Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Lesson 7.1
The nth Derivative of a Function
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

The 𝑛th Derivative of a Function 3
Notations for the 𝑛th Derivative of a Function 4
Theorems on the 𝑛th Derivative of a Function 12

Key Points 20

Check Your Understanding 21

Challenge Yourself 22

Bibliography 22

Key to Try It! 23

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Lesson 7.1

The nth Derivative of a Function

Introduction
The derivative describes the rate of change of an object at a given moment. We can
determine how fast an object is moving at a given instant, and using the derivative, we can
determine how fast its speed is changing at that moment.

In physics, we can describe the amount of change in position of an object, called the
displacement, using a function. Take the derivative of the displacement, and we can
determine the velocity of the object. If we take the derivative of the velocity, we can
determine the acceleration of that object. If we continuously get the derivatives of the
function, we can get the jerk and snap, respectively, of the object.

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 1

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
This shows the importance of determining the derivative of derivatives since it allows us to
understand more about rates of change. In this lesson, we will learn more about these kinds
of derivative.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
following: Compute higher-order derivatives
of functions
● Solve for the 𝑛th derivative of a function.
(STEM_BC11D-IIIh-1).
● Apply the different theorems on the 𝑛th
derivative of a function.

Warm Up
Keep at It! 10 minutes
This group activity will help the students illustrate the nth derivative of a function.

Materials
● pen
● paper

Procedure
1. Form groups of four.
2. Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥10 .
3. The first member should write on the paper the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥). Afterwards, the first
member should pass the paper to the second member.
4. For the second member, determine the derivative of the answer of the first member
and then pass it to the third member.
5. Do this repeatedly until the resulting function is zero.

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Guide Questions
1. What is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥)?
2. How many times did you differentiate the function before you obtained zero?
3. What can be said about 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥10 as we continuously get its derivative?
4. Do you think this property applies to all kinds of function? Why do you think so?

Learn about It!

In the Warm Up activity, we have demonstrated that we can get the derivative of a function
continuously. When we take the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥), the derivative 𝒇′(𝒙) is called
the first derivative. Taking the derivative of the first derivative would, in turn, give us the
second derivative, and so on. These are called the higher-order derivatives of a function.

How do you determine the 𝑛th derivative of a

function?

The 𝒏th Derivative of a Function

If a function 𝑓 is differentiable, its derivative 𝒇′ is called the first derivative of 𝒇. If 𝑓′ is
differentiable, its derivative is called the second derivative of 𝒇, denoted by 𝒇′′, which is read
as “𝑓 double prime.” The third derivative of 𝒇 can be obtained by taking the derivative of 𝑓′′
if it is differentiable. This is denoted by 𝒇′′′, which is read as “𝑓 triple prime”.

This process can be continued indefinitely until the nth derivative as long as the resulting
function is differentiable. The nth derivative of 𝒇, where 𝑛 is an integer greater than 1, is the
derivative of the (𝑛 − 1)th derivative of 𝑓. The 𝑛th derivative of 𝑓 is denoted by 𝑓 (𝑛) , and 𝒏 is
called the order of the derivative. In this regard, the function 𝑓 itself is denoted as 𝑓 (0) .

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 3

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

𝒏th Derivative of a Function

The 𝑛th derivative of a function 𝑓 is defined recursively by

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim for 𝑛 = 1, and
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 (𝑛−1) (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓 (𝑛−1) (𝑥)
𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = lim for 𝑛 > 1,
ℎ→0 ℎ

provided that these limits exist.

Notations for the 𝒏th Derivative of a Function

The table below shows the notations for the 𝑛th derivative of a function.

Table 7.1.1. Notations for the 𝑛th derivative of a function

𝒏th Derivative Function Leibniz’s Notation

𝑑𝑦
first derivative 𝑓′
𝑑𝑥

𝑑2 𝑦
second derivative 𝑓′′
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑3 𝑦
third derivative 𝑓′′′
𝑑𝑥 3

𝑑4 𝑦
fourth derivative 𝑓 (4)
𝑑𝑥 4

𝑑𝑛 𝑦
𝑛th derivative 𝑓 (𝑛)
𝑑𝑥 𝑛

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 4

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

If a function is differentiated continuously, will we

always end up with 𝒇(𝒏) = 𝟎? Why do you say so?

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Determine the third derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 .

Solution
Step 1: Determine the first derivative of the function.

