Internal Use

DIFFERENTIATION OF
ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
Internal Use

Objective
To differentiate algebraic
functions by formulas.
Internal Use

DERIVATIVES USING FORMULAS

The increment method, or the four-step rule for finding the
derivative of a function, provides the fundamental procedure for
differentiation. However, this approach can be laborious and
time-consuming, especially when dealing with more complex
functions—such as those with large exponents, fractional
exponents, or other rational expressions.
Internal Use

A strong understanding of the theorems of differentiation and the key

differentiation formulas is essential, as they form the foundation of
differential calculus. These concepts are central to all subsequent
topics, including the applications of derivatives and the differentiation
of transcendental functions. Mastering these theorems and formulas
will not only make calculating derivatives more efficient but will also
help make the course more accessible and enjoyable. By solidifying
your grasp of these fundamental concepts, you'll be better equipped
to tackle more advanced material with confidence.
.
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 1
1. Derivative of a Constant

Theorem: (The Constant Rule)

The derivative of a constant function is 0, that
is, if 𝑐 is any real number, then

d
[c ] = 0
dx
Internal Use

Example : Differentiate the following functions.

3
1. y = 5 2. f(x) = -
4
y' = 0 f'(x) = 0
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Differentiation Formula 2
2. Derivative of a Power Function

Theorem: (The Power Rule)

If 𝑛 is a positive integer, then

d n n −1
[ x ] = nx
dx
To differentiate a power function, decrease the
constant exponent by one and multiply the resulting
power function by the original exponent.
Internal Use

Example : Differenti ate the following functions

1. y = x 4

4 −1
y' = 4 x
y' = 4 x 3

6
2. y = x 7

6
dy 6 −1
= x 7
dx 7
6 7 1 7 6
dy 6 − 6 − 6 6 x
= x 7 7
= x 7
= 7 =
dx 7 7 7 x 7x
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 3
3. Derivative of a Constant Times a Function

Theorem: (The Constant Multiple Rule)

If 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 and 𝑐 is any real number, then
𝑐𝑓(𝑥) is also differentiable at 𝑥 and
d
cf ( x) = c  f ( x)
d
dx dx
The derivative of a constant times a function is the constant
times the derivative of the function, if this derivative exists.
Internal Use

Proof:
cf ( x + x) − cf ( x)
d
cf ( x) = lim
dx x →0 x

 f ( x + x) − f ( x) 
= lim c  
x →0
 x 

f ( x + x) − f ( x)
= c lim
x →0 x

= c  f (x)
d
dx
Internal Use

Example : Differenti ate the following functions

−4
1. y = 5x 8
2. f(x) = −9 x
y' = (5)(8 )x 7
f' (x) = (− 9 )(- 4 )x
− 4 −1

−5 36
y' = 40 x 7
f' (x) = 36 x = 5
x
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 4
4. Derivative of Sums or Differences

Theorem: (The Sum or Difference Rule)

If 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are both differentiable functions at 𝑥, then so are
f + g and f − g and
d  
d
( f  g ) = ( f )  (g )
d d or f ( x )  g ( x ) =
d
 f ( x )  
d
g ( x ) 
dx dx dx dx  dx dx 


The derivative of a sum or of a difference equals the sum or

difference of their derivatives, if these derivatives exist.
Internal Use

Proof:

d [ f ( x + x)  g ( x + x) − [ f ( x)  g ( x)]

[ f ( x)  g ( x)] = lim
dx x →0 x
[ f ( x + x) − f ( x)]  [ g ( x + x) − g ( x)]
= lim
x →0 x

f ( x + x) − f ( x) g ( x + x) − g ( x)
= lim  lim
x →0 x x →0 x

d d
= [ f ( x)]  [ g ( x)]
dx dx
Internal Use

Example : Differenti ate the following functions

−4
1. y = 5x + 6 x − 4x + 7
4 2
2. f(x) = 2 x + 9x − 4
−5
y' = 20 x + 12 x − 4
3
f' (x) = −8 x + 9

y' = 4(5x + 3x − 1)
-8
3
f' (x) = 5 + 9
x
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 5
5. Derivative of a Product

Theorem: (The Product Rule)

If 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are both differentiable functions at 𝑥, then so is the
product 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥), and
●

d
( f  g) = f + g
dg df
or
d
 f ( x)  g ( x) = f ( x) [ g ( x)] + g ( x)  f ( x)
d d
dx dx dx dx dx dx

The derivative of a product of two functions is the first function

times the derivative of the second plus the second function times
the derivative of the first, if these derivatives exist.
Internal Use

Proof:
d f ( x + x)  g ( x + x) − f ( x)  g ( x)
[ f ( x)  g ( x)] = lim
dx x →0 x
f ( x + x)  g ( x + x) − f ( x + x)  g ( x) + f ( x + x)  g ( x) − f ( x)  g ( x)]
= lim
x →0 x

 g ( x + x) − g ( x) f ( x + x) − f ( x) 
= lim  f ( x + x)  + g ( x)  
x →0  x x 

g ( x + x) − g ( x) f ( x + x) − f ( x)
= lim f ( x + x)  lim + lim g ( x)  lim
x →0 x →0 x x →0 x →0 x


= lim f ( x + x
 x →0
 d
 dx
g ( x) + lim g ( x)

 x →0
 d
 dx
 f ( x)
Internal Use

Example : Differentiate the following functions and simplify.

