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AP Calculus BCthe reference sheet

Every topic in the course, boiled down to its rule, its formula, and one worked example. For review and quick lookups, not for learning a topic the first time.

16 units, 53 sections, 305 topics. Press / to search.

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Unit 1 32 topics

Limits

Estimating Limits from Graphs, The Algebra of Limits, Limits of Functions, and more.

1.1 Estimating Limits from Graphs

xy123412345f(2) = 1holelimx→2 f(x) = 3f(x) heads to 3 from both sidesf(2) = 1the actual value at x = 2The limit is about nearby values,not the value at the point.
As x closes in on 2 from either side, f(x) closes in on 3, so the limit is 3. The point f(2) = 1 sits somewhere else and does not change the limit.
  1. 1.1.1

    The Finite Limit of a Function

    lim⁡x→af(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L means f(x)f(x) gets as close as you like to LL as xx gets close to aa from both sides. The value f(a)f(a) does not matter and may not even exist.

    e.g. Graph with an open circle at (2,3)(2, 3) and a filled dot at (2,5)(2, 5): lim⁡x→2f(x)=3\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 3, but f(2)=5f(2) = 5

    lim⁡x→af(x)=L\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L
  2. 1.1.2

    The Left and Right-Sided Limits of a Function

    The left-hand limit uses xx-values just less than aa. The right-hand limit uses xx-values just greater than aa.

    e.g. Graph approaches height 3 from the left of x=2x = 2 and height 5 from the right: lim⁡x→2−f(x)=3\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) = 3, lim⁡x→2+f(x)=5\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) = 5

    lim⁡x→a−f(x)(from the left)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) \quad \text{(from the left)}
    lim⁡x→a+f(x)(from the right)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) \quad \text{(from the right)}
  3. 1.1.3

    Finding the Existence of a Limit Using One-Sided Limits

    The two-sided limit exists only when both one-sided limits exist and are equal. If they differ, the limit does not exist (DNE).

    e.g. Left limit 3, right limit 5: lim⁡x→2f(x)\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) DNE

    lim⁡x→af(x)=L  ⟺  \displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L \iff
    lim⁡x→a−f(x)=lim⁡x→a+f(x)=L\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) = L
  4. 1.1.4

    Limits at Infinity from Graphs

    Read the height the graph levels off toward as xx moves far right (x→∞x \to \infty) or far left (x→−∞x \to -\infty). If that height is LL, the line y=Ly = L is a horizontal asymptote. The two ends can have different limits.

    e.g. f(x)=1x+2f(x) = \tfrac1x + 2 levels off at 2: lim⁡x→∞f(x)=lim⁡x→−∞f(x)=2\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = \lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 2

    lim⁡x→±∞f(x)=L\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \pm\infty} f(x) = L
  5. 1.1.5

    Infinite Limits from Graphs

    If f(x)f(x) grows without bound as x→ax \to a, write lim⁡x→af(x)=∞\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = \infty (or −∞-\infty). The graph has a vertical asymptote at x=ax = a. The limit still does not equal a real number.

    e.g. lim⁡x→01x2=∞\lim_{x \to 0} \tfrac{1}{x^2} = \infty; lim⁡x→0+1x=∞\lim_{x \to 0^+} \tfrac1x = \infty but lim⁡x→0−1x=−∞\lim_{x \to 0^-} \tfrac1x = -\infty

    lim⁡x→af(x)=±∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = \pm\infty

1.2 The Algebra of Limits

  1. 1.2.1

    Limits of Power Functions, and the Constant Rule for Limits

    The limit of a constant is that constant. For a power of xx, substitute aa. A constant multiple can be pulled out of a limit.

    e.g. lim⁡x→32x2=2⋅9=18\lim_{x \to 3} 2x^2 = 2 \cdot 9 = 18

    lim⁡x→ac=c\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} c = c
    lim⁡x→axn=an\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} x^n = a^n
    lim⁡x→acf(x)=clim⁡x→af(x)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} c f(x) = c \lim_{x \to a} f(x)
  2. 1.2.2

    The Sum Rule for Limits

    If both limits exist, the limit of a sum or difference is the sum or difference of the limits.

    e.g. lim⁡x→2(x3+4x)=8+8=16\lim_{x \to 2} (x^3 + 4x) = 8 + 8 = 16

    lim⁡x→a[f(x)±g(x)]\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} [f(x) \pm g(x)]
    =lim⁡x→af(x)±lim⁡x→ag(x)\displaystyle = \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \pm \lim_{x \to a} g(x)
  3. 1.2.3

    The Product and Quotient Rules for Limits

    If lim⁡x→af(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L and lim⁡x→ag(x)=M\lim_{x \to a} g(x) = M, the limit of a product is LMLM. The limit of a quotient is LM\tfrac{L}{M}, provided M≠0M \ne 0.

    e.g. lim⁡x→1x+3x2+1=42=2\lim_{x \to 1} \tfrac{x + 3}{x^2 + 1} = \tfrac{4}{2} = 2

    lim⁡x→a[f(x) g(x)]=LM\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} [f(x)\,g(x)] = LM
    lim⁡x→af(x)g(x)=LM,  M≠0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{L}{M}, \; M \ne 0
  4. 1.2.4

    The Power and Root Rules for Limits

    If lim⁡x→af(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L, raise LL to the power or take its root. For an even root, LL must be positive.

    e.g. lim⁡x→1(2x+1)3=27\lim_{x \to 1} (2x + 1)^3 = 27; lim⁡x→4x+5=3\lim_{x \to 4} \sqrt{x + 5} = 3

    lim⁡x→a[f(x)]n=Ln\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} [f(x)]^n = L^n
    lim⁡x→af(x)n=Ln\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} \sqrt[n]{f(x)} = \sqrt[n]{L}

1.3 Limits of Functions

xy12341234openclosedlimx→2⁻ f(x) = 1left-hand limit: from the leftlimx→2⁺ f(x) = 3right-hand limit: from the right1 ≠ 3, so the two-sidedlimit does not exist
From the left f(x) approaches 1; from the right it approaches 3. A two-sided limit exists only when both one-sided limits agree.
  1. 1.3.1

    Limits at Infinity of Polynomials

    As x→±∞x \to \pm\infty, the leading term dominates. Its sign and degree decide whether the limit is ∞\infty or −∞-\infty. A nonconstant polynomial never has a finite limit at infinity.

    e.g. lim⁡x→−∞(−2x3+x)\lim_{x \to -\infty} (-2x^3 + x): x3→−∞x^3 \to -\infty, times −2-2 gives ∞\infty

    lim⁡x→±∞p(x)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \pm\infty} p(x)
    =lim⁡x→±∞anxn\displaystyle = \lim_{x \to \pm\infty} a_n x^n
  2. 1.3.2

    Limits of Reciprocal Functions

    For n>0n > 0, 1xn→0\tfrac{1}{x^n} \to 0 as x→±∞x \to \pm\infty. Near x=0x = 0 it blows up: 1x\tfrac1x goes to ∞\infty from the right and −∞-\infty from the left, while 1x2\tfrac{1}{x^2} goes to ∞\infty from both sides.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞5x2=0\lim_{x \to \infty} \tfrac{5}{x^2} = 0; lim⁡x→3+1x−3=∞\lim_{x \to 3^+} \tfrac{1}{x - 3} = \infty

    lim⁡x→±∞1xn=0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \pm\infty} \frac{1}{x^n} = 0
    lim⁡x→0+1x=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac1x = \infty
    lim⁡x→0−1x=−∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^-} \frac1x = -\infty
  3. 1.3.3

    Limits of Exponential Functions

    Exponentials are continuous, so substitute at a finite point. For b>1b > 1, bx→∞b^x \to \infty as x→∞x \to \infty and bx→0b^x \to 0 as x→−∞x \to -\infty. For 0<b<10 < b < 1 it is the reverse.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞(12)x=0\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\tfrac12\right)^x = 0; lim⁡x→−∞(3+2x)=3\lim_{x \to -\infty} (3 + 2^x) = 3

    lim⁡x→∞ex=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} e^x = \infty
    lim⁡x→−∞ex=0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to -\infty} e^x = 0
    lim⁡x→∞e−x=0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} e^{-x} = 0
  4. 1.3.4

    Limits of Logarithmic Functions

    Logs are continuous on x>0x > 0, so substitute there. ln⁡x→∞\ln x \to \infty as x→∞x \to \infty (slowly), and ln⁡x→−∞\ln x \to -\infty as x→0+x \to 0^+. Only the right-hand limit at 0 makes sense.

    e.g. lim⁡x→eln⁡x=1\lim_{x \to e} \ln x = 1; lim⁡x→2+ln⁡(x−2)=−∞\lim_{x \to 2^+} \ln(x - 2) = -\infty

    lim⁡x→∞ln⁡x=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} \ln x = \infty
    lim⁡x→0+ln⁡x=−∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^+} \ln x = -\infty
  5. 1.3.5

    Limits of Radical Functions

    Roots are continuous on their domains, so substitute. Even roots need the inside ≥0\ge 0; at an endpoint of the domain, use the one-sided limit from inside the domain.

    e.g. lim⁡x→5x+4=9=3\lim_{x \to 5} \sqrt{x + 4} = \sqrt9 = 3

    lim⁡x→0+x=0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^+} \sqrt{x} = 0
    lim⁡x→∞x=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} \sqrt{x} = \infty
    lim⁡x→−∞x3=−∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to -\infty} \sqrt[3]{x} = -\infty
  6. 1.3.6

    Limits of Trigonometric Functions

    sin⁡x\sin x and cos⁡x\cos x are continuous everywhere, so substitute. tan⁡x\tan x is continuous except at odd multiples of π2\tfrac{\pi}{2}, where it has vertical asymptotes. sin⁡x\sin x and cos⁡x\cos x have no limit as x→±∞x \to \pm\infty because they keep oscillating.

    e.g. lim⁡x→π/3cos⁡x=12\lim_{x \to \pi/3} \cos x = \tfrac12

    lim⁡x→asin⁡x=sin⁡a\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} \sin x = \sin a
    lim⁡x→acos⁡x=cos⁡a\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a} \cos x = \cos a
    lim⁡x→(π/2)−tan⁡x=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to (\pi/2)^-} \tan x = \infty
  7. 1.3.7

    Limits of Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

    Write csc⁡\csc, sec⁡\sec, and cot⁡\cot as reciprocals and substitute where the denominator is not 0. Where the denominator is 0 there is a vertical asymptote; check the sign on each side.

    e.g. lim⁡x→π/3sec⁡x=11/2=2\lim_{x \to \pi/3} \sec x = \tfrac{1}{1/2} = 2; lim⁡x→(π/2)−sec⁡x=∞\lim_{x \to (\pi/2)^-} \sec x = \infty

    csc⁡x=1sin⁡x,  sec⁡x=1cos⁡x\displaystyle \csc x = \frac{1}{\sin x}, \; \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x}
    lim⁡x→0+csc⁡x=∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^+} \csc x = \infty
    lim⁡x→0−csc⁡x=−∞\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0^-} \csc x = -\infty
  8. 1.3.8

    Limits of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

    Inverse trig functions are continuous on their domains, so substitute directly. arcsin⁡\arcsin and arccos⁡\arccos are defined only on [−1,1][-1, 1]. As x→±∞x \to \pm\infty, arctan⁡x\arctan x levels off at its horizontal asymptotes.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞arctan⁡(ex)=π2\lim_{x \to \infty}\arctan(e^x) = \tfrac{\pi}{2}, and lim⁡x→−∞arctan⁡(ex)=arctan⁡0=0\lim_{x \to -\infty}\arctan(e^x) = \arctan 0 = 0

    lim⁡x→∞arctan⁡x=π2\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty}\arctan x = \frac{\pi}{2}
    lim⁡x→−∞arctan⁡x=−π2\displaystyle \lim_{x \to -\infty}\arctan x = -\frac{\pi}{2}
  9. 1.3.9

    Limits of Piecewise Functions

    Away from a boundary, use the piece that applies there. At a boundary, find each one-sided limit with its own piece. The limit exists only if they match.

    e.g. Left: 22=42^2 = 4; right: 3(2)−2=43(2) - 2 = 4; so lim⁡x→2f(x)=4\lim_{x \to 2} f(x) = 4

    f(x)={x2x<23x−2x≥2\displaystyle f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 & x < 2 \\ 3x - 2 & x \ge 2 \end{cases}

1.4 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation

  1. 1.4.1

    Calculating Limits of Rational Functions by Factoring

    If substitution gives 00\tfrac00, factor the top and bottom, cancel the common factor, then substitute again.

    e.g. lim⁡x→3x2−9x−3=lim⁡x→3(x+3)=6\lim_{x \to 3} \tfrac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} = \lim_{x \to 3} (x + 3) = 6

  2. 1.4.2

    Limits of Absolute Value Functions

    Rewrite the absolute value as two cases, split where the inside is 0. Find the one-sided limits using the correct case on each side.

    e.g. ∣x∣x\tfrac{\lvert x \rvert}{x}: right limit 1, left limit −1-1, so lim⁡x→0∣x∣x\lim_{x \to 0} \tfrac{\lvert x \rvert}{x} DNE

    ∣x∣={xx≥0−xx<0\displaystyle \lvert x \rvert = \begin{cases} x & x \ge 0 \\ -x & x < 0 \end{cases}
  3. 1.4.3

    Calculating Limits of Radical Functions Using Conjugate Multiplication

    If a radical expression gives 00\tfrac00, multiply the top and bottom by the conjugate. Simplify, cancel, then substitute.

    e.g. lim⁡x→4x−2x−4=lim⁡x→41x+2=14\lim_{x \to 4} \tfrac{\sqrt{x} - 2}{x - 4} = \lim_{x \to 4} \tfrac{1}{\sqrt{x} + 2} = \tfrac14

    (a−b)(a+b)=a−b2\displaystyle (\sqrt{a} - b)(\sqrt{a} + b) = a - b^2
  4. 1.4.4

    Calculating Limits Using Trigonometric Identities

    If substitution gives 00\tfrac00, rewrite with identities (Pythagorean, double-angle, tan⁡x=sin⁡xcos⁡x\tan x = \tfrac{\sin x}{\cos x}) until a factor cancels, then substitute.

    e.g. lim⁡x→0sin⁡2xsin⁡x=lim⁡x→02cos⁡x=2\lim_{x \to 0} \tfrac{\sin 2x}{\sin x} = \lim_{x \to 0} 2\cos x = 2

    sin⁡2x+cos⁡2x=1\displaystyle \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1
    sin⁡2x=2sin⁡xcos⁡x\displaystyle \sin 2x = 2 \sin x \cos x
  5. 1.4.5

    Limits at Infinity and Horizontal Asymptotes of Rational Functions

    Compare the degree nn of the top with the degree mm of the bottom. If n<mn < m the limit is 0. If n=mn = m it is the ratio of leading coefficients. If n>mn > m it is ±∞\pm\infty and there is no horizontal asymptote.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞3x2+12x2−x=32\lim_{x \to \infty} \tfrac{3x^2 + 1}{2x^2 - x} = \tfrac32, so the HA is y=32y = \tfrac32

    n<m:  L=0\displaystyle n < m: \; L = 0
    n=m:  L=anbm\displaystyle n = m: \; L = \frac{a_n}{b_m}
    n>m:  L=±∞\displaystyle n > m: \; L = \pm\infty
  6. 1.4.6

    Evaluating Limits at Infinity by Comparing Relative Magnitudes of Functions

    As x→∞x \to \infty, logs grow slower than powers, and powers grow slower than exponentials. In a ratio, the faster-growing function wins.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞x3ex=0\lim_{x \to \infty} \tfrac{x^3}{e^x} = 0; lim⁡x→∞2xx10=∞\lim_{x \to \infty} \tfrac{2^x}{x^{10}} = \infty

    ln⁡x≪xp≪bx\displaystyle \ln x \ll x^p \ll b^x
    (p>0,  b>1)\displaystyle (p > 0, \; b > 1)
  7. 1.4.7

    Evaluating Limits at Infinity of Radical Functions

    Divide the top and bottom by the highest power of xx. Inside a square root, x2=∣x∣\sqrt{x^2} = \lvert x \rvert, so when x→−∞x \to -\infty, use x2=−x\sqrt{x^2} = -x and watch the sign.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞4x2+1x+3=2\lim_{x \to \infty} \tfrac{\sqrt{4x^2 + 1}}{x + 3} = 2; lim⁡x→−∞4x2+1x+3=−2\lim_{x \to -\infty} \tfrac{\sqrt{4x^2 + 1}}{x + 3} = -2

    x2=∣x∣\displaystyle \sqrt{x^2} = \lvert x \rvert
    x<0:  x2=−x\displaystyle x < 0: \; \sqrt{x^2} = -x
  8. 1.4.8

    Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions

    Cancel common factors first. Each xx-value that still makes the denominator zero is a vertical asymptote.

    e.g. f(x)=x+1(x−3)(x+1)f(x) = \frac{x + 1}{(x - 3)(x + 1)}: vertical asymptote x=3x = 3 only

  9. 1.4.9

    Connecting Infinite Limits and Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions

    After canceling common factors, a value that makes the denominator 0 (but not the numerator) is a vertical asymptote, and the one-sided limits there are ±∞\pm\infty. Test a value on each side to get the sign. A factor that cancels gives a hole instead.

    e.g. f(x)=x+1x−2f(x) = \tfrac{x + 1}{x - 2}: lim⁡x→2+f(x)=∞\lim_{x \to 2^+} f(x) = \infty, lim⁡x→2−f(x)=−∞\lim_{x \to 2^-} f(x) = -\infty, VA x=2x = 2

1.5 Special Limits

  1. 1.5.1

    The Squeeze Theorem

    If ff is trapped between two functions near aa and both outer functions have the same limit LL at aa, then ff has limit LL too. Often used with −1≤sin⁡x≤1-1 \le \sin x \le 1.

    e.g. −x2≤x2sin⁡1x≤x2-x^2 \le x^2\sin\tfrac1x \le x^2 and both bounds go to 00, so lim⁡x→0x2sin⁡1x=0\lim_{x\to0} x^2\sin\tfrac1x = 0

    g(x)≤f(x)≤h(x) near a\displaystyle g(x) \le f(x) \le h(x) \text{ near } a
    lim⁡x→ag=lim⁡x→ah=L\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} g = \lim_{x\to a} h = L
    ⇒  lim⁡x→af(x)=L\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L
  2. 1.5.2

    Special Limits Involving Sine

    As x→0x \to 0, sin⁡x\sin x and xx become nearly equal, so their ratio goes to 11. Only true with xx in radians.

    e.g. lim⁡x→05sin⁡x2x=52⋅1=52\lim_{x\to0}\frac{5\sin x}{2x} = \tfrac52 \cdot 1 = \tfrac52

    lim⁡x→0sin⁡xx=1\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{\sin x}{x} = 1
    lim⁡x→0xsin⁡x=1\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{x}{\sin x} = 1
  3. 1.5.3

    Evaluating Special Limits Involving Sine Using a Substitution

    Let u=kxu = kx. As x→0x \to 0, u→0u \to 0, so the sine limit still applies. Make the angle and the denominator match, then fix the constant.

    e.g. lim⁡x→0sin⁡3xx\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\sin 3x}{x}: let u=3xu = 3x, then lim⁡u→03sin⁡uu=3\lim_{u\to0}\frac{3\sin u}{u} = 3

    lim⁡x→0sin⁡kxkx=1\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{\sin kx}{kx} = 1
    lim⁡x→0sin⁡kxx=k\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{\sin kx}{x} = k
  4. 1.5.4

    Special Limits Involving Cosine

    As x→0x \to 0, 1−cos⁡x1 - \cos x shrinks faster than xx, so the ratio goes to 00. Only true with xx in radians.

    e.g. lim⁡x→0cos⁡x−13x=−13⋅0=0\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\cos x - 1}{3x} = -\tfrac13 \cdot 0 = 0

    lim⁡x→01−cos⁡xx=0\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{1 - \cos x}{x} = 0
    lim⁡x→01−cos⁡xx2=12\displaystyle \lim_{x\to0} \frac{1 - \cos x}{x^2} = \frac12
  5. 1.5.5

    Limits Involving the Exponential Function

    Know these standard limits. exe^x grows faster than any power of xx, and ex→0e^x \to 0 as x→−∞x \to -\infty.

    e.g. lim⁡x→0e3x−1x=3lim⁡x→0e3x−13x=3\lim_{x \to 0}\tfrac{e^{3x} - 1}{x} = 3\lim_{x \to 0}\tfrac{e^{3x} - 1}{3x} = 3

    lim⁡x→0ex−1x=1\displaystyle \lim_{x \to 0}\frac{e^x - 1}{x} = 1
    lim⁡n→∞(1+an)n=ea\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\left(1 + \frac{a}{n}\right)^n = e^a
    lim⁡x→∞xnex=0\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty}\frac{x^n}{e^x} = 0

Unit 2 13 topics

Continuity

Continuity, and Removing Discontinuities.

