Differentiation#

Derivatives#

Description

Equations

Derivative as a function

f(x)=limh0f(x+h)f(x)h

Geometric interpretation of derivatives

The tangent line of y=f(x) at (a,f(a)) has a slope of f(a)
m=limxaf(x)f(a)xa=f(a)

Derivatives and instantaneous rate of change

The derivative f(a) is the instantaneous rate of change of y=f(x) with respect to x when x=a:
v(a)=limh0f(a+h)f(a)h=f(a)

Differentiation and continuity

If f is differentiable at a,
then f is continuous at a.

Non-differentiable conditions

1. a corner
2. a discontinuity
3. a vertical tangent

Differentiation rules#

Description

Equations

Constant multiple rule

ddx[cf(x)]=cddxf(x)

Addition and subtraction rule

ddx[f(x)±g(x)]=ddxf(x)±ddxg(x)

Product rule

ddx[f(x)g(x)]=f(x)g(x)+f(x)g(x)

Quotient rule
(best practice: use product rule)

ddxf(x)g(x)=f(x)g(x)f(x)g(x)g(x)2

Constant rule

ddxc=0

Power rule

ddxxn=nxn1

Chain rule

dydx=dydududxddxf(g(x))=f(g(x))g(x)

Linear approximations

f(x)f(a)+f(a)(xa)

Differentials

dy=f(x) dx

Special limits#

Description

Equations

Limit associated with sine

limθ0sinθθ=1

Limit associated with cosine

limθ0cosθ1θ=0

Definition of e

limh0eh1h=1

e as a limit

e=limx0(1+x)1/x

e as a limit

e=limn\infin(1+1n)n

Table of derivatives#

Function f(x)

Derivative f(x)

Function f(x)

Derivative f(x)

c

0

xn

nxn1

ex

ex

lnx

1x

sinx

cosx

cosx

sinx

tanx

sec2x

arcsinx

11x2

arctanx

11+x2