Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Lesson 5.2
The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Product Rule 4
Quotient Rule 9

Key Points 16

Key Formulas 16

Check Your Understanding 17

Challenge Yourself 18

Bibliography 18

Key to Try It! 19

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Lesson 5.2

The Product and Quotient Rules of

Differentiation

Introduction
One of the reasons why some companies in the field of manufacturing are successful is
because of the excellent analysis of the production cost, revenue, and profit.

One of the concepts used in business analysis is the understanding of the marginal cost of
production. This refers to the change in total production cost that comes from producing one
additional unit of a product. This is used to determine whether revenue will significantly

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 1

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
increase because of the increase in production. This concept is related to the derivative of a
function called a cost function.

In this lesson, we will learn how to get the derivative of a function using other derivative rules.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competencies
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
• Derive the differentiation rules
following:
(STEM_BC11D-IIIf-2).
● Derive the Product and Quotient Rules of
• Apply the differentiation rules in
Differentiation. computing the derivative of
● Apply the Product and Quotient Rules of algebraic functions

Differentiation in solving for the (STEM_BC11D-IIIf-3).

derivatives of functions.

Warm Up
Rule of Product 10 minutes
In this activity, the students will be able to make a conjecture about the derivative of a product
of functions.

Materials
● paper
● pen

Procedure
1. Form groups with three members each.
2. Find the derivative of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥) given the functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥). Before
getting the derivative ℎ′ (𝑥), multiply first the two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥). Then, apply

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 2

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
basic differentiation rules to find ℎ′ (𝑥).

Member 1: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 ; 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1

Member 2: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2 ; 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3
Member 3: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 4 ; 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 6 − 5

3. Complete the table below.

Table 5.2.1. Table of derivatives

𝒇(𝒙) 𝒈(𝒙) 𝒇′ (𝒙) 𝒈′ (𝒙) 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈′ (𝒙) 𝒈(𝒙) ∙ 𝒇′ (𝒙) 𝒇(𝒙) ∙ 𝒈′ (𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙) ∙ 𝒇′ (𝒙)

2𝑥 + 1 𝑥−1

𝑥2 + 2 2𝑥 − 3

2𝑥 3 + 4 𝑥6 − 5

4. Answer the guide questions that follow.

Guide Questions
1. How were you able to determine the derivative of the given functions?
2. Observe the derivatives of the functions and the expressions found in the last column
of the table. What do you notice?
3. What conjecture can you make based on the results of the derivatives of the functions
and the last column of the table?

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 3

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Learn about It!

In the previous lesson, we were able to derive and use some of the basic differentiation rules
like the Constant Rule, Power Rule, Constant Multiple Rule, and Sum or Difference Rule. In
this lesson, we will extend the rules into the Product Rule and Quotient Rule to differentiate
the product and quotient of functions.

How will you differentiate the product or quotient

of functions?

Product Rule
Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be differentiable functions. It follows that the product 𝑓𝑔 is also differentiable. Its
derivative is given by

𝒅
[𝒇(𝒙)𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝒇(𝒙)𝒈′ (𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙)𝒇′ (𝒙).
𝒅𝒙

Proof:
𝑑 [𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ)] − [𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] Limit Definition of
[𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = lim
𝑑𝑥 ℎ→0 ℎ Derivative
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) Addition
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

= lim [𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)
𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥)
+ 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) Distributivity
]
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ
𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) Sum or Difference
= lim [𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) ] + lim [𝑔(𝑥) ] Rule for Limits
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) Product Rule for
= lim 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) ∙ lim
ℎ→0 ℎ→0 ℎ
+ lim 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ lim
ℎ→0 ℎ→0 ℎ Limits
′ (𝑥) ′ (𝑥) Limit Definition of
= 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔 + 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓
Derivative

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 4

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
This rule tells us that the derivative of the product of two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) is equal to
the sum of the product of 𝑓(𝑥) and the derivative of 𝑔(𝑥), and the product of 𝑔(𝑥) and the
derivative of 𝑓(𝑥).

Example:
Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 2)(4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥) using the Product Rule.

To find the derivative of 𝑓, we multiply the first factor 𝑥 3 + 2 to the derivative of the second
factor 4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 and add it to the product of the second factor 4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 and the derivative of
the first factor 𝑥 3 + 2.

