SHS

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3: Week 5 - Module 5
Derivative of an Algebraic, Exponential, Logarithmic,
Trigonometric Functions and Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Basic Calculus
Grade 11 Quarter 3: Week 5 - Module 5: Derivative of an Algebraic, Exponential,
Logarithmic, Trigonometric Functions and Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Continuity of a Function
First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Regie C. Bustamante

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

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Schools Division Superintendent

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Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

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Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 Target

We had learnt to differentiate certain functions like polynomial functions

and trigonometric functions. In this module, we introduce the very important
concepts of continuity, differentiability and relations between them. We will
also learn differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions.
Further, we introduce a new class of functions called exponential and
logarithmic functions. These functions lead to powerful techniques of
differentiation. We illustrate certain geometrically obvious conditions through
differential calculus. In the process, we will learn some fundamental theorems
in this area.
After going through the is module, you are expected to:

1. Determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a

function (STEM_BC11D -IIIf-1).

2. Apply the differentiation rules in computing the derivative of an

algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and inverse
trigonometric functions (STEM_BC11D-IIIf-3)

Before going on, find out how much you already know about this topic.
Answer the pretest on the next page in a separate sheet of paper.

Pre-Test
Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers.
Write only the letter of the best answer for each test item.

1. Which of the following relationships are true?

I: All differentiable functions are continuous functions.
II: All continuous functions are differentiable functions.
III: Not all differentiable functions are continuous functions.
IV: Not all continuous functions are differentiable functions.
A. I and IV B. I and III C. I only D. IV only
2. Which of the following functions does NOT satisfy the statement “If a
function is continuous at 𝑥 = 0, then it is differentiable at 𝑥 = 0”?
−4 −1 1 3
A. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 B. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 D. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
3. At 𝑥 = 3, the function given by 𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝒙𝟐, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 3
6𝑥 − 9, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 3
A. undefined
B. continuous but not differentiable
C. differentiable but not continuous
D. both continuous and differentiable
 𝑥2−4
4. If the function 𝑓 is continuous for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2
when 𝑥 ≠ −2, then 𝑓(2) = .
A. 0 B. -2 C. -1 D. 2
5. Which functions are continuous for all real numbers?
2
I: 𝑦 = 𝑥3
II: 𝑦 = 𝑒𝑥
III: 𝑦 = tan 𝑥
A. none B. I only C. II only D. I and II
6. The definition of the first derivative is
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)+𝑓(𝑥)
A. 𝑓′(𝑥) = ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
B. 𝑓′(𝑥) = ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)+𝑓(𝑥)
C. 𝑓(𝑥) = lim ℎ
ℎ→0
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
D. 𝑓 ( 𝑥) = lim ℎ
ℎ→0
7. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1, what is the 𝑓’(𝑥)?
A. 𝑥2 + 2 B. 2𝑥2 + 2 C. 2𝑥 + 2 D. 2𝑥
1
8. Find the derivative of the following function: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2
1 1 1
A. 𝑓′(𝑥) = − B. 𝑓′(𝑥) = C. 𝑓′(𝑥) = D.
2√𝑥 √𝑥 2√𝑥
𝑓′(𝑥) = √𝑥
9. Given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥4 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥, find 𝑓′(𝑥) + 𝑔′(𝑥)
1 1 1 1
A. 12𝑥3 + √𝑥 B. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥−2 C. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥2 D. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥
2 2

