The Derivative as a Function

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2.8 The Derivative as a Function
We have considered the derivative of a function f at a fixed number a:
𝑓 𝑎 ℎ 𝑓 𝑎
𝑓 𝑎 lim
→ ℎ

Here we change our point of view and let the number a vary. If we replace a by
a variable x, we obtain

𝑓 𝑥 ℎ 𝑓 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 lim
→ ℎ

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2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Example 2.8.1 The graph of a function f is given below. Use it to sketch the
graph of the derivative 𝑓′.

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2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Other notations:
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑓 𝑑
𝑓 𝑥 𝑦 𝑓 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

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 2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Definition 𝑓 is differentiable at 𝑥 𝑎 if 𝑓′ 𝑎 exists (and is finite).
𝑓 is differentiable on 𝒂, 𝒃 if 𝑓 is differentiable at every point in 𝑎, 𝑏 .

Example 2.8.2 Let 𝑓 𝑥 𝑥 4 . Is 𝑓 differentiable at 𝑥 4?

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2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Theorem 4 If f is differentiable at a, then f is continuous at a.
Note: The converse of Theorem 4 is false; that is, there are functions that are
continuous but not differentiable.

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2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
How Can a Function Fail to Be Differentiable?

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 2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Higher Derivatives

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 2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Example 2.8.3 The figure shows the
graphs of 𝑓, 𝑓 , and 𝑓′′.
Identify each curve.

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 2.8 The Derivative as a Function (Continued)
Example 2.8.4 The graph of a function
𝑓, and its derivative 𝑓′ are shown. Which
Is bigger, 𝑓′ 1 or 𝑓′′ 1 ?

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