SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Basic Calculus
Quarter 3 – Module 5
Rules of Differentiation

i
About the Module
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
about Differentiation Rules. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged based on the Most Essential Learning
Competencies (MELCs) released by the Department of Education (DepEd) for this
school year 2020 – 2021.

This module has two lessons:

Lesson 1 – Continuity and Differentiability of Functions
Lesson 2 – Differentiation Rules

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a

function;
• determine differentiation rules; and
• apply the differentiation rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic,
trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic
functions.

ii
 What I Know (Pretest)

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer to the following items. Write them
on a separate sheet of paper.
𝑥+3
1. What point will the function 𝑦 = 𝑥−3 be discontinuous?
A. 𝑥 = −3 B. 𝑥 = 0 C.𝑥 = 1 D. 𝑥 = 3

2. Is the function given below continuous or differentiable at 𝑥 = 2?

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 , 𝑥 ≤ 2
𝑓(𝑥) =
8𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥>2

A. Continuous but not differentiable

B. Differentiable but not continuous
C. Both continuous and differentiable
D. Neither continuous nor differentiable

3. Which of the following is continuous?

2𝑥−1
A. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1

1 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 , 𝑥<0
B. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 D. 𝑓(𝑥) =
0 , 𝑥=0
4. Which of the following is NOT differentiable?
A. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3
B. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 4)2
D. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1

5. What is the derivative of 5𝑥?

A. 0 B. 1 C.5 D. 5𝑥

6. What is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 4?

A. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6 B. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 C. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 D.𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 + 1

7. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

A. Continuous functions are differentiable.
B. Continuous functions do not have graphs.
C. Continuous functions are not differentiable.
D. Continuous functions have gaps on their graphs.

8. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(𝑥 3 + 4) ?

2𝑥 3 +4 6𝑥 3 −4 3𝑥 2 2𝑥 3
A. 𝑦 ′ = 4
B. 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥
C.𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 3 +4 D.𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 3 +4

9. What is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 6 ?

A. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 4 B. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 5 C. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 6 D. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 7

1
10. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 105𝑥 ?
A. 𝑦 ′ = 𝑙𝑛 10 C. 𝑦 ′ = 50 𝑙𝑛𝑥
B. 𝑦 ′ = 10 𝑙𝑛 (5) D. 𝑦 ′ = (5)105𝑥 𝑙𝑛 10

11. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 5𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝜋?

A. 𝑦′ = 5𝑒 𝑥 B. 𝑦′ = 5𝑒 𝑥 + 𝜋 C. 𝑦′ = 5𝑒 𝑥 + 3 D. 𝑦′ = 5𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝜋

12. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 ?

A. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 C. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 6𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
B. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 D. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥

13. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑒 2𝑥+1 ?

𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = 𝑒 2𝑥+1 C. 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥𝑒 2𝑥+1
B. 𝑦 ′ = 2 𝑒 2𝑥+1 D. 𝑦 ′ = (2𝑥 + 1)𝑒 2𝑥+1

14. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 2𝑥 3 ?

1 2𝑥 2 3𝑥 2 6𝑥 2
A. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥𝑙𝑛3 B. 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 3 𝑙𝑛3 C.𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥 3 𝑙𝑛3 D. 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥3 𝑙𝑛3

15. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥?

3 3𝑥 3 3𝑥
A. 𝑦 ′ = − B. 𝑦 ′ = − C. 𝑦 ′ = − D. 𝑦 ′ = −
2 𝑥√𝑥 −1 2 𝑥√𝑥 −1 𝑥 2 √𝑥−1 𝑥 2 √𝑥−1

2
 Lesson Continuity and Differentiability of
1 Functions

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a
function.

What’s In
Continuity and differentiability of a function is a critical issue. Most of the functions
we encounter in calculus will be differentiable over their domain, but some, will not
be differentiable. Before we use the rules of derivatives, we need to be able to
recognize the exceptions to the rule.

Let us recall the following definitions:

According to Lemence (2016), a function 𝑓 is continuous at a number 𝑐 if all the

following conditions are satisfied:
(i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined;
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and
𝑥→𝑐
(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
If at least one of these conditions is not satisfied, the function is said to be not
continuous at 𝑐.

What’s New
Activity 1.1: Derivative and Continuity of a Function
Instruction: Use the definition of derivative to find 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) of each function in Column
A and match its derivative in Column B. Identify also if each function in Column A
is continuous or not by writing your answer on the space provided before each
number. Number 1 is answered for your reference.

Column A Column B

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 __ 1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 a. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −3

__________________2. 𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 + 4 b. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5
__________________3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 c. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 1
_____________4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 4 d. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 4
__________________5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 3 e. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2
𝑥 2 −7𝑥+10
__________________6. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−5
f. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 4

3
 What Is It

Recall that, a function is differentiable if and only if its derivative exists. On the other
hand, a function is continuous if it satisfies the three conditions on continuity as
discussed in Module 3.

