Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY
Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga
TOPIC:
DIFFERENTIATION
Group No.1
Members:
BONDOC, PATRICIA MAE M.
CORONEL, NICOLE M.
PASAMONTE, ARJAY M.
SANGALANG, LANCE FRIANCY M.
Submitted to:
Engr. Gilmark P. Repulda
Instructor
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PREFACE
This portfolio is a compilation of all the subtopics under
differentiation in the course “Differential Calculus 115”. It will go
over the basics of the basics of differentiation; the general rules
for getting the derivatives of certain functions. Moreover, included
here are the definition, historical background, and its concept.
It is hoped that this compilation will be of help in the future
either for review or for new first-year students who will take the
course.
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INTRODUCTION
Definition
Differentiation, in mathematics, is the process of finding a
function's derivative, which represents its rate of change. Despite
the theoretical complexities, differentiation is performed using
straightforward algebraic manipulations, involving three fundamental
derivatives and several operational rules.
The primary derivatives include:
𝑑
𝑑𝑥 (𝑢𝑛) = 𝑛∙𝑢𝑛−1 for algebraic
functions, 𝐷(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 and 𝐷(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥) =− 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 for trigonometric functions,
and ( 𝑥)
𝐷 𝑒 = 𝑒 for
𝑥
exponential functions. To handle combinations of
functions, differentiation rules are applied: the sum rule, product
rule, quotient rule and chain rule, where 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑔(𝑥) are
differentiable functions, and 𝑎, 𝑏 are constants (Britannica, 2023).
Historical Background
The development of modern differentiation is closely linked to the
groundbreaking contributions of Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibniz. Both mathematicians independently discovered
calculus in the same era, but their approaches to differentiation
were distinct. Newton's perspective was rooted in geometry and
motion. In his work Method of Fluxions and Infinite Series, he
described variables as "fluents" to emphasize their continuous change
over time. Differentiation, for Newton, involved calculating the rate
of change of a quantity with respect to time, represented as ttt. He
saw derivatives as "moments," or instantaneous rates of change, often
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linked to velocity and other physical concepts. However, his
inconsistent notations and focus on personal use made his approach
less formalized for widespread adoption.
Leibniz, in contrast, approached differentiation systematically
and introduced notations that form the foundation of modern calculus.
He defined the derivative as the ratio of infinitesimal changes in
𝑑𝑢
two variables, represented as 𝑑𝑥 , and demonstrated how to calculate
tangent lines to curves using this concept. His discovery of the
power rule, expressed as
𝑑
𝑑𝑥 (𝑢𝑛) = 𝑛∙𝑢𝑛−1 • 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
, provided a clear and
structured method for differentiation that remains central to
calculus today. Leibniz's focus on precise notation and systematic
methods allowed his approach to gain prominence in mathematical
practice.
Despite the differences in their methods, Newton and Leibniz
reached similar conclusions about differentiation, leading to
significant advancements in mathematics. Their rivalry, marked by
accusations of intellectual theft by Newton, overshadowed their
contributions for decades. However, both were ultimately recognized
for their independent discoveries, with Leibniz’s systematic and
accessible approach forming the basis for the differentiation
techniques still used in modern calculus (Schildt, M. (n.d.).
Concept of Differentiation
In mathematics, differentiation is the process of determining
the derivative of a function, which represents the function's rate of
change with its variables. It is a fundamental calculus technique
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that determines how a function changes when the independent variable
changes. This concept is essential for interpreting and modeling
dynamic changes in mathematics and the real world (Sedaghat, 2022;
Mostoufi & Constantinides, 2022)
At its foundation, differentiation analyzes the instantaneous
rate of change, which is calculated as the limit of the average rate
of change over increasingly smaller intervals. If y = f(x), the
derivative of
f(x) is given by the formula:
' 𝑓(𝑥+∆𝑥)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 (𝑥) = ∆𝑥
This formula is known as the first principle of differentiation
and serves as the foundation for calculating derivatives (Tao, 2022).
In geometric terms, differentiation represents the slope of the
tangent line to a function's graph at a specific location. The slope
represents the function's direction and rate of change. A positive
slope indicates an ascending function, whereas a negative slope
represents a decreasing function. A slope of zero implies a
stationary point, such as a peak, trough, or inflection point
(Sauerheber, 2009; Oberguggenberger & Ostermann, 2011).
