Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Lesson 5.1
The Basic Differentiation Rules
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

Constant Rule 4
Power Rule 5
Constant Multiple Rule 7
Sum or Difference Rule 8

Key Points 17

Key Formulas 18

Check Your Understanding 19

Challenge Yourself 20

Bibliography 20

Key to Try It! 21

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Lesson 5.1

The Basic Differentiation Rules

Introduction
Suppose you are driving a car from one place to another, and you reached your destination
at a specific time with an average speed of 75 kph. This number does not mean that in the
entire period you are driving your car, your speed is 75 kph. There are certain periods in the
duration of the drive that you go fast or slow based on a load of traffic in your way. You can
go 30 kph, 60 kph, or even at 120 kph. The moment you glance at your speedometer and
notice that you are driving at 80 kph does not mean that it is your constant speed while
driving. This number is known as the instantaneous rate of change, or simply called

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 1

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
instantaneous speed, and this is different from the idea of average speed. Instantaneous
speed involves the ideas of limits and derivatives.

In the previous lesson, we were able to solve for the derivatives using the limit definition. In
this lesson, we are going to derive basic differentiation rules with the aid of the limit definition
of derivatives to enable us to solve for the derivatives of algebraic functions.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competencies
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
following: • Derive the differentiation rules

● Derive the basic differentiation rules (STEM_BC11D-IIIf-2).

• Apply the differentiation rules in
(Constant Rule, Power Rule, Constant
computing the derivative of an
Multiple Rule, Sum or Difference Rule).
algebraic, exponential, and
● Apply the basic differentiation rules in trigonometric functions

solving for the derivatives of functions. (STEM_BC11D-IIIf-3).

Warm Up
Constant Power! 10 minutes
In this activity, you will be able to discover the rules of differentiating certain types of functions
through patterns based on the examples.

Materials
● paper
● pen

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 2

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Procedure
1. This activity should be done by five students.
2. Each student will be solving the derivative of a function using the limit definition of a
derivative.
a. Student A: 𝑓1 (𝑥) = 4 and 𝑓2 (𝑥) = −5
b. Student B: 𝑔1 (𝑥) = 𝑥
c. Student C: 𝑔2 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2
d. Student D: 𝑔3 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3
1
e. Student E: 𝑔4 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2

3. Complete the table below. Refer to the functions 𝑔1 , 𝑔2 , 𝑔3 , 𝑔4 , and their

corresponding derivatives.

Table. 5.1.1. Table for Derivatives

Coefficient of Exponent of
Functions Exponent Derivatives the the
Derivative Derivative
𝑓1 (𝑥) = 4
𝑓2 (𝑥) = −5
𝑔1 (𝑥) = 𝑥
𝑔2 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2
𝑔3 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3
1
𝑔4 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2

4. Make two conjectures based on the derivatives obtained from the given functions.

Guide Questions
1. What kind of functions are the functions 𝑓1 and 𝑓2 ?
2. Based on the derivatives of the functions 𝑓1 and 𝑓2 , what can you conclude about the
derivatives of functions of this kind?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 3

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
3. Based on the derivatives of the functions 𝑔1 , 𝑔2 , 𝑔3 , and 𝑔4 , what can you conclude
about the derivatives of functions with exponents that are real numbers?

Learn about It!

In the previous lesson, the derivative of a function 𝑓(𝑥), which is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥), is obtained by using
its limit definition given by

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

We might find it difficult to solve for the derivatives of other functions using this formula. In
this lesson, we will discuss the basic rules of differentiation that will enable us to solve for the
derivative of functions efficiently. We will derive the rules through the help of the definition
found above.

How do we differentiate functions without the use

of the limit definition of a derivative?

Constant Rule
The derivative of a constant function is 0. If 𝑐 is a constant, then

𝒅
(𝒄) = 𝟎.
𝒅𝒙

Proof:
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐. We use the limit definition of a derivative to derive the Constant Rule.