𝒅 𝒅 𝟑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 2) ∙ (𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙) + (4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟐)
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 2)(𝟖𝒙 + 𝟔) + (4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥)(𝟑𝒙𝟐 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (8𝑥 4 + 6𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 + 12) + (12𝑥 4 + 18𝑥 3 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 20𝑥 4 + 24𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 + 12

Therefore, the derivative is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 20𝑥 4 + 24𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 + 12.

We can also verify this answer by applying the Sum or Difference Rule. This is done by
multiplying the two expressions and then getting the derivative of each term of the resulting
polynomial.

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 3 + 2)(4𝑥 2 + 6𝑥)

𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 5 + 6𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 2 + 12𝑥

Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥).

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (4𝑥 5 ) + (6𝑥 4 ) + (8𝑥 2 ) + (12𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 20𝑥 4 + 24𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 + 12

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 5

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
By using either the Sum or Difference Rule or the Product Rule, we were able to get the
derivative of the given function.

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) using the Product Rule.

Solution
Apply the Product Rule.

𝒅 𝟐 𝒅
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟐𝒙) + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) ∙ (𝟓𝒙𝟐 )
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐) + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥)(𝟏𝟎𝒙)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 10𝑥 3 + 10𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 3 + 20𝑥 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 20𝑥 3 + 30𝑥 2

Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) is 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟐𝟎𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝟎𝒙𝟐 .

1 Try It!
Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = −12𝑥 3 (2𝑥 4 − 𝑥) using the Product Rule.

Example 2
Determine 𝑦′ given that 𝑦 = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)2 using the Product Rule.

Solution
Step 1: Express 𝑦 as a product of two binomials.

𝑦 = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)(2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 6

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Step 2: Apply the Product Rule to find 𝑦′.

𝒅 𝒅
𝑦 ′ = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥) ∙ (𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙) + (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥) ∙ (𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙)
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑦 ′ = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)(𝟒𝒙 − 𝟏) + (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)(𝟒𝒙 − 𝟏)
𝑦 ′ = 8𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 8𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 16𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑦 = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥)2 is 𝒚′ = 𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙.

2 Try It!
Determine 𝑦′ given that 𝑦 = (4𝑥 − 7𝑥 2 )2 .

Example 3
What is 𝑔′ (𝑥) given that 𝑔(𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 2 + 2)?

Solution
Notice that 𝑔(𝑥) is the product of three factors. To get 𝑔′ (𝑥), we apply the Product Rule by
considering (1 + 𝑥) and (2𝑥 − 7) as the first factor and (𝑥 2 + 2) as the second factor.

Step 1: Apply the Product Rule to express 𝑔′ (𝑥).

𝑑 2 𝑑
𝑔′ (𝑥) = [(1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7)] ∙ (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 2 + 2) ∙ [(1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑
Step 2: Apply the Product Rule to express 𝑑𝑥 [(1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7)].

𝑑 2 𝒅
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7) ∙ (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 2 + 2) ∙ [(𝟏 + 𝒙)(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕)]
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙
𝑑 2 𝒅 𝒅
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7) ∙ (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 2 + 2) [(𝟏 + 𝒙) ∙ (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕) + (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕) ∙ (𝟏 + 𝒙)]
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 7

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Step 3: Evaluate the derivatives and simplify.

𝒅 𝟐 𝒅 𝒅
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟐) + (𝑥 2 + 2) [ (1 + 𝑥) ∙ (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟕) + (2𝑥 − 7) ∙ (𝟏 + 𝒙)]
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(2𝑥 − 7)(𝟐𝒙) + (𝑥 2 + 2)[(1 + 𝑥)(𝟐) + (2𝑥 − 7)(𝟏)]
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (1 + 𝑥)(4𝑥 2 − 14𝑥) + (𝑥 2 + 2)[2 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 7]
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (4𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 4𝑥 3 − 14𝑥 2 ) + (𝑥 2 + 2)(4𝑥 − 5)
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (4𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 2 − 14𝑥) + (4𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 10)
𝑔′ (𝑥) = 8𝑥 3 − 15𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 10

Therefore, 𝒈′ (𝒙) = 𝟖𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏𝟓𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟏𝟎.