Let us start our lesson with polynomial functions to see how differentiability and
continuity of a function relate with each other.

Example 1.1: Determine whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 is differentiable and

continuous.

Solution: Reason:

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 Given
′ (𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 = lim Definition of derivative
ℎ→0 ℎ
2(𝑥+ℎ)+1−(2𝑥+1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Substitution of the function
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝟐𝒙+2ℎ+𝟏−𝟐𝒙−𝟏
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Distributive Property of
ℎ→0 ℎ
Multiplication
2ℎ
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Combined like terms
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 ′ (𝑥)
= lim 2 Simplified form
ℎ→0
′ (𝑥)
𝑓 =2 Evaluated the limit (limit of a
constant)
Based on the solution 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 is differentiable since its derivative exists.
Let us now check if the function is continuous through its graph.

Figure 1: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1

4
As seen in the graph, we can verify that the function is continuous since it has no
gaps or holes.

In this example, we showed that the polynomial function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 is

differentiable and continuous.

To check if this will be true for all polynomial functions, let us have another example.

Example 1.2: Determine whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is differentiable

and continuous at 2.

One way to differentiate a function at a given point is to differentiate first the given
function and substitute the point to its derivative.

Let us first differentiate 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1.

Solution: Reason:

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 Given
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Definition of derivative
ℎ→0 ℎ
(𝑥+ℎ)2 − 3(𝑥+ℎ) + 1−(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Substitution of the function
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝒙𝟐 +2𝑥ℎ+ℎ2 −𝟑𝒙−3ℎ+𝟏−𝒙𝟐 +𝟑𝒙−𝟏
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Distributive Property of
ℎ→0 ℎ
Multiplication
2
2𝑥ℎ + ℎ − 3ℎ
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Combined like terms
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ − 3) Factored out common
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ monomial
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim 2𝑥 + ℎ − 3 Simplified form
ℎ→0
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim 2𝑥 + 0 − 3 Evaluated the limit
ℎ→0

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 Final answer

The derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3. Differentiating

the function at point 2 is simply evaluating 𝑓 ′ (2) = 2𝑥 − 3. Thus,
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 Derivative of 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (2) = 2(2) − 3 Substituted the value
𝑓 ′ (2) = 4 − 3 Simplified form

𝑓 ′ (2) = 1 Final answer

Since the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 exists then it is differentiable.

To check if the function is continuous at a certain point, it must satisfy the
following conditions:

5
 (i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined;
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and
𝑥→𝑐
(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)
𝑥→𝑐
Cited from Lemence, 2016

Let us now verify if the given function satisfies the three conditions mentioned above.

(i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined

Solution: Reason:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 Given function
𝑓(2) = 22 − 3(2) + 1 Substituted the value of 𝑐 into 𝑥
𝑓(2) = 4 − 6 + 1 Simplified form
𝑓(2) = −1 Final answer

Thus, the 𝑓(𝑐) is defined since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is defined

at 𝑐 = 2.
(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists
𝑥→𝑐

Solution: Reason:
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 Given function
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→2
= lim 𝑥 2 − lim 3𝑥 + lim 1 Addition Theorem
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
= lim 𝑥 2 − 3 lim𝑥 + lim 1 Constant Multiple Theorem (2nd
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2
term)
= (2)2 − 3(2) + 1 Evaluated the limit
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −1 Final answer
𝑥→𝑐

Thus, lim 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 exists.

𝑥→2

(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑐

Since lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −1 and 𝑓(2) = −1. Therefore,

𝑥→𝑐

−1 = −1
Since conditions (i), (ii) and (iii) are satisfied then 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is
continuous at 2. Therefore, we could say that the polynomial function
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 is differentiable and continuous.

Based on our solutions, the first two examples are polynomial which are
differentiable and continuous at every real number 𝑥. Thus,

Theorem 1: Differentiability Implies Continuity

If a function is differentiable at a number, then it is also continuous
at that number (Egarguin, 2017).

6
Will this theorem be true the other way around? Let us check through the following
graphs below:

2 1
Figure 2: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| Figure 3: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 Figure 4: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥

1
Figure 5: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 1 Figure 6: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3

In figure 2, a sharp point or a corner occurs at 𝑥 = 0. In figure 3, a cusp occurs at

𝑥 = 0 while in figure 4, a vertical asymptote occurs at 𝑥 = 0. In figure 5, a whole in
the graph exists at 𝑥 = 0 and lastly, in figure 6, a vertical tangent line exists at 𝑥 = 0.

When a corner, a cusp, a vertical asymptote, a hole and a vertical tangent line occurs
on a certain point of a graph, a function is not differentiable on that point.

However, notice that figures 2,3 and 6 are continuous functions because you can
draw them without lifting your pen since there are no holes or gaps in the graph.
Therefore, you may conclude that continuity does not imply differentiability as stated
in the theorem below.