We denote the first derivative of the function by 𝑓 ′ (𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝒙𝟓 + 𝒙𝟑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5(𝟓𝒙𝟒 ) + (𝟑𝒙𝟐 )
= 25𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2

Step 2: Determine the second derivative of the function.

To determine the second derivative of the function, we solve for the derivative
of the first derivative.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 25𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2
𝑑
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (25𝒙𝟒 + 3𝒙𝟐 )
𝑑𝑥
= 25(𝟒𝒙𝟑 ) + 3(𝟐𝒙)
= 100𝑥 3 + 6𝑥

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 5

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Step 3: Determine the third derivative of the function.

To determine the third derivative of the function, we solve for the derivative of
the second derivative.

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 100𝑥 3 + 6𝑥
𝑑
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = (100𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= 100(𝟑𝒙𝟐 ) + 𝟔
= 300𝑥 2 + 6

Thus, the third derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) is 𝒇′′′ (𝒙) = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔.

1 Try It!
Determine the fourth derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 8 − 3𝑥 5 + 2𝑥

Example 2
Solve for the fourth derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Determine the first derivative of the function.

We denote the first derivative of the function by 𝑓 ′ (𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = 3 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 + 5 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3(𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙) + 5(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
= 3 cos 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Step 2: Determine the second derivative of the function.

To determine the second derivative of the function, we take the first derivative
and solve for its derivative.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3 cos 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (3 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 − 5 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= 3(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙) − 5(𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙)
= −3 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥

Step 3: Determine the third derivative of the function.

To determine the third derivative of the function, we take the second derivative
and solve for its derivative.

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = −3 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = (−3 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 − 5 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= −3(𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙) − 5(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
= −3 cos 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥

Step 4: Determine the fourth derivative of the function.

To determine the fourth derivative of the function, we take the third derivative
and solve for its derivative.

𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = −3 cos 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = (−3 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 + 5 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= −3(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙) + 5(𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙)
= 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Thus, the fourth derivative of the function is 𝒇(𝟒) (𝒙) = 𝟑 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 + 𝟓 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙.

2 Try It!
Determine the fourth derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥 + 4

Example 3
Determine the third derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Determine the first derivative of the function.

Let us apply the Product Rule in determining the first derivative of the
function.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝟏
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝒆𝒙 ⋅ + 𝒆𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙
𝒙
𝑒𝑥
= + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥

Step 2: Determine the second derivative of the function.

Let us take the first derivative of the function and solve for its derivative. We
use the Quotient Rule and the Product Rule to determine the derivative.
𝑒𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥
𝑑 𝒆𝒙
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = ( + 𝒆𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝒙
𝒙 ⋅ 𝒆𝒙 − 𝒆𝒙 ⋅ 𝟏 𝟏
=( 𝟐
) + (𝒆𝒙 ⋅ + 𝒆𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙)
𝒙 𝒙
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥⋅𝑒 −𝑒 𝑒
= 2 + + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥 𝑥
𝑒 𝑥 (𝑥 − 1) 𝑒 𝑥
= + + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥2 𝑥

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 8

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Note that we factored out 𝑒 𝑥 in the first term so that it would be easier to
differentiate later.

Step 3: Determine the third derivative of the function.

Taking the derivative of the function all at once would be tedious. We can take
the derivative of each term and then combine them at the end.

𝑒 𝑥 (𝑥 − 1) 𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = + + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥2 𝑥
𝑑 𝑒 𝑥 (𝑥 − 1) 𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = ( + + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2 𝑥

Derivative of the first term:

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑
𝑑 𝑒 𝑥 (𝑥 − 1) 𝑥2 ⋅ [𝒆 (𝒙 − 𝟏)] − [𝑒 𝑥 (𝑥 − 1)] ⋅ (𝒙𝟐 )
( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2 (𝑥 2 )2
𝑥 2 ⋅ [𝒆𝒙 + 𝒆𝒙 (𝒙 − 𝟏)] − (𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 𝑥 )(𝟐𝒙)
=
𝑥4
𝑥 2 (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 𝑥 ) − (2𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 )
=
𝑥4
𝑥 2 (𝑥𝑒 𝑥 ) − 2𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥
=
𝑥4
𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥
=
𝑥4
𝑥(𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥 )
=
𝑥4
𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥
=
𝑥3

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Derivative of the second term:

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑
𝑑 𝑒𝑥 𝑥⋅ (𝒆 ) − 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ (𝒙)
( )= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 (𝑥) 2
𝑥 ⋅ 𝒆𝒙 − 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ 𝟏
=
𝑥2
𝑥𝑒 − 𝑒 𝑥
𝑥
=
𝑥2

Derivative of the third term:

𝑑 𝑥 𝑑 𝑑 𝒙
(𝑒 ln 𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ (𝐥𝐧 𝒙) + (𝒆 ) ⋅ ln 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝟏
= 𝑒 𝑥 ⋅ + 𝒆𝒙 ⋅ ln 𝑥
𝒙
𝑥
𝑒
= + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥

Combine the derivatives of each term.

𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 𝑥 𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = + + + 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑥3 𝑥2 𝑥
𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥 𝑥(𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 𝑥 ) 𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
= + + 3 +
𝑥3 𝑥3 𝑥 𝑥3
𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
=
𝑥3
3𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥
=
𝑥3
𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝑒 𝑥
=
𝑥3

𝒙𝟑 𝒆𝒙 𝐥𝐧 𝒙+𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝒆𝒙 −𝟑𝒙𝒆𝒙+𝟐𝒆𝒙
Thus, the third derivative of the function is 𝒇′′′ (𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟑

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 10

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

3 Try It!
sin 𝑥
Determine the third derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = .
𝑥

Did You Know?

Higher-order derivatives are useful in economics and politics. US

President Richard Nixon, during his campaign for his second term in
office, announced that the rate of increase of inflation was
decreasing. It was said that “this was the first time a sitting president
used the third derivative to advance his case for reelection” (Rossi,
1996).

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 11

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Theorems on the 𝒏th Derivative of a Function
There are several theorems on the 𝑛th derivative of the function. Let us analyze each one of
them.

Theorem 7.1.1
If 𝑓 is a polynomial of degree 𝑛, then 𝑓 (𝑛) is a constant function, and 𝑓 (𝑛+1) is a zero function.

Proof:
Let 𝑓 be a polynomial with degree 𝑛. Thus, the function follows the form below.

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

Getting the first derivative of the function gives us

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑛 − 1)𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 2𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑎1 .

Note that 𝑓′(𝑥) has one fewer term than 𝑓(𝑥). Let us now determine the second derivative of
the function.

𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)𝑥 𝑛−2 + 𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑛 − 1)(𝑛 − 2)𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 2𝑎2

Again, 𝑓′′(𝑥) has one fewer term than 𝑓′(𝑥). By continuously getting the higher-order
derivative of the function until the nth derivative, we come up with the function below.

𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑛!

The function 𝑓 (𝑛) in this case is a constant function. If we differentiate once more, we have
𝑓 (𝑛+1) (𝑥) = 0, which is a zero function.

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Thus, if 𝑓 is a polynomial function of degree 𝑛, 𝑓 (𝑛) is a constant function, and 𝑓 (𝑛+1) is a zero
function.

Theorem 7.1.2
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥, 𝑓 (4𝑛) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥, and 𝑔(4𝑛) (𝑥) = cos 𝑥 for all 𝑛 ∈ ℕ.

Proof:
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥. Let us determine 𝑓 (4) (𝑥).

𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= cos 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= − sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = (− sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= − (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= − cos 𝑥

𝑑
𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = (− cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= − (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= −(− sin 𝑥)
= sin 𝑥

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Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Then, 𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥, which is the value of the original function. If we continuously obtain the
higher-order derivatives of the function at this point, we can observe a pattern that sin 𝑥
appears at every fourth derivative. Thus, 𝑓 (4𝑛) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥 for all 𝑛 ∈ ℕ.

The same pattern can be observed for 𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥.

𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥

𝑑
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= − sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑔′′ (𝑥) = (− sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= − (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= − cos 𝑥

𝑑
𝑔′′′ (𝑥) = (− cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
= − (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= −(− sin 𝑥)
= sin 𝑥

𝑑
𝑔(4) (𝑥) = (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= cos 𝑥

Then, 𝑔(4) (𝑥) = cos 𝑥. The value cos 𝑥 appears at every fourth derivative of the function,
similar to 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 above. Thus, 𝑔(4𝑛) (𝑥) = cos 𝑥 for all 𝑛 ∈ ℕ.

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 14

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

How can these theorems help us in determining the

higher-order derivatives of a function?

Let’s Practice!
Example 4
𝜋
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥, solve for 𝑓 (9) ( 6 ).

Solution
Step 1: Solve for 𝑓 (9) (𝑥).