3 Try It!
What is 𝑔′ (𝑥) given that 𝑔(𝑥) = (2 − 2𝑥)(3𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 2 + 8)?

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 8

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Quotient Rule
Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be differentiable functions. The quotient of 𝑓 and 𝑔 is also differentiable at all
values of 𝑥 for which 𝑔′ (𝑥) ≠ 0. Its derivative is given by

𝒅 𝒇(𝒙) 𝒈(𝒙)𝒇′ (𝒙) − 𝒇(𝒙)𝒈′ (𝒙)

[ ]= .
𝒅𝒙 𝒈(𝒙) [𝒈(𝒙)]𝟐

Proof:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) −
𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) 𝑔(𝑥) Limit Definition of Derivative
[ ] = lim
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑔(𝑥)𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) Subtraction of Rational
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ𝑔(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) Expressions
𝑔(𝑥)𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) Addition
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ𝑔(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ)
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥)
lim 𝑔(𝑥) − lim 𝑓(𝑥)
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
=
lim[𝑔(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ)] Distributivity
ℎ→0
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥) lim − 𝑓(𝑥) lim Product Rule for Limits
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
=
lim[𝑔(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ)]
ℎ→0
𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) Limit Definition of Derivative
=
[𝑔(𝑥)]2

This rule tells us that the derivative of the quotient of two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) is equal to
the difference of the product of 𝑔(𝑥) and the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥), and the product of the 𝑓(𝑥)
and the derivative of 𝑔(𝑥), divided by the square of 𝑔(𝑥).

Example:
𝑥−2
Find the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+3.

To find the derivative of 𝑓, we subtract the product of the function in the denominator and
the derivative of the function in the numerator, and the product of the function in the
numerator and the derivative of the function in the denominator, then divide the difference

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 9

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
by the square of the denominator.

𝒅 𝒅
(𝑥 + 3) ∙ (𝒙 − 𝟐) − (𝑥 − 2) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟑)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
(𝑥 + 3)2

(𝑥 + 3)(𝟏) − (𝑥 − 2)(𝟏)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
𝑥+3−𝑥+2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
5
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2

𝑥−2 5 5
Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+3 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥+3)2 or 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +6𝑥+9.

Let’s Practice!
Example 4
3𝑥 2
Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2−9 using the Quotient Rule.

Solution
Apply the Quotient Rule.

𝒅 𝒅
(2𝑥 2 − 9) ∙ (𝟑𝒙𝟐 ) − (3𝑥 2 ) ∙ (𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
(2𝑥 2 − 9)2
(2𝑥 2 − 9)(𝟔𝒙) − (3𝑥 2 )(𝟒𝒙)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(2𝑥 2 − 9)2
12𝑥 3 − 54𝑥 − 12𝑥 3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(2𝑥 2 − 9)2
54𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −
(2𝑥 2 − 9)2

3𝑥 2 𝟓𝟒𝒙 𝟓𝟒𝒙
Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2−9 is 𝒇′ (𝒙) = − (𝟐𝒙𝟐 −𝟗)𝟐 or 𝒇′ (𝒙) = − 𝟒𝒙𝟒 −𝟑𝟔𝒙𝟐 +𝟖𝟏.

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 10

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

4 Try It!
10𝑥 3
Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 4+5 using the Quotient Rule.

Remember
Be careful in writing the order of the terms in the numerator using
the Quotient Rule. The rule involves subtraction in which the order of
the terms is important.

Example 5
6𝑥 3−3𝑥 2
What is the derivative of the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 ?
𝑥3

Solution
Apply the Quotient Rule.

2 𝒅 𝒅 𝟐
𝑥3 ∙ (𝟔𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 ) − (6𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 ) ∙ (𝒙𝟑 )
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑔′ (𝑥) =
2 2
(𝑥 3 )
2 𝟐 𝟏
𝑥 3 (𝟏𝟖𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙) − (6𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 ) (𝟑 𝒙−𝟑 )
𝑔′ (𝑥) = 4
𝑥3
8 5 8 5
18𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 3
𝑔′ (𝑥) = 4
𝑥3
8 5
14𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 3
𝑔′ (𝑥) = 4
𝑥3

𝟖 𝟓
6𝑥 3−3𝑥 2 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟑 −𝟒𝒙𝟑
Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 is 𝒈′ (𝒙) = 𝟒 or
𝑥3 𝒙𝟑
𝟒 𝟏
𝒈′ (𝒙) = 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟑 − 𝟒𝒙𝟑 .