Theorem 2: Continuity Does Not Necessarily Imply Differentiability

If a function 𝒇(𝒙) is not differentiable at 𝒙 = 𝒄 then it may or may not be
continuous at 𝒙 = 𝒄 (Egarguin, 2017).

To further understand this theorem, let us have more examples.

Example 1.3: Identify whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is differentiable and
continuous at 𝑥 = 0.

Let us check if 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is differentiable at 𝑥 = 0.

7
 Solution: Reason:

𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| Given

′ (𝑥) 𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 = lim Definition of derivative
ℎ→0 ℎ
|0+ℎ| −|0|
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Substitution of the function
ℎ→0 ℎ
|𝒉|
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Simplified form
ℎ→0 ℎ

ℎ , 𝑖𝑓 ℎ > 0 Answer
ℎ=
−ℎ , 𝑖𝑓 ℎ < 0

Note that the absolute value function is defined differently to the left and right of 0
so we need to compute one-sided limits. Note that if ℎ approaches 0 from the left,
then it approaches 0 through negative values. Since ℎ < 0 |ℎ| = −ℎ it follows that

|ℎ| −ℎ
lim− = = lim− = lim− − 1 = −1
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0

Similarly, if ℎ approaches 0 from the right, then ℎ approaches 0 through positive

values. Since ℎ > 0 |ℎ| = ℎ, we obtain,

|ℎ| ℎ
lim+ = = lim+ = lim+1 = 1
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0

Hence the derivative does not exist at 𝑥 = 0 since the one-sided limits do not coincide.

Now let us check its continuity by looking at the graph below.

Figure 7: Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥|

Based on the graph, it is clear that the function is continuous, but we can check it
if it will satisfy the three conditions for continuity.

8
 (i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined;

Solution: Reason:
𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| Given function
𝑓(0) = |0| Substituted the value of 𝑐 into 𝑥
Final answer
𝑓(0) = 0

(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and

𝑥→𝑐

Solution: Reason:
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim |𝑥| Given function
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→0
lim−|𝑥| = lim−|𝑥| −𝑥 =0 One-sided limit
𝑥→0 𝑥→0
lim |𝑥| = lim+|𝑥| 𝑥=0
𝑥→0+ 𝑥→0

The limit exists since lim−|𝑥| = lim+|𝑥|

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

(iii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑐)

𝑥→𝑐
lim |𝑥| = 𝑓(0)
𝑥→0
0=0

Since the three conditions are satisfied, we can say that 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| is
continuous at the point 𝑥 = 0.

The previous example proves that continuity does not necessarily imply
differentiability. That is, there are functions which are continuous at a
point, but are not differentiable at that point. To understand the lesson
deeper, another example is shown below.

Example 1.4: Check the differentiability and continuity of the function below at
𝑥 = 1.

2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1
2
Let us differentiate 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 at 𝑥 = 1.
Solution: Reason:

2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 Given
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim Definition of derivative
ℎ→0 ℎ
2 2
−
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim 𝑥+ℎ−1ℎ 𝑥−1
Substitution of the function
ℎ→0
𝟐(𝒙−𝟏)−𝟐(𝒙+𝒉−𝟏)
′ (𝑥) (𝒙+𝒉−𝟏)(𝒙−𝟏)
𝑓 = lim Performed the indicated
ℎ→0 ℎ
operations

9
 2𝑥 − 2 − 2𝑥 − 2ℎ + 2 Distributive Property of
(𝑥 + ℎ − 1)(𝑥 − 1) Multiplication
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
ℎ
−2ℎ 1 Performed the indicated
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = ∙
(𝑥 + ℎ − 1)(𝑥 − 1) ℎ operation
−2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(𝑥 + 0 − 1)(𝑥 − 1)
Evaluated the limit
−2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = Simplified form
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 1)
−2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = Final answer
(𝑥 − 1)2

Evaluate 𝑓 ′ (1):
−2
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = Derivative of 𝑓(𝑥)
(𝑥 − 1)2
−2 Substituted the given value
𝑓 ′ (1) =
(1 − 1)2
−2
𝑓 ′ (1) = Simplified form
0
𝑓 ′ (1) = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 Final answer

2
Since 𝑓′(𝑥) is undefined, then 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 is not differentiable at 𝑥 = 1.

To check the continuity of the function, let us verify through the three
conditions.