2.6 Continuity

Removablea holefails test 1Jumppieces don’t meetfails test 2Infinitevertical asymptotefails tests 1 and 2f is continuous at x = a1. f(a) is defined2. limx→a f(x) exists3. limx→a f(x) = f(a)Fail any one test andthe graph has a break.
A function is continuous at a when you can draw through x = a without lifting your pencil. Each kind of break fails at least one of the three tests.
  1. 2.6.1

    Determining Continuity from Graphs

    A function is continuous at a point if you can trace the graph through it without lifting your pencil. Holes, jumps, and vertical asymptotes are discontinuities.

    e.g. Open circle at (2,3)(2, 3) and a filled dot at (2,5)(2, 5): not continuous at x=2x = 2

  2. 2.6.2

    Defining Continuity at a Point

    ff is continuous at x=ax = a only if all three conditions hold. If any one fails, ff is discontinuous at aa.

    e.g. f(x)=x2+1f(x) = x^2 + 1 at x=2x = 2: f(2)=5f(2) = 5 and the limit is 55, so continuous

    1.  f(a) is defined\displaystyle 1.\; f(a) \text{ is defined}
    2.  lim⁡x→af(x) exists\displaystyle 2.\; \lim_{x\to a} f(x) \text{ exists}
    3.  lim⁡x→af(x)=f(a)\displaystyle 3.\; \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = f(a)
  3. 2.6.3

    Left and Right Continuity

    ff is continuous from the left at aa if the left-hand limit equals f(a)f(a), and from the right if the right-hand limit equals f(a)f(a). Continuous at aa means both.

    e.g. ⌊x⌋\lfloor x \rfloor at x=1x = 1: right limit 1=f(1)1 = f(1), left limit 00, so continuous from the right only

    left: lim⁡x→a−f(x)=f(a)\displaystyle \text{left: } \lim_{x\to a^-} f(x) = f(a)
    right: lim⁡x→a+f(x)=f(a)\displaystyle \text{right: } \lim_{x\to a^+} f(x) = f(a)
  4. 2.6.4

    Further Continuity of Piecewise Functions

    Each piece is usually continuous on its own interval, so check only the break points. Both pieces must reach the same value there, and it must equal f(a)f(a).

    e.g. f(x)=x+1f(x) = x + 1 for x<1x < 1, 3x−13x - 1 for x≥1x \ge 1: both pieces give 22 at x=1x = 1, so continuous

    lim⁡x→a−f=lim⁡x→a+f=f(a)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a^-} f = \lim_{x\to a^+} f = f(a)
  5. 2.6.5

    Point Discontinuities

    Also called removable discontinuities. The limit exists, but f(a)f(a) is undefined or does not equal it. The graph shows a hole.

    e.g. f(x)=x2−4x−2f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} has a hole at (2,4)(2, 4)

    lim⁡x→af(x)=L≠f(a)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L \ne f(a)
  6. 2.6.6

    Jump Discontinuities

    Both one-sided limits exist but are different, so the graph jumps. The two-sided limit does not exist.

    e.g. f(x)=∣x∣xf(x) = \frac{\lvert x \rvert}{x} jumps from −1-1 to 11 at x=0x = 0

    lim⁡x→a−f(x)≠lim⁡x→a+f(x)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a^-} f(x) \ne \lim_{x\to a^+} f(x)
  7. 2.6.7

    Discontinuities Due to Vertical Asymptotes

    Also called infinite discontinuities. At least one one-sided limit is ∞\infty or −∞-\infty, so the function is not continuous there.

    e.g. f(x)=1x−3f(x) = \frac{1}{x - 3}: lim⁡x→3+f(x)=∞\lim_{x\to3^+} f(x) = \infty, so infinite discontinuity at x=3x = 3

  8. 2.6.8

    Continuity Over an Interval

    ff is continuous on (a,b)(a, b) if it is continuous at every point inside. On [a,b][a, b] it must also be continuous from the right at aa and from the left at bb.

    e.g. x\sqrt{x} is continuous on [0,∞)[0, \infty). 1x\tfrac1x is continuous on (0,5](0, 5] but not on [−1,1][-1, 1]

    lim⁡x→a+f(x)=f(a)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a^+} f(x) = f(a)
    lim⁡x→b−f(x)=f(b)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to b^-} f(x) = f(b)
  9. 2.6.9

    Continuity of Functions

    Polynomial, rational, root, exponential, log, and trig functions are continuous on their domains. Sums, products, compositions, and quotients (where the denominator is not 00) of continuous functions are continuous.

    e.g. x+1x2−9\frac{x + 1}{x^2 - 9} is continuous everywhere except x=±3x = \pm 3

  10. 2.6.10

    The Intermediate Value Theorem

    If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b] and NN is between f(a)f(a) and f(b)f(b), then ff hits NN somewhere in between. Continuity is required.

    e.g. f(x)=x3+x−1f(x) = x^3 + x - 1: f(0)=−1f(0) = -1, f(1)=1f(1) = 1, so ff has a root in (0,1)(0, 1)

    f continuous on [a,b]\displaystyle f \text{ continuous on } [a, b]
    N between f(a) and f(b)\displaystyle N \text{ between } f(a) \text{ and } f(b)
    ⇒  f(c)=N,  a<c<b\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; f(c) = N,\; a < c < b

2.7 Removing Discontinuities

  1. 2.7.1

    Removing Point Discontinuities

    Redefine the function at the hole so its value equals the limit.

    e.g. f(x)=x2−9x−3f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 3} for x≠3x \ne 3: limit is 66, so set f(3)=6f(3) = 6

    f(a)=lim⁡x→af(x)\displaystyle f(a) = \lim_{x\to a} f(x)
  2. 2.7.2

    Removing Jump Discontinuities

    Choose the unknown constant so the two pieces meet. Set the left-hand and right-hand limits equal and solve.

    e.g. f(x)=kx+1f(x) = kx + 1 for x<2x < 2, x2x^2 for x≥2x \ge 2: 2k+1=4⇒k=322k + 1 = 4 \Rightarrow k = \tfrac32

    lim⁡x→a−f(x)=lim⁡x→a+f(x)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x\to a^+} f(x)
  3. 2.7.3

    Removing Discontinuities From Rational Functions

    Factor and cancel. A canceled factor (x−a)(x - a) leaves a hole, which you remove by setting f(a)f(a) equal to the simplified function at aa. A factor left in the denominator gives a vertical asymptote, which cannot be removed.

    e.g. x2−x−2x2−4=x+1x+2\frac{x^2 - x - 2}{x^2 - 4} = \frac{x + 1}{x + 2} for x≠2x \ne 2: set f(2)=34f(2) = \tfrac34. x=−2x = -2 stays an asymptote

Unit 3 19 topics

Introduction to Differentiation

Introduction to Differentiation, and Derivatives of Functions and the Rules of Differentiation.

3.8 Introduction to Differentiation

xy−112342468QQP(1, 1)y = x²Secants through P(1, 1):Q at x = 3: (9 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 4Q at x = 2: (4 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 3As Q slides toward P, slopes → 2slope of tangent= lim of secant slopes= f′(1) = 2f′(x) = limh→0f(x + h) − f(x)h
Secant slopes through P(1, 1) are 4, then 3, then closer and closer to 2 as Q slides toward P. That limit is the derivative, the slope of the tangent line y = 2x − 1.
  1. 3.8.1

    The Average Rate of Change of a Function over a Varying Interval

    The average rate of change from xx to x+hx + h is the slope of the secant line. The result is an expression in xx and hh.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2: (x+h)2−x2h=2x+h\frac{(x + h)^2 - x^2}{h} = 2x + h

    f(x+h)−f(x)h\displaystyle \frac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h}
  2. 3.8.2

    The Instantaneous Rate of Change of a Function at a Point

    Shrink the interval to zero. The instantaneous rate of change at aa is the limit of the average rate, which is the slope of the tangent line.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 at a=3a = 3: lim⁡h→0(6+h)=6\lim_{h\to0}(6 + h) = 6

    lim⁡h→0f(a+h)−f(a)h\displaystyle \lim_{h\to0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}
  3. 3.8.3

    Defining the Derivative Using Derivative Notation

    The derivative f′(x)f'(x) is the instantaneous rate of change as a function of xx. Other notations: y′y', dydx\frac{dy}{dx}, ddxf(x)\frac{d}{dx}f(x).

    e.g. f(x)=x2+1f(x) = x^2 + 1: f′(x)=lim⁡h→0(2x+h)=2xf'(x) = \lim_{h\to0}(2x + h) = 2x

    f′(x)=lim⁡h→0f(x+h)−f(x)h\displaystyle f'(x) = \lim_{h\to0} \frac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h}
    f′(a)=lim⁡x→af(x)−f(a)x−a\displaystyle f'(a) = \lim_{x\to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a}
  4. 3.8.4

    Continuity and Differentiability of Functions

    If ff is differentiable at aa, it is continuous at aa. The reverse fails: corners, cusps, and vertical tangents are continuous but not differentiable. A discontinuity always means no derivative.

    e.g. ∣x∣\lvert x \rvert is continuous at 00 but has a corner there, so f′(0)f'(0) does not exist

    differentiable⇒continuous\displaystyle \text{differentiable} \Rightarrow \text{continuous}
    continuous⇏differentiable\displaystyle \text{continuous} \not\Rightarrow \text{differentiable}
  5. 3.8.5

    The Power Rule for Differentiation

    Bring the exponent down and subtract one from it. Works for any real exponent. The derivative of a constant is 00.

    e.g. ddxx−2=−2x−3\frac{d}{dx}x^{-2} = -2x^{-3}, ddxx=12x−1/2\frac{d}{dx}\sqrt{x} = \tfrac12 x^{-1/2}

    ddxxn=nxn−1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} x^n = n x^{n-1}
    ddxc=0\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} c = 0
  6. 3.8.6

    The Sum and Constant Multiple Rules for Differentiation

    Differentiate term by term. Constant factors stay in front.

    e.g. ddx(4x3−5x+7)=12x2−5\frac{d}{dx}(4x^3 - 5x + 7) = 12x^2 - 5

    (f+g)′=f′+g′\displaystyle (f + g)' = f' + g'
    (cf)′=cf′\displaystyle (cf)' = c f'
  7. 3.8.7

    Calculating the Slope of a Tangent Line Using Differentiation

    The slope of the tangent line at x=ax = a is f′(a)f'(a). Differentiate first, then plug in aa.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−2xf(x) = x^3 - 2x: f′(x)=3x2−2f'(x) = 3x^2 - 2, so the slope at x=2x = 2 is f′(2)=10f'(2) = 10

    m=f′(a)\displaystyle m = f'(a)
  8. 3.8.8

    Calculating the Equation of a Tangent Line Using Differentiation

    Get the point (a,f(a))(a, f(a)) and the slope f′(a)f'(a), then use point-slope form.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 at x=3x = 3: f(3)=9f(3) = 9, f′(3)=6f'(3) = 6, so y=6x−9y = 6x - 9

    y−f(a)=f′(a)(x−a)\displaystyle y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a)
  9. 3.8.9

    Calculating the Equation of a Normal Line Using Differentiation

    The normal line is perpendicular to the tangent, so its slope is −1f′(a)-\frac{1}{f'(a)}. If f′(a)=0f'(a) = 0, the normal line is vertical: x=ax = a.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 at x=1x = 1: f′(1)=2f'(1) = 2, so y−1=−12(x−1)y - 1 = -\tfrac12(x - 1), or y=−12x+32y = -\tfrac12 x + \tfrac32

    y−f(a)=−1f′(a)(x−a)\displaystyle y - f(a) = -\frac{1}{f'(a)}(x - a)

3.9 Derivatives of Functions and the Rules of Differentiation

xf−22xf′−2−112369f(x) = x³ − 3xturns around at x = −1 and 1f′(x) = 3x² − 3crosses zero at x = −1 and 1f increasing where f′ > 0f decreasing where f′ < 0
Where f′ is above the axis, f climbs; where f′ is below, f falls. The turning points of f line up exactly with the zeros of f′.
  1. 3.9.1

    Differentiating Exponential Functions

    exe^x is its own derivative. For any other base a>0a > 0, multiply by ln⁡a\ln a.

    e.g. ddx(3ex+2x)=3ex+2xln⁡2\frac{d}{dx}(3e^x + 2^x) = 3e^x + 2^x \ln 2

    ddxex=ex\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} e^x = e^x
    ddxax=axln⁡a\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} a^x = a^x \ln a
  2. 3.9.2

    Differentiating Logarithmic Functions

    The derivative of ln⁡x\ln x is 1x\frac1x. For any other base, divide by ln⁡a\ln a too. Valid for x>0x > 0.

    e.g. ddx(5ln⁡x)=5x\frac{d}{dx}(5\ln x) = \tfrac5x, ddxlog⁡x=1xln⁡10\frac{d}{dx}\log x = \frac{1}{x \ln 10}

    ddxln⁡x=1x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \ln x = \frac{1}{x}
    ddxlog⁡ax=1xln⁡a\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \log_a x = \frac{1}{x \ln a}
  3. 3.9.3

    Differentiating Trigonometric Functions

    These rules hold only with xx in radians. The derivative of cosine has a minus sign.

    e.g. ddx(2sin⁡x−cos⁡x)=2cos⁡x+sin⁡x\frac{d}{dx}(2\sin x - \cos x) = 2\cos x + \sin x

    ddxsin⁡x=cos⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \sin x = \cos x
    ddxcos⁡x=−sin⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \cos x = -\sin x
    ddxtan⁡x=sec⁡2x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \tan x = \sec^2 x
  4. 3.9.4

    Second and Higher-Order Derivatives

    The second derivative is the derivative of the first derivative. Keep differentiating for higher orders.

    e.g. f(x)=x4f(x) = x^4: f′=4x3f' = 4x^3, f′′=12x2f'' = 12x^2, f′′′=24xf''' = 24x

    f′′(x)=ddxf′(x)=d2ydx2\displaystyle f''(x) = \frac{d}{dx} f'(x) = \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}
    f(n)(x)=dnydxn\displaystyle f^{(n)}(x) = \frac{d^n y}{dx^n}
  5. 3.9.5

    The Product Rule for Differentiation

    Derivative of the first times the second, plus the first times the derivative of the second.

    e.g. ddx(x2sin⁡x)=2xsin⁡x+x2cos⁡x\frac{d}{dx}(x^2 \sin x) = 2x\sin x + x^2 \cos x

    (fg)′=f′g+fg′\displaystyle (fg)' = f'g + fg'
  6. 3.9.6

    The Quotient Rule for Differentiation

    Bottom times derivative of top, minus top times derivative of bottom, all over bottom squared. The order of the subtraction matters.

    e.g. ddxxx+1=(x+1)−x(x+1)2=1(x+1)2\frac{d}{dx}\frac{x}{x + 1} = \frac{(x + 1) - x}{(x + 1)^2} = \frac{1}{(x + 1)^2}

    (fg)′=f′g−fg′g2\displaystyle \left(\frac{f}{g}\right)' = \frac{f'g - fg'}{g^2}
  7. 3.9.7

    Differentiating Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

    The "co" functions get a minus sign. These rules hold only with xx in radians.

    e.g. ddx(xsec⁡x)=sec⁡x+xsec⁡xtan⁡x\frac{d}{dx}(x\sec x) = \sec x + x\sec x \tan x

    ddxsec⁡x=sec⁡xtan⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \sec x = \sec x \tan x
    ddxcsc⁡x=−csc⁡xcot⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \csc x = -\csc x \cot x
    ddxcot⁡x=−csc⁡2x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \cot x = -\csc^2 x
  8. 3.9.8

    Calculating Derivatives From Data and Tables

    Write the rule in symbols, then look up each value of ff, gg, f′f', g′g' at the given input. With only data points, estimate f′(a)f'(a) by the slope between nearby points.

    e.g. h=fgh = fg with f(2)=3f(2) = 3, f′(2)=1f'(2) = 1, g(2)=4g(2) = 4, g′(2)=−2g'(2) = -2: h′(2)=1⋅4+3(−2)=−2h'(2) = 1 \cdot 4 + 3(-2) = -2

  9. 3.9.9

    Calculating Derivatives From Graphs

    f′(a)f'(a) is the slope of the graph at x=ax = a. On a straight segment, use the slope of that segment. At a corner or break, f′(a)f'(a) does not exist.

    e.g. ff is a line through (0,1)(0, 1) and (2,5)(2, 5): f′(1)=2f'(1) = 2, so h=3fh = 3f has h′(1)=6h'(1) = 6

  10. 3.9.10

    Recognizing Derivatives in Limits

    A limit in difference-quotient form is a derivative. Identify ff and aa, then differentiate instead of evaluating the limit.

    e.g. lim⁡h→0(2+h)3−8h\lim_{h\to0}\frac{(2 + h)^3 - 8}{h} is f′(2)f'(2) for f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3, so it equals 3⋅22=123 \cdot 2^2 = 12

    lim⁡h→0f(a+h)−f(a)h=f′(a)\displaystyle \lim_{h\to0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h} = f'(a)
    lim⁡x→af(x)−f(a)x−a=f′(a)\displaystyle \lim_{x\to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} = f'(a)

Unit 4 14 topics

Advanced Differentiation

Differentiating Composite Functions, and Differentiating Implicit and Inverse Functions.