1. y = (3x + 4) 4x − 3( )2

y' = (3x + 4)(8x ) + (4x − 3)(3)

2

2 2
y' = 24x + 32x + 12x - 9
2
y' = 36x + 32x - 9

( )
2. y = x − 1 (5 - 2x )
3

y' = (x − 1)(- 2) + (5 - 2x )(3x )

3 2

3 2
y' = -2x + 2 + 15x - 6x 3

3 2
y' = -8x + 15x + 2
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 6
6. Derivative of a Quotient

Theorem: (The Quotient Rule)

If 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are both differentiable functions at 𝑥, and if
𝑓(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0, then is differentiable at 𝑥 and
𝑔(𝑥)
df dg
g −f
d f dx dx or
  = 2
dx  g  g

g ( x)  f ( x) − f ( x) g ( x)
d d
d  f ( x)  dx dx
  =
dx  g ( x)  g ( x)2
Internal Use

The derivative of a quotient of two functions is the fraction

whose numerator is the denominator times the derivative of
the numerator minus the numerator times the derivative of
the denominator and whose denominator is the square of
the given denominator.
Internal Use

Example : Differentiate the given function and simplify.

4x − 3
2

y=
1 − 2x
(1 − 2x )(8x ) − (4x − 3)(− 2)
2

y' =
(1 − 2x )2

8x − 16x + 8x − 6
2 2

y' =
(1 − 2x )2

− 8x + 8x − 6
2

y' =
(1 − 2x )2

2(− 4x + 4x − 3)
2

y' =
(1 − 2x )2
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 7
7. Derivative of a Composition

Theorem: (The Chain Rule)

If 𝑔(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 and if 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑔(𝑥),
then the composition 𝑓(𝑥) ◦ 𝑔(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥 .
Moreover, if y = 𝑓(𝑔 𝑥 ) and 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥) then 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑢) and
dy dy du
= 
dx du dx
or
( ) = nu
d u n
n −1 du
dx dx
Internal Use

Example : Differentiate the following functions and simplify.

( 2
1. y = 3x − 10x + 15 )5

( 2
y' = 5 3x − 10x + 15 ) (6x - 10)
4

3
 5 
2. G(x) =  
 x -1 
 5 
2
 5   125 
G'(x) = 3  −  = −3 
 x -1   (x − 1)2   (x − 1)4 
   
3. y = (3x + 1)(4x − 5) 4

y = 4(3x + 1)(4x − 5) (3x + 1)(4 ) + (4x − 5)(3)

3

y = 4(3x + 1)(4x − 5) (12x + 4 + 12x - 15)

3

y = 4(24x - 11) (3x + 1)(4x − 5) 3

Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 8

8. Derivative of a Radical with index equal to 2

If 𝑢 is a differentiable function of 𝑥, then
du
d
dx
( )
u = dx
2 u
The derivative of a radical whose index is two is a fraction
whose numerator is the derivative of the radicand, and
whose denominator is twice the given radical, if the
derivative exists.
Internal Use

Differentiation Formula 9
9. Derivative of a Radical with index other than 2
If 𝑛 is any positive integer and 𝑢 is a differentiable
function of 𝑥, then

d   1
1 1
−1 du
u  =  u 
n n
dx   n dx
The derivative of the nth root of a given function is the
exponent multiplied by the product of u whose power is
diminished by one and the derivative of u, if this
derivative exists.
Internal Use

Differenti ate the following and simplify.

1. H(x ) = 3x − 5
3 3x − 5 3 3x − 5
H' (x ) = • =
2 3x − 5 3x − 5 2(3x − 5)

2. y = 5 (2x − 4)(x − 5)
1
y = ((2x − 4 )(x − 5)) 5
1 1
y' = ((2x − 4)(x − 5))5 ((2x − 4)(1) + (x − 5)(2))
−1
5
1 4
y' = ((2x − 4)(x − 5)) 5 (2x − 4 + 2x − 10)
−
5
1 4
y' = ((2x − 4)(x − 5))− 5 (4x − 14)
5
Internal Use

1 4
y' = ((2x − 4)(x − 5)) 5 (2x − 4 + 2x − 10)
−
5
1 4
y' = ((2x − 4)(x − 5)) 5 (4x − 14)
−
5
2(2x − 7 )
y' = 4
5((2x − 4)(x − 5)) 5