Aaron Barker DEFINITION OF THE DERIVATIVE
The Definition of the Derivative can be used to find the derivative of polynomials and exponential functions. To find the derivative of polynomials and exponential functions, use the equation: THE DEFINITION OF THE DERIVATIVE
First, start by plugging your f(x) into the equation: Next, simplify the numerator and the denominator as much as possible. Lastly, substitute 0 for h, therefore all terms containing h will equal 0. RULES/STEPS TO SOLVING
Find the derivative of f(x) = x I. f’(x) = lim (x+h) – (x 3 + 1) h->0 h II. f’(x) = lim x 3 + 3x 2 h + 3xh 2 + h 3 +1– x 3 – 1 h->0 h III. f’(x) = lim 3x 2 h + 3xh 2 + h 3 h->0 h IV. f’(x) = lim 3x 2 + 3xh + h 2 h->0 V. f’(x) = 3x 2 EXAMPLE #1
Find the derivative of f(x) = 3x 2 + x I. f’(x) = lim 3(x + h) 2 + (x+h) – (3x 2 + x) h->0 h II. f’(x) = lim 3(x 2 + 2xh + h 2 ) + x + h – 3x 2 – x h->0 h III. f’(x) = lim 3x 2 + 6xh + 3h 2 + x + h – 3x 2 – x h->0 h IV. f’(x) = lim 6xh + 3h 2 + h h->0 h EXAMPLE #2
V. f’(x) = lim 6x + 3h + 1 h->0 VI. f’(x) = 6x + 1 EXAMPLE #2 CONTINUED
Find the derivative of f(x) = 9x 2 + 5x. PRACTICE PROBLEM #1
Find the derivative of f(x) = 9x 2 + 5x. f’(x) = 18x + 5 PRACTICE PROBLEM #1 SOLUTION
Find the derivative of f(x) = 2x x - 18 PRACTICE PROBLEM #2
Find the derivative of f(x) = 2x x - 18 f’(x) = 6x PRACTICE PROBLEM #2 SOLUTION