4.10 Differentiating Composite Functions

  1. 4.10.1

    The Chain Rule for Differentiation

    For a composite function, differentiate the outside function (leaving the inside alone), then multiply by the derivative of the inside.

    e.g. ddx(3x+1)4=4(3x+1)3⋅3=12(3x+1)3\frac{d}{dx}(3x + 1)^4 = 4(3x + 1)^3 \cdot 3 = 12(3x + 1)^3

    ddxf(g(x))=f′(g(x)) g′(x)\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} f(g(x)) = f'(g(x))\, g'(x)
    dydx=dydu⋅dudx\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{dy}{du} \cdot \frac{du}{dx}
  2. 4.10.2

    The Chain Rule With Exponential Functions

    Keep the exponential as it is, then multiply by the derivative of the exponent.

    e.g. ddxex2=2xex2\frac{d}{dx}e^{x^2} = 2x e^{x^2}

    ddxeu=eu u′\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} e^{u} = e^{u}\, u'
    ddxau=auln⁡a⋅u′\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} a^{u} = a^{u} \ln a \cdot u'
  3. 4.10.3

    The Chain Rule With Logarithmic Functions

    The derivative of ln⁡u\ln u is the derivative of the inside over the inside.

    e.g. ddxln⁡(x2+1)=2xx2+1\frac{d}{dx}\ln(x^2 + 1) = \frac{2x}{x^2 + 1}

    ddxln⁡u=u′u\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \ln u = \frac{u'}{u}
    ddxlog⁡au=u′uln⁡a\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \log_a u = \frac{u'}{u \ln a}
  4. 4.10.4

    The Chain Rule With Trigonometric Functions

    Apply the trig rule to the outside, keep the same angle, and multiply by the derivative of the angle. For a power like sin⁡2x=(sin⁡x)2\sin^2 x = (\sin x)^2, the power is the outside.

    e.g. ddxcos⁡5x=−5sin⁡5x\frac{d}{dx}\cos 5x = -5\sin 5x, ddxsin⁡2x=2sin⁡xcos⁡x\frac{d}{dx}\sin^2 x = 2\sin x \cos x

    ddxsin⁡u=u′cos⁡u\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \sin u = u' \cos u
    ddxcos⁡u=−u′sin⁡u\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \cos u = -u' \sin u
    ddxtan⁡u=u′sec⁡2u\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \tan u = u' \sec^2 u
  5. 4.10.5

    Calculating Derivatives From Data Using the Chain Rule

    For h(x)=f(g(x))h(x) = f(g(x)), find g(a)g(a) first, then look up f′f' at that value, not at aa.

    e.g. g(1)=3g(1) = 3, g′(1)=2g'(1) = 2, f′(3)=5f'(3) = 5: h′(1)=f′(3)⋅g′(1)=10h'(1) = f'(3) \cdot g'(1) = 10

    h′(a)=f′(g(a))⋅g′(a)\displaystyle h'(a) = f'(g(a)) \cdot g'(a)
  6. 4.10.6

    Calculating Derivatives From Graphs Using the Chain Rule

    Read g(a)g(a) and the slope g′(a)g'(a) from the graph of gg. Then read the slope of ff at x=g(a)x = g(a) from the graph of ff.

    e.g. gg is a line through (0,0)(0, 0) and (1,2)(1, 2), and ff has slope 33 at x=2x = 2: h′(1)=3⋅2=6h'(1) = 3 \cdot 2 = 6

    h′(a)=f′(g(a))⋅g′(a)\displaystyle h'(a) = f'(g(a)) \cdot g'(a)
  7. 4.10.7

    Selecting Procedures for Calculating Derivatives

    Find the last operation: a sum uses the sum rule, a product the product rule, a quotient the quotient rule, a composition the chain rule. Rewrite roots and constant-over-power fractions as powers first when you can.

    e.g. ddx3x2=ddx3x−2=−6x−3\frac{d}{dx}\frac{3}{x^2} = \frac{d}{dx}3x^{-2} = -6x^{-3}, no quotient rule needed

4.11 Differentiating Implicit and Inverse Functions

xy−2−1134−2−1134(2, 3)(3, 2)y = xf(x) = x³/8 + 2f−1(x) = 2 3√(x − 2)Swap x and y:(a, b) on f ⇔ (b, a) on f−1here (2, 3) and (3, 2)The graphs are mirror imagesacross the line y = x.
An inverse swaps every input and output, so its graph is the mirror image of the original across y = x. Only a one-to-one function has an inverse that is also a function.
  1. 4.11.1

    Implicit Differentiation

    Differentiate both sides with respect to xx, treating yy as a function of xx. Every derivative of a yy-term picks up a factor of dydx\frac{dy}{dx}. Then solve for dydx\frac{dy}{dx}.

    e.g. x2+y2=25x^2 + y^2 = 25: 2x+2y y′=0⇒y′=−xy2x + 2y\,y' = 0 \Rightarrow y' = -\tfrac{x}{y}, so at (3,4)(3, 4), y′=−34y' = -\tfrac34

    ddx[yn]=nyn−1dydx\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\big[y^n\big] = n y^{n-1}\frac{dy}{dx}
  2. 4.11.2

    Calculating Slopes of Circles, Ellipses, and Parabolas

    Differentiate implicitly, treating yy as a function of xx, then solve for dydx\tfrac{dy}{dx}. Where y=0y = 0 the tangent is vertical and the slope is undefined.

    e.g. x2+y2=25x^2 + y^2 = 25 at (3,4)(3, 4): slope =−34= -\tfrac34

    x2+y2=r2⇒  dydx=−xy\displaystyle x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \Rightarrow\; \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}
    x2a2+y2b2=1⇒  dydx=−b2xa2y\displaystyle \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \Rightarrow\; \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{b^2x}{a^2y}
    y2=4px⇒  dydx=2py\displaystyle y^2 = 4px \Rightarrow\; \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2p}{y}
  3. 4.11.3

    Calculating dy/dx Using dx/dy

    When xx is given as a function of yy, find dxdy\frac{dx}{dy} and take its reciprocal. This works wherever dxdy≠0\frac{dx}{dy} \ne 0.

    e.g. x=y3+yx = y^3 + y: dxdy=3y2+1\tfrac{dx}{dy} = 3y^2 + 1, so dydx=13y2+1\tfrac{dy}{dx} = \tfrac{1}{3y^2 + 1}, which is 14\tfrac14 at y=1y = 1

    dydx=1dx/dy\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{dx/dy}
  4. 4.11.4

    Differentiating Inverse Functions

    The derivative of f−1f^{-1} at xx is the reciprocal of f′f' evaluated at f−1(x)f^{-1}(x). It requires f′(f−1(x))≠0f'\big(f^{-1}(x)\big) \ne 0.

    e.g. f(x)=exf(x) = e^x, f−1(x)=ln⁡xf^{-1}(x) = \ln x: (f−1)′(x)=1eln⁡x=1x(f^{-1})'(x) = \tfrac{1}{e^{\ln x}} = \tfrac1x

    (f−1)′(x)=1f′(f−1(x))\displaystyle (f^{-1})'(x) = \frac{1}{f'\big(f^{-1}(x)\big)}
  5. 4.11.5

    Differentiating an Inverse Function at a Point

    To find (f−1)′(b)(f^{-1})'(b), first find the aa with f(a)=bf(a) = b, then take 1f′(a)\frac{1}{f'(a)}. Slopes of ff and f−1f^{-1} at mirror-image points are reciprocals.

    e.g. f(x)=x3+xf(x) = x^3 + x: f(1)=2f(1) = 2 and f′(1)=4f'(1) = 4, so (f−1)′(2)=14(f^{-1})'(2) = \tfrac14

    f(a)=b\displaystyle f(a) = b
    ⇒  (f−1)′(b)=1f′(a)\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; (f^{-1})'(b) = \frac{1}{f'(a)}
  6. 4.11.6

    Differentiating Inverse Trigonometric Functions

    Memorize these three. With an inside function, multiply by its derivative (chain rule). The arcsine and arccosine formulas hold for −1<x<1-1 < x < 1.

    e.g. ddxtan⁡−1(2x)=21+4x2\tfrac{d}{dx}\tan^{-1}(2x) = \tfrac{2}{1 + 4x^2}

    ddxsin⁡−1x=11−x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\sin^{-1}x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}
    ddxcos⁡−1x=−11−x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\cos^{-1}x = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}
    ddxtan⁡−1x=11+x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\tan^{-1}x = \frac{1}{1 + x^2}
  7. 4.11.7

    Differentiating Inverse Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

    Each "co" function is the negative of its partner. The arcsecant and arccosecant formulas hold for ∣x∣>1\lvert x \rvert > 1.

    e.g. ddxcot⁡−1(3x)=−31+9x2\tfrac{d}{dx}\cot^{-1}(3x) = -\tfrac{3}{1 + 9x^2}

    ddxsec⁡−1x=1∣x∣x2−1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\sec^{-1}x = \frac{1}{\lvert x \rvert\sqrt{x^2 - 1}}
    ddxcsc⁡−1x=−1∣x∣x2−1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\csc^{-1}x = -\frac{1}{\lvert x \rvert\sqrt{x^2 - 1}}
    ddxcot⁡−1x=−11+x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\cot^{-1}x = -\frac{1}{1 + x^2}

Unit 5 16 topics

Contextual Applications of Differentiation

Contextual Applications of Differentiation, Estimating Derivatives, Related Rates of Change, and L'Hopital's Rule.

5.12 Contextual Applications of Differentiation

  1. 5.12.1

    Interpreting the Meaning of the Derivative in Context

    f′(a)f'(a) is the instantaneous rate of change of ff when the input is aa. Its units are output units per input unit. A positive value means the quantity is increasing; a negative value means it is decreasing.

    e.g. V(t)V(t) = gallons in a tank after tt minutes. V′(5)=−3V'(5) = -3 means that at 5 minutes the water is draining at 3 gallons per minute.

    units of f′=units of funits of t\displaystyle \text{units of } f' = \frac{\text{units of } f}{\text{units of } t}
  2. 5.12.2

    Rates of Change in Applied Contexts

    For the rate at an instant, differentiate the model and plug in the input. For the rate over an interval, use the average rate of change.

    e.g. P(t)=200+15t2P(t) = 200 + 15t^2 bacteria: P′(t)=30tP'(t) = 30t, so at t=4t = 4 h the colony grows by 120 bacteria per hour

    average=f(b)−f(a)b−a\displaystyle \text{average} = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}
    instantaneous=f′(a)\displaystyle \text{instantaneous} = f'(a)

5.13 Estimating Derivatives

  1. 5.13.1

    Estimating Derivatives Using a Forward Difference Quotient

    Estimate the slope at aa using aa and a point a small step hh to the right. In a table, use the next data point.

    e.g. f(2)=5f(2) = 5, f(2.5)=6.5f(2.5) = 6.5: f′(2)≈6.5−50.5=3f'(2) \approx \tfrac{6.5 - 5}{0.5} = 3

    f′(a)≈f(a+h)−f(a)h\displaystyle f'(a) \approx \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}
  2. 5.13.2

    Estimating Derivatives Using a Backward Difference Quotient

    Estimate the slope at aa using aa and a point a small step hh to the left. In a table, use the previous data point.

    e.g. f(1.5)=4f(1.5) = 4, f(2)=5f(2) = 5: f′(2)≈5−40.5=2f'(2) \approx \tfrac{5 - 4}{0.5} = 2

    f′(a)≈f(a)−f(a−h)h\displaystyle f'(a) \approx \frac{f(a) - f(a - h)}{h}
  3. 5.13.3

    Estimating Derivatives Using a Central Difference Quotient

    Use the points a step hh on each side of aa. The gap in inputs is 2h2h. This is usually the most accurate of the three estimates.

    e.g. f(1.5)=4f(1.5) = 4, f(2.5)=6.5f(2.5) = 6.5: f′(2)≈6.5−41=2.5f'(2) \approx \tfrac{6.5 - 4}{1} = 2.5

    f′(a)≈f(a+h)−f(a−h)2h\displaystyle f'(a) \approx \frac{f(a + h) - f(a - h)}{2h}

5.14 Related Rates of Change

10 ftyxx growingdx/dt > 0y shrinkingdy/dt < 0x² + y² = 100true at every instantDifferentiate with respect to t:2x dx/dt + 2y dy/dt = 0At x = 6, y = 8, dx/dt = 1 ft/s:dy/dt = −6/8 = −0.75 ft/s
The ladder stays 10 ft long, so x² + y² = 100 at every moment. Differentiating that equation links the two rates: as the foot slides out, the top slides down.
  1. 5.14.1

    Introduction to Related Rates

    Write an equation linking the quantities, differentiate both sides with respect to tt, then substitute the known values and solve for the unknown rate. Substitute only after differentiating.

    e.g. y=x2y = x^2, dxdt=3\tfrac{dx}{dt} = 3 when x=2x = 2: dydt=2xdxdt=2(2)(3)=12\tfrac{dy}{dt} = 2x\tfrac{dx}{dt} = 2(2)(3) = 12

    dydt=dydx⋅dxdt\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{dy}{dx} \cdot \frac{dx}{dt}
  2. 5.14.2

    Related Rates With Implicit Functions

    When the equation is not solved for one variable, differentiate every term with respect to tt. Each xx-term gets a dxdt\frac{dx}{dt} and each yy-term gets a dydt\frac{dy}{dt}.

    e.g. x2+y2=25x^2 + y^2 = 25 at (3,4)(3, 4) with dxdt=2\tfrac{dx}{dt} = 2: 2(3)(2)+2(4)dydt=0⇒dydt=−322(3)(2) + 2(4)\tfrac{dy}{dt} = 0 \Rightarrow \tfrac{dy}{dt} = -\tfrac32

    ddt[y2]=2ydydt\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}\big[y^2\big] = 2y\frac{dy}{dt}
  3. 5.14.3

    Calculating Related Rates With Circles and Spheres

    Differentiate A=πr2A = \pi r^2, C=2πrC = 2\pi r, or V=43πr3V = \frac43\pi r^3 with respect to tt.

    e.g. Balloon radius grows 2 cm/s. At r=5r = 5: dVdt=4π(25)(2)=200π\tfrac{dV}{dt} = 4\pi(25)(2) = 200\pi cm³/s

    dAdt=2πrdrdt\displaystyle \frac{dA}{dt} = 2\pi r\frac{dr}{dt}
    dVdt=4πr2drdt\displaystyle \frac{dV}{dt} = 4\pi r^2\frac{dr}{dt}
  4. 5.14.4

    Calculating Related Rates With Squares

    Differentiate the area A=s2A = s^2 or perimeter P=4sP = 4s with respect to tt.

    e.g. Side grows 3 in/min. At s=4s = 4: dAdt=2(4)(3)=24\tfrac{dA}{dt} = 2(4)(3) = 24 in²/min

    dAdt=2sdsdt\displaystyle \frac{dA}{dt} = 2s\frac{ds}{dt}
    dPdt=4dsdt\displaystyle \frac{dP}{dt} = 4\frac{ds}{dt}
  5. 5.14.5

    Calculating Related Rates With Rectangular Solids

    Differentiate V=lwhV = lwh with the product rule, so each term has one changing dimension. Primes below mean ddt\frac{d}{dt}. For a cube, V=s3V = s^3.

    e.g. l=2l = 2, w=3w = 3, h=4h = 4 with l′=1l' = 1, w′=0w' = 0, h′=−1h' = -1: V′=12+0−6=6V' = 12 + 0 - 6 = 6

    V′=l′wh+lw′h+lwh′\displaystyle V' = l'wh + lw'h + lwh'
    cube: V′=3s2s′\displaystyle \text{cube: } V' = 3s^2 s'
  6. 5.14.6

    Calculating Related Rates Using the Pythagorean Theorem

    For a right triangle with legs xx, yy and hypotenuse zz, differentiate x2+y2=z2x^2 + y^2 = z^2 with respect to tt. A fixed length has rate 0.

    e.g. 10 ft ladder, base 6 ft out sliding away at 2 ft/s: top is 8 ft up, 6(2)+8dydt=0⇒dydt=−326(2) + 8\tfrac{dy}{dt} = 0 \Rightarrow \tfrac{dy}{dt} = -\tfrac32 ft/s

    x2+y2=z2\displaystyle x^2 + y^2 = z^2
    ⇒  xdxdt+ydydt=zdzdt\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; x\frac{dx}{dt} + y\frac{dy}{dt} = z\frac{dz}{dt}
  7. 5.14.7

    Calculating Related Rates Using Similar Triangles

    Use a proportion between similar triangles to write one length in terms of another, then differentiate. Common in shadow and water-tank problems.

    e.g. 6 ft person walks from a 15 ft lamppost at 5 ft/s. 15x+s=6s⇒s=23x\tfrac{15}{x + s} = \tfrac{6}{s} \Rightarrow s = \tfrac23 x, so dsdt=23(5)=103\tfrac{ds}{dt} = \tfrac23(5) = \tfrac{10}{3} ft/s

    height1base1=height2base2\displaystyle \frac{\text{height}_1}{\text{base}_1} = \frac{\text{height}_2}{\text{base}_2}
  8. 5.14.8

    Calculating Related Rates Using Trigonometry

    Relate the angle to the sides with sin, cos, or tan, then differentiate with respect to tt using the chain rule. Angles must be in radians.

    e.g. Balloon 100 m away rises 5 m/s. tan⁡θ=h100\tan\theta = \tfrac{h}{100}. At h=100h = 100, θ=π4\theta = \tfrac{\pi}{4}: 2dθdt=5100⇒dθdt=1402\tfrac{d\theta}{dt} = \tfrac{5}{100} \Rightarrow \tfrac{d\theta}{dt} = \tfrac{1}{40} rad/s

    ddtsin⁡θ=cos⁡θ dθdt\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}\sin\theta = \cos\theta\,\frac{d\theta}{dt}
    ddttan⁡θ=sec⁡2θ dθdt\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}\tan\theta = \sec^2\theta\,\frac{d\theta}{dt}
  9. 5.14.9

    Calculating Related Rates With Cones

    Use similar triangles to write rr in terms of hh (the ratio rh\frac{r}{h} matches the full cone's), substitute into the volume formula, then differentiate.

    e.g. Tank with R=3R = 3, H=6H = 6: r=h2r = \tfrac{h}{2}, V=πh312V = \tfrac{\pi h^3}{12}, dVdt=πh24dhdt\tfrac{dV}{dt} = \tfrac{\pi h^2}{4}\tfrac{dh}{dt}. Filling at 2 ft³/min, at h=4h = 4: dhdt=12π\tfrac{dh}{dt} = \tfrac{1}{2\pi} ft/min

    V=13πr2h\displaystyle V = \tfrac13\pi r^2 h
    rh=RH\displaystyle \frac{r}{h} = \frac{R}{H}

5.15 L'Hopital's Rule

  1. 5.15.1

    L'Hopital's Rule

    If direct substitution gives 00\frac00 or ∞∞\frac{\infty}{\infty}, the limit of fg\frac{f}{g} equals the limit of f′g′\frac{f'}{g'}, provided that limit exists (or is ±∞\pm\infty). Differentiate top and bottom separately, not with the quotient rule, and only after confirming the form.

    e.g. lim⁡x→0sin⁡xx\lim_{x \to 0}\tfrac{\sin x}{x} is 00\tfrac00, so it equals lim⁡x→0cos⁡x1=1\lim_{x \to 0}\tfrac{\cos x}{1} = 1

    lim⁡x→af(x)g(x)=lim⁡x→af′(x)g′(x)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a}\frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \lim_{x \to a}\frac{f'(x)}{g'(x)}
  2. 5.15.2

    L'Hopital's Rule Applied to Tables

    Check from the table that f(a)f(a) and g(a)g(a) are both 0. If so, and f′f', g′g' are continuous with g′(a)≠0g'(a) \ne 0, the limit is the ratio of the derivative values.

    e.g. f(2)=g(2)=0f(2) = g(2) = 0, f′(2)=6f'(2) = 6, g′(2)=4g'(2) = 4: lim⁡x→2f(x)g(x)=64=32\lim_{x \to 2}\tfrac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \tfrac64 = \tfrac32

    lim⁡x→af(x)g(x)=f′(a)g′(a)\displaystyle \lim_{x \to a}\frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{f'(a)}{g'(a)}

Unit 6 27 topics

Analytical Applications of Differentiation

Analytical Applications of Differentiation, Analysis of Curves, Approximating Values of a Function, and Optimization.