The concept of differentiation revolves around analyzing the
behavior of functions to model changes in the real world. It is an
effective instrument in both theoretical and applied mathematics
because it bridges the gap between static values and dynamic
variations. Kunwar (2024).
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DERIVATION OF FORMULAS
Derivative of a Constant
The derivative of a constant is always zero, regardless of the
value of the constant. This is because a constant does not change,
and the derivative measures the rate of change of a function.
This can be expressed as:
If c is a constant, then:
𝑑
𝑑𝑥
(𝑐) = 0
Where:
● c: A constant
𝑑
● 𝑑𝑥
(c): The derivative of the constant with respect to x.
To find the derivative of a constant, you consider that the slope
of a constant function's graph is zero at all points, as it is
represented by a horizontal line. Since the constant value does not
vary as x changes, its rate of change is zero.
This fundamental rule simplifies many calculus problems and
ensures consistent results across computations involving constant
terms. It highlights that only variables or expressions dependent on
x contribute to the rate of change.
Derivative of Power
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The power rule in calculus is a method of differentiation used to
find the derivative of an algebraic expression with a power. It
𝑛
applies to expressions of the form 𝑢 , where 𝑛 is a real number. The
general formula is:
𝑑
𝑑𝑥 (𝑢𝑛) = 𝑛∙𝑢𝑛−1
Where:
𝑛
● 𝑢 : the given function
● 𝑛: the exponent
𝑛−1
● 𝑛∙𝑢 : the derivative of the function
To find the derivative using the power rule, you first need to
𝑛
express the function in the form 𝑢 , where 𝑛 is any real number. If
the function involves terms like square roots or fractions, you may
need to rewrite them as fractional or negative exponents. For
1/2 1 −3
example, 𝑢 becomes 𝑢 , and 3 becomes 𝑢 .This means that you
𝑥
multiply the exponent 𝑛 by the base 𝑢, and then subtract 1 from the
exponent. After applying the power rule, simplify the resulting
expression. If the exponent is negative or fractional, write the
expression in a simplified form, such as converting negative
exponents to reciprocals or leaving fractional exponents as they are.
If the function contains multiple terms, such as a polynomial, you
apply the power rule to each term individually.
Derivative of a Sum
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The derivative of the sum of two functions is simply the sum of
their derivatives. This can be expressed as:
𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
𝑑𝑥
(𝑢 + 𝑣) = 𝑑𝑥
+ 𝑑𝑥
Where:
● 𝑢: the first function
● 𝑣: the second function
𝑑𝑢
● 𝑑𝑥
: the derivative of f(x)
𝑑𝑣
● 𝑑𝑥
: the derivative of g(x)
To find the derivative of a sum, calculate the derivative of each
function individually, then add these derivatives together. This rule
reflects the linearity of differentiation, making it one of the
simplest properties to apply in calculus.
This principle ensures that the rate of change of the entire sum
is distributed across all its components. It simplifies
differentiation when dealing with combined functions, as each part
can be analyzed independently. The rule works for sums involving two
or more functions, maintaining consistency and accuracy in
calculations (Bourne, 2024; Xenophontos, 2021).
Derivative of a Product
The derivative of a product of two functions is given by the sum
of the product of the derivative of the first function and the second
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function and the product of the first function and the derivative of
the second function. This can be expressed as:
𝑑 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
(𝑢𝑣) = 𝑢( 𝑑𝑥 ) + 𝑣( 𝑑𝑥 )
Where:
● 𝑢: The first function.
● 𝑣: The second function.
𝑑𝑢
● 𝑑𝑥
: The derivative of the first function.
𝑑𝑣
● 𝑑𝑥
: The derivative of the second function.
To find the derivative of a product, we first label the functions
as “𝑢” and “𝑣”. We then take the derivative of both functions and
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
label them as “ 𝑑𝑥 ” and “ 𝑑𝑥 ” respectively. We then multiply “𝑣” and “
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
𝑑𝑥
” by adding the product of “𝑢” and “ 𝑑𝑥 ” to get the derivative of
the whole function.