(i) 𝑓(𝑐) is defined;

Solution: Reason:
2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1
Given function
2
𝑓(1) = Substituted the value of 𝑐 into 𝑥
1−1
2
𝑓(1) = 0
Simplified form
Final answer
𝑓(1) = undefined

(ii) lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists; and

𝑥→𝑐

Solution: Reason:
2
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim− 𝑥−1 Given function
𝑥→𝑐 − 𝑥→1
2
= lim− 1−1 Substituted the value of x
𝑥→1
2
= lim− 0 Simplified form
𝑥→1
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞ Rules involving infinite limits
𝑥→𝑐 −

10
 2
lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = lim+ Given function
𝑥→𝑐 𝑥→1 𝑥−1
2
= lim+ 1−1 Substituted the value of x
𝑥→1
2
= lim+ 0 Simplified form
𝑥→1
lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∞ Rules involving infinite limits
𝑥→𝑐 +

The second condition is not satisfied therefore the third condition will also be not
2
satisfied. Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = is not differentiable nor continuous at 𝑥 = 1.
𝑥−1

What’s More

Activity 1.2: NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Instruction: Determine if the given function is continuous and differentiable at the
indicated values of x. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 10
A. 𝑥 = 5 B. 𝑥 = 0
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
A. 𝑥 = 1 B. 𝑥 = −3
4𝑥+5
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 9−3𝑥
A. 𝑥 = −1 B. 𝑥 = 3
2𝑥 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 6
4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 − 1 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ≥ 6
A. 𝑥 = 4 B. 𝑥 = 6

What I Need to Remember

• If a function is differentiable at a number, then it is also continuous at

that number.
• If a function 𝒇(𝒙) is not differentiable at 𝒙 = 𝒄 then it may or may not be
continuous at 𝒙 = 𝒄 .

11
 Lesson Rules of Differentiation
2

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o determine differentiation rules; and
o apply the differentiation rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic,
trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic
functions.

What’s In
As we observed in the previous modules, the process of finding derivatives
using the limit definition tends to be tedious in time. The good news is we have an
alternative method in getting derivatives. The use of shortcuts is sometimes a
necessity in dealing with mathematical problems since it simplifies reaching the
desired outcome.

As discussed in the previous module, note that if 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the derivative of 𝑓

is commonly denoted by:
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
𝑓 ′ (𝑥), 𝑦 ′ , 𝐷𝑥 [𝑓(𝑥)], 𝑑𝑥 [𝑓(𝑥)], 𝑑𝑥 [𝑦] 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑥

What’s New

Things around you change with time. This idea can be found in many fields
such as population growth, birth and death rates, marginal revenue, employment
rate, production rates and fluid flow rate. You have learned the existence of function
limits and gave emphasis to continuity and discontinuity of functions to further
understand the concept of limit process involving the slope of a tangent line to a
curve. The derivative allowed you to understand the graph of a function in terms of
rate of change. However, finding the derivative of a function through the limit is a
lengthy process. In this module, let’s discuss some rules that will simplify the process
of differentiation.

12
 What Is It

The procedure for finding the exact derivative directly from a formula of the function
without having to use graphical methods is called differential calculus. In practice,
we use some rules that tell us how to find the derivative of almost any function.

Lesson 2.1: Differentiation Rules of Algebraic Function

Rule 1: The Constant Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is a constant, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 0. The derivative of a constant is
equal to zero.

Examples 1:
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 5, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 0
2. If 𝑔(𝑥) = √3, then 𝑔′ (𝑥) = 0
3. If ℎ(𝑥) = 2𝜋, then ℎ′ (𝑥) = 0

Rule 2: The Power Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑛 where 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 .

Examples 2:
1. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 5 , then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5𝑥 5−1
𝑓′(𝑥) = 5𝑥 4
1
2. Find 𝑔′ (𝑥) if 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .
In some cases, the laws of exponents must be used to rewrite an
expression before applying the power rule. Thus, we first write
1
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 −2 before we apply the power rule. We have,
𝑔 (𝑥) = 𝑥 −2
𝑔′ (𝑥) = (−2)𝑥 −2−1

𝑔′ (𝑥) = −2𝑥 −3

1
3
3. If ℎ(𝑥) = √𝑥 , then we can write ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 . So we have,
1
ℎ (𝑥) = 𝑥 3
1
1
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 3−1
3

1 2
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 −3
3

13
Rule 3: The Constant Multiple Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑘 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑘 ℎ′ (𝑥).

Examples 3:
3
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 10𝑥 4
13
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 √𝑥
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 5𝑥

Solution: We use Rule 3 in combination with Rule 2.

3
3
1. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 10 (4) 𝑥 4−1

30 −1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 4
4

1
13 1
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 √𝑥 = 5 𝑥 3
1 1 1
𝑔′(𝑥) = ( ) 𝑥 3−1
5 3
1 1−1
= 𝑥3
15
1 −2
𝑔′(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
15

3. ℎ′(𝑥) = 5(1)𝑥 1−1

= 5𝑥 0
= 5(1)
ℎ′(𝑥) = 5

Rule 4: The Sum and Difference Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) ± ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, then
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑔′(𝑥) ± ℎ′(𝑥).