10. Find 𝑓’(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥2 + 1)(𝑥2 − 𝑥)

A. 8𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1 B. 8𝑥3 + 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1
C. 8𝑥 − 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 1
3 2 D. 8𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 1
4
11. Applying the quotient rule, find the ℎ’(𝑥) if ℎ’(𝑥) = .
𝑥2
8 𝑥3 8 𝑥3
A. 3 B. C. − 3 D. − 8
𝑥 8 𝑥
12. Which of the following is the derivative of the trigonometric function
𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
A. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥. B. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥.
C. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥. D. 𝑦′(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥.
13. Express the first derivative of the exponential function 𝑦 = 2𝑒𝑥.
𝑒𝑥 2
A. 𝑦′ = 𝑒𝑥 B. 𝑦′ = C. 𝑦′ = 2𝑒𝑥 D. 𝑦′ = 2𝑒𝑥
2
14. Given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 + 𝑥2and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2√𝑥, find 𝑓′(𝑥) − 𝑔′(𝑥).
1 1
A. 3𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − B. 3𝑥2 + C. 3𝑥2 − √𝑥 D. 3𝑥2 + √𝑥
√𝑥 √𝑥
15. Find 𝑦’ if 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
A. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 C. 𝑦′ = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
B. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 D. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
 Differentiability Implies Continuity

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.

Activity 1: Continuous vs. Discontinuous

Look at these two functions pictured; can you tell which one is
continuous and which one isn't? Justify your answer.

Jumpstart

Relationship Between Differentiability and Continuity

All differentiable functions are continuous, but not all continuous

functions are differentiable.

Continuity
A function is continuous on an interval if it is continuous at every point of the
interval.
Intuitively, a function is continuous if its graph can be drawn without ever
needing to pick up the pencil. This means that the graph of y = f (x) has no
“holes”, no “jumps” and no vertical asymptotes at x = a. When answering free
response questions on the AP exam, the formal definition of continuity is
required.
Continuity and Differentiability
Differentiability implies continuity (but not necessarily vice versa) If a function
is differentiable at a point (at every point on an interval), then it is continuous
at that point (on that interval). The converse is not always true: continuous
functions may not be differentiable.
Differentiability and continuity are the two fundamental concepts of
differential calculus. As a step toward this understanding, we should recall
first the following definitions:

Definition 1 (Continuity at a Number). A function f is continuous at a number

c if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined;

(ii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) exist; and
𝒙→𝒂

(iii) 𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒄)

𝒙→𝒂

If at least one of these conditions is not satisfied, the function is said to be

discontinuous at c.

Definition 2 (Continuity on ℝ). A function f is said to be continuous everywhere

if f is continuous at every real number.

Definition 3. A function f is differentiable at the number c if

𝒇(𝒄 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒄)
𝒇′(𝒄) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
exist.

We now present several examples of determining whether a function is

continuous or differentiable at a number.

Example 1: The piecewise function defined by

𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝒙 − 𝟏 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≠ 1
4, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 = 1
is continuous at 𝑐 = 1. This is because 𝑓 (1) = 4
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)
lim𝑓(𝑥) = lim = 4,
𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
and 𝑓 (1) = lim𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥→1

Example 2. The function defined by

−𝑥2, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 2
𝑓(𝑥) = {
3, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 2
Is not continuous at 𝑐 = 2 since lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −4 ≠ 3 = lim 𝑓(𝑥), hence the
− 𝑥→2 + 𝑥→2
lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist.
𝑥→2
Example 3. Consider the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3√𝑥. By definition, its derivative is

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

Example 4. The function defined by

5𝑥, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 1
𝑓(𝑥) = {
2𝑥 + 3, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 1
is continuous at 𝑥 = 1 but is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 1.
Indeed, 𝑓’(1) = 2(1) + 3 = 5.
Now,
• If 𝑥 < 1, then 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 and so lim 5𝑥 = 5.
𝑥→1−
• If 𝑥 > 1, then 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3 and so lim (2𝑥 + 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).
𝑥→1

This shows that 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 1. On the other hand, computing for

the derivative,
5(𝑥 + ℎ) − (5𝑥)
• For 𝑥 < 1, 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 and lim =5
ℎ→0− ℎ
[2(𝑥 + ℎ)+3]− (2𝑥 + 3)
• For 𝑥 > 1, 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3 and lim =2
ℎ→0+ ℎ

Since the one-sided limits at 𝑥 = 1 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 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 1.