6.16 Analytical Applications of Differentiation

xyacbsecanttangent at cf′(c) =f(b) − f(a)b − aIf f is smooth on [a, b], at leastone c between a and b has atangent parallel to the secant.instant rate = average rate
The dashed secant has the average slope from a to b. Somewhere in between, the curve’s tangent has exactly that slope.
  1. 6.16.1

    The Mean Value Theorem

    If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b] and differentiable on (a,b)(a, b), then at some cc in (a,b)(a, b) the instantaneous slope equals the average slope.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [1,3][1, 3]: average slope 9−12=4\tfrac{9 - 1}{2} = 4, and f′(c)=2c=4⇒c=2f'(c) = 2c = 4 \Rightarrow c = 2

    f′(c)=f(b)−f(a)b−a\displaystyle f'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}
  2. 6.16.2

    Global vs. Local Extrema and Critical Points

    A critical point is an xx in the domain where f′(x)=0f'(x) = 0 or f′(x)f'(x) is undefined. Interior local extrema occur only at critical points, but not every critical point is one. Global (absolute) extrema are the highest and lowest values overall and can also occur at endpoints.

    e.g. f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3: f′(0)=0f'(0) = 0, but x=0x = 0 is not an extremum

    f′(c)=0  or  f′(c)  undefined\displaystyle f'(c) = 0 \;\text{or}\; f'(c) \;\text{undefined}
  3. 6.16.3

    The Extreme Value Theorem

    If ff is continuous on a closed interval [a,b][a, b], then ff has both an absolute maximum and an absolute minimum on [a,b][a, b]. Both conditions are required.

    e.g. f(x)=1xf(x) = \tfrac1x on (0,1](0, 1] has no maximum because the interval is not closed

  4. 6.16.4

    Using Differentiation to Calculate Critical Points

    Find f′(x)f'(x). Solve f′(x)=0f'(x) = 0 and find where f′(x)f'(x) is undefined, keeping only xx-values in the domain of ff.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2: f′(x)=3x(x−2)f'(x) = 3x(x - 2), critical points x=0x = 0 and x=2x = 2

    f′(x)=0  or undefined\displaystyle f'(x) = 0 \;\text{or undefined}
  5. 6.16.5

    Determining Intervals on Which a Function Is Increasing or Decreasing

    Split the number line at the critical points and test the sign of f′f' in each interval. ff increases where f′>0f' > 0 and decreases where f′<0f' < 0.

    e.g. f′(x)=3x(x−2)f'(x) = 3x(x - 2): increasing on (−∞,0)(-\infty, 0) and (2,∞)(2, \infty), decreasing on (0,2)(0, 2)

    f′>0  ⇒  increasing\displaystyle f' > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{increasing}
    f′<0  ⇒  decreasing\displaystyle f' < 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{decreasing}
  6. 6.16.6

    Using the First Derivative Test to Classify Local Extrema

    At a critical point cc where ff is continuous, check the sign of f′f' on each side. No sign change means no extremum.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2: local max f(0)=0f(0) = 0, local min f(2)=−4f(2) = -4

    f′ ⁣:+→−  ⇒  local max\displaystyle f'\!: + \to - \;\Rightarrow\; \text{local max}
    f′ ⁣:−→+  ⇒  local min\displaystyle f'\!: - \to + \;\Rightarrow\; \text{local min}
  7. 6.16.7

    The Candidates Test

    For the absolute extrema of a continuous ff on [a,b][a, b], evaluate ff at the critical points inside the interval and at both endpoints. The largest value is the absolute max; the smallest is the absolute min.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 on [1,4][1, 4]: f(1)=−2f(1) = -2, f(2)=−4f(2) = -4, f(4)=16f(4) = 16. Max 16, min −4-4

  8. 6.16.8

    Intervals of Concavity

    ff is concave up where f′f' is increasing (curve bends like a cup) and concave down where f′f' is decreasing (curve bends like a cap).

    e.g. f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3: slopes 3x23x^2 fall on (−∞,0)(-\infty, 0) and rise on (0,∞)(0, \infty), so concave down, then concave up

    f′ increasing  ⇒  concave up\displaystyle f' \text{ increasing} \;\Rightarrow\; \text{concave up}
    f′ decreasing  ⇒  concave down\displaystyle f' \text{ decreasing} \;\Rightarrow\; \text{concave down}
  9. 6.16.9

    Relating Concavity to the Second Derivative

    The sign of f′′f'' gives the concavity. Find where f′′=0f'' = 0 or is undefined, then test the sign in each interval.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2: f′′(x)=6x−6f''(x) = 6x - 6, concave down on (−∞,1)(-\infty, 1), concave up on (1,∞)(1, \infty)

    f′′>0  ⇒  concave up\displaystyle f'' > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{concave up}
    f′′<0  ⇒  concave down\displaystyle f'' < 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{concave down}
  10. 6.16.10

    Points of Inflection

    A point on the graph where ff is continuous and the concavity changes, so f′′f'' changes sign. f′′(c)=0f''(c) = 0 alone is not enough: x4x^4 has f′′(0)=0f''(0) = 0 but no inflection point.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2: f′′=6x−6f'' = 6x - 6 changes sign at x=1x = 1, so (1,−2)(1, -2) is an inflection point

  11. 6.16.11

    The Second Derivative Test

    At a critical point cc with f′(c)=0f'(c) = 0, the sign of f′′(c)f''(c) classifies it. If f′′(c)=0f''(c) = 0, the test is inconclusive; use the first derivative test.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−3x2f(x) = x^3 - 3x^2: f′′(0)=−6f''(0) = -6 (local max), f′′(2)=6f''(2) = 6 (local min)

    f′′(c)>0  ⇒  local min\displaystyle f''(c) > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{local min}
    f′′(c)<0  ⇒  local max\displaystyle f''(c) < 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{local max}

6.17 Analysis of Curves

xy−3−2−12local max (0, 1)inflection(1, −1)local min (2, −3)f′02+−+f″1−+f(x) = x³ − 3x² + 1f′(x) = 3x² − 6x = 3x(x − 2)f″(x) = 6x − 6Max or min: f′ = 0 and changes signInflection: f″ changes signrising, falling, risingconcave down, then up
The sign of f′ says where the graph rises or falls; its sign changes mark the max and min. The sign of f″ says which way it bends; its sign change marks the inflection point.
  1. 6.17.1

    Sketching the Derivative of a Function From the Function's Graph

    The height of f′f' at xx is the slope of ff at xx. Horizontal tangents on ff become zeros of f′f', and f′f' is above the axis where ff rises and below where ff falls. At corners and cusps, f′f' is undefined.

    e.g. ff is an upward parabola with vertex at x=1x = 1: f′f' is a rising line through (1,0)(1, 0)

  2. 6.17.2

    Interpreting the Graph of a Function's Derivative

    Where the graph of f′f' is above the xx-axis, ff is increasing; below, ff is decreasing. If f′f' crosses zero going down, ff has a local max; going up, a local min; touching zero without crossing gives no extremum.

    e.g. f′f' crosses the xx-axis from below to above at x=3x = 3, so ff has a local min at x=3x = 3

  3. 6.17.3

    Interpreting the Graph of a Function's Derivative: Concavity and Points of Inflection

    Where the graph of f′f' rises, ff is concave up; where it falls, ff is concave down. Peaks and valleys of f′f' are inflection points of ff.

    e.g. f′f' has a peak at x=2x = 2, so ff switches from concave up to concave down there: an inflection point

  4. 6.17.4

    Sketching a Function From the Graph of its Derivative

    Read the sign of f′f' for where ff rises or falls, and whether f′f' rises or falls for concavity. A given point fixes the height; without one, any vertical shift works.

    e.g. f′(x)=2xf'(x) = 2x with f(0)=1f(0) = 1: ff falls, then rises, with a min at x=0x = 0 and always concave up, so f(x)=x2+1f(x) = x^2 + 1

  5. 6.17.5

    Sketching a Function Given Some Derivative Properties

    Translate each condition: f(a)=bf(a) = b is a point, f′(a)=0f'(a) = 0 is a horizontal tangent, the sign of f′f' gives rising or falling, and the sign of f′′f'' gives concavity. Build the sketch interval by interval.

    e.g. f(0)=2f(0) = 2, f′(0)=0f'(0) = 0, f′′(x)<0f''(x) < 0 everywhere: a hill with its peak at (0,2)(0, 2)

6.18 Approximating Values of a Function

xy123456789123(4, 2)y = √xy = L(x)zoomed in near x = 4.4L = 2.1√4.4 = 2.0976…gap ≈ 0.0024L(x) = f(a) + f′(a)(x − a)here a = 4: L(x) = 2 + (x − 4)/4√4.4 ≈ L(4.4) = 2.1
Near x = 4 the tangent line hugs the curve so closely that L(4.4) = 2.1 misses √4.4 by only about 0.0024. Linearization trades a hard function for an easy line.
  1. 6.18.1

    Approximating Functions Using Local Linearity and Linearization

    Near x=ax = a the tangent line stays close to the curve, so use it to estimate f(x)f(x). The estimate is too low where ff is concave up and too high where ff is concave down.

    e.g. f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3 at a=2a = 2: L(x)=8+12(x−2)L(x) = 8 + 12(x - 2), so 2.13≈8+12(0.1)=9.22.1^3 \approx 8 + 12(0.1) = 9.2

    L(x)=f(a)+f′(a)(x−a)\displaystyle L(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x - a)
    f(x)≈L(x) for x near a\displaystyle f(x) \approx L(x) \text{ for } x \text{ near } a
  2. 6.18.2

    Approximating the Roots of a Number Using Local Linearity

    Pick the nearest perfect square (or cube) as aa, then linearize the root function there.

    e.g. 26≈25+110(1)=5.1\sqrt{26} \approx \sqrt{25} + \tfrac{1}{10}(1) = 5.1

    x≈a+12a(x−a)\displaystyle \sqrt{x} \approx \sqrt{a} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{a}}(x - a)
    x3≈a3+x−a3a23\displaystyle \sqrt[3]{x} \approx \sqrt[3]{a} + \frac{x - a}{3\sqrt[3]{a^2}}
  3. 6.18.3

    Approximating Trigonometric Functions Using Local Linearity

    Linearize at a nearby angle whose values you know. Work in radians, so convert any change in degrees using 1∘=π1801^\circ = \tfrac{\pi}{180}.

    e.g. sin⁡31∘≈sin⁡30∘+cos⁡30∘⋅π180=12+32⋅π180≈0.515\sin 31^\circ \approx \sin 30^\circ + \cos 30^\circ \cdot \tfrac{\pi}{180} = \tfrac12 + \tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\tfrac{\pi}{180} \approx 0.515

    sin⁡x≈sin⁡a+cos⁡a (x−a)\displaystyle \sin x \approx \sin a + \cos a\,(x - a)
    near 0:  sin⁡x≈x,  tan⁡x≈x\displaystyle \text{near } 0:\; \sin x \approx x,\; \tan x \approx x
    near 0:  cos⁡x≈1\displaystyle \text{near } 0:\; \cos x \approx 1

6.19 Optimization

xx1212 − 2xbasecut corners, fold up sides4080120123456xVmax: x = 2, V = 128V(x) = x(12 − 2x)²Set V′(x) = 0:(12 − 2x)(12 − 6x) = 0x = 2 or x = 6x = 6 leaves no box,so x = 2 gives the max.
Cutting squares of side x from a 12 by 12 sheet gives a box with volume V(x) = x(12 − 2x)². The derivative is zero at x = 2, where the volume peaks at 128.
  1. 6.19.1

    Solving Optimization Problems Using Derivatives

    Write the quantity to optimize as a function of one variable, using the constraint. Find where its derivative is zero or undefined, then check those points and the endpoints of the domain.

    e.g. Two positive numbers sum to 20. P=x(20−x)P = x(20 - x), P′=20−2x=0⇒x=10P' = 20 - 2x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 10, max product 100100

    f′(x)=0 or undefined\displaystyle f'(x) = 0 \text{ or undefined}
    f′′(c)<0⇒max at c\displaystyle f''(c) < 0 \Rightarrow \text{max at } c
    f′′(c)>0⇒min at c\displaystyle f''(c) > 0 \Rightarrow \text{min at } c
  2. 6.19.2

    Optimization Problems Involving Sectors of Circles

    Use the sector formulas with θ\theta in radians. Solve the constraint (often a fixed perimeter) for θ\theta, substitute, and optimize in terms of rr.

    e.g. Perimeter 20: θ=20−2rr\theta = \tfrac{20 - 2r}{r}, A=10r−r2A = 10r - r^2, A′=0⇒r=5A' = 0 \Rightarrow r = 5, θ=2\theta = 2, max area 2525

    A=12r2θ\displaystyle A = \tfrac12 r^2 \theta
    s=rθ\displaystyle s = r\theta
    P=2r+rθ\displaystyle P = 2r + r\theta
  3. 6.19.3

    Optimization Problems Involving Boxes and Trays

    Cut a square of side xx from each corner of an L×WL \times W sheet and fold up the sides. The domain is 0<x<W20 < x < \tfrac{W}{2} for the shorter side WW.

    e.g. 12×1212 \times 12 sheet: V=x(12−2x)2V = x(12 - 2x)^2, V′=(12−2x)(12−6x)=0⇒x=2V' = (12 - 2x)(12 - 6x) = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2, max V=128V = 128

    V=x(L−2x)(W−2x)\displaystyle V = x(L - 2x)(W - 2x)
  4. 6.19.4

    Optimization Problems Involving Cylinders

    Use the fixed quantity to write hh in terms of rr, then optimize. For a closed can with fixed volume, the least surface area occurs when h=2rh = 2r.

    e.g. V=16πV = 16\pi: h=16r2h = \tfrac{16}{r^2}, S=2πr2+32πrS = 2\pi r^2 + \tfrac{32\pi}{r}, S′=0⇒r=2S' = 0 \Rightarrow r = 2, h=4h = 4, S=24πS = 24\pi

    V=πr2h\displaystyle V = \pi r^2 h
    S=2πr2+2πrh  (closed)\displaystyle S = 2\pi r^2 + 2\pi r h \;\text{(closed)}
  5. 6.19.5

    Optimizing Distances

    Write the distance with the distance formula in terms of one variable (often time tt). Minimize D2D^2 instead of DD: it has the same minimum point and no square root.

    e.g. Car A at (6−t,0)(6 - t, 0), car B at (0,t)(0, t): D2=(6−t)2+t2D^2 = (6 - t)^2 + t^2, derivative 4t−12=0⇒t=34t - 12 = 0 \Rightarrow t = 3, D=32D = 3\sqrt2

    D2=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2\displaystyle D^2 = (x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2
  6. 6.19.6

    Optimizing Distances to Curves

    A point on y=f(x)y = f(x) is (x,f(x))(x, f(x)). Minimize the squared distance from it to the fixed point (a,b)(a, b).

    e.g. Closest point on y=xy = \sqrt{x} to (3,0)(3, 0): D2=(x−3)2+xD^2 = (x - 3)^2 + x, 2x−5=0⇒x=522x - 5 = 0 \Rightarrow x = \tfrac52, D=112D = \tfrac{\sqrt{11}}{2}

    D2=(x−a)2+(f(x)−b)2\displaystyle D^2 = (x - a)^2 + (f(x) - b)^2
  7. 6.19.7

    Optimization Problems With Inscribed Shapes

    Put a corner of the inscribed shape on the curve at (x,f(x))(x, f(x)) and write the area or volume in terms of xx. Use symmetry to double a half.

    e.g. Rectangle under y=12−x2y = 12 - x^2: A=24x−2x3A = 24x - 2x^3, A′=24−6x2=0⇒x=2A' = 24 - 6x^2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2, max A=32A = 32

    A=2x f(x)  (rectangle, symmetric)\displaystyle A = 2x\,f(x) \;\text{(rectangle, symmetric)}
  8. 6.19.8

    Optimization Problems in Economics

    Profit is revenue minus cost. Maximum profit occurs where P′(x)=0P'(x) = 0, which is where marginal revenue equals marginal cost.

    e.g. R=50x−0.5x2R = 50x - 0.5x^2, C=10x+100C = 10x + 100: P=40x−0.5x2−100P = 40x - 0.5x^2 - 100, P′=40−x=0⇒x=40P' = 40 - x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 40, profit $700

    P(x)=R(x)−C(x)\displaystyle P(x) = R(x) - C(x)
    R(x)=p⋅x\displaystyle R(x) = p \cdot x
    max profit⇒R′(x)=C′(x)\displaystyle \text{max profit} \Rightarrow R'(x) = C'(x)

Unit 7 33 topics

Integration

Indefinite Integrals, Approximating Areas with Riemann Sums, Definite Integrals, and more.

7.20 Indefinite Integrals

  1. 7.20.1

    The Antiderivative

    FF is an antiderivative of ff if F′=fF' = f. Every antiderivative differs by a constant, so add + C+\,C. The power rule works for every nn except −1-1.

    e.g. ∫x3 dx=x44+C\int x^3\,dx = \tfrac{x^4}{4} + C

    ∫f(x) dx=F(x)+C\displaystyle \int f(x)\,dx = F(x) + C
    ∫xn dx=xn+1n+1+C\displaystyle \int x^n\,dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C
    n≠−1\displaystyle n \ne -1
  2. 7.20.2

    The Constant Multiple Rule for Indefinite Integrals

    A constant factor can be pulled out in front of the integral.

    e.g. ∫6x2 dx=6⋅x33+C=2x3+C\int 6x^2\,dx = 6 \cdot \tfrac{x^3}{3} + C = 2x^3 + C

    ∫k f(x) dx=k∫f(x) dx\displaystyle \int k\,f(x)\,dx = k \int f(x)\,dx
  3. 7.20.3

    The Sum Rule for Indefinite Integrals

    Integrate term by term. One + C+\,C at the end covers all the terms.

    e.g. ∫(4x3+2x−5) dx=x4+x2−5x+C\int (4x^3 + 2x - 5)\,dx = x^4 + x^2 - 5x + C

    ∫(f±g) dx=∫f dx±∫g dx\displaystyle \int (f \pm g)\,dx = \int f\,dx \pm \int g\,dx
  4. 7.20.4

    Integrating the Reciprocal Function

    This is the n=−1n = -1 case the power rule misses. The absolute value lets it work for negative xx.

    e.g. ∫3x dx=3ln⁡∣x∣+C\int \tfrac{3}{x}\,dx = 3 \ln \lvert x \rvert + C

    ∫1x dx=ln⁡∣x∣+C\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{x}\,dx = \ln \lvert x \rvert + C
  5. 7.20.5

    Integrating Exponential Functions

    exe^x is its own antiderivative. For any other base a>0a > 0 with a≠1a \ne 1, divide by ln⁡a\ln a.

    e.g. ∫(ex+2x) dx=ex+2xln⁡2+C\int (e^x + 2^x)\,dx = e^x + \tfrac{2^x}{\ln 2} + C

    ∫ex dx=ex+C\displaystyle \int e^x\,dx = e^x + C
    ∫ax dx=axln⁡a+C\displaystyle \int a^x\,dx = \frac{a^x}{\ln a} + C
  6. 7.20.6

    Integrating Trigonometric Functions

    Reverse the derivative rules. Watch the signs: the integral of sin⁡x\sin x is negative.

    e.g. ∫(3cos⁡x−sec⁡2x) dx=3sin⁡x−tan⁡x+C\int (3\cos x - \sec^2 x)\,dx = 3\sin x - \tan x + C

    ∫cos⁡x dx=sin⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \cos x\,dx = \sin x + C
    ∫sin⁡x dx=−cos⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \sin x\,dx = -\cos x + C
    ∫sec⁡2x dx=tan⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \sec^2 x\,dx = \tan x + C
    ∫csc⁡2x dx=−cot⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \csc^2 x\,dx = -\cot x + C
    ∫sec⁡xtan⁡x dx=sec⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \sec x \tan x\,dx = \sec x + C
    ∫csc⁡xcot⁡x dx=−csc⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \csc x \cot x\,dx = -\csc x + C
  7. 7.20.7

    Integration Using Inverse Trigonometric Functions

    Recognize these two forms. With a constant a2a^2 in place of 11 (take a>0a > 0), divide xx by aa, and add a factor 1a\tfrac1a for arctan.

    e.g. ∫dx4+x2=12arctan⁡x2+C\int \tfrac{dx}{4 + x^2} = \tfrac12 \arctan \tfrac{x}{2} + C

    ∫dx1−x2=arcsin⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} = \arcsin x + C
    ∫dx1+x2=arctan⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{1 + x^2} = \arctan x + C
    ∫dxa2−x2=arcsin⁡xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}} = \arcsin \frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxa2+x2=1aarctan⁡xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{a^2 + x^2} = \frac1a \arctan \frac{x}{a} + C

7.21 Approximating Areas with Riemann Sums

01234135Left sumL₄ = 7.5too low01234135Right sumR₄ = 11.5too high01234135Midpoint sumM₄ = 9.25closef(x) = x²/4 + 1 on [0, 4]. Exact area: ∫₀⁴ f(x) dx = 9⅓. More, thinner rectangles get closer to it.
Four rectangles of width 1 estimate the area under f(x) = x²/4 + 1. Left heights undershoot this rising curve, right heights overshoot, and midpoints land closest to the exact 9⅓.
  1. 7.21.1

    Approximating Areas With the Left Riemann Sum

    Split [a,b][a, b] into nn equal widths and use the left endpoint of each piece for the height. It underestimates for increasing ff and overestimates for decreasing ff.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2: L2=1 [f(0)+f(1)]=1L_2 = 1\,[f(0) + f(1)] = 1

    Δx=b−an\displaystyle \Delta x = \frac{b - a}{n}
    Ln=Δx [f(x0)+⋯+f(xn−1)]\displaystyle L_n = \Delta x\,[f(x_0) + \cdots + f(x_{n-1})]
  2. 7.21.2