Examples 4:
Find the derivative of the following:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 1
2
2. 𝑔(𝑤) = 3 𝑤 3 − 4𝑤 + 86
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 4 − 7𝑥 3 +5𝑥 2

14
 Solution: We incorporate the previous rules in this example.

1. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 3(2)𝑥 2−1 + 2(1)𝑥 1−1 − 0

= 6𝑥 1 + 2𝑥 0
= 6𝑥 1 + 2(1)

𝑓′(𝑥) = 6𝑥 + 2

2
2. 𝑔(𝑤) = (3)𝑤 3−1 − 4(1)𝑤 1−1 + 0
3
6 2
= 𝑤 − 4𝑤 0
3
= 2𝑤 2 − 4(1)
𝑔′(𝑤) = 2𝑤 2 − 4

3. ℎ′(𝑥) = 6(4)𝑥 4−1 − 7(3)𝑥 3−1 +5(2)𝑥 2−1

= 24𝑥 3 − 21𝑥 2 +10𝑥 1
ℎ′ (𝑥) = 24𝑥 3 − 21𝑥 2 + 10𝑥

Rule 5: The Product Rule

If f and g are differentiable functions, then
𝐷𝑥 [𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′ (𝑥) + 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥).

Rule 5 states that the derivative of the product of two differentiable functions is the
first function times the derivative of the second function plus the second function
times the derivative of the first function.

Examples 5:
Find the derivative of the following:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥 2 − 4)(𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = √𝑥(6𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 4)

Solution: Using product rule, we have:

1. 𝑓′(𝑥) = (3𝑥 2 − 4)𝐷𝑥 (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥) + (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)𝐷𝑥 (3𝑥 2 − 4)
= (3𝑥 2 − 4)[(2)𝑥 2−1 − 3(1)𝑥 1−1 ] + (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)[3(2)𝑥 2−1 − 0]
= (3𝑥 2 − 4)[2𝑥 1 − 3𝑥 0 ] + (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)[6𝑥 1 ]
= (3𝑥 2 − 4)[2𝑥 − 3(1)] + (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)[6𝑥]
= (3𝑥 2 − 4)(2𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 2 − 3𝑥)(6𝑥)
= 6𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 12 + 6𝑥 3 − 18𝑥 2
𝑓′(𝑥) = 12𝑥 3 − 27𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 12

2. 𝑔′ (𝑥) = (√𝑥)𝐷𝑥 (6𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 4) + (6𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 4)𝐷𝑥 (√𝑥)

1 1 1
= (𝑥 2 ) [6(3)𝑥 3−1 + 2(1)𝑥 1−1 − 0] + (6𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 4) [ 𝑥 2−1 ]
2
1
2 0 3
1 −1
= (𝑥 ) [18𝑥 + 2𝑥 ] + (6𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 4) [ 𝑥 ]
2 2
2
15
 1 1 1
= (𝑥 2 ) (18𝑥 2 + 2(1) + (6𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 − 4) ( 𝑥 −2 )
2
5 1 6 5 2 1 4 1
= 18𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 −2
2 2 2
5 1 5 1 1
= 18𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 −2
5 1 1
𝑔′(𝑥) = 21𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 −2

Rule 6: The Quotient Rule

Let f(x) and g(x) be two differentiable functions with 𝑔(𝑥) ≠0. Then
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′(𝑥)
𝐷𝑥 [ ]=
𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)]2

The rule above states that the derivative of the quotient of two functions is the
fraction having as its denominator the square of the original denominator, and as
its numerator the denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus the
numerator times the derivative of the denominator.

Examples 6:
Compute the derivative of the following:
2𝑥+1
1. ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +4
2𝑥 4 +5𝑥 2 −1
2. 𝑔(𝑥) =
3𝑥 5 +𝑥 3 −2𝑥+1

Solution: We incorporate the previous rules in this example.

2𝑥+1
1. If ℎ(𝑥) = , then 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4 thus 𝑓′(𝑥) = 2
𝑥 2 +4
and 𝑔′(𝑥) = 2𝑥. Therefore,
𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′(𝑥)
ℎ′(𝑥) =
[𝑔(𝑥)]2
(𝑥 2 + 4)(2) − (2𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥)
=
(𝑥 2 + 4)2
2𝑥 2 + 8 − 4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
=
(𝑥 2 + 4)2
8 − 2𝑥−2𝑥 2
ℎ′(𝑥) =
(𝑥 2 + 4)2

(3𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)𝐷𝑥 (2𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 2 − 1) − (2𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 2 − 1)𝐷𝑥 (3𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)

𝑔′(𝑥) = 16(3𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)2
 2.