Example 5. Another classic example of a function that is continuous at a point

but not differentiable at that point is the absolute value function f(𝑥) = |𝑥| at
𝑥 = 0. Clearly, 𝑓(0) = 0 = lim |𝑥|. However, if we look at the limit definition of
𝑥→0
the derivative,
𝑓(0 + ℎ) − 𝑓(0) |0 + ℎ| − |0| |ℎ|
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 negative values.

Since ℎ < 0 ⟹ |ℎ| = −ℎ, it follows that

|ℎ| −ℎ
lim = lim = lim −1 = −1.
ℎ→0− ℎ ℎ→0− ℎ ℎ→0−
Similarly, if h approaches 0 from the right, then ℎ approaches 0 through
positive values.
Since ℎ > 0 ⟹ |ℎ| = ℎ,, we obtain
|ℎ| ℎ
lim = lim = lim 1 = 1.
ℎ→0+ ℎ ℎ→0+ ℎ ℎ→0+

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 is not differentiable at that point. The next theorem however says that the
converse is always TRUE.

Remark 1:
(a) If 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎, it does not mean that 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑥 =
𝑎.
(b) If 𝑓 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎, then 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
(c) If 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎, it does not mean that 𝑓 is not continuous
at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
(d) A function 𝑓 is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if one of the following is true:
i. 𝑓 is not continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
ii. the graph of 𝑓 has a vertical tangent line at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
iii. the graph of 𝑓 has a corner or cusp at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
 Discover

The Differentiation Rules and Examples Involving Algebraic,

Exponential, and Trigonometric Functions

How do we find derivatives?

The procedure for finding the exact derivative directly from a formula of the
function without having to use graphical methods is called differential calculus.
In practice, we use some rules that tell us how to find the derivative of almost
any function. In this lesson, we will introduce these rules.

Let us start computing the derivatives of the following functions using the limit
definition (formal definition):

3𝑥2+4
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥2 + 4 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1

Take a few minutes to solve.

After a few minutes, (using your answers) did you observe that computing the
derivative of a given function from the definition is usually time consuming.
Thus, this lesson will help them compute the derivative of a given function more
easily.

Let’s begin…
We first recall the definition of the derivative of a function.

The derivative of the function 𝑓 the function 𝑓’ whose value at a number x in

the domain of f is given by

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
if the limit exists.

Example 7: Compute the first derivative of the function: 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥2 + 4

Solution:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) = [3(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 4] − (3𝑥2 + 4)
= (3𝑥2 + 6𝑥ℎ + 3ℎ2 + 4) − (3𝑥2 + 4)
= 6𝑥ℎ + 3ℎ2
= ℎ(6𝑥 + 3ℎ)
Therefore:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
 3(𝑥 + ℎ)2 + 4 − (3𝑥2 + 4)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(6𝑥 + 3ℎ)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim(6𝑥 + 3ℎ)
ℎ→0

= 6𝑥

We see that computing the derivative using the definition of even a simple
polynomial is a lengthy process. What follows next are rules that will enable us
to find derivatives easily. We call them DIFFERENTIATION RULES.

DIFFERENTIATING CONSTANT FUNCTIONS

The graph of a constant function is a horizontal line and a horizontal line has
zero slope. The derivative measures the slope of the tangent, and so the
derivative is zero.

RULE 1: The Constant Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 where c is a constant, then 𝑓′(𝑥) = 0. The derivative of a constant is

equal to zero.

Proof:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓′(𝑥) = lim = lim 0 = 0
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0

Example 8:

(a) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 10, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 0.

(b) If ℎ(𝑥) = −√3, then ℎ’(𝑥) = 0.

(c) If 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝜋, then 𝑔’(𝑥) = 0.

DIFFERENTIATING POWER FUNCTIONS

A function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑘 , where 𝑘 is a real number, is called a power

function. Below are some examples of power functions.

Example 9
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 (d) 𝑝(𝑥) = 4√𝑥

(b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥2 (e) 𝑙(𝑥) = 𝑥−5

1
(c) ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥 (f) 𝑠(𝑥) =
𝑥8
The definition of the derivative discussed in the previous lesson can be used to
find the derivatives of many power functions. For example, it can be shown that

Example 10:
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 2𝑥.
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 3𝑥2.
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥4, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 4𝑥3.
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥5 , then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 5𝑥4.
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥6, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 6𝑥5.