    Approximating Areas With the Right Riemann Sum

    Use the right endpoint of each piece for the height. It overestimates for increasing ff and underestimates for decreasing ff.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2: R2=1 [f(1)+f(2)]=5R_2 = 1\,[f(1) + f(2)] = 5

    Δx=b−an\displaystyle \Delta x = \frac{b - a}{n}
    Rn=Δx [f(x1)+⋯+f(xn)]\displaystyle R_n = \Delta x\,[f(x_1) + \cdots + f(x_n)]
  3. 7.21.3

    Approximating Areas With the Midpoint Riemann Sum

    Use the midpoint of each piece for the height. It underestimates when ff is concave up and overestimates when ff is concave down.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2: M2=1 [f(0.5)+f(1.5)]=0.25+2.25=2.5M_2 = 1\,[f(0.5) + f(1.5)] = 0.25 + 2.25 = 2.5

    Mn=Δx [f(m1)+⋯+f(mn)]\displaystyle M_n = \Delta x\,[f(m_1) + \cdots + f(m_n)]
    mi=midpoint of piece i\displaystyle m_i = \text{midpoint of piece } i
  4. 7.21.4

    Approximating Areas With the Trapezoidal Rule

    Use a trapezoid on each piece. The interior heights count twice. The result equals the average of the left and right sums. It overestimates when ff is concave up and underestimates when ff is concave down.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2: T2=12[0+2(1)+4]=3T_2 = \tfrac12[0 + 2(1) + 4] = 3

    Tn=Δx2[f(x0)+2f(x1)\displaystyle T_n = \frac{\Delta x}{2}\big[f(x_0) + 2f(x_1)
    +⋯+2f(xn−1)+f(xn)]\displaystyle + \cdots + 2f(x_{n-1}) + f(x_n)\big]
    Tn=Ln+Rn2\displaystyle T_n = \frac{L_n + R_n}{2}
  5. 7.21.5

    Left and Right Riemann Sums in Sigma Notation

    The iith point is xi=a+i Δxx_i = a + i\,\Delta x. The left sum runs i=0i = 0 to n−1n - 1, and the right sum runs i=1i = 1 to nn.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=4n = 4: R4=∑i=14(i2)212=1+4+9+168=3.75R_4 = \sum_{i=1}^{4} \left(\tfrac{i}{2}\right)^2 \tfrac12 = \tfrac{1 + 4 + 9 + 16}{8} = 3.75

    Ln=∑i=0n−1f(a+i Δx) Δx\displaystyle L_n = \sum_{i=0}^{n-1} f(a + i\,\Delta x)\,\Delta x
    Rn=∑i=1nf(a+i Δx) Δx\displaystyle R_n = \sum_{i=1}^{n} f(a + i\,\Delta x)\,\Delta x
  6. 7.21.6

    Midpoint and Trapezoidal Rules in Sigma Notation

    The iith midpoint is a+(i−12)Δxa + (i - \tfrac12)\Delta x. Each trapezoid averages the heights at its two ends.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2: M2=(0.5)2+(1.5)2=2.5M_2 = (0.5)^2 + (1.5)^2 = 2.5

    Mn=∑i=1nf(a+(i−12)Δx)Δx\displaystyle M_n = \sum_{i=1}^{n} f\big(a + (i - \tfrac12)\Delta x\big)\Delta x
    Tn=∑i=1nf(xi−1)+f(xi)2 Δx\displaystyle T_n = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{f(x_{i-1}) + f(x_i)}{2}\,\Delta x
  7. 7.21.7

    Approximating Areas Under Graphs of Composite Functions

    The method does not change. At each sample point, evaluate the inside function first, then the outside function.

    e.g. f(x)=(2x−1)2f(x) = (2x - 1)^2 on [0,2][0, 2], n=2n = 2, midpoints: M2=1 [f(0.5)+f(1.5)]=0+4=4M_2 = 1\,[f(0.5) + f(1.5)] = 0 + 4 = 4

7.22 Definite Integrals

xy++−a = −2b = 2.52y = x³ − 4x∫ₐᵇ f(x) dx =(area above) − (area below)Area below the x-axiscounts as negative.Here: 5.27 − 4 = 1.27
A definite integral adds area above the x-axis and subtracts area below it. For y = x³ − 4x from −2 to 2.5, the 5.27 above minus the 4 below gives 1.27.
  1. 7.22.1

    Defining Definite Integrals Using Left and Right Riemann Sums

    The definite integral is the limit of Riemann sums as the number of pieces goes to infinity. Left and right sums give the same limit for a continuous ff.

    e.g. lim⁡n→∞∑i=1n(in)21n=∫01x2 dx=13\lim_{n \to \infty} \sum_{i=1}^{n} \left(\tfrac{i}{n}\right)^2 \tfrac1n = \int_0^1 x^2\,dx = \tfrac13

    ∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle \int_a^b f(x)\,dx
    =lim⁡n→∞∑i=1nf(a+i Δx) Δx\displaystyle = \lim_{n \to \infty} \sum_{i=1}^{n} f(a + i\,\Delta x)\,\Delta x
    Δx=b−an\displaystyle \Delta x = \frac{b - a}{n}
  2. 7.22.2

    The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

    To evaluate a definite integral of a continuous ff, find any antiderivative FF and subtract its values at the limits. The + C+\,C cancels.

    e.g. ∫132x dx=32−12=8\int_1^3 2x\,dx = 3^2 - 1^2 = 8

    ∫abf(x) dx=F(b)−F(a)\displaystyle \int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a)
    F′(x)=f(x)\displaystyle F'(x) = f(x)
  3. 7.22.3

    Applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to Exponential and Trigonometric

    Use the exponential and trig antiderivatives, then subtract. Trig limits are in radians.

    e.g. ∫0πsin⁡x dx=−cos⁡π+cos⁡0=1+1=2\int_0^{\pi} \sin x\,dx = -\cos \pi + \cos 0 = 1 + 1 = 2

    ∫abex dx=eb−ea\displaystyle \int_a^b e^x\,dx = e^b - e^a
    ∫abcos⁡x dx=sin⁡b−sin⁡a\displaystyle \int_a^b \cos x\,dx = \sin b - \sin a
    ∫absin⁡x dx=−cos⁡b+cos⁡a\displaystyle \int_a^b \sin x\,dx = -\cos b + \cos a
  4. 7.22.4

    The Sum and Constant Multiple Rules for Definite Integrals

    Definite integrals split across sums and differences, and constants factor out.

    e.g. ∫02f=3\int_0^2 f = 3 and ∫02g=5⇒∫02(2f−g)=6−5=1\int_0^2 g = 5 \Rightarrow \int_0^2 (2f - g) = 6 - 5 = 1

    ∫ab(f±g) dx=∫abf dx±∫abg dx\displaystyle \int_a^b (f \pm g)\,dx = \int_a^b f\,dx \pm \int_a^b g\,dx
    ∫abk f dx=k∫abf dx\displaystyle \int_a^b k\,f\,dx = k \int_a^b f\,dx
  5. 7.22.5

    Properties of Definite Integrals Involving the Limits of Integration

    Equal limits give zero. Swapping the limits flips the sign. Adjacent intervals add.

    e.g. ∫15f=7\int_1^5 f = 7 and ∫13f=2⇒∫35f=5\int_1^3 f = 2 \Rightarrow \int_3^5 f = 5 and ∫53f=−5\int_5^3 f = -5

    ∫aaf(x) dx=0\displaystyle \int_a^a f(x)\,dx = 0
    ∫baf(x) dx=−∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle \int_b^a f(x)\,dx = -\int_a^b f(x)\,dx
    ∫abf dx+∫bcf dx=∫acf dx\displaystyle \int_a^b f\,dx + \int_b^c f\,dx = \int_a^c f\,dx

7.23 The Area Under a Curve

  1. 7.23.1

    The Area Bounded by a Curve and the X-Axis

    If f(x)≥0f(x) \ge 0 on [a,b][a, b], the area between the curve and the xx-axis is the definite integral. Use the xx-intercepts as limits when no interval is given.

    e.g. y=4−x2y = 4 - x^2: ∫−22(4−x2) dx=(8−83)−(−8+83)=323\int_{-2}^{2} (4 - x^2)\,dx = \left(8 - \tfrac83\right) - \left(-8 + \tfrac83\right) = \tfrac{32}{3}

    A=∫abf(x) dx(f≥0)\displaystyle A = \int_a^b f(x)\,dx \quad (f \ge 0)
  2. 7.23.2

    Evaluating Definite Integrals Using Symmetry

    On an interval symmetric about 00, an even function gives twice the right half and an odd function gives zero.

    e.g. ∫−22(x3+3x2) dx=0+2∫023x2 dx=2(8)=16\int_{-2}^{2} (x^3 + 3x^2)\,dx = 0 + 2\int_0^2 3x^2\,dx = 2(8) = 16

    f even:∫−aaf dx=2∫0af dx\displaystyle f \text{ even}: \int_{-a}^{a} f\,dx = 2\int_0^a f\,dx
    f odd:∫−aaf dx=0\displaystyle f \text{ odd}: \int_{-a}^{a} f\,dx = 0
  3. 7.23.3

    Finding the Area Between a Curve and the X-Axis When They Intersect

    Area counts every region as positive, but the integral counts regions below the axis as negative. Split at the xx-intercepts and add the absolute values.

    e.g. y=x2−1y = x^2 - 1 on [0,2][0, 2]: ∫01=−23\int_0^1 = -\tfrac23, ∫12=43\int_1^2 = \tfrac43, so area =23+43=2= \tfrac23 + \tfrac43 = 2

    A=∫ab∣f(x)∣ dx\displaystyle A = \int_a^b \lvert f(x) \rvert\,dx
  4. 7.23.4

    The Area Bounded by a Curve and the Y-Axis

    Solve for xx in terms of yy and integrate with respect to yy between the yy-limits.

    e.g. Region between y=xy = \sqrt{x}, the yy-axis, and y=2y = 2: x=y2x = y^2, A=∫02y2 dy=83A = \int_0^2 y^2\,dy = \tfrac83

    A=∫cdg(y) dy(x=g(y)≥0)\displaystyle A = \int_c^d g(y)\,dy \quad (x = g(y) \ge 0)
  5. 7.23.5

    Calculating the Definite Integral of a Function Given Its Graph

    Break the region into triangles, rectangles, and circle parts and use geometry. Area above the xx-axis counts positive and area below counts negative.

    e.g. ff is the line through (0,2)(0, 2) and (4,−2)(4, -2): ∫03f dx=2−12=32\int_0^3 f\,dx = 2 - \tfrac12 = \tfrac32

    ∫abf dx=Aabove−Abelow\displaystyle \int_a^b f\,dx = A_{\text{above}} - A_{\text{below}}
  6. 7.23.6

    Calculating the Definite Integral of a Function's Derivative Given its Graph

    The integral of f′f' is the net change in ff. Read f(a)f(a) and f(b)f(b) off the graph of ff and subtract.

    e.g. Graph of ff passes through (1,4)(1, 4) and (5,−2)(5, -2): ∫15f′(x) dx=−2−4=−6\int_1^5 f'(x)\,dx = -2 - 4 = -6

    ∫abf′(x) dx=f(b)−f(a)\displaystyle \int_a^b f'(x)\,dx = f(b) - f(a)
  7. 7.23.7

    Definite Integrals of Piecewise Functions

    Split the integral at each break point and integrate each piece only over its own interval.

    e.g. f(x)=3x2f(x) = 3x^2 for x<1x < 1 and f(x)=2f(x) = 2 for x≥1x \ge 1: ∫03f dx=1+4=5\int_0^3 f\,dx = 1 + 4 = 5

    ∫acf dx=∫abf1 dx+∫bcf2 dx\displaystyle \int_a^c f\,dx = \int_a^b f_1\,dx + \int_b^c f_2\,dx

7.24 Accumulation Functions

f(t)tA(x)axxA(x)height = shaded areaaxA(x) = ∫ₐˣ f(t) dtarea from a up to xA′(x) = f(x)the area grows at rate f(x)∫ₐᵇ f(x) dx = F(b) − F(a)for any antiderivative F (F′ = f)
A(x) is the area under f from a to x, and it grows at exactly the rate f(x), so A′(x) = f(x). That is why any antiderivative F evaluates a definite integral as F(b) − F(a).
  1. 7.24.1

    The Integral as an Accumulation Function

    F(x)F(x) is the signed area under ff from a fixed start aa to a variable endpoint xx. It starts at F(a)=0F(a) = 0, grows where f>0f > 0, and shrinks where f<0f < 0.

    e.g. F(x)=∫0x2t dt=x2F(x) = \int_0^x 2t\,dt = x^2, so F(3)=9F(3) = 9

    F(x)=∫axf(t) dt\displaystyle F(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\,dt
  2. 7.24.2

    The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

    The derivative of an accumulation function is the integrand evaluated at the upper limit. If the upper limit is g(x)g(x), multiply by g′(x)g'(x) (chain rule).

    e.g. ddx∫1x2cos⁡t dt=2xcos⁡(x2)\frac{d}{dx}\int_1^{x^2} \cos t\,dt = 2x\cos(x^2)

    ddx∫axf(t) dt=f(x)\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x f(t)\,dt = f(x)
    ddx∫ag(x)f(t) dt=f(g(x)) g′(x)\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\int_a^{g(x)} f(t)\,dt = f(g(x))\,g'(x)
  3. 7.24.3

    Maximizing a Function Using the Graph of Its Derivative

    ff has a relative max where f′f' crosses the axis from positive to negative. For an absolute max on [a,b][a, b], compare those points with the endpoints.

    e.g. f′>0f' > 0 on (0,3)(0, 3) and f′<0f' < 0 on (3,5)(3, 5): relative max at x=3x = 3

    f′ ⁣:+→−  ⇒  relative max\displaystyle f' \colon + \to - \;\Rightarrow\; \text{relative max}
  4. 7.24.4

    Minimizing a Function Using the Graph of its Derivative

    ff has a relative min where f′f' crosses the axis from negative to positive. For an absolute min on [a,b][a, b], compare those points with the endpoints.

    e.g. f′<0f' < 0 on (−2,1)(-2, 1) and f′>0f' > 0 on (1,4)(1, 4): relative min at x=1x = 1

    f′ ⁣:−→+  ⇒  relative min\displaystyle f' \colon - \to + \;\Rightarrow\; \text{relative min}
  5. 7.24.5

    Further Optimizing Functions Using Graphs of Derivatives

    Find ff at each candidate by adding the signed area under f′f' to a known value. Then compare the critical points and endpoints to get the absolute max and min.

    e.g. f(0)=2f(0) = 2, area 55 above the axis on [0,3][0, 3], area 77 below on [3,6][3, 6]: f(3)=7f(3) = 7 (abs max), f(6)=0f(6) = 0 (abs min)

    f(x)=f(a)+∫axf′(t) dt\displaystyle f(x) = f(a) + \int_a^x f'(t)\,dt
  6. 7.24.6

    Integrating Rates of Change

    The integral of a rate of change gives the net change in the amount. Add the starting amount to get the final amount. For velocity, ∫v dt\int v\,dt is displacement and ∫∣v∣ dt\int \lvert v \rvert\,dt is total distance.

    e.g. Tank has 10 gal, water flows in at r(t)=4tr(t) = 4t gal/min: after 3 min, 10+∫034t dt=10+18=2810 + \int_0^3 4t\,dt = 10 + 18 = 28 gal

    Q(b)=Q(a)+∫abQ′(t) dt\displaystyle Q(b) = Q(a) + \int_a^b Q'(t)\,dt
  7. 7.24.7

    Integrating Density Functions

    Integrating a density (amount per unit length) over an interval gives the total amount. For a density per unit area that depends on the distance rr from a center, multiply by the ring circumference 2πr2\pi r.

    e.g. A 2 m rod with density ρ(x)=3x2\rho(x) = 3x^2 kg/m has mass ∫023x2 dx=8\int_0^2 3x^2\,dx = 8 kg

    total=∫abρ(x) dx\displaystyle \text{total} = \int_a^b \rho(x)\,dx
    radial: ∫0R2πr ρ(r) dr\displaystyle \text{radial: } \int_0^R 2\pi r\,\rho(r)\,dr

Unit 8 32 topics

Techniques of Integration

Integration Using Substitution, Integration Using Trigonometric Identities, Special Techniques for Integration, and more.

8.25 Integration Using Substitution

  1. 8.25.1

    Integrating Algebraic Functions Using Substitution

    Let uu be the inner expression whose derivative also appears as a factor. Rewrite everything in uu, integrate, then substitute back.

    e.g. ∫2x(x2+1)3 dx\int 2x(x^2+1)^3\,dx: u=x2+1u = x^2+1 gives 14(x2+1)4+C\tfrac14(x^2+1)^4 + C

    ∫f(g(x)) g′(x) dx\displaystyle \int f(g(x))\,g'(x)\,dx
    =∫f(u) du,u=g(x)\displaystyle = \int f(u)\,du, \quad u = g(x)
  2. 8.25.2

    Integrating Linear Rational Functions Using Substitution

    For a fraction with a linear denominator, let u=ax+bu = ax + b, so dx=1a dudx = \tfrac1a\,du. If the numerator is also linear, write it in terms of uu and split the fraction.

    e.g. ∫32x+1 dx=32ln⁡∣2x+1∣+C\int \frac{3}{2x+1}\,dx = \tfrac32 \ln\lvert 2x+1\rvert + C

    ∫1ax+b dx\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{ax+b}\,dx
    =1aln⁡∣ax+b∣+C\displaystyle = \frac1a \ln\lvert ax+b\rvert + C
  3. 8.25.3

    Integration Using Substitution

    Choose uu, find dudu, and rewrite the whole integrand in uu with no xx left. A missing constant factor can be fixed by multiplying and dividing. Always substitute back at the end.

    e.g. ∫xx2+4 dx\int x\sqrt{x^2+4}\,dx: u=x2+4u = x^2+4, du=2x dxdu = 2x\,dx, so 12∫u1/2 du=13(x2+4)3/2+C\tfrac12\int u^{1/2}\,du = \tfrac13(x^2+4)^{3/2} + C

    u=g(x)\displaystyle u = g(x)
    du=g′(x) dx\displaystyle du = g'(x)\,dx
  4. 8.25.4

    Calculating Definite Integrals Using Substitution

    Change the limits to uu-values when you substitute. Then evaluate in uu with no need to substitute back.

    e.g. ∫012x(x2+1) dx\int_0^1 2x(x^2+1)\,dx: uu runs from 11 to 22, so ∫12u du=2−12=32\int_1^2 u\,du = 2 - \tfrac12 = \tfrac32

    ∫abf(g(x)) g′(x) dx\displaystyle \int_a^b f(g(x))\,g'(x)\,dx
    =∫g(a)g(b)f(u) du\displaystyle = \int_{g(a)}^{g(b)} f(u)\,du
  5. 8.25.5

    Further Integration of Algebraic Functions Using Substitution

    If an extra xx is left over after substituting, solve u=g(x)u = g(x) for xx and replace it too. Then expand and integrate term by term.

    e.g. ∫xx+1 dx\int x\sqrt{x+1}\,dx: u=x+1u = x+1, x=u−1x = u - 1, so ∫(u3/2−u1/2) du=25(x+1)5/2−23(x+1)3/2+C\int (u^{3/2} - u^{1/2})\,du = \tfrac25 (x+1)^{5/2} - \tfrac23 (x+1)^{3/2} + C

  6. 8.25.6

    Integrating Exponential Functions Using Linear Substitution

    With a linear exponent, integrate as usual and divide by the coefficient of xx.

    e.g. ∫e3x−1 dx=13e3x−1+C\int e^{3x-1}\,dx = \tfrac13 e^{3x-1} + C

    ∫eax+b dx=1aeax+b+C\displaystyle \int e^{ax+b}\,dx = \frac1a e^{ax+b} + C
  7. 8.25.7

    Integrating Exponential Functions Using Substitution

    Let uu be the exponent. The derivative of the exponent must appear as a factor, up to a constant.

    e.g. ∫xex2 dx\int x e^{x^2}\,dx: u=x2u = x^2, du=2x dxdu = 2x\,dx, so the answer is 12ex2+C\tfrac12 e^{x^2} + C