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 11

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

5 Try It!
4𝑥 4−10𝑥 2
What is the derivative of the function 𝑔(𝑥) = 4 ?
𝑥5

Tips
𝑎+𝑏 𝑎 𝑏
The expression can be expressed as + 𝑐 . In the previous
𝑐 𝑐

example, we can express the given function into this form and then
use the Sum or Difference Rule and Power Rule to differentiate the
resulting function.

6𝑥 3−3𝑥 2
The function 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 in Example 5 can be expressed as
𝑥3
7 4
6𝑥 3 3𝑥 2
𝑔(𝑥) = 2 − 2 . It can be simplified further as 𝑔(𝑥) = 6𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 3 . Then,
𝑥3 𝑥3

𝑔 can be differentiated without using the Quotient Rule.

7 4
𝑔(𝑥) = 6𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 3
7 4 4 1
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (6𝑥 3 ) − (3𝑥 3 )
3 3
4 1
𝑔′ (𝑥) = 14𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 3

Example 6
(𝑥+4)(2𝑥−9)
Determine ℎ′ (𝑥) if ℎ (𝑥) = 𝑥+3
.

Solution
Step 1: Apply the Quotient Rule to express ℎ′ (𝑥).

𝑑 𝑑
(𝑥 + 3) ∙ [(𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9)] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9) ∙ (𝑥 + 3)
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 + 3)2

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 12

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
𝑑
Step 2: Apply the Product Rule to evaluate [(𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9)].
𝑑𝑥

𝒅 𝑑
(𝑥 + 3) ∙ [(𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗)] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9) ∙ (𝑥 + 3)
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 + 3)2

𝒅 𝒅 𝑑
(𝑥 + 3) [(𝒙 + 𝟒) ∙ (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗) + (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟒) ] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9) ∙ (𝑥 + 3)
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 + 3)2

Step 3: Simplify ℎ′ (𝑥).

𝒅 𝒅 𝒅
(𝑥 + 3) [(𝒙 + 𝟒) ∙ (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗) + (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟒) ] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9) ∙ (𝒙 + 𝟑)
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
(𝑥 + 3)2
(𝑥 + 3)[(𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝟐) + (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗)(𝟏)] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9)(𝟏)
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
(𝑥 + 3)[𝟐𝒙 + 𝟖 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟗] − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9)
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
(𝑥 + 3)(𝟒𝒙 − 𝟏) − (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 9)
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
(4𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 12𝑥 − 3) − (2𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 8𝑥 − 36)
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
(4𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 − 3) − (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 36)
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2
2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 33
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 3)2

𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟐𝒙+𝟑𝟑 𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟐𝒙+𝟑𝟑

Therefore, 𝒉′ (𝒙) = (𝒙+𝟑)𝟐
or 𝒉′ (𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟐 +𝟔𝒙+𝟗

6 Try It!
(2𝑥−5)(5𝑥+8)
Determine ℎ′ (𝑥) if ℎ(𝑥) = .
3𝑥−9

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 13

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Example 7
𝑥+3
Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥

Solution
Step 1: Find the slope of the tangent line by solving 𝑓′(1).

We first solve for 𝑓 ′ (𝑥).

𝑥+3
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
𝒅 𝒅
𝑥∙ (𝒙 + 𝟑) − (𝑥 + 3) ∙ (𝒙)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑥2
𝑥(𝟏) − (𝑥 + 3)(𝟏)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
𝑥2
𝑥−𝑥−3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
𝑥2
3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = − 2
𝑥

Next, we solve for 𝑓 ′ (1).

3
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −
𝑥2
3
𝑓 ′ (1) = −
(1)2
3
𝑓 ′ (1) = −
1
′
𝑓 (1) = −3

Thus, the slope of the tangent line is 𝑚 = −3.

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 14

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Step 2: Determine the point of tangency by solving 𝑓(1).

𝑥+3
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
1+3
𝑓(1) =
1
4
𝑓(1) =
1
𝑓(1) = 4

Thus, the point of tangency is (1, 4).