Notice the pattern in these derivatives. In each case, the new power of 𝑓
becomes the coefficient in 𝑓’ and the power of 𝑓’ is one less than the original
power of 𝑓. In general, we have the following rule:

RULE 2: The Power Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑛 where 𝑛 𝜖 𝑁, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 𝑛𝑥𝑛 − 1.

Example 11:
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3−1 = 3𝑥2.
1
2. Find 𝑔’(𝑥) where 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥2

Solution. In some cases, the laws of exponents must be used to rewrite an

1
expression before applying the power rule. Thus, we first write 𝑔(𝑥) = = 𝑥−1
𝑥2
before we apply the Power Rule. We have:
−2
𝑔’(𝑥) = (−2)𝑥−2−1 = −2𝑥−3 or
𝑥3
1
3. If ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥, then we can write ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥2. So we have,
1 1
−1
ℎ’(𝑥) = 𝑥2
2
1 1 1
−
ℎ’(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 =
2 2√𝑥

Study the table of examples below.

DIFFERENTIATING A CONSTANT TIMES A FUNCTION

RULE 3: The Constant Multiple Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑘 is a constant, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 𝑘ℎ’(𝑥).

Example 12:
Find the derivatives of the following functions.
3 13
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥4 (b) 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 (c) ℎ(𝑥) = −√3(𝑥)
3
Solution: Solution. We use Rule 3 in conjunction with Rule 2.
3
3 −1 15 1
(a) 𝑓′(𝑥) = 5 ⋅ 𝑥4 = 4
𝑥−4
1 4 1
1 1 1 −1 1 −2
(b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 𝑥 3 ⟹ 𝑔 ′ (𝑥) = ⋅ 𝑥3 = 𝑥 3
3 3 9
(c) ℎ′(𝑥) = −√3 𝑥1−1 = −√3

DIFFERENTIATING SUMS AND DIFFERENCES OF FUNCTIONS

RULE 4: The Sum Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑔 and ℎ are differentiable functions,

then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 𝑔′(𝑥) + ℎ′(𝑥).

Example 13:

Given by the following functions:

3 13
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥4 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) = −√3(𝑥)
3
(a) Differentiate the following:
(i) 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) (ii) 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) (iii) 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)
Solution:
(i) 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) (ii) 𝑔(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥) (iii) 𝑓(𝑥) + ℎ(𝑥)
3 13 1 3
= 5𝑥4 + √𝑥 = 3√𝑥 + (−√3(𝑥)) = 5𝑥4 + (−√3(𝑥))
3 3
1 3
= 3√𝑥 − √3 𝑥 = 5𝑥4 − √3 𝑥
3

𝑓′(𝑥) + 𝑔′(𝑥) 𝑔′(𝑥) + ℎ′(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥) + ℎ′(𝑥)

1 2 2 1
15 1 1 15
= 𝑥 4− + 𝑥− 3 = 𝑥 3− + (−√3) = −𝑥 4 + (−√3 )
4 9 9 4
2
1 15 1
= 𝑥−3 − √3 = − 𝑥 4 − √3
9 4

(b) Use Rules 3 and 4 to differentiate the following: (Hint: 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) +
(−1)𝑔(𝑥).)
(i) 𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥) (ii) 𝑔(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥) (iii) 𝑓(𝑥) − ℎ(𝑥)
3 13 1 3
= 5𝑥4 − √𝑥 = 3√𝑥 − (−√3(𝑥)) = 5𝑥4 − (−√3(𝑥))
3 3
1 3
= 3√𝑥 + √3 𝑥 = 5𝑥4 + √3 𝑥
3

𝑓′(𝑥) − 𝑔′(𝑥) 𝑔′(𝑥) − ℎ′(𝑥) 𝑓′(𝑥) − ℎ′(𝑥)

1 2 2 1
15 1 1 15
= 𝑥 4−− 𝑥− 3 = 𝑥 3− − (−√3) = −𝑥 4 − (−√3 )
4 9 9 4
2
1 15 1
= 𝑥−3 + √3 = − 𝑥 4 + √3
9 4

DIFFERENTIATING PRODUCTS OF FUNCTIONS

RULE 5: The Product Rule

If 𝑓 and 𝑔 are differentiable functions, then
𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔’(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓’(𝑥).
Rule 5 states that 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.