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 4

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

𝑑 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑐) = lim Limit Definition of Derivative
𝑑𝑥 ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑐−𝑐
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Subtraction and Division
= lim 0
ℎ→0
Constant Law for Limits
=0

𝑑
Therefore, 𝑑𝑥 (𝑐) = 0.

Example:
a. If 𝑓 (𝑥) = 6, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0.
b. Given that 𝑦 = 24, 𝑦 ′ = 0.

Power Rule
If 𝑘 is a real number, then the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑘 is

𝒅 𝒌
(𝒙 ) = 𝒌𝒙𝒌−𝟏 .
𝒅𝒙

Proof:
We will prove the Power Rule for a positive integer exponent. The proof for negative integer
and real number exponents need more advanced techniques (Quotient Rule and implicit
differentiation, respectively), which will be discussed in the succeeding lessons on derivatives.

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑘 , where 𝑘 is any positive integer. We use the limit definition of a derivative to
derive the Power Rule.

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 5

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
𝑑 𝑘 (𝑥 + ℎ )𝑘 − 𝑥 𝑘 Limit Definition
(𝑥 ) = lim
𝑑𝑥 ℎ→0 ℎ
of Derivative
𝑘 𝑘−1 𝑘 (𝑘 − 1) 𝑘−2 2
𝑥 + 𝑘𝑥 ℎ + 2 𝑥 ℎ + ⋯ + 𝑘𝑥ℎ 𝑘−1 + ℎ 𝑘 − 𝑥 𝑘 Binomial
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Expansion
𝑘 (𝑘 − 1 )
𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1 ℎ + 𝑥 𝑘−2 ℎ 2 + ⋯ + 𝑘𝑥ℎ 𝑘−1 + ℎ 𝑘
= lim 2 Subtraction
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑘 (𝑘 − 1 ) Factor and
ℎ [𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1 + 𝑥 𝑘−2 ℎ + ⋯ + 𝑘𝑥ℎ 𝑘−2 + ℎ 𝑘−1 ]
2
= lim cancel ℎ.
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑘−2
𝑘(𝑘 − 1)𝑥
= lim [𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1 + 𝑥 𝑘−2 ℎ + ⋯ + 𝑘𝑥ℎ 𝑘−2 + ℎ 𝑘−1 ] Evaluation of
ℎ→0 2
= 𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1 limit

𝑑
Therefore, (𝑥 𝑘 ) = 𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1.
𝑑𝑥

Example:
Let us find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 using the Power Rule.

To find the derivative of 𝑓 using the Power Rule, we need to copy the exponent and write it
as a coefficient of the term. At the same time, we subtract 1 from the exponent. We then
have,

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 4−1
= 4𝑥 3

Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 4 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 .

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 6

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Constant Multiple Rule
If 𝑓 is differentiable and 𝑐 is a constant, then the derivative of the function 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 is

𝒅
[𝒄𝒇(𝒙)] = 𝒄𝒇′ (𝒙).
𝒅𝒙

Proof:

𝑑 𝑐𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ ) − 𝑐𝑓 (𝑥)
[𝑐𝑓 (𝑥)] = lim Limit Definition of Derivative
𝑑𝑥 ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ ) − 𝑓 (𝑥)
= lim 𝑐 [ ] Factor 𝑐.
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ ) − 𝑓 (𝑥) Constant Multiple Law for Limits
= 𝑐 [lim ]
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
= 𝑐𝑓 ′ (𝑥) Substitution: 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim ℎ
ℎ→0

Example:
Let us use the Constant Multiple Rule to find the derivative of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 4𝑥 6 .

The derivative of the function 𝑓 is the same as

𝑑 6
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4 ∙ (𝑥 ).
𝑑𝑥

In this case, you have to find the derivative of 𝑥 6 using the Power Rule and multiply the
result to 4.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4(6𝑥 6−1 )

= 4(6𝑥 5 )
= 24𝑥 5

Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 4𝑥 6 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 24𝑥 5 .