Given 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥, we know that 𝑓 (4𝑛) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥 by Theorem 7.1.2. If 𝑛 = 2, then
𝑓 (8) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥. This makes it easier for us to determine 𝑓 (9) (𝑥).

𝑑
𝑓 (9) = (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= cos 𝑥

𝜋
Step 2: Solve for 𝑓 (9) ( ).
6

𝜋
Substitute 𝑥 with 6 in 𝑓 (9) (𝑥).

𝑓 (9) (𝑥) = cos 𝑥

𝜋 𝜋
𝑓 (9) ( ) = cos ( )
6 6
√3
=
2

𝝅 √𝟑
Thus, 𝒇(𝟗) ( 𝟔 ) = .
𝟐

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 15

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

4 Try It!
𝜋
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥, solve for 𝑓 (11) ( 3 ).

Example 5
Determine the 14th derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Solve for the 12th derivative of the function.

Let us apply Theorem 7.1.2 to determine the 12th derivative of the function.

𝑑12
𝑓 (12) (𝑥) = (3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥12
𝑑12 𝑑12
= 12 (3 sin 𝑥) + 12 (5 cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
12
𝑑 𝑑12
= 3 12 (sin 𝑥) + 5 12 (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥

Step 2: Solve for the 14th derivative of the function.

Since we know that 𝑓 (12) (𝑥) = 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥, we differentiate two more times
to determine the 14th derivative of the function.

𝑑
𝑓 (13) (𝑥) = (3 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 + 5 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= 3 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 + 5(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
= 3 cos 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 16

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
𝑑
𝑓 (14) (𝑥) = (3 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙 − 5 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)
𝑑𝑥
= 3(− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙) − 5 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙
= −3 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥

Thus, 𝒇(𝟏𝟒) (𝒙) = −𝟑 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 − 𝟓 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙.

5 Try It!
Determine the 21st derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 − 3 sin 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥.

Example 6
sec 𝑥
Determine the second derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = .
𝑥

Solution
Step 1: Determine the first derivative of 𝑓(𝑥).

sec 𝑥
Let us solve for the first derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = using the Quotient Rule.
𝑥

sec 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
𝑑 𝑑
𝑥⋅ (𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙) − sec 𝑥 ⋅ (𝒙)
′
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 2

𝑥 ⋅ (𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙) − sec 𝑥 ⋅ 𝟏

=
𝑥2
𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥
=
𝑥2

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 17

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Step 2: Determine the second derivative of 𝑓(𝑥).

Apply the Product Rule and Quotient Rule to determine the second derivative
of 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
𝑥2
𝑑 𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = ( )
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2
𝑑 𝑑 2
𝑥2 ⋅ (𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) − (𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) ⋅ (𝑥 )
= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 2 )2

𝑑
Let us solve for the derivative of 𝑑𝑥 (𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) separately.

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
(𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) = [𝑥(sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥)] − (sec 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= [𝑥 ⋅ (sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥) + (𝑥) ⋅ (sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥)] − (sec 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑
= {𝑥 ⋅ [sec 𝑥 ⋅ (tan 𝑥) + (sec 𝑥) ⋅ tan 𝑥] + 1 ⋅ (sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥)} − sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= [𝑥 ⋅ (sec 𝑥 ⋅ sec 2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 ⋅ tan 𝑥) + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥] − sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥
= [𝑥 ⋅ (sec 3 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥) + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥] − sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥
= 𝑥 sec 3 𝑥 + 𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥 + sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥
= 𝑥 sec 3 𝑥 + 𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 18

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives
Solve for 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥).

𝑑 𝑑 𝟐
𝑥2 ⋅ (𝒙 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 − 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙) − (𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) ⋅ (𝒙 )
𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 2 )2
𝑥 2 ⋅ (𝒙 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟑 𝒙 + 𝒙 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐 𝒙) − (𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − sec 𝑥) ⋅ 𝟐𝒙
=
𝑥4
(𝑥 3 sec 3 𝑥 + 𝑥 3 sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥) − (2𝑥 2 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − 2𝑥 sec 𝑥)
=
𝑥4
𝑥 3 sec 3 𝑥 + 𝑥 3 sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 + 2𝑥 sec 𝑥
=
𝑥4
2 3 2 2
𝑥(𝑥 sec 𝑥 + 𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − 2𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 + 2 sec 𝑥)
=
𝑥4
𝑥 2 sec 3 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 sec 𝑥 tan2 𝑥 − 2𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 + 2 sec 𝑥
=
𝑥3