(3𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)(8𝑥 3 + 10𝑥) − (2𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 2 − 1)(15𝑥 4 +3𝑥 2 − 2)

𝑔′(𝑥) =
(3𝑥 5 + 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1)2

Lesson 2.2: Differentiation Rules of Trigonometric Functions

Rule 7: Derivative of Trigonometric Functions

(a) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 (d) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝑥
(b) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 (e) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥
(c) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥 (f) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥

Examples 7:
Differentiate the following functions:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = sec 𝑥 + 3 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 3𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 + cot 𝑥

Solution: Applying the formulas above, we get

1. 𝑓′(𝑥) = sec 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 + 3(− 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥)
𝑓′(𝑥) = sec 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 − 3 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥

2. 𝑔′ (𝑥) = [(𝑥 2 )(cos 𝑥) + (sin 𝑥)(2𝑥)] − 3[(𝑥)(− 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) + (cos 𝑥(1))]

= 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 + 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 3𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
𝑔′(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 + 5𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥

3. ℎ′(𝑥) = 2[𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥] + [−𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝑥]

ℎ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝑥

Lesson 2.3: Differentiation Rules of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Rule 8: Derivative of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1 1
(a)𝐷𝑥 (sin −1 𝑥) =
√1−𝑥2
(d) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥) = − 1+𝑥 2
1 1
(b) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 𝑥) = − √1−𝑥 2 (e) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥) =
𝑥√𝑥 2 −1
1 1
(c)𝐷𝑥 (𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1 𝑥) = (f) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥) = −
1+𝑥 2 𝑥√𝑥 2 −1

Examples 8:
Differentiate the following functions:

17
 1. 𝑓(𝑥) = sin −1 𝑥 + 3𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 3 𝑠𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥 + 𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥

Solution: Applying the formulas above, we get

1 1
1. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = + 3 [− ]
√1−𝑥 2 √1−𝑥 2

1 3
𝑓′(𝑥) = −
√1 − 𝑥2 √1 − 𝑥 2
−2
𝑓′(𝑥) =
√1 − 𝑥 2

1 1
2. 𝑔′ (𝑥) = [(𝑥 3 ) (1+𝑥2 ) + 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥(3𝑥 2 )] − 2 [(𝑥) (1+𝑥2 ) + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥(1)]

𝑥3 2𝑥
=[ + 3𝑥 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥] − − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥
1+ 𝑥2 1 + 𝑥2
𝑥3 2𝑥
𝑔′(𝑥) = + 3𝑥 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 − − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥
1 + 𝑥2 1 + 𝑥2

𝑥 3 − 2𝑥
𝑔′(𝑥) = + 3𝑥 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥
1 + 𝑥2

1 1
3. ℎ′(𝑥) = 3 [ ] + [− ]
𝑥√𝑥2 −1 𝑥√𝑥2 −1
3 1
ℎ′ (𝑥) = −
𝑥√𝑥2 − 1 𝑥√𝑥2 − 1
2
ℎ′ (𝑥) =
𝑥√𝑥2 − 1

Lesson 2.4: Differentiation Rules of Exponential Functions

Rule 9: Derivative of an Exponential Function

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .

Example 9:
Find the derivative of the following:
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑒 𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = −4𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 +5𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 10𝑒 𝑥
3. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 −3𝑒 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥

Solution: We incorporate the previous rules in this example.

1. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝐷𝑥 [𝑒 𝑥 ]

18
 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑒 𝑥

2. 𝑔′ (𝑥) = [(−4𝑥 2 )(𝑒 𝑥 ) + (𝑒 𝑥 )(−8𝑥)]+[(5𝑥)(𝑒 𝑥 ) + (𝑒 𝑥 )(5)] − 10 ∙ [𝑒 𝑥 ]

𝑔′ (𝑥) = −4𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 −3𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 5𝑒 𝑥

3. ℎ′ (𝑥) = [(𝑒 𝑥 )(𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥) + (𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥)(𝑒 𝑥 )] −3[(𝑒 𝑥 )(− 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥(𝑒 𝑥 )]
= 𝑒 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 +𝑒 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 3𝑒 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 3𝑒 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
ℎ′(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 (4 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 )

The next rules can be linked with the chain rule which will be discussed in
the next module.

Rule 10: Derivative of other Exponential Function

If 𝑢 is a function of 𝑥 and 𝑎 is a constant, then

𝑑 𝑢 𝑑 𝑥 𝑑 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
(a) 𝑑𝑥
𝑒 = 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 (b) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 (c) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 = 𝑎𝑢 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥

Examples 10:
Differentiate the following functions:
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 +3𝑥

Solution: We use power rule and the rule (b) above.

𝑦′ = 3𝑥 2−1 +3𝑥 ln 3
𝑦′ = 3𝑥 2 +3𝑥 ln 3

2. 𝑦 = 𝑒 4𝑥+7
Solution: We use rule (a) above.
𝑑
𝑦 ′ = 𝑒 4𝑥+7 (4𝑥 + 7)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑
= 𝑒 4𝑥+7 [4 ∙ (𝑥) + (7)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 𝑒 4𝑥+7 [4(1) + 0]
= 𝑒 4𝑥+7 (4)
𝑦′ = 4𝑒 4𝑥+7

3. 𝑦 = 52𝑥+1
Solution: We use rule (c) above.
𝑑
𝑦 ′ = 52𝑥+1 𝑙𝑛 5 (2𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑
= 52𝑥+1 𝑙𝑛 5 [2 ∙ (𝑥) + (1)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 52𝑥+1 𝑙𝑛 5 [2(1) + 0]