    ∫eg(x) g′(x) dx=eg(x)+C\displaystyle \int e^{g(x)}\,g'(x)\,dx = e^{g(x)} + C
  8. 8.25.8

    Integrating Trigonometric Functions Using Substitution

    Let uu be the angle, or let uu be sin⁡x\sin x or cos⁡x\cos x when its derivative is a factor. Watch the sign: ∫sin⁡u du=−cos⁡u+C\int \sin u\,du = -\cos u + C.

    e.g. ∫sin⁡2xcos⁡x dx\int \sin^2 x\cos x\,dx: u=sin⁡xu = \sin x gives 13sin⁡3x+C\tfrac13\sin^3 x + C

    ∫cos⁡(ax+b) dx\displaystyle \int \cos(ax+b)\,dx
    =1asin⁡(ax+b)+C\displaystyle = \frac1a \sin(ax+b) + C
    ∫sin⁡(ax+b) dx\displaystyle \int \sin(ax+b)\,dx
    =−1acos⁡(ax+b)+C\displaystyle = -\frac1a \cos(ax+b) + C
  9. 8.25.9

    Integrating Logarithmic Functions Using Substitution

    When ln⁡x\ln x appears with a factor of 1x\tfrac1x, let u=ln⁡xu = \ln x. A fraction whose numerator is the derivative of its denominator integrates to a natural log.

    e.g. ∫ln⁡xx dx=12(ln⁡x)2+C\int \frac{\ln x}{x}\,dx = \tfrac12(\ln x)^2 + C

    u=ln⁡x⇒du=1x dx\displaystyle u = \ln x \Rightarrow du = \frac1x\,dx
    ∫g′(x)g(x) dx\displaystyle \int \frac{g'(x)}{g(x)}\,dx
    =ln⁡∣g(x)∣+C\displaystyle = \ln\lvert g(x)\rvert + C
  10. 8.25.10

    Integration by Substitution With Inverse Trigonometric Functions

    Match the integrand to an inverse trig form, using substitution to make the variable part a perfect square. Here a>0a > 0.

    e.g. ∫dx1+4x2\int \frac{dx}{1 + 4x^2}: u=2xu = 2x gives 12arctan⁡(2x)+C\tfrac12\arctan(2x) + C

    ∫dxa2−x2=arcsin⁡xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}} = \arcsin\frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxa2+x2\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{a^2 + x^2}
    =1aarctan⁡xa+C\displaystyle = \frac1a \arctan\frac{x}{a} + C

8.26 Integration Using Trigonometric Identities

  1. 8.26.1

    Integration Using Basic Trigonometric Identities

    Rewrite the integrand with quotient and reciprocal identities until it matches a known antiderivative.

    e.g. ∫sin⁡xcos⁡2x dx=∫sec⁡xtan⁡x dx=sec⁡x+C\int \frac{\sin x}{\cos^2 x}\,dx = \int \sec x\tan x\,dx = \sec x + C

    tan⁡x=sin⁡xcos⁡x\displaystyle \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}
    sec⁡x=1cos⁡x,csc⁡x=1sin⁡x\displaystyle \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x},\quad \csc x = \frac{1}{\sin x}
  2. 8.26.2

    Integration Using the Pythagorean Identities

    Replace a square you cannot integrate with one you can, or split off one factor so substitution works.

    e.g. ∫tan⁡2x dx=∫(sec⁡2x−1) dx=tan⁡x−x+C\int \tan^2 x\,dx = \int (\sec^2 x - 1)\,dx = \tan x - x + C

    sin⁡2x+cos⁡2x=1\displaystyle \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1
    1+tan⁡2x=sec⁡2x\displaystyle 1 + \tan^2 x = \sec^2 x
  3. 8.26.3

    Integration Using the Double-Angle Formulas

    To integrate sin⁡2x\sin^2 x or cos⁡2x\cos^2 x, lower the power with these identities first.

    e.g. ∫sin⁡2x dx=x2−sin⁡2x4+C\int \sin^2 x\,dx = \tfrac{x}{2} - \tfrac{\sin 2x}{4} + C

    sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x2\displaystyle \sin^2 x = \frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2}
    cos⁡2x=1+cos⁡2x2\displaystyle \cos^2 x = \frac{1 + \cos 2x}{2}
    sin⁡xcos⁡x=12sin⁡2x\displaystyle \sin x\cos x = \frac12 \sin 2x

8.27 Special Techniques for Integration

  1. 8.27.1

    Integrating Functions Using Polynomial Division

    If the numerator's degree is at least the denominator's, divide first. Integrate the quotient and the remainder fraction separately.

    e.g. ∫x2+1x+1 dx=∫(x−1+2x+1)dx=x22−x+2ln⁡∣x+1∣+C\int \frac{x^2+1}{x+1}\,dx = \int \left(x - 1 + \tfrac{2}{x+1}\right)dx = \tfrac{x^2}{2} - x + 2\ln\lvert x+1\rvert + C

    N(x)D(x)=Q(x)+R(x)D(x)\displaystyle \frac{N(x)}{D(x)} = Q(x) + \frac{R(x)}{D(x)}
  2. 8.27.2

    Integrating Functions by Completing the Square

    For a quadratic denominator that does not factor, complete the square, then use the arctan form with u=x+b2u = x + \tfrac b2.

    e.g. ∫dxx2+2x+5=∫dx(x+1)2+4=12arctan⁡x+12+C\int \frac{dx}{x^2 + 2x + 5} = \int \frac{dx}{(x+1)^2 + 4} = \tfrac12\arctan\tfrac{x+1}{2} + C

    x2+bx+c\displaystyle x^2 + bx + c
    =(x+b2)2+c−b24\displaystyle = \left(x + \tfrac b2\right)^2 + c - \tfrac{b^2}{4}
    ∫duu2+a2\displaystyle \int \frac{du}{u^2 + a^2}
    =1aarctan⁡ua+C\displaystyle = \frac1a \arctan\frac{u}{a} + C

8.28 Integration by Parts

  1. 8.28.1

    Introduction to Integration by Parts

    Use for a product of two different kinds of functions. Pick uu to get simpler when differentiated, using LIATE order: logs, inverse trig, algebraic, trig, exponential. The rest is dvdv.

    e.g. ∫xex dx\int xe^x\,dx: u=xu = x, dv=ex dxdv = e^x\,dx, so =xex−∫ex dx=xex−ex+C= xe^x - \int e^x\,dx = xe^x - e^x + C

    ∫u dv=uv−∫v du\displaystyle \int u\,dv = uv - \int v\,du
  2. 8.28.2

    Using Integration by Parts to Calculate Integrals With Logarithms

    Let u=ln⁡xu = \ln x, since it simplifies to 1x\tfrac1x when differentiated. Let dvdv be the rest, even if that is just dxdx.

    e.g. ∫xln⁡x dx\int x\ln x\,dx: u=ln⁡xu = \ln x, v=x22v = \tfrac{x^2}{2}, so =x22ln⁡x−∫x2 dx=x22ln⁡x−x24+C= \tfrac{x^2}{2}\ln x - \int \tfrac{x}{2}\,dx = \tfrac{x^2}{2}\ln x - \tfrac{x^2}{4} + C

    ∫ln⁡x dx=xln⁡x−x+C\displaystyle \int \ln x\,dx = x\ln x - x + C
  3. 8.28.3

    Applying the Integration By Parts Twice

    If the new integral still needs parts, apply it again. Choose the same kind of function as uu the second time, or you will undo the first step.

    e.g. x2ex−2(xex−ex)+C=ex(x2−2x+2)+Cx^2e^x - 2(xe^x - e^x) + C = e^x(x^2 - 2x + 2) + C

    ∫x2ex dx=x2ex−2∫xex dx\displaystyle \int x^2e^x\,dx = x^2e^x - 2\int xe^x\,dx
  4. 8.28.4

    The Tabular Method of Integration by Parts

    Use when uu is a polynomial. Column D: differentiate uu until you reach 0. Column I: integrate dvdv the same number of times. Multiply each D entry by the next row's I entry, with signs +,−,+,…+, -, +, \ldots, and add.

    e.g. ∫x2sin⁡x dx\int x^2\sin x\,dx: D: x2,2x,2,0x^2, 2x, 2, 0; I: sin⁡x,−cos⁡x,−sin⁡x,cos⁡x\sin x, -\cos x, -\sin x, \cos x; result −x2cos⁡x+2xsin⁡x+2cos⁡x+C-x^2\cos x + 2x\sin x + 2\cos x + C

    ∫fg dx=fG1−f′G2+f′′G3−⋯\displaystyle \int f g\,dx = fG_1 - f'G_2 + f''G_3 - \cdots
  5. 8.28.5

    Integration by Parts in Cyclic Cases

    For products like exsin⁡xe^x\sin x, neither factor ever simplifies. Integrate by parts twice, keeping the same type of uu. The original integral II reappears, so solve for II algebraically.

    e.g. ∫excos⁡x dx=12ex(sin⁡x+cos⁡x)+C\int e^x\cos x\,dx = \tfrac12 e^x(\sin x + \cos x) + C

    I=∫exsin⁡x dx\displaystyle I = \int e^x\sin x\,dx
    I=exsin⁡x−excos⁡x−I\displaystyle I = e^x\sin x - e^x\cos x - I
    ⇒  I=12ex(sin⁡x−cos⁡x)+C\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; I = \tfrac12 e^x(\sin x - \cos x) + C

8.29 Integration Using Partial Fractions

  1. 8.29.1

    Expressing Rational Functions as Sums of Partial Fractions

    The numerator's degree must be less than the denominator's (long divide first if not). Factor the denominator. Each distinct linear factor gets a constant over it. Clear denominators and plug in each root to find the constants.

    e.g. 5x−1(x−1)(x+1)\tfrac{5x - 1}{(x - 1)(x + 1)}: 5x−1=A(x+1)+B(x−1)5x - 1 = A(x + 1) + B(x - 1); x=1x = 1 gives A=2A = 2, x=−1x = -1 gives B=3B = 3

    px+q(x−a)(x−b)=Ax−a+Bx−b\displaystyle \frac{px + q}{(x - a)(x - b)} = \frac{A}{x - a} + \frac{B}{x - b}
  2. 8.29.2

    Expressing Rational Functions with Repeated Factors as Sums of Partial Fractions

    A factor (x−a)k(x - a)^k gets kk terms, one for each power from 1 to kk. Plug in roots for some constants, then match coefficients for the rest.

    e.g. 1x2(x−1)=−1x−1x2+1x−1\tfrac{1}{x^2(x - 1)} = -\tfrac1x - \tfrac{1}{x^2} + \tfrac{1}{x - 1}

    A1x−a+A2(x−a)2+⋯+Ak(x−a)k\displaystyle \frac{A_1}{x - a} + \frac{A_2}{(x - a)^2} + \cdots + \frac{A_k}{(x - a)^k}
  3. 8.29.3

    Expressing Rational Functions with Irreducible Quadratic Factors as Sums of Partial

    A quadratic factor that cannot be factored over the reals (b2−4ac<0b^2 - 4ac < 0) gets a linear numerator Bx+CBx + C. Match coefficients to find the constants.

    e.g. 2x2+x+1x(x2+1)=1x+x+1x2+1\tfrac{2x^2 + x + 1}{x(x^2 + 1)} = \tfrac1x + \tfrac{x + 1}{x^2 + 1}

    Ax−a+Bx+Cx2+px+q\displaystyle \frac{A}{x - a} + \frac{Bx + C}{x^2 + px + q}
  4. 8.29.4

    Integrating Rational Functions Using Partial Fractions

    Decompose into partial fractions, then integrate each term. Each linear term gives a natural log.

    e.g. ∫5x−1x2−1 dx=∫(2x−1+3x+1)dx=2ln⁡∣x−1∣+3ln⁡∣x+1∣+C\int \tfrac{5x - 1}{x^2 - 1}\,dx = \int\left(\tfrac{2}{x - 1} + \tfrac{3}{x + 1}\right)dx = 2\ln\lvert x - 1\rvert + 3\ln\lvert x + 1\rvert + C

    ∫Ax−a dx=Aln⁡∣x−a∣+C\displaystyle \int \frac{A}{x - a}\,dx = A\ln\lvert x - a\rvert + C
  5. 8.29.5

    Integrating Rational Functions with Repeated Factors

    Terms over (x−a)n(x - a)^n with n≥2n \ge 2 integrate by the power rule, not to a log. Only the first-power term gives a log.

    e.g. ∫dxx2(x−1)=∫(−1x−1x2+1x−1)dx=−ln⁡∣x∣+1x+ln⁡∣x−1∣+C\int \tfrac{dx}{x^2(x - 1)} = \int\left(-\tfrac1x - \tfrac{1}{x^2} + \tfrac{1}{x - 1}\right)dx = -\ln\lvert x\rvert + \tfrac1x + \ln\lvert x - 1\rvert + C

    ∫dx(x−a)n=(x−a)1−n1−n+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{(x - a)^n} = \frac{(x - a)^{1 - n}}{1 - n} + C
    ∫dx(x−a)2=−1x−a+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{(x - a)^2} = -\frac{1}{x - a} + C
  6. 8.29.6

    Integrating Rational Functions with Irreducible Quadratic Factors

    Split Bx+Cx2+k2\tfrac{Bx + C}{x^2 + k^2} into an xx part, which gives a log, and a constant part, which gives arctangent. Complete the square first if the quadratic has an xx term.

    e.g. ∫(1x+x+1x2+1)dx=ln⁡∣x∣+12ln⁡(x2+1)+arctan⁡x+C\int\left(\tfrac1x + \tfrac{x + 1}{x^2 + 1}\right)dx = \ln\lvert x\rvert + \tfrac12\ln(x^2 + 1) + \arctan x + C

    ∫x dxx2+k2=12ln⁡(x2+k2)+C\displaystyle \int \frac{x\,dx}{x^2 + k^2} = \tfrac12\ln(x^2 + k^2) + C
    ∫dxx2+k2=1karctan⁡xk+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x^2 + k^2} = \tfrac1k\arctan\tfrac{x}{k} + C

8.30 Improper Integrals

xy1234567810.5y = 1/x²area continues →∫₁∞ 1/x² dx=limb→∞[1 − 1/b] = 1Infinite region, finite area.But ∫₁∞ 1/x dx diverges:it equals lim ln b, whichgrows without bound.
The region under y = 1/x² goes on forever, yet its area adds up to exactly 1. An improper integral is a limit: integrate to b, then let b run to infinity.
  1. 8.30.1

    Improper Integrals

    An integral with an infinite limit is defined as a limit. It converges if the limit is a finite number and diverges otherwise. ∫1∞1xp dx\int_1^\infty \tfrac{1}{x^p}\,dx converges only when p>1p > 1.

    e.g. ∫1∞1x2 dx=lim⁡b→∞(1−1b)=1\int_1^\infty \tfrac{1}{x^2}\,dx = \lim_{b \to \infty}\left(1 - \tfrac1b\right) = 1

    ∫a∞f(x) dx\displaystyle \int_a^\infty f(x)\,dx
    =lim⁡b→∞∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle = \lim_{b \to \infty}\int_a^b f(x)\,dx
  2. 8.30.2

    Improper Integrals Involving Exponential Functions

    Integrate up to bb, then let b→∞b \to \infty. Decaying exponentials vanish: e−kb→0e^{-kb} \to 0 for k>0k > 0.

    e.g. ∫0∞e−2x dx=lim⁡b→∞(12−12e−2b)=12\int_0^\infty e^{-2x}\,dx = \lim_{b \to \infty}\left(\tfrac12 - \tfrac12 e^{-2b}\right) = \tfrac12

    ∫0∞e−kx dx=1k(k>0)\displaystyle \int_0^\infty e^{-kx}\,dx = \frac1k \quad (k > 0)
  3. 8.30.3

    Improper Integrals Involving Arctangent

    Integrands like 1x2+k2\tfrac{1}{x^2 + k^2} integrate to arctangent, which levels off at ±π2\pm\tfrac{\pi}{2}, so these integrals converge.

    e.g. ∫0∞dxx2+4=lim⁡b→∞12arctan⁡b2=π4\int_0^\infty \tfrac{dx}{x^2 + 4} = \lim_{b \to \infty}\tfrac12\arctan\tfrac{b}{2} = \tfrac{\pi}{4}

    ∫dx1+x2=arctan⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{1 + x^2} = \arctan x + C
    lim⁡b→∞arctan⁡b=π2\displaystyle \lim_{b \to \infty}\arctan b = \frac{\pi}{2}
  4. 8.30.4

    Improper Integrals Over the Real Line

    Split at any convenient point cc, often 0. The integral converges only if both halves converge. Do not take one symmetric limit ∫−bb\int_{-b}^{b}, since that can hide divergence.

    e.g. ∫−∞∞dx1+x2=π2+π2=π\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\tfrac{dx}{1 + x^2} = \tfrac{\pi}{2} + \tfrac{\pi}{2} = \pi

    ∫−∞∞f dx=∫−∞cf dx+∫c∞f dx\displaystyle \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f\,dx = \int_{-\infty}^{c} f\,dx + \int_{c}^{\infty} f\,dx
  5. 8.30.5

    Improper Integrals of the Second Kind

    The integrand blows up at an endpoint. Replace that endpoint with tt and take a one-sided limit. ∫011xp dx\int_0^1 \tfrac{1}{x^p}\,dx converges only when p<1p < 1.

    e.g. ∫01dxx=lim⁡t→0+(2−2t)=2\int_0^1 \tfrac{dx}{\sqrt{x}} = \lim_{t \to 0^+}\left(2 - 2\sqrt{t}\right) = 2

    ∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle \int_a^b f(x)\,dx
    =lim⁡t→a+∫tbf(x) dx\displaystyle = \lim_{t \to a^+}\int_t^b f(x)\,dx
  6. 8.30.6

    Improper Integrals of the Second Kind: Discontinuities at Interior Points

    If ff blows up at a point cc inside [a,b][a, b], split there and take one-sided limits on each piece. If either piece diverges, the whole integral diverges. Always check for a vertical asymptote before using the Fundamental Theorem.

    e.g. ∫−11dxx2\int_{-1}^{1}\tfrac{dx}{x^2} diverges because ∫01dxx2\int_0^1 \tfrac{dx}{x^2} diverges. The shortcut answer −2-2 is wrong.

    ∫abf dx=∫acf dx+∫cbf dx\displaystyle \int_a^b f\,dx = \int_a^c f\,dx + \int_c^b f\,dx

Unit 9 23 topics

Differential Equations

Introduction to Differential Equations, Qualitative Techniques for Differential Equations, Modeling Exponential Growth and Decay With Differential Equations, and more.