The derivative of the product is NOT the product of their derivatives! Indeed, if
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥2, then

𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥) · 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝐷𝑥[𝑥 · 𝑥2] = 𝐷𝑥(𝑥3) = 3𝑥2.

However,
𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥)] · 𝐷𝑥[𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝐷𝑥(𝑥) · 𝐷𝑥(𝑥2) = 1 · 2𝑥 = 2𝑥.
Clearly, 3𝑥2 ≠ 2𝑥, and therefore
𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥) · 𝑔(𝑥)] ≠ 𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥)] · 𝐷𝑥[𝑔(𝑥)].

Example 14:

(a) Find 𝑓’(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥2 − 4)(𝑥2 − 3𝑥)

Solution:
𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔’(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓’(𝑥).
𝑓’(𝑥) = (3𝑥2 − 4)𝐷𝑥(𝑥2 − 3𝑥) + (𝑥2 − 3𝑥)𝐷𝑥(3𝑥2 − 4)
= (3𝑥2 − 4)(2𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥2 − 3𝑥)(6𝑥)
= 6𝑥3 − 9𝑥2 − 8𝑥 + 12 + 6𝑥3 − 18𝑥2
= 12𝑥3 − 27𝑥2 − 8𝑥 + 12.
Remark: In the given function 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥2 − 4)(𝑥2 − 3𝑥), we could have also
multiplied the two factors and get
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥4 − 9𝑥4 − 4𝑥2 + 12𝑥.
Then, by the Rules 2,3 and 4, the derivative of 𝑓 is
𝑓’(𝑥) = 12𝑥3 − 27𝑥2 − 8𝑥 + 12
which is consistent with the one derived from using the product rule.
(b) Find the derivative of the function 𝑦 = (1 − 2𝑥)(2 − 𝑥).
Solution.
By the product rule, 𝐷𝑥[𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔’(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓’(𝑥).
𝑦′ = (1 − 2𝑥)′(2 − 𝑥) + (1 − 2𝑥)(2 − 𝑥)′
= −2 ⋅ (2 − 𝑥) + (1 − 2𝑥) ⋅ (−1)
= −4 + 2𝑥 − 1 + 2𝑥
= 4𝑥 − 5.

DIFFERENTIATING QUOTIENTS OF TWO FUNCTIONS

RULE 6: 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)

𝐷𝑥 [ ]= [𝑔(𝑥)]2
𝑔(𝑥)

The rule above states that 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.
Example 15:

3X + 5
(a) Let ℎ(𝑥) =
X2 +4
Solution. Let ℎ(𝑥) = 3X + 5 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 5 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 4 and
, then
X2 +4
therefore
𝑓’(𝑥) = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔’(𝑥) = 2𝑥. Thus,

𝑔(𝑥)𝑓’(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔’(𝑥)

ℎ(𝑥) =
[𝑔(𝑥)]2
(𝑥2 + 4 )(3) − (3𝑥 + 5) (2𝑥)
=
(𝑥2 + 4)2
3𝑥2 + 12 − 6𝑥2 − 10𝑥
=
(𝑥2 + 4)2
12 − 10𝑥 − 3𝑥2
=
(𝑥2 + 4)2