19
 = 52𝑥+1 𝑙𝑛 5 (2)
𝑦′ = 52𝑥+1 2 𝑙𝑛 5

Lesson 2.5: Differentiation Rules of Logarithmic Functions

Rule 11: Derivative of Logarithmic Function

If 𝑢 is a differentiable function of 𝑥, then according to the Chain Rule:

𝑑 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(a) ln 𝑢 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑢 = ∙ (b) (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑢) = ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑙𝑛 𝑏 𝑑𝑥

Examples 11:
Differentiate the following functions:
1. 𝑦 = ln(5𝑥)
2. 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 2𝑥 + 1

Solution: Applying the rules above, we get:

1 𝑑 1 𝑑
1. 𝑦′ = 5𝑥 ∙ 𝑑𝑥 (5𝑥) 2. 𝑦′ = ∙ (2𝑥 + 1)
(2𝑥 + 1) ln 3 𝑑𝑥
1
= (5) 1
5𝑥 = (2)
(2𝑥 + 1) ln 3
5
= 2
5𝑥 𝑦′ =
(2𝑥 + 1) ln 3
1
𝑦′ =
𝑥

What’s More

Activity 2.1: NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Instruction: Solve the derivatives of the following functions using the differentiation
rules. Write your solutions and answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 6. 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(4 − 5𝑥)

2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 − 3√𝑥 7. 𝑦 = 3−𝑥
2

4
3. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 6 8. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 + 50
4. ℎ(𝑥) = 6𝑥 7 +5𝑥 4 −3𝑥 2 + 5 9. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥
5. 𝑦 = (𝑥 3 − 6𝑥)(2 − 4𝑥 3 ) 10. 𝑦 = 3𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝜋

What I Need to Remember

20
• Aside from solving derivatives using the definition of limits, there is an
alternative method using shortcuts. These shortcuts are known as rules of
differentiation which are the following:

• Rule 1: The Constant Rule

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is a constant, then 𝑓’(𝑥) = 0. The derivative of a constant
is equal to zero.
• Rule 2: The Power Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 𝑛 where 𝑛 ∈ 𝑁, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 .
• Rule 3: The Constant Multiple Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘 ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑘 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑘 ℎ′ (𝑥).
• Rule 4: The Sum and Difference Rule
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑔(𝑥) ± ℎ(𝑥) where 𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, then
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑔′(𝑥) ± ℎ′(𝑥).
•

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)𝑓 ′ (𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′(𝑥)

𝐷𝑥 [ ]=
𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)]2
• Rule 7: Derivative of Trigonometric Functions
(a) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 (d) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝑥
(b) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 (e) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥
(c) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥 (f) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥

• Rule 8: Derivative of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1 1
(a)𝐷𝑥 (sin −1 𝑥) =
√1−𝑥2
(d) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑡 −1 𝑥) = − 1+𝑥 2
1 1
(b) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 𝑥) = − √1−𝑥 2 (e) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑠𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥) =
𝑥√𝑥 2 −1
1 1
(c)𝐷𝑥 (𝑡𝑎𝑛 −1 𝑥) = (f) 𝐷𝑥 (𝑐𝑠𝑐 −1 𝑥) = −
1+𝑥 2 𝑥√𝑥 2 −1

• Rule 9: Derivative of an Exponential Function

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .

• Rule 10: Derivative of other Exponential Function

If 𝑢 is a function of 𝑥 and 𝑎 is a constant, then

𝑑 𝑢 𝑑 𝑥 𝑑 𝑢 𝑑𝑢
(a) 𝑑𝑥
𝑒 = 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑢 (b) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑥 ln 𝑎 (c) 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 = 𝑎𝑢 ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥

• Rule 11: Derivative of Logarithmic Function

21
If 𝑢 is a differentiable function of 𝑥, then according to the Chain Rule:

𝑑 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(a) 𝑑𝑥
ln 𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑢 = 𝑢 ∙ 𝑑𝑥 (b) 𝑑𝑥
(𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑢) = 𝑢 𝑙𝑛 𝑏 ∙ 𝑑𝑥
 What I Can Do

Activity 2.2: LET’S GET REAL

Instruction: Analyze and solve the problems below. Write your solution and answer
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Dr. Tan introduced a population of bacteria into a culture. The

number of bacteria 𝑃 after 𝑡 hours can be modeled by the function
8𝑡
𝑃(𝑡) = 1 000 (1 + 100+𝑡 2 ). Determine the rate of change of the
population when 𝑡 = 2.

2. Suppose that the number of people infected with the COVID 19 virus
in a certain city is given by 𝑓(𝑡) = 0.5𝑒 𝑡 + 𝑡 2 in hundreds, with t being
the time in days since the COVID 19 season began. How many times
higher is the rate of spread of the virus on day 6 and on day 2?