9.31 Introduction to Differential Equations

  1. 9.31.1

    Introduction to Differential Equations

    A differential equation relates a function to its derivatives. Its order is the highest derivative that appears. A solution is a function, not a number.

    e.g. dydx=2x\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x is first order; y′′+y=0y'' + y = 0 is second order

  2. 9.31.2

    Verifying Solutions of Differential Equations

    Compute the needed derivatives of the proposed function and substitute them into the equation. It is a solution only if both sides are equal for every xx.

    e.g. y=e3xy = e^{3x} solves y′=3yy' = 3y, since y′=3e3x=3yy' = 3e^{3x} = 3y

  3. 9.31.3

    Solving First-Order ODEs Using Direct Integration

    If the derivative depends only on xx, integrate both sides. Keep the +C+ C: it gives a whole family of solutions.

    e.g. y′=6x2⇒y=2x3+Cy' = 6x^2 \Rightarrow y = 2x^3 + C

    dydx=f(x)\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = f(x)
    ⇒  y=∫f(x) dx+C\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; y = \int f(x)\,dx + C
  4. 9.31.4

    Solving First-Order ODEs Using Separation of Variables

    Move all yy terms (with dydy) to one side and all xx terms (with dxdx) to the other, then integrate both sides. One +C+ C on the xx side is enough. Solve for yy if you can.

    e.g. dydx=xy\frac{dy}{dx} = xy: ln⁡∣y∣=x22+C\ln\lvert y\rvert = \tfrac{x^2}{2} + C, so y=Aex2/2y = Ae^{x^2/2}

    dydx=g(x) h(y)\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = g(x)\,h(y)
    ⇒  ∫dyh(y)=∫g(x) dx\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; \int \frac{dy}{h(y)} = \int g(x)\,dx
  5. 9.31.5

    Solving First-Order IVPs Using Separation of Variables

    Separate and integrate, then plug in the initial condition to find CC. Use it also to pick the right sign when you take a square root.

    e.g. dydx=xy\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x}{y}, y(0)=2y(0) = 2: y22=x22+2\tfrac{y^2}{2} = \tfrac{x^2}{2} + 2, so y=x2+4y = \sqrt{x^2 + 4}

  6. 9.31.6

    Modeling With First-Order ODEs

    Translate the words into a rate equation. "Proportional to" means multiply by a constant kk. Use a negative sign for a quantity that is decreasing.

    e.g. Water drains at a rate proportional to the square root of the depth hh: dhdt=−kh\frac{dh}{dt} = -k\sqrt{h}

    dydt=ky(proportional to y)\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt} = ky \quad \text{(proportional to } y\text{)}
  7. 9.31.7

    Further Modeling With First-Order ODEs

    In Newton's law of cooling, the rate of temperature change is proportional to the gap between the object and its surroundings. For mixing or flow problems, the net rate is rate in minus rate out.

    e.g. Coffee at 180°F in a 70°F room: dTdt=−k(T−70)\frac{dT}{dt} = -k(T - 70) with k>0k > 0

    dTdt=−k(T−Ts)\displaystyle \frac{dT}{dt} = -k(T - T_s)
    dAdt=rate in−rate out\displaystyle \frac{dA}{dt} = \text{rate in} - \text{rate out}

9.32 Qualitative Techniques for Differential Equations

  1. 9.32.1

    Qualitative Analysis of First-Order ODEs

    Read behavior from dydx\frac{dy}{dx} without solving. Where it is positive, solutions increase; where negative, they decrease. Differentiate dydx\frac{dy}{dx} implicitly to get d2ydx2\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} for concavity.

    e.g. dydx=y(3−y)\frac{dy}{dx} = y(3 - y): solutions increase for 0<y<30 < y < 3 and decrease for y>3y > 3 or y<0y < 0

    dydx>0⇒y increasing\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} > 0 \Rightarrow y \text{ increasing}
    d2ydx2>0⇒concave up\displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} > 0 \Rightarrow \text{concave up}
  2. 9.32.2

    Equilibrium Solutions of First-Order ODEs

    An equilibrium is a constant solution y=cy = c, where dydx=0\frac{dy}{dx} = 0 for every xx. It is stable if nearby solutions move toward it and unstable if they move away.

    e.g. dydx=y(3−y)\frac{dy}{dx} = y(3 - y): y=0y = 0 is unstable and y=3y = 3 is stable

    dydx=f(y),  f(c)=0\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = f(y),\; f(c) = 0
    ⇒  y=c is an equilibrium\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; y = c \text{ is an equilibrium}

9.33 Modeling Exponential Growth and Decay With Differential Equations

0163248640123456y = 8xy = 2ˣLinear adds:0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48Exponential multiplies:1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64Exponential starts behindand still wins.
Equal differences mean linear; equal ratios mean exponential. Any exponential growth eventually passes any linear growth.
  1. 9.33.1

    Exponential Growth and Decay Models With First-Order ODEs

    If the rate is proportional to the amount, the solution is exponential. k>0k > 0 means growth and k<0k < 0 means decay. y0y_0 is the amount at t=0t = 0.

    e.g. dydt=0.05y\frac{dy}{dt} = 0.05y, y(0)=200y(0) = 200: y=200e0.05ty = 200e^{0.05t}

    dydt=ky  ⇒  y=y0ekt\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt} = ky \;\Rightarrow\; y = y_0 e^{kt}
  2. 9.33.2

    Exponential Growth and Decay Models With First-Order ODEs: Calculating Unknown Times

    Set the model equal to the target amount, divide by y0y_0, and take ln of both sides.

    e.g. 200e0.05t=400⇒t=ln⁡20.05≈13.9200e^{0.05t} = 400 \Rightarrow t = \tfrac{\ln 2}{0.05} \approx 13.9

    y0ekt=y\displaystyle y_0 e^{kt} = y
    ⇒  t=1kln⁡yy0\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; t = \frac1k \ln\frac{y}{y_0}
  3. 9.33.3

    Exponential Growth and Decay Models With First-Order ODEs: Half-Life Problems

    The half-life TT is the time for the amount to halve. It fixes the decay constant kk.

    e.g. 64 g with a 5-day half-life: after 15 days, 64(12)3=864\left(\tfrac12\right)^3 = 8 g

    k=−ln⁡2T\displaystyle k = -\frac{\ln 2}{T}
    y=y0ekt=y0(12)t/T\displaystyle y = y_0 e^{kt} = y_0\left(\tfrac12\right)^{t/T}

9.34 Modeling Logistic Growth With Differential Equations

tP1234567050100L = 100fastest growth at L/2dP/dt = kP(1 − P/L)P(t) = L / (1 + Ae⁻ᵏᵗ)here L = 100, A = 9, k = 1, P(0) = 10L is the carrying capacity.Growth is fastest at P = L/2and slows to zero near L.
Logistic growth starts out nearly exponential, is fastest at half the carrying capacity, and levels off as P approaches L.
  1. 9.34.1

    Logistic Growth Models With First-Order ODEs

    Growth is nearly exponential when PP is small and slows as PP nears the carrying capacity LL. k>0k > 0 is the growth constant. In the form kP(L−P)kP(L - P), LL is still the carrying capacity.

    e.g. dPdt=0.2P(1−P500)\tfrac{dP}{dt} = 0.2P\left(1 - \tfrac{P}{500}\right): L=500L = 500; at P=100P = 100, dPdt=0.2(100)(0.8)=16\tfrac{dP}{dt} = 0.2(100)(0.8) = 16

    dPdt=kP(1−PL)\displaystyle \frac{dP}{dt} = kP\left(1 - \frac{P}{L}\right)
  2. 9.34.2

    Qualitative Analysis of the Logistic Growth Equation

    Equilibria are P=0P = 0 and P=LP = L. For 0<P<L0 < P < L, PP increases; for P>LP > L, it decreases. Either way P→LP \to L. Growth is fastest at P=L2P = \tfrac{L}{2}, where the graph changes from concave up to concave down.

    e.g. dPdt=0.3P(1−P80)\tfrac{dP}{dt} = 0.3P\left(1 - \tfrac{P}{80}\right), P(0)=10P(0) = 10: increases toward 80, growing fastest at P=40P = 40

    lim⁡t→∞P(t)=L(P0>0)\displaystyle \lim_{t \to \infty}P(t) = L \quad (P_0 > 0)
    fastest growth at P=L2\displaystyle \text{fastest growth at } P = \tfrac{L}{2}
  3. 9.34.3

    Solving the Logistic Growth Equation

    Separate variables and use partial fractions, or use the known solution. Find AA from the initial value P0P_0.

    e.g. L=500L = 500, P0=100P_0 = 100, k=0.2k = 0.2: A=4A = 4, P(t)=5001+4e−0.2tP(t) = \tfrac{500}{1 + 4e^{-0.2t}}; P=250P = 250 when t=5ln⁡4≈6.93t = 5\ln 4 \approx 6.93

    P(t)=L1+Ae−kt\displaystyle P(t) = \frac{L}{1 + Ae^{-kt}}
    A=L−P0P0\displaystyle A = \frac{L - P_0}{P_0}

9.35 Slope Fields

xy−3−3−2−2−1−1112233(0, 1)dy/dx = x − yEach dash has slope x − yat its own point.Solution through (0, 1):y = x − 1 + 2e⁻ˣIt follows the dashes andsettles toward y = x − 1.
Each short dash shows the slope the differential equation demands at that point. A solution curve is one that runs along the dashes everywhere it goes.
  1. 9.35.1

    Slope Fields for Directly Integrable Differential Equations

    For dydx=f(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x), the slope depends only on xx. All segments in the same vertical column are parallel, and solution curves are vertical shifts of each other.

    e.g. dydx=2x\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x: slope 00 along x=0x = 0, slope 22 along x=1x = 1; solutions are y=x2+Cy = x^2 + C

  2. 9.35.2

    Slope Fields for Autonomous Differential Equations

    For dydx=f(y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(y), the slope depends only on yy. All segments in the same horizontal row are parallel, and solution curves are horizontal shifts of each other. Rows where f(y)=0f(y) = 0 are flat.

    e.g. dydx=y−1\frac{dy}{dx} = y - 1: slope 00 along y=1y = 1, slope 11 along y=2y = 2, slope −1-1 along y=0y = 0

  3. 9.35.3

    Slope Fields for Nonautonomous Differential Equations

    For dydx=f(x,y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x, y), plug each grid point into ff to get its slope. The curve where f(x,y)=0f(x, y) = 0 has horizontal segments.

    e.g. dydx=x−y\frac{dy}{dx} = x - y: slope 00 at (1,1)(1, 1), 22 at (2,0)(2, 0), −1-1 at (0,1)(0, 1); flat along y=xy = x

  4. 9.35.4

    Analyzing Slope Fields for Directly Integrable Differential Equations

    If segments in each vertical column are parallel, the equation has the form dydx=f(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x). Note where slopes are zero, positive, and negative to identify ff.

    e.g. Slope 00 on the yy-axis, positive for x>0x > 0, negative for x<0x < 0: fits dydx=x\frac{dy}{dx} = x

  5. 9.35.5

    Analyzing Slope Fields for Autonomous Differential Equations

    If segments in each horizontal row are parallel, the equation has the form dydx=f(y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(y). Flat rows are equilibria. Arrows pointing toward a flat row mark it stable.

    e.g. Flat along y=2y = 2, rising below it, falling above it: fits dydx=2−y\frac{dy}{dx} = 2 - y, and solutions approach y=2y = 2

  6. 9.35.6

    Analyzing Slope Fields for Nonautonomous Differential Equations

    When slopes change in both directions, test a few points in each candidate equation. Look first for the line or curve of zero slopes and the sign of the slope on each side of it.

    e.g. Flat along y=−xy = -x and rising above it: fits dydx=x+y\frac{dy}{dx} = x + y

9.36 Numerical Solutions of Differential Equations

xy00.511.512345y = eˣ(0, 1)(0.5, 1.5)(1, 2.25)(1.5, 3.375)dy/dx = y, y(0) = 1step h = 0.5yₙ₊₁ = yₙ + h·f(xₙ, yₙ)Here each step multiplies y by 1.5.Euler at x = 1.5: 3.375true value e¹·⁵ ≈ 4.48A smaller step h shrinks the error.
Euler's method walks along the tangent line for one step, recomputes the slope, and repeats. On a curve that bends upward like eˣ, each step falls a little further below the true solution.
  1. 9.36.1

    Euler's Method: Calculating One Step

    Approximate the solution of dydx=f(x,y)\tfrac{dy}{dx} = f(x, y) by following the tangent line for one step of size hh.

    e.g. dydx=x+y\tfrac{dy}{dx} = x + y, y(0)=1y(0) = 1, h=0.1h = 0.1: y(0.1)≈1+0.1(0+1)=1.1y(0.1) \approx 1 + 0.1(0 + 1) = 1.1

    x1=x0+h\displaystyle x_1 = x_0 + h
    y1=y0+h f(x0,y0)\displaystyle y_1 = y_0 + h\,f(x_0, y_0)
  2. 9.36.2

    Euler's Method: Calculating Multiple Steps

    Repeat the one-step rule, using each new point to compute the next slope. Smaller hh gives better accuracy. If the solution is concave up, Euler underestimates; if concave down, it overestimates.

    e.g. dydx=y\tfrac{dy}{dx} = y, y(0)=1y(0) = 1, h=0.5h = 0.5: y(0.5)≈1.5y(0.5) \approx 1.5, y(1)≈1.5+0.5(1.5)=2.25y(1) \approx 1.5 + 0.5(1.5) = 2.25 (true value e≈2.718e \approx 2.718)

    yn+1=yn+h f(xn,yn)\displaystyle y_{n+1} = y_n + h\,f(x_n, y_n)
    xn+1=xn+h\displaystyle x_{n+1} = x_n + h

Unit 10 13 topics

Applications of Integration

Applications of Integration, Volumes of Solids With Known Cross Sections, and Volumes of Revolution.

10.37 Applications of Integration

  1. 10.37.1

    The Average Value of a Function

    The average value of ff on [a,b][a, b] is its integral divided by the length of the interval.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 on [0,3][0, 3]: 13∫03x2 dx=13⋅9=3\tfrac13\int_0^3 x^2\,dx = \tfrac13 \cdot 9 = 3

    favg=1b−a∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle f_{\text{avg}} = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b f(x)\,dx
  2. 10.37.2

    The Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of X

    Integrate top minus bottom with respect to xx. The limits are usually the xx-values where the curves intersect.

    e.g. y=xy = x and y=x2y = x^2 on [0,1][0, 1]: ∫01(x−x2) dx=12−13=16\int_0^1 (x - x^2)\,dx = \tfrac12 - \tfrac13 = \tfrac16

    A=∫ab[f(x)−g(x)]dx\displaystyle A = \int_a^b \left[f(x) - g(x)\right]dx
    f(x)≥g(x) on [a,b]\displaystyle f(x) \ge g(x) \text{ on } [a, b]
  3. 10.37.3

    The Area Between Curves Expressed as Functions of Y

    When the curves are easier to write as xx in terms of yy, integrate right minus left with respect to yy. The limits are yy-values.

    e.g. x=y2x = y^2 and x=y+2x = y + 2 meet at y=−1,2y = -1, 2: ∫−12(y+2−y2) dy=92\int_{-1}^{2} (y + 2 - y^2)\,dy = \tfrac92

    A=∫cd[xR(y)−xL(y)]dy\displaystyle A = \int_c^d \left[x_R(y) - x_L(y)\right]dy
  4. 10.37.4

    Finding Areas Between Curves that Intersect at More Than Two Points

    Find every intersection. Between each pair, check which curve is on top, then add the separate areas so that no part cancels.

    e.g. y=x3y = x^3 and y=xy = x meet at x=−1,0,1x = -1, 0, 1: ∫−10(x3−x) dx+∫01(x−x3) dx=14+14=12\int_{-1}^0 (x^3 - x)\,dx + \int_0^1 (x - x^3)\,dx = \tfrac14 + \tfrac14 = \tfrac12

    A=∫ab∣f(x)−g(x)∣ dx\displaystyle A = \int_a^b \lvert f(x) - g(x)\rvert\,dx
  5. 10.37.5

    The Arc Length of a Planar Curve

    The length of a smooth curve y=f(x)y = f(x) from x=ax = a to x=bx = b. Square the derivative, add 1, take the root, and integrate. If x=g(y)x = g(y), use the yy version.

    e.g. y=23x3/2y = \tfrac23 x^{3/2} on [0,3][0, 3]: y′=xy' = \sqrt x, L=∫031+x dx=23(8−1)=143L = \int_0^3 \sqrt{1 + x}\,dx = \tfrac23(8 - 1) = \tfrac{14}3

    L=∫ab1+[f′(x)]2 dx\displaystyle L = \int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2}\,dx
    L=∫cd1+[g′(y)]2 dy\displaystyle L = \int_c^d \sqrt{1 + [g'(y)]^2}\,dy

10.38 Volumes of Solids With Known Cross Sections

  1. 10.38.1

    Volumes of Solids with Square Cross Sections

    Slice perpendicular to the axis. Each slice is a square whose side ss is the length across the base region at that point. Integrate the area of the square.

    e.g. Base under y=xy = \sqrt{x} on [0,4][0, 4], squares perpendicular to the xx-axis: s=xs = \sqrt{x}, V=∫04x dx=8V = \int_0^4 x\,dx = 8

    A(x)=[s(x)]2\displaystyle A(x) = [s(x)]^2
    V=∫ab[s(x)]2 dx\displaystyle V = \int_a^b [s(x)]^2\,dx
  2. 10.38.2

    Volumes of Solids with Rectangular Cross Sections

    One side ss of each rectangle lies in the base region. The other side hh is given, often a constant or a multiple of ss. Integrate base times height.

    e.g. Base under y=xy = x on [0,2][0, 2], height 3 times the base: A=3x2A = 3x^2, V=∫023x2 dx=8V = \int_0^2 3x^2\,dx = 8

    A(x)=s(x) h(x)\displaystyle A(x) = s(x)\,h(x)
    V=∫abs(x) h(x) dx\displaystyle V = \int_a^b s(x)\,h(x)\,dx
  3. 10.38.3

    Volumes of Solids with Triangular Cross Sections

    Find the side ss that lies in the base, then use the area formula for the stated triangle. Read carefully whether ss is a leg or the hypotenuse.

    e.g. Base under y=2xy = 2x on [0,3][0, 3], equilateral triangles: A=34(2x)2=3 x2A = \tfrac{\sqrt3}{4}(2x)^2 = \sqrt3\,x^2, V=3∫03x2 dx=93V = \sqrt3\int_0^3 x^2\,dx = 9\sqrt3

    A=34s2    equilateral\displaystyle A = \tfrac{\sqrt3}{4}s^2 \;\;\text{equilateral}
    A=12s2    isos. right, leg s\displaystyle A = \tfrac12 s^2 \;\;\text{isos. right, leg } s
    A=14s2    isos. right, hyp. s\displaystyle A = \tfrac14 s^2 \;\;\text{isos. right, hyp. } s
    V=∫abA(x) dx\displaystyle V = \int_a^b A(x)\,dx
  4. 10.38.4

    Volumes of Solids with Circular Cross Sections

    The length ss across the base is the diameter, so the radius is s/2s/2. For semicircles, take half the circle's area.

    e.g. Diameter s=xs = x on [0,2][0, 2]: V=∫02π4x2 dx=π4⋅83=2π3V = \int_0^2 \tfrac{\pi}{4}x^2\,dx = \tfrac{\pi}{4}\cdot\tfrac83 = \tfrac{2\pi}{3}

    A=π(s2)2=π4s2\displaystyle A = \pi\left(\tfrac{s}{2}\right)^2 = \tfrac{\pi}{4}s^2
    Asemicircle=π8s2\displaystyle A_{\text{semicircle}} = \tfrac{\pi}{8}s^2
    V=∫abA(x) dx\displaystyle V = \int_a^b A(x)\,dx

10.39 Volumes of Revolution

xr = √xy = √x0x = 4V = π∫ₐᵇ [f(x)]² dxEach disk is a thin cylinder:volume πr² dx, with r = f(x).Washer (hole in the middle):V = π∫ₐᵇ (R² − r²) dxR = outer radius, r = inner radiusHere: π∫₀⁴ x dx = 8π
Spinning the region under y = √x around the x-axis makes a solid built from thin disks of radius f(x). Adding up the disk volumes πr² dx gives the integral.
  1. 10.39.1

    Volumes of Revolution Using the Disc Method: Rotation About the Coordinate Axes

    Use when the region touches the axis of rotation, so each slice is a solid disc. Rotating about the xx-axis, integrate in xx. Rotating about the yy-axis, write the curve as x=g(y)x = g(y) and integrate in yy.

    e.g. y=xy = \sqrt{x}, 0≤x≤40 \le x \le 4, about the xx-axis: V=π∫04x dx=8πV = \pi\int_0^4 x\,dx = 8\pi

    V=π∫ab[f(x)]2 dx\displaystyle V = \pi\int_a^b [f(x)]^2\,dx
    V=π∫cd[g(y)]2 dy\displaystyle V = \pi\int_c^d [g(y)]^2\,dy
  2. 10.39.2

    Volumes of Revolution Using the Disc Method: Rotation About Other Axes

    The radius is the distance from the curve to the axis, not the curve's height. About y=ky = k, R=∣f(x)−k∣R = \lvert f(x) - k\rvert and integrate in xx. About x=hx = h, R=∣g(y)−h∣R = \lvert g(y) - h\rvert and integrate in yy.

    e.g. Region between y=x2y = x^2 and y=1y = 1, about y=1y = 1: R=1−x2R = 1 - x^2, V=π∫−11(1−x2)2 dx=16π15V = \pi\int_{-1}^{1}(1 - x^2)^2\,dx = \tfrac{16\pi}{15}

    V=π∫ab[R(x)]2 dx\displaystyle V = \pi\int_a^b [R(x)]^2\,dx
    R(x)=∣f(x)−k∣\displaystyle R(x) = \lvert f(x) - k\rvert
  3. 10.39.3

    Volumes of Revolution Using the Washer Method: Rotation About the Coordinate Axes

    Use when there is a gap between the region and the axis. Each slice is a washer with outer radius RR and inner radius rr. Square each radius separately: R2−r2R^2 - r^2, not (R−r)2(R - r)^2.

    e.g. Between y=xy = x and y=x2y = x^2 on [0,1][0, 1], about the xx-axis: V=π∫01(x2−x4) dx=π(13−15)=2π15V = \pi\int_0^1 (x^2 - x^4)\,dx = \pi\left(\tfrac13 - \tfrac15\right) = \tfrac{2\pi}{15}

    V=π∫ab(R2−r2)dx\displaystyle V = \pi\int_a^b \left(R^2 - r^2\right)dx
  4. 10.39.4

    Volumes of Revolution Using the Washer Method: Rotation About Other Axes

    Measure both radii from the axis of rotation. RR goes to the curve farther from the axis, rr to the nearer one. For a vertical axis x=hx = h, use xx in terms of yy and integrate in yy.

    e.g. Between y=xy = x and y=x2y = x^2 on [0,1][0, 1], about y=−1y = -1: R=x+1R = x + 1, r=x2+1r = x^2 + 1, V=π∫01(2x−x2−x4) dx=7π15V = \pi\int_0^1 (2x - x^2 - x^4)\,dx = \tfrac{7\pi}{15}

    R=∣yfar−k∣\displaystyle R = \lvert y_{\text{far}} - k\rvert
    r=∣ynear−k∣\displaystyle r = \lvert y_{\text{near}} - k\rvert
    V=π∫ab(R2−r2)dx\displaystyle V = \pi\int_a^b \left(R^2 - r^2\right)dx

Unit 11 7 topics

Parametric Equations

Parametric Equations, and Vector-Valued Functions.