(b) Find 𝑔′(𝑥) if

2x4 + 7𝑥2 − 4
𝑔 (𝑥) =
3x5 + x4 − x + 1
Solution:
(3x5 + x4 − x + 1)𝐷𝑥(2x4 + 7𝑥2 − 4) − (2x4 + 7𝑥2 − 4) 𝐷𝑥 (3x5 + x4 − x + 1)
ℎ(𝑥) = 2
(3x5 + x4 − x + 1)
(3x5 + x4 − x + 1)(8x3 + 14𝑥) − (2x4 + 7𝑥2 − 4) (15x4 + 4x3 − 1)
= 2
(3x5 + x4 − x + 1)
−6𝑥8 − 63𝑥6 − 14𝑥5 + 54𝑥4 + 24𝑥3 − 7𝑥2 + 14𝑥 − 8
= 2
(3x5 + x4 − x + 1)
(c) Use the Quotient Rule to find the derivative of
6x2
𝑔 (𝑥) =
2−𝑥
Solution:

DIFFERENTIATING TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

This time we will look at the derivatives of the trigonometric functions:
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥, 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥, 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥, 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥, 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥, 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥.

You may start this topic by recalling/reviewing the trigonometric functions

involving some identities, that is,

and some important limits previously discussed such as,

RULE 7: Derivatives of trigonometric functions

(𝑎) 𝐷𝑥(𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 (𝑑) 𝐷𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐2 𝑥
(𝑏)𝐷𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 (𝑒) 𝐷𝑥(𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥
(𝑐) 𝐷𝑥(𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐2 𝑥 (𝑓) 𝐷𝑥(𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥

The proof of (a) will be presented below. Statement (b) can be proven similarly.

Proof. Expanding 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑥 + ℎ) using the trigonometric sum identity, we obtain

Statements (c) - (f) can be proved using Statements (a) and (b) and the Quotient
Rule. We only present the proof of (c) below.
Proof. Using Quotient Rule and Statements (a) and (b) above, we have

1
Using the identity 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥 = 1, we get 𝐷𝑥 (tan 𝑥) = = 𝑠𝑒𝑐2
𝑐𝑜𝑠2

Example 16: Differentiate the following functions:

Remarks:
(a) Whenever Rule 7 is applied to problems where the trigonometric
functions are viewed as functions of angles, the unit measure must be
in radians.

(b) Every trigonometric function is differentiable on its domain. In

particular, the sine and cosine functions are everywhere differentiable.

DIFFERENTIATING AN EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

RULE 8: Derivative of an exponential function
𝐼𝑓 𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓′(𝑥) = 𝑒𝑥
Example 17 :
(a) Find 𝑓’(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑒𝑥

Solution: Apply Rules 3 and 7, we have

𝑓’(𝑥) = 3 𝐷𝑥[𝑒𝑥] = 3𝑒𝑥

(b) Find 𝑔’(𝑥) if 𝑔(𝑥) = −4𝑥2𝑒𝑥 + 5𝑥𝑒𝑥 − 10𝑒𝑥.

Solution. Applying Rule 5 to the first two terms and Rule 3 to the third
term, we
have
𝑔(𝑥) = [(−4𝑥2)(𝑒𝑥) + (𝑒𝑥)(−8𝑥)] + [(5𝑥)(𝑒𝑥) + (𝑒𝑥)(5) − 10 ⋅ 𝑒𝑥]
= −4𝑥𝑒𝑥 − 3x𝑒𝑥 − 5𝑒𝑥

Explore
Answer This

Activity 1: Determine whether the given functions is continuous,

differentiable, neither, or both at the given point.

Answer This
Activity 2: Is the functions given below continuous and/or differentiable
at the given point?
1
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 ; 𝑥 = 0
𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 3, 𝑥 ≥ −1 ;𝑥 = −1
b. 𝑓 (𝑥) = {
−𝑥 − 4, 𝑥 < −1

Activity 3: LETS GO BINGGO! Answer This

Using the differentiation rules, find the derivatives of the following functions.
Locate the derivative in the table below and encircle the answer. Keep working
until you have five encircled answers in a line horizontally, vertically or
diagonally. (BINGO!)
Answer This
Activity 4: Use the Rules of Differentiation to differentiate the following
functions

Answer This

Activity 5: Find the derivative and simplify the result, if possible

 Deepen

Activity 6: Show your proof.

