Derivatives

Derivative at a point and tangent line, derivatives of standard functions, calculation rules (sum, product, quotient, composition), sign of the derivative and variations, extrema and the equation of the tangent.

  • 26 cards
  • 7 topics
  • Free

The outline, topic by topic

Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.

  1. Concepts
  2. Questions
  3. Sort and link
  4. The numbers
  5. The curves
  6. Scenarios
  7. Understand

A few cards from the deck

  • Derivative at a point: what is it?

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    The limit, when it exists, of the rate of change (f(a + h) − f(a)) / h as h tends to 0; it is written f′(a).

    It is the slope of the tangent at a: the instantaneous speed if f gives a position, the marginal cost if f gives a cost.

  • What is the derivative of f(x) = (3x + 1) e^x?

    • (3x + 4) e^x
    • 3 e^x
    • (3x + 1) e^x
    • 3x e^x
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    (3x + 4) e^x

    With u = 3x + 1 and v = e^x: u′v + uv′ = 3e^x + (3x + 1)e^x = (3x + 4)e^x. 3e^x forgets the second term; (3x + 1)e^x forgets the first.

  • (uv)′ = … and (u/v)′ = …, for v non-zero.

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    (uv)′ = u′v + uv′ and (u/v)′ = (u′v − uv′) / v², for v non-zero.

    The derivative of a product is not the product of the derivatives: with u = v = x, (x²)′ = 2x whereas u′v′ = 1. In the quotient, the minus sign and the order of the terms matter.