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 7

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Sum or Difference Rule
Let 𝑓 and 𝑔 be differentiable functions, then the sum (or difference) of 𝑓 and 𝑔 is also
differentiable.

The derivative of the sum of 𝑓 and 𝑔 is given by

𝒅
[𝒇(𝒙) + 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝒇′ (𝒙) + 𝒈′ (𝒙).
𝒅𝒙

The derivative of the difference of 𝑓 and 𝑔 is given by

𝒅
[𝒇(𝒙) − 𝒈(𝒙)] = 𝒇′ (𝒙) − 𝒈′ (𝒙).
𝒅𝒙

Proof:

𝑑 [𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ ) + 𝑔(𝑥 + ℎ )] − [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] Limit Definition of Derivative

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

Example:
Let us use the Sum or Difference Rule to find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 .

To find the derivative of 𝑓, we need to get the derivative of each term.

𝑑 3 𝑑 2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 ) + (𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 8

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
To complete the solution, we use the Power Rule to find the derivative of each term.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

Therefore, the derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥.

What differentiation rules can be used to get the

derivative of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓?

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 4𝑥 7 .

Solution
To find the derivative of 𝑦, we apply the Constant Multiple Rule and the Power Rule.

𝑑 7
𝑦′ = 4 ∙ (𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥
= 4(7𝑥 7−1 )
= 28𝑥 6

Therefore, the derivative of 𝑦 = 4𝑥 7 is 𝒚′ = 𝟐𝟖𝒙𝟔.

1 Try It!
Find the derivative of 𝑦 = −5𝑥 9 .

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 9

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Tips
In differentiating functions of the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑐 ∙ 𝑥 𝑘 , we can find the
derivative of the function by multiplying the exponent to the
coefficient of the function and subtracting 1 from the exponent.

To differentiate the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 6 , we can directly multiply the

exponent 6 to coefficient 3 and subtract 1 from the exponent. Thus,
the derivative of the function will be 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 18𝑥 5 .

Example 2
What is the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 8?

Solution
To solve for the derivative of 𝑓, we apply the Sum or Difference Rule. We solve for the
derivatives of each term with the help of the Constant Rule, Power Rule, and Constant
Multiple Rule.

𝑑 3 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (𝑥 ) + (3𝑥 2 ) − (6𝑥) + (8)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 3 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= (𝑥 ) + 3 (𝑥 2 ) − 6 (𝑥) + (8)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 3𝑥 2 + 3(2𝑥) − 6(1) + 0
= 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 6

Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓 is 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟔.

2 Try It!
What is the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 6?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 10

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Example 3
What is the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 1)?

Solution
Step 1: Simplify the function by multiplying the binomials.

𝑓(𝑥) = (2𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 1)

= 2𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 4

Step 2: Get the derivative of the function using the Sum or Difference Rule.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 4
𝑑 3 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2 (𝑥 ) + 4 (𝑥 2 ) − 2 (𝑥) − (4)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 2(3𝑥 2 ) + 4(2𝑥) − 2(1) − 0
= 6𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 2

Therefore, the derivative of the function is 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙 − 𝟐.

Note that the derivative of the given function can also be obtained using the Product Rule,
which will be discussed in the next lesson.

3 Try It!
What is the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4)?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 11

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Example 4
26
Find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 .

Solution
Step 1: Rewrite the function using the negative exponent rule.

26
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥4
= 26𝑥 −4

Step 2: Find the derivative of the function using the Constant Multiple Rule, followed
by the Power Rule.

𝑓(𝑥) = 26𝑥 −4
𝑑 −4
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 26 (𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥
= 26(−4𝑥 −4−1 )
= −104𝑥 −5

𝟏𝟎𝟒
Therefore, 𝒇′ (𝒙) = −𝟏𝟎𝟒𝒙−𝟓 or 𝒇′ (𝒙) = − .
𝒙𝟓

Note that the derivative of the given function can also be obtained using the Quotient Rule,
which will be discussed in the next lesson.

