Derivative of a

Function
 The Definition of the Derivative
Let be a function defined on an open interval , and let . The derivative of

if this limit exists.

That is, the derivative of is equal to the slope of the tangent line at (, ).

Notations: If , the derivative of is commonly denoted by

NOTE: The limit definition of the derivative
is inherently indeterminate that is, .
We can use these usual techniques for evaluating limits which are
indeterminate of types: factoring, rationalization or using one of
the following established limits.
A.
B.
C.
Compute for each of the following
functions.
 𝑓′(1) denotes that we need to find the derivative of the function at 𝑥 = 1.

𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=𝟓 𝒙 +𝟑
Solutions:

(Substituted to the given definition of derivative)

(Combined like terms)
(Factored out common monomial)
(Simplified)
(Limit of a constant is the constant itself)
 𝑓′(1) denotes that we need to find the derivative of the function at 𝑥 = 1.
𝟑𝒙
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=
𝒙 +𝟐
Solutions:
(Substituted the values to the formula)
(Wrote 1 as a fraction to make the terms in the numerator similar
fractions)
(Simplified)
(Factored out common monomial)
(Simplified)
(Evaluated the limit)
 𝑓′(1) denotes that we need to find the derivative of the function at 𝑥 = 1.

𝒇 ( 𝒙 )= √ 𝒙+𝟑
Solutions:
(Substituted the values to the formula)
(*Rationalized the numerator)
(Performed the operation indicated)
(Cancelled out same factor)

(Evaluated and simplified the limit)

* Rationalizing the numerator means multiplying the complex fraction by its conjugate.
(For binomials, this can be obtained by changing the sign of the second term.)

Alternative Definition of the Derivative

Let be a function defined on an open interval , and let . The derivative of
the function at is

if this limit exists.

(This definition of derivative may be used if we are tasked only

to find the derivative of the function)
 Example: Let .

(Substituted () to all variable)

(Expanded expressions)
(Distributive Property of Multiplication)
(Combined like terms)
(Factored out common monomial)
(Simplified form)
(Evaluated the limit)
 Example: Let . Use the definition of derivative.

′ 𝒇 ( 𝒙+𝒉 ) −𝒇 (𝒙)
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
 Example: Let . Use the definition of derivative.

′ 𝒇 ( 𝒙+𝒉 ) −𝒇 (𝒙)
𝒇 ( 𝒙 )=𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
The concept of the slope of the tangent line can be used to solve
real-life problems. There are lots of things that occur in nature
that depend on other factors, especially time. These are some
examples:
• The distance covered by a vehicle moving at constant
speed depends on the time travelled.
• The temperature of heated water depends on the
heating time.
• The cost and profit of producing calculators depend on
the time allotted to the production.