𝒙𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟑 𝒙+𝒙𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐 𝒙−𝟐𝒙 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙+𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙

Thus, 𝒇′′ (𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟑

6 Try It!
Determine the second derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 csc 𝑥.

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 19

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● If a function 𝑓 is differentiable, its derivative 𝑓′ is called the first derivative of 𝒇. If 𝑓′

is differentiable, its derivative is called the second derivative of 𝒇, and so on.
● The 𝑛th derivative of 𝑓 is denoted by 𝑓 (𝑛) , and 𝑛 is called the order of the derivative.
● The function 𝑓 itself is denoted by 𝑓 (0) .
● The 𝒏th derivative of a function 𝒇 is defined recursively by

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = lim for 𝑛 = 1, and
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 (𝑛−1) (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓 (𝑛−1) (𝑥)
𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = lim for 𝑛 > 1,
ℎ→0 ℎ

provided that these limits exist.

● The following are some theorems on the 𝑛th derivative of a function.

○ If 𝑓 is a polynomial of degree 𝑛, then 𝑓 (𝑛) is a constant function and 𝑓 (𝑛+1) is
a zero function.
○ Given 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥, 𝑓 (4𝑛) (𝑥) = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔(4𝑛) (𝑥) = cos 𝑥 for all
𝑛 ∈ ℕ.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 20

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Check Your Understanding

A. Determine the second, third, and fourth derivatives of the following

functions.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 10𝑥 5 − 3𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 1
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 5)
𝑥−4
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥

4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑒 𝑥 sin 𝑥
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 ln 𝑥

B. Solve for the value of the indicated higher-order derivative.

1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 5 − 3𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 3, solve for 𝑓 ′′′ (5).

2. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑥 , solve for 𝑓 (4) (3).
𝜋
3. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 cos 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥, solve for 𝑓 (15) ( 2 ).
3 sin 𝑥
4. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = , solve for 𝑓 ′′ (𝜋).
𝑥
𝜋
5. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 csc 𝑥, solve for 𝑓 ′′ ( 6 ).

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 21

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

𝑁(𝑥)
1. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = , where 𝑁(𝑥) and 𝐷(𝑥) are polynomial functions, and 𝐷(𝑥) ≠ 0. Is it
𝐷(𝑥)

possible that the nth derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) is 𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = 0 for some natural number 𝑛? Why
do you say so?
2. Determine the third derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = tan 𝑥. (Hint: Use the identity sec 2 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 ⋅
sec 𝑥.)
3. Is it possible that 𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) for any 𝑛 ∈ ℕ? Why do you say so?
4. The second derivative of a function is 𝑓′′(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 . Write a possible function for 𝑓(𝑥).
5. Given the polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0, solve for
𝑓 (5) (𝑥).

Bibliography
“Displacement.” Art of Problem Solving. Accessed from
https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/Displacement, March 6, 2020.

Dawkins, Paul. Higher Order Derivatives. Paul’s Online Notes. Accessed from
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcI/HigherOrderDerivatives.aspx, March 6,
2020.

Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 22

Unit 7: Higher-Order Derivatives

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

“The nth Derivative of a Function.” Mathonline. Accessed from

http://mathonline.wikidot.com/the-nth-derivative-of-a-function, March 6, 2020.

“What are Higher-Order Derivatives?” Math Warehouse. Accessed from

https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/derivatives/what-are-higher-order-
derivatives.php, March 6, 2020.

Rossi, Hugo. Mathematics Is an Edifice, Not a Toolbox. Notices of the American Mathematical
Society. Accessed from http://www.ams.org/notices/199610/page2.pdf, March 6, 2020.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

Key to Try It!

1. 𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = 8 400𝑥 4 − 360𝑥
2. 𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = 4 sin 𝑥 − 5 cos 𝑥
6𝑥 cos 𝑥−6 sin 𝑥−𝑥 3 cos 𝑥+3𝑥 2 sin 𝑥
3. 𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = 𝑥4
𝜋 √3
4. 𝑓 (11) ( 3 ) = 2

5. 𝑓 (21) (𝑥) = −3 cos 𝑥 − 5 sin 𝑥

6. 𝑓 ′′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 cot 2 𝑥 csc 𝑥 + 𝑥 csc 3 𝑥 − 2 cot 𝑥 csc 𝑥

7.1. The nth Derivative of a Function 23