4 Try It!
5
Find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) if 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 7 ?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 12

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Example 5
A ball is thrown upward with an initial speed of 60 ft/s. What is the derivative of the function
ℎ that describes the height of the ball at time 𝑡?

Solution
Step 1: Identify the function ℎ that describes the height of the ball at time 𝑡.

The height ℎ of any object thrown vertically upward is given by the function
1
ℎ (𝑡) = 𝑣0 𝑡 − 𝑔𝑡 2 , where 𝑣𝑜 is the initial velocity of the object, and 𝑔 is the
2

acceleration due to gravity, which is constant at 𝑔 = 32 ft⁄s2 . Based on the

problem, 𝑣0 = 60 ft/s. Thus,

1
ℎ (𝑡) = 60𝑡 − (32)𝑡 2
2
= 60𝑡 − 16𝑡 2

Step 2: Find the derivative of ℎ.

ℎ(𝑡) = 60𝑡 − 16𝑡 2

𝑑 𝑑
ℎ ′ (𝑡) = 60 (𝑡) − 16 (𝑡 2 )
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
= 60(1) − 16(2𝑡)
= 60 − 32𝑡

Therefore, 𝒉′ (𝒕) = 𝟔𝟎 − 𝟑𝟐𝒕.

5 Try It!
A ball is thrown upward with an initial speed of 80 ft/s. What is the derivative of the
function ℎ that described the height of the ball at a time 𝑡?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 13

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Example 6
Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = 1.

Solution
Step 1: Identify the slope of the line by getting the derivative of the function.

The slope of a line tangent to the curve at a point (𝑥, 𝑦) in the curve is equal to
the derivative of the function at the specified value of 𝑥. The derivative of the
function can be solved using the Sum or Difference Rule.

𝑦 = 𝑥3 − 𝑥2
𝑑 3 𝑑 2
𝑦′ = (𝑥 ) − (𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥

Substitute the value of 𝑥 to the derivative to solve for the slope 𝑚 of the
tangent line.
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
𝑚 = 3(1) − 2(1)
= 3−2
=1

Therefore, the slope of the tangent line is 𝑚 = 1.

Step 2: Find the 𝑦-coordinate of the point of tangency.

Substitute the given 𝑥 value to the function to determine the 𝑦 value.

𝑦 = 𝑥3 − 𝑥2
= (1)3 − (1)2
= 1−1
=0

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 14

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Therefore, the point on the curve where the tangent line touches the curve is
(1, 0).

Step 3: Solve the equation of the tangent line.

Substitute the point (1, 0) and the slope 𝑚 = 1 in the point-slope form of a line
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 ).
𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑦 − 0 = 1(𝑥 − 1)
𝑦=𝑥−1

Therefore, the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = 1 is

𝒚 = 𝒙 − 𝟏 or 𝒙 − 𝒚 = 𝟏.

6 Try It!
Find the equation of the line tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = −1.

Example 7
Find the instantaneous rate of change in 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 5 with respect to 𝑥 at the instant
when 𝑥 = 1.

Solution
Step 1: Solve for the derivative of the function by applying the Sum or Difference Rule.

𝑓 (𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 5
𝑑 𝑑 2 𝑑
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (3𝑥 3 ) + (𝑥 ) − (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 2 𝑑
= 3 (𝑥 3 ) + (𝑥 ) − (5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 3(3𝑥 2 ) + 2𝑥 − 0
= 9𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 15

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Step 2: Evaluate 𝑓 ′ (1) to solve for the instantaneous rate of change.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 9𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
𝑓 ′ (1) = 9(12 ) + 2(1)
= 9+2
= 11

Therefore, the instantaneous rate of change is 𝟏𝟏 when 𝑥 = 1. The positive sign of the rate
of change indicates that the function 𝑓 is increasing by 11 units for every unit 𝑥 at the
instance when 𝑥 = 1.