1. Let f(x) = mx+b, the line with slope m and y-intercept b. Use the rules of
differentiation to show that f(x) = m. This again proves that the derivative
of a line is just the slope of the line.

Gauge Answer This

Post Test
Directions: Read carefully each item. Use a separate sheet for your answers.
Write only the letter of the best answer for each test item.
1. If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 7, which of the following must be true
𝑥→3
I: 𝑓 is continuous at 𝑥 = 3
II: 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑥 = 3
III: 𝑓(3) = 7,
A. None B. I and III C. I only D. II only
2. Which of the following functions does NOT satisfy the statement “If a
function is continuous at 𝑥 = 0, then it is differentiable at 𝑥 = 0”?
−4 −1 1 3
B. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 B. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 D. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥
3. At 𝑥 = 3, the function given by 𝑓(𝑥) = { 𝒙𝟐, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 3
6𝑥 − 9, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 3
A. undefined
B. continuous but not differentiable
C. differentiable but not continuous
D. both continuous and differentiable
𝑥2−4
4. If the function 𝑓 is continuous for all real numbers and if 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+2
when 𝑥 ≠ −2, then 𝑓(2) = .
A. 0 B. -2 C. -1 D. 2
5. Which functions are continuous for all real numbers?
2
I: 𝑦 = 𝑥3
II: 𝑦 = 𝑒𝑥
III: 𝑦 = tan 𝑥
A. none B. I only C. II only D. I and II
6. The definition of the first derivative is
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)+𝑓(𝑥)
E. 𝑓′(𝑥) = ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
F. 𝑓′(𝑥) = ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)+𝑓(𝑥)
G. 𝑓(𝑥) = lim ℎ
ℎ→0
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
H. 𝑓 ( 𝑥) =lim ℎ
ℎ→0
7. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1, what is the 𝑓’(𝑥)?
A. 𝑥2 + 2 B. 2𝑥2 + 2 C. 2𝑥 + 2 D. 2𝑥
1
8. Find the derivative of the following function: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2
1 1 1
A. 𝑓′(𝑥) = − B. 𝑓′(𝑥) = C. 𝑓′(𝑥) = D.
2√𝑥 √𝑥 2√𝑥
𝑓′(𝑥) = √𝑥
9. Given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥4 + 2 and 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥, find 𝑓′(𝑥) + 𝑔′(𝑥)
1 1 1 1
A. 12𝑥3 + √𝑥 B. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥−2 C. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥2 D. 12𝑥3 + 𝑥
2 2

10. Find 𝑓’(𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥2 + 1)(𝑥2 − 𝑥)

A. 8𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1 B. 8𝑥3 + 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1
C. 8𝑥 − 6𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 1
3 2 D. 8𝑥3 − 6𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 1
4
11. Applying the quotient rule, find the ℎ’(𝑥) if ℎ’(𝑥) = .
𝑥2
8 𝑥3 8 𝑥3
A. 3 B. C. − 3 D. − 8
𝑥 8 𝑥
12. Which of the following is the derivative of the trigonometric function
𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
A. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥. B. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥.
C. 𝑦′(𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥. D. 𝑦′(𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥.
13. Express the first derivative of the exponential function 𝑦 = 2𝑒𝑥.
𝑒𝑥 2
A. 𝑦′ = 𝑒𝑥 B. 𝑦′ = C. 𝑦′ = 2𝑒𝑥 D. 𝑦′ = 2𝑒𝑥
2
14. Given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥3 + 𝑥2and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2√𝑥, find 𝑓′(𝑥) − 𝑔′(𝑥).
1 1
A. 3𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − B. 3𝑥2 + C. 3𝑥2 − √𝑥 D. 3𝑥2 + √𝑥
√ 𝑥 √𝑥
15. Find 𝑦’ if 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
A. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 C. 𝑦′ = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
B. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 D. 𝑦′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