Step 3: Solve the equation of the line using the point-slope form.

(1, 4) ; 𝑚 = −3

𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑦 − 4 = −3(𝑥 − 1)
𝑦 − 4 = −3𝑥 + 3
𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 3 + 4
𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 7

𝑥+3
Thus, the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = 1 is 𝒚 = −𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕.
𝑥

7 Try It!
𝑥+7
Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2+2 at 𝑥 = −1.

How will you differentiate the function

𝟐𝒙𝟐
𝒈(𝒙) = (𝟔𝒙−𝟏)(𝒙+𝟓)?

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 15

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

The following are additional basic differentiation rules that were derived from the limit
definition of a derivative.

● Product Rule
𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

● Quotient Rule
𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥)
[ ]=
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)]2
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Product Rule 𝑑 Use this formula to

(𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 solve for the
derivative of a
product of
functions.

Quotient Rule 𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) Use this formula to
[ ]=
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)]2 solve for the
derivative of a
𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0 quotient of
functions.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 16

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Check Your Understanding

A. Find the derivative of each function.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 (3𝑥 − 6)
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 3 − 6)
3. 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 6)(2𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 − 4)
4. 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 + 4)2
5. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6)2
6. ℎ(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 1)3
7. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)(3𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥)
8. 𝑦 = √𝑥(3𝑥 − 9)
3𝑥+2
9. 𝑦 = 5𝑥−3
8𝑥−4
10. 𝑓(𝑥) = 15𝑥+10
𝑥 2−5𝑥
11. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥+6
3(14+2𝑥)
12. 𝑦 =
𝑥 2+5𝑥+6
(𝑥+1)(𝑥 2+6𝑥)
13. 𝑦 = 𝑥−1
(𝑥 2−4)(𝑥+3)
14. 𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥+2
7𝑥
15. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥+4)(𝑥−6)

B. Solve the following problems.

𝑥+1
1. Find 𝑓′(2) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−2.

2. Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 6𝑥) at 𝑥 = 2.

2𝑥−1
3. Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = at 𝑥 = 4.
𝑥 2−9
2𝑥
4. In which point/s is/are the tangent line/s of the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 +1 horizontal?

5. The marginal cost function is the derivative of the cost function. If the cost function
550𝑥
of producing 𝑥 number of units of a certain material is 𝐶(𝑥) = 𝑥+10, find the marginal

cost function.

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 17

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. In the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 − 6), what is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓 ′ (3) = 1?
2. What is the equation of the line passing through the point (−1,0) and parallel to the
𝑥+1
line tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = at 𝑥 = 2? What do you call this line?
𝑥−3

3. The function 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) has a derivative of [𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)]′. Provide proof that the derivative
of the function 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) is not equal to 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥). Use 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 and
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, and 𝑑 are real numbers. After this, give two functions 𝑓(𝑥)
and 𝑔(𝑥) where ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) whose derivative ℎ′ (𝑥) is not equal to 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥).
4. Sometimes, the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) is equal to 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥). Prove that
𝑎
the function 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) has a derivative of 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 1−𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥 where

𝑎 and 𝑏 are real numbers. After this, give two functions 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) where
ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) whose derivative ℎ′ (𝑥) is equal to 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥).
𝑓(𝑥)
5. Let 𝑄(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0. Prove that the derivative of this function is
𝑔(𝑥)𝑓′(𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥)𝑔 ′(𝑥)
𝑄′ (𝑥) = [𝑔(𝑥)]2
by using the Product Rule. Note that 𝑄(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥).

Bibliography
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.

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

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 18

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
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 ′ (𝑥) = −168𝑥 6 + 48𝑥 3
2. 𝑦 ′ = 196𝑥 3 − 168𝑥 2 + 32𝑥
3. 𝑔′ (𝑥) = −48𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 − 64𝑥 − 16
−40𝑥 6+150𝑥 2
4. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (4𝑥 4+5)2
11 1
64𝑥 5 −60𝑥 5
5. 𝑔 ′ (𝑥)
= 5
30𝑥 2−180𝑥+201
6. ℎ′ (𝑥) = (3𝑥−9)2
5 11
7. 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 + 3

5.2. The Product and Quotient Rules of Differentiation 19