Derivative a Quotient
The derivative of a quotient of two functions is given by
multiplying the denominator by the derivative of the numerator,
subtracting the product of the numerator and the derivative of the
denominator, and then dividing the result by the square of the
denominator. This can be expressed as:
𝑑 𝑢
( )=
𝑣( )−𝑢(
𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
𝑑𝑥
)
𝑥 𝑣 2
𝑣
Where:
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● 𝑢: The numerator function.
● 𝑣: The denominator function.
𝑑𝑢
● 𝑑𝑥
: The derivative of the numerator.
𝑑𝑣
● 𝑑𝑥
: The derivative of the denominator.
To find the derivative of a quotient, you first multiply the
𝑑𝑢
denominator 𝑣 by the derivative of the numerator 𝑑𝑥
. Then, subtract
the product of the numerator u and the derivative of the denominator
𝑑𝑣
𝑑𝑥
. Finally, you divide the result by the square of the denominator,
2
𝑣 . This process ensures that the derivative accurately reflects the
rate of change of the entire quotient.
This rule accounts for how both the numerator and denominator
change with respect to 𝑥, ensuring that the derivative of the entire
fraction reflects the correct rate of change. (Xenophontos, 2021;
Fiddes, 2020; Bourne, 2024).
General Power Formula
The General Power Formula is a fundamental rule in differentiation
used to find the derivative of a function raised to a constant power
𝑛
n. If you have a function of the form 𝑢 , where 𝑢 is a differentiable
𝑛
function and 𝑛 is a constant, the derivative of 𝑢 follows this
principle:
𝑑
𝑑𝑥 (𝑢𝑛) = 𝑛∙𝑢𝑛−1 • 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
Where:
● 𝑛: The function inside the exponent.
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● 𝑢: The constant exponent.
𝑑𝑢
● 𝑑𝑥
: The derivative of 𝑢.
The General Power Formula's main concept is that it expresses the
rate of change of a function raised to a power by considering both
the influence of the exponent and the behavior of the base function.
To simplify, multiply the entire function by its exponent 𝑛 to
account for the power's influence on the rate of change. The exponent
is reduced by one, changing it from 𝑛 to 𝑛 − 1, representing the
reduction in the degree of the function. Finally, multiply the result
𝑑𝑢
by the derivative of the basic function 𝑢, represented as 𝑑𝑥
, to
account for how the base function itself changes with respect to the
variable 𝑥. This combination ensures that the derivative accurately
represents the fundamental function's power and rate of change
(Herman & Strang, 2016; Yeo, 2020; Dr. T, 2022).
Chain Rule Formula
The chain rule in calculus is a method used to differentiate
composite functions, where one function is nested inside another. If
a function is expressed as 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑢)and 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑓 is the outer
function and 𝑔(𝑥) is the inner function, the chain rule states that
the derivative of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥 is found by multiplying the
derivative of the outer function with respect to 𝑢, and the
derivative of the inner function with respect to 𝑥. This can be
written as:
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𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
= 𝑑𝑢 • 𝑑𝑥
Where:
● 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑢): is the outer function
● 𝑢 = 𝑔(𝑥): is the inner function
𝑑𝑦
● 𝑑𝑢
is the derivative of the outer function with respect to 𝑢
𝑑𝑢
● 𝑑𝑥
is the derivative of the inner function with respect to 𝑥
To apply the chain rule, start by identifying the outer and inner
functions in the composite expression. Then, differentiate the outer
function and evaluate it at the inner function, followed by
differentiating the inner function. Multiply these two results
together to obtain the derivative of the composite function. This
rule works for various types of functions, including trigonometric,
exponential, and logarithmic functions.
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Properties, Examples - Mathstoon. Mathstoon.
https://www.mathstoon.com/nth-derivative-definition-formula-prop
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Fiddes, B. (2020, October 8). The Quotient Rule - DerivativeIt.
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Herman, H., & Strang, G. (2016, July 11). 3.3: Differentiation Rules.
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Kunwar, R. (2024). An Overview of Strategies for Conceptualizing
Derivative and their Applications in Daily Life for
Secondary-Level Mathematics Students. Journal of Applied Science
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https://doi.org/10.54060/a2zjournals.jase.44
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