7 Try It!
Find the instantaneous rate of change in 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 − 9 with respect to 𝑥 at the
instant when 𝑥 = −2.

Remember
The first derivative of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) tells us about the
instantaneous rate of change when 𝑥 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is a constant.

If 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) > 0, the function is increasing at the instant when 𝑥 = 𝑐.

If 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) < 0, the function is decreasing at the instant when 𝑥 = 𝑐.

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 16

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

The following are the Basic Differentiation Rules, which were all derived from the limit
definition of derivatives.

● Constant Rule
𝑑
(𝑐) = 0
𝑑𝑥

● Power Rule
𝑑 𝑘
(𝑥 ) = 𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1
𝑑𝑥

● Constant Multiple Rule

𝑑
[𝑐𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑐 ∙ 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

● Sum or Difference Rule

𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
___________________________________________________________________________________________

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 17

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation
Key Formulas
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Use this formula to solve for

𝑑
Constant Rule (𝑐) = 0 derivative of a constant
𝑑𝑥
function.

Use this formula to solve for

𝑑 𝑘 the derivative of a variable

Power Rule (𝑥 ) = 𝑘𝑥 𝑘−1
𝑑𝑥 raised to a real number
exponent.

Use this formula to solve for

Constant Multiple 𝑑
[𝑐𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑐𝑓 ′ (𝑥) the derivative of a constant
Rule 𝑑𝑥
times a function.

𝑑 Use this formula to solve for

Sum or Difference [𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) + 𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
the derivative of sum or
Rule 𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑔′ (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 difference of functions.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 18

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Check Your Understanding

A. Find the derivative of each function.

1. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 26
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = −9
3. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 + 7
4. 𝑦 = 4 − 2𝑥
5. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 9
6. ℎ(𝑥) = −𝑥126
7. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 7
8. 𝑔(𝑥) = −9𝑥18
1
9. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 3
4
10. 𝑦 = − 𝑥 20
12
11. 𝑦 = 10 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 5

12. 𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
13. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 25 − 3𝑥 22 + 4
14. 𝑡(𝑥) = 8𝑥 3 + 24𝑥 2 − 16𝑥 + 4
15. 𝑦 = 𝑥 6 + 4𝑥 5 − 14𝑥 4 + 24𝑥 3 − 16𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 5
16. 𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 (𝑥 + 5)
17. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 6)
18. 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
19. 𝑓 (𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
20. 𝑔(𝑥) = 3(2𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 2 − 8)

B. Solve the following problems.

1. What is the instantaneous rate of change for the function 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 when

𝑥 = 2?
2. On which points on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4 are the tangent lines horizontal?

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 19

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. In the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1, what value of 𝑎 will make 𝑓 ′ (2) = 7?

2. In the function 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏), 𝑎 and 𝑏 are integers such that 𝑦 ′ = 7 when 𝑥 = 2,
and 𝑦 ′ = 1 when 𝑥 = −1. What are the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏?
3. What is the equation of the line perpendicular to the line tangent to the curve
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 at 𝑥 = 0?

4. Give five functions whose derivative is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1. What are the differences
between the functions you have?
5. Provide three functions whose derivative is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 . Make a conjecture based on
the functions you provided.

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.

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.

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 20

Unit 5: Rules of Differentiation

Key to Try It!

1. 𝑦 ′ = −45𝑥 8
2. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 − 18𝑥 + 4
3. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2
35
4. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −
𝑥8

5. ℎ ′ (𝑡) = 80 − 32𝑡
6. 𝑦 = −2𝑥 − 2 or 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = −2
7. 𝑓 ′ (−2) = 40

5.1. The Basic Differentiation Rules 21