Assessment (Posttest)

22
Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write them on
a separate sheet of paper.
𝑥+2
1. What point will the function 𝑦 = 𝑥−2 be discontinuous?
A. 𝑥 = −2 B. 𝑥 = 0 C.𝑥 = 1 D. 𝑥 = 2

2. Is the function given below continuous or differentiable at 𝑥 = 3?

2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 , 𝑥 ≤ 3
𝑓(𝑥) =
8𝑥 − 2 , 𝑥>3

A. Continuous but not differentiable

B. Differentiable but not continuous
C. Both continuous and differentiable
D. Neither continuous nor differentiable

3. Which of the following is continuous?

2𝑥−1
𝐴. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1

1 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 , 𝑥 <02
𝐵. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 D. 𝑓(𝑥) =
0 , 𝑥=0
4. Which of the following is NOT differentiable?
𝐴. 𝑓(𝑥) = |𝑥| C. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥
𝐵. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 2)2
D. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 5

5. What is the derivative of 3𝑥 + 1?

A. 0 B. 1 C.3 D. 3𝑥

6. What is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 + 𝜋?

𝐴. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5 B. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 15𝑥 2 C. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5𝑥 3 D.𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 1

7. Which of the following statements is/are always TRUE?

I. A function that is continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 is differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
II. A function that is differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎 is continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎.
III. A function that is NOT continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 is NOT differentiable at
𝑥 = 𝑎.
IV. A function that is NOT differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑎 is NOT continuous at
𝑥 = 𝑎.
A. I and III B. I and IV C. II and III D. II and IV

8. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(𝑥 3 + 4) ?

2𝑥 3 +4 6𝑥 3 −4 3𝑥 2 2𝑥 3
𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = 4
B. 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥
C.𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 3 +4 D.𝑦 ′ = 𝑥 3 +4

9. What is the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 20 ?

𝐴. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 20𝑥 18 B. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 20𝑥 19 C. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 20𝑥 20 D. 𝑓′(𝑥) = 20𝑥 21

10. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 53𝑥 ?

23
 𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = 𝑙𝑛 5 C. 𝑦 ′ = 5 𝑙𝑛𝑥
𝐵. 𝑦 ′ = 5 𝑙𝑛 (3) D. 𝑦 ′ = 53𝑥 𝑙𝑛 5

11. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝜋?

𝐴. 𝑦′ = 3𝑒 𝑥 B. 𝑦′ = 3𝑒 𝑥 + 𝜋 C. 𝑦′ = 3𝑒 𝑥 + 2 D. 𝑦′ = 3𝑒 𝑥 + 2𝜋

12. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥?

𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 C. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 6𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
𝐵. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 D. 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥

13. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑒 5𝑥+2 ?

𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = 𝑒 5𝑥+2 C. 𝑦 ′ = 5𝑥𝑒 5𝑥+2
B. 𝑦 ′ = 5 𝑒 5𝑥+2 D. 𝑦 ′ = (5𝑥 + 2)𝑒 5𝑥+2

14. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 2𝑥 3 ?

1 2𝑥 2 3𝑥 2 6𝑥 2
𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = B. 𝑦 ′ = C.𝑦 ′ = D. 𝑦 ′ =
3𝑥𝑙𝑛3 2𝑥 3 𝑙𝑛3 2𝑥 3 𝑙𝑛3 2𝑥 3 𝑙𝑛3

15. What is the derivative of 𝑦 = −2𝑠𝑒𝑐 −1 𝑥?

2 2 2 2𝑥
𝐴. 𝑦 ′ = − B. 𝑦 ′ = − 𝑥 2 C. 𝑦 ′ = − 𝑥 2 D. 𝑦 ′ = − 𝑥 2
𝑥√𝑥 2 −1 √𝑥−1 √𝑥−1 √𝑥−1

Answer Key
Remember: This portion of the module contains all the answers. Your HONESTY is

24
 Required.

References
Book

25
Canlapan, R.B., Differentiation Rules, DIWA Senior High School Series: Basic
Calculus (Diwa Learning Systems INC,2017), 130-150

Egarguin, N. J. et. al, Differentiation Formulas, Basic Calculus for Senior High
School (C&E Publishing, Inc., 2017), 65-85

Pelias, J. G., Some Differentiation Rules, Basic Calculus (Rex Book Store, 2016),
106-120

PDF File
Lemence,et.al, Rules of Differentiation, Basic Calculus: Teacher’s Guide (CHED
2016), 119-126

Figures
Figure 1, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 2, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 3, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 4, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 5, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 6, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021
Figure 7, retrieved from Geogebra App on March 27, 2021

Congratulations!
You are now ready for the next module. Always remember the following:

1. Make sure every answer sheet has your

▪ Name
▪ Grade and Section
▪ Title of the Activity or Activity No.
2. Follow the date of submission of answer sheets as agreed with your
teacher.
3. Keep the modules with you AND return them at the end of the school year
or whenever face-to-face interaction is permitted.

26