrieved from: https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calci/diffexplogfcns.aspx

Leithold,L. 1990. The Calculus with Analytic Geometry 6 th Edition, Harper & Row, Publishing, New
York City

Rinehart, R.F. & Wilson, J.C. Relationship between Continuity and Differentiability of Functions
Retrieved from: https://www.ams.org/journals/proc/1963-014-01/S0002-9939-1963-0143059-9/S0002-
9939-1963-0143059-9.pdf

Sangko, S.L. 2021 Differentiability and its Relationship to Continuity

Retrieve from: https://www.sangakoo.com/en/unit/differentiability-and-its-relation-with-continuity

Strang, G. & Herman, E. 2021. Differentiation Rules

Retrieved from: https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Calculus/Book%3A_Calculus_(OpenStax)/
03%3A_Derivatives/3.3%3A_Differentiation_Rules

Demo Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx63tx0jsHw

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-differentiation-1-new/ab-2-4/v/differentiability

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fml0-ELYLaE

https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-relationship-between-continuity-differentiability.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmu9zYLhnfc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvLpN1G1Ncg

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-ab/ab-differentiation-1-new/ab-2-6a/v/derivative-
properties-example

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/old-ap-calculus-ab/ab-derivative-rules/ab-basic-diff-rules/v/constant-
derivative-rule

Prepared by:

JOEL S. TULIAO
Teacher III

Approved by:

FLORENTINO RAMOS, Ph.D.

EPS-Mathematics