11.40 Parametric Equations

xyt = −2t = −1t = 0t = 1t = 2x = t2y = t3 − 3t−2 ≤ t ≤ 2Arrows point the way thecurve is traced as t grows.The curve crosses itselfat (3, 0), when t = ±√3.Eliminate t to get oneequation: y2 = x(x − 3)2.
A parametric curve gives x and y separately as functions of t. Plotting points in order of t shows the path and its direction, which an ordinary y = f(x) graph cannot show.
  1. 11.40.1

    Differentiating Parametric Curves

    For x=x(t)x = x(t), y=y(t)y = y(t), the slope is dy/dtdy/dt divided by dx/dtdx/dt. It is defined only where dx/dt≠0dx/dt \ne 0.

    e.g. x=t2x = t^2, y=t3y = t^3: dydx=3t22t=3t2\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{3t^2}{2t} = \frac{3t}{2}

    dydx=dy/dtdx/dt\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{dy/dt}{dx/dt}
  2. 11.40.2

    Calculating Tangent and Normal Lines with Parametric Equations

    Plug t0t_0 into x(t)x(t) and y(t)y(t) to get the point, and into dy/dxdy/dx to get the slope mm. The normal line has slope −1/m-1/m.

    e.g. x=t2x = t^2, y=t3y = t^3 at t=1t = 1: point (1,1)(1, 1), m=32m = \tfrac32. Tangent y−1=32(x−1)y - 1 = \tfrac32(x - 1), normal y−1=−23(x−1)y - 1 = -\tfrac23(x - 1)

    y−y0=m(x−x0)\displaystyle y - y_0 = m(x - x_0)
    m=dydx∣t=t0\displaystyle m = \frac{dy}{dx}\Big\rvert_{t = t_0}
  3. 11.40.3

    Second Derivatives of Parametric Equations

    Differentiate dy/dxdy/dx with respect to tt, then divide by dx/dtdx/dt again. Do not just take d2y/dt2d^2y/dt^2 over d2x/dt2d^2x/dt^2.

    e.g. x=t2x = t^2, y=t3y = t^3: dydx=3t2\frac{dy}{dx} = \tfrac{3t}{2}, so d2ydx2=3/22t=34t\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{3/2}{2t} = \frac{3}{4t}

    d2ydx2=ddt(dydx)dx/dt\displaystyle \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)}{dx/dt}
  4. 11.40.4

    The Arc Length of a Parametric Curve

    Integrate the speed x′(t)2+y′(t)2\sqrt{x'(t)^2 + y'(t)^2} over the interval. The curve must be traced exactly once on [a,b][a, b].

    e.g. x=3cos⁡tx = 3\cos t, y=3sin⁡ty = 3\sin t, 0≤t≤2π0 \le t \le 2\pi: integrand =3= 3, so L=6πL = 6\pi

    L=∫abx′(t)2+y′(t)2 dt\displaystyle L = \int_a^b \sqrt{x'(t)^2 + y'(t)^2}\,dt

11.41 Vector-Valued Functions

  1. 11.41.1

    Defining Vector-Valued Functions

    A function that takes a number tt and outputs a vector. As tt changes, the tip of the vector traces a curve. The domain is where every component is defined.

    e.g. r(t)=⟨t,t2⟩\mathbf r(t) = \langle t, t^2 \rangle: r(2)=⟨2,4⟩\mathbf r(2) = \langle 2, 4 \rangle, and the curve is y=x2y = x^2

    r(t)=⟨x(t),y(t)⟩\displaystyle \mathbf r(t) = \langle x(t), y(t) \rangle
    =x(t) i+y(t) j\displaystyle = x(t)\,\mathbf i + y(t)\,\mathbf j
  2. 11.41.2

    Differentiating Vector-Valued Functions

    Differentiate each component separately. r′(t)\mathbf r'(t) is a tangent vector to the curve.

    e.g. r(t)=⟨t2,sin⁡t⟩⇒r′(t)=⟨2t,cos⁡t⟩\mathbf r(t) = \langle t^2, \sin t \rangle \Rightarrow \mathbf r'(t) = \langle 2t, \cos t \rangle

    r′(t)=⟨x′(t),y′(t)⟩\displaystyle \mathbf r'(t) = \langle x'(t), y'(t) \rangle
  3. 11.41.3

    Integrating Vector-Valued Functions

    Integrate each component separately. An indefinite integral gets a constant vector C\mathbf C, found from an initial condition.

    e.g. ∫01⟨2t,3t2⟩ dt=⟨1,1⟩\int_0^1 \langle 2t, 3t^2 \rangle\,dt = \langle 1, 1 \rangle

    ∫r(t) dt=⟨∫x dt,∫y dt⟩\displaystyle \int \mathbf r(t)\,dt = \left\langle \int x\,dt, \int y\,dt \right\rangle
    +C\displaystyle \qquad + \mathbf C

Unit 12 10 topics

Polar Equations

Polar Coordinates.

12.42 Polar Coordinates

0π/6π/3π/22π/35π/6π7π/64π/33π/25π/311π/6123θ(r, θ)r = 3 cos 2θa four-petal rosex = r cos θy = r sin θr2 = x2 + y2tan θ = y/xr is the distance from the pole;θ is the angle from the x-axis.
A polar point is a distance r from the pole at an angle θ. The conversion formulas come straight from the right triangle with legs x and y and hypotenuse r.
  1. 12.42.1

    Differentiating Curves Given in Polar Form

    Treat θ\theta as the parameter with x=rcos⁡θx = r\cos\theta and y=rsin⁡θy = r\sin\theta. Use the product rule on each, then divide.

    e.g. r=θr = \theta at θ=π2\theta = \tfrac\pi2: dydθ=1\frac{dy}{d\theta} = 1, dxdθ=−π2\frac{dx}{d\theta} = -\tfrac\pi2, so dydx=−2π\frac{dy}{dx} = -\tfrac2\pi

    x=rcos⁡θ,  y=rsin⁡θ\displaystyle x = r\cos\theta,\; y = r\sin\theta
    dydx=dy/dθdx/dθ\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{dy/d\theta}{dx/d\theta}
    =r′sin⁡θ+rcos⁡θr′cos⁡θ−rsin⁡θ\displaystyle = \frac{r'\sin\theta + r\cos\theta}{r'\cos\theta - r\sin\theta}
  2. 12.42.2

    Further Differentiation of Curves Given in Polar Form

    Write xx and yy as functions of θ\theta first, simplify with trig identities, then differentiate. Evaluate dy/dxdy/dx at the given θ\theta.

    e.g. r=2cos⁡θr = 2\cos\theta: x=2cos⁡2θx = 2\cos^2\theta, y=sin⁡2θy = \sin 2\theta, so dydx=2cos⁡2θ−2sin⁡2θ=−cot⁡2θ\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2\cos 2\theta}{-2\sin 2\theta} = -\cot 2\theta. At θ=π8\theta = \tfrac\pi8: −1-1

    x=f(θ)cos⁡θ\displaystyle x = f(\theta)\cos\theta
    y=f(θ)sin⁡θ\displaystyle y = f(\theta)\sin\theta
  3. 12.42.3

    Horizontal and Vertical Tangents to Polar Curves

    Horizontal tangent where dy/dθ=0dy/d\theta = 0 and dx/dθ≠0dx/d\theta \ne 0. Vertical tangent where dx/dθ=0dx/d\theta = 0 and dy/dθ≠0dy/d\theta \ne 0. Convert θ\theta to the point (rcos⁡θ,rsin⁡θ)(r\cos\theta, r\sin\theta).

    e.g. r=2cos⁡θr = 2\cos\theta: horizontal at θ=π4\theta = \tfrac\pi4, point (1,1)(1, 1). Vertical at θ=0\theta = 0, point (2,0)(2, 0)

    Horiz: dydθ=0,  dxdθ≠0\displaystyle \text{Horiz: } \tfrac{dy}{d\theta} = 0,\; \tfrac{dx}{d\theta} \ne 0
    Vert: dxdθ=0,  dydθ≠0\displaystyle \text{Vert: } \tfrac{dx}{d\theta} = 0,\; \tfrac{dy}{d\theta} \ne 0
  4. 12.42.4

    Horizontal and Vertical Tangents to Polar Curves in Non-Differentiable Cases

    If dy/dθdy/d\theta and dx/dθdx/d\theta are both 0, the test is inconclusive. Find the limit of dy/dxdy/dx as θ→θ0\theta \to \theta_0 (factor or use L'Hôpital). A limit of 0 means horizontal; an infinite limit means vertical.

    e.g. r=1+cos⁡θr = 1 + \cos\theta at θ=π\theta = \pi: both are 0, and dydx=(2cos⁡θ−1)(1+cos⁡θ)−sin⁡θ(1+2cos⁡θ)→0\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{(2\cos\theta - 1)(1 + \cos\theta)}{-\sin\theta(1 + 2\cos\theta)} \to 0, so horizontal at the pole

    lim⁡θ→θ0dy/dθdx/dθ\displaystyle \lim_{\theta \to \theta_0} \frac{dy/d\theta}{dx/d\theta}
  5. 12.42.5

    Tangent and Normal Lines to Polar Curves

    Find the point (x0,y0)=(rcos⁡θ0,rsin⁡θ0)(x_0, y_0) = (r\cos\theta_0, r\sin\theta_0) and the slope m=dy/dxm = dy/dx at θ0\theta_0. Use point-slope form. The normal slope is −1/m-1/m.

    e.g. r=2sin⁡θr = 2\sin\theta at θ=π6\theta = \tfrac\pi6: point (32,12)(\tfrac{\sqrt3}2, \tfrac12), m=tan⁡2θ=3m = \tan 2\theta = \sqrt3, tangent y=3x−1y = \sqrt3x - 1

    y−y0=m(x−x0)\displaystyle y - y_0 = m(x - x_0)
  6. 12.42.6

    Finding the Area of a Polar Region

    The area swept out by r=f(θ)r = f(\theta) from θ=α\theta = \alpha to θ=β\theta = \beta. The region is a fan of thin sectors, not a strip under a curve.

    e.g. r=2cos⁡θr = 2\cos\theta, −π2≤θ≤π2-\tfrac\pi2 \le \theta \le \tfrac\pi2: A=12∫4cos⁡2θ dθ=πA = \tfrac12\int 4\cos^2\theta\,d\theta = \pi

    A=12∫αβr2 dθ\displaystyle A = \frac12\int_\alpha^\beta r^2\,d\theta
  7. 12.42.7

    Finding the Limits of Integration For a Given Polar Region

    Find the θ\theta values where the region starts and ends, usually where r=0r = 0 or where two curves meet. The interval should sweep the region exactly once.

    e.g. One petal of r=cos⁡2θr = \cos 2\theta: r=0r = 0 at θ=±π4\theta = \pm\tfrac\pi4, so A=12∫−π/4π/4cos⁡22θ dθ=π8A = \tfrac12\int_{-\pi/4}^{\pi/4} \cos^2 2\theta\,d\theta = \tfrac\pi8

  8. 12.42.8

    The Total Area Bounded by a Single Polar Curve

    Integrate over one full trace of the curve, or find one piece and multiply by symmetry. Going past one trace counts area twice.

    e.g. r=sin⁡3θr = \sin 3\theta traces once on [0,π][0, \pi]: A=12∫0πsin⁡23θ dθ=π4A = \tfrac12\int_0^\pi \sin^2 3\theta\,d\theta = \tfrac\pi4

    A=12∫αβr2 dθ\displaystyle A = \frac12\int_\alpha^\beta r^2\,d\theta
  9. 12.42.9

    The Area Bounded by Two Polar Curves

    Set the curves equal to find the limits. Subtract the squares of outer RR and inner rr, not the square of the difference.

    e.g. Inside r=2cos⁡θr = 2\cos\theta, outside r=1r = 1: meet at θ=±π3\theta = \pm\tfrac\pi3, A=12∫−π/3π/3(4cos⁡2θ−1) dθ=π3+32A = \tfrac12\int_{-\pi/3}^{\pi/3}(4\cos^2\theta - 1)\,d\theta = \tfrac\pi3 + \tfrac{\sqrt3}2

    A=12∫αβ(R2−r2)dθ\displaystyle A = \frac12\int_\alpha^\beta \left(R^2 - r^2\right)d\theta
  10. 12.42.10

    The Arc Length of a Polar Curve

    Add r2r^2 and (dr/dθ)2(dr/d\theta)^2, take the root, and integrate over one trace of the curve.

    e.g. r=2cos⁡θr = 2\cos\theta, 0≤θ≤π0 \le \theta \le \pi: r2+r′2=4r^2 + r'^2 = 4, so L=∫0π2 dθ=2πL = \int_0^\pi 2\,d\theta = 2\pi

    L=∫αβr2+(drdθ)2 dθ\displaystyle L = \int_\alpha^\beta \sqrt{r^2 + \left(\frac{dr}{d\theta}\right)^2}\,d\theta

Unit 13 13 topics

Particle Dynamics

Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration, Connecting Position, Velocity and Acceleration Using Integrals, and The Planar Motion of a Particle.

13.43 Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

timedistanceslope = speedflat: stoppedheading backDistance–timetimespeedspeeding upflat: steady speedarea = distanceSpeed–time
On a distance–time graph the slope is the speed. On a speed–time graph the slope is the acceleration, and the shaded area is the distance traveled.
  1. 13.43.1

    Calculating Velocity for Straight-Line Motion Using Differentiation

    Velocity is the derivative of position. Speed is the absolute value of velocity.

    e.g. s(t)=t3−6ts(t) = t^3 - 6t: v(t)=3t2−6v(t) = 3t^2 - 6, so v(2)=6v(2) = 6 units per second

    v(t)=s′(t)\displaystyle v(t) = s'(t)
    speed=∣v(t)∣\displaystyle \text{speed} = \lvert v(t) \rvert
  2. 13.43.2

    Calculating Acceleration for Straight-Line Motion Using Differentiation

    Acceleration is the derivative of velocity, which is the second derivative of position. Units are distance per time squared.

    e.g. s(t)=t3−6ts(t) = t^3 - 6t: v(t)=3t2−6v(t) = 3t^2 - 6, a(t)=6ta(t) = 6t, so a(2)=12a(2) = 12

    a(t)=v′(t)=s′′(t)\displaystyle a(t) = v'(t) = s''(t)
  3. 13.43.3

    Determining Characteristics of Moving Objects Using Differentiation

    The object is at rest when v=0v = 0, moves right (or up) when v>0v > 0, moves left (or down) when v<0v < 0, and changes direction where vv changes sign. It speeds up when vv and aa have the same sign and slows down when they have opposite signs.

    e.g. s(t)=t2−4ts(t) = t^2 - 4t: v=2t−4v = 2t - 4, a=2a = 2. At rest at t=2t = 2. At t=1t = 1, v=−2v = -2 and a=2a = 2, so it moves left and slows down.

    v=0  →  at rest\displaystyle v = 0 \;\to\; \text{at rest}
    v⋅a>0  →  speeding up\displaystyle v \cdot a > 0 \;\to\; \text{speeding up}
    v⋅a<0  →  slowing down\displaystyle v \cdot a < 0 \;\to\; \text{slowing down}

13.44 Connecting Position, Velocity and Acceleration Using Integrals

  1. 13.44.1

    Calculating Velocity Using Integration

    Velocity is an antiderivative of acceleration. Use the initial velocity to find CC.

    e.g. a(t)=6ta(t) = 6t, v(0)=2v(0) = 2: v(t)=3t2+2v(t) = 3t^2 + 2

    v(t)=∫a(t) dt\displaystyle v(t) = \int a(t)\,dt
    v(b)=v(a)+∫aba(t) dt\displaystyle v(b) = v(a) + \int_a^b a(t)\,dt
  2. 13.44.2

    Determining Characteristics of Moving Objects Using Integration

    Integrate to get velocity or position, then read the motion. At rest when v=0v = 0. Moving right when v>0v > 0 and left when v<0v < 0. Speeding up when vv and aa have the same sign, slowing down when opposite.

    e.g. a(t)=2a(t) = 2, v(0)=−4v(0) = -4: v(t)=2t−4v(t) = 2t - 4, at rest at t=2t = 2, moving left and slowing down before that

    speeding up: v,a same sign\displaystyle \text{speeding up: } v, a \text{ same sign}
    slowing down: opposite signs\displaystyle \text{slowing down: opposite signs}
  3. 13.44.3

    Calculating the Position Function of a Particle Using Integration

    Position is an antiderivative of velocity. Use the initial position to find CC.

    e.g. v(t)=4t−3v(t) = 4t - 3, s(0)=5s(0) = 5: s(t)=2t2−3t+5s(t) = 2t^2 - 3t + 5

    s(t)=∫v(t) dt\displaystyle s(t) = \int v(t)\,dt
    s(b)=s(a)+∫abv(t) dt\displaystyle s(b) = s(a) + \int_a^b v(t)\,dt
  4. 13.44.4

    Calculating the Displacement of a Particle Using Integration

    Displacement is the net change in position: the integral of velocity. It can be negative or zero, because motion in opposite directions cancels.

    e.g. v(t)=t−2v(t) = t - 2 on [0,4][0, 4]: ∫04(t−2) dt=8−8=0\int_0^4 (t - 2)\,dt = 8 - 8 = 0

    ∫abv(t) dt=s(b)−s(a)\displaystyle \int_a^b v(t)\,dt = s(b) - s(a)
  5. 13.44.5

    Calculating the Total Distance Traveled by a Particle

    Total distance is the integral of speed, which is never negative. Split the interval where vv changes sign and add the absolute values.

    e.g. v(t)=t−2v(t) = t - 2 on [0,4][0, 4]: ∫02(2−t) dt+∫24(t−2) dt=2+2=4\int_0^2 (2 - t)\,dt + \int_2^4 (t - 2)\,dt = 2 + 2 = 4

    distance=∫ab∣v(t)∣ dt\displaystyle \text{distance} = \int_a^b \lvert v(t)\rvert\,dt
  6. 13.44.6

    Average Position, Velocity, and Acceleration

    Each is the average value of that function on [a,b][a, b]. Average velocity is also change in position over time, and average acceleration is change in velocity over time.

    e.g. v(t)=3t2v(t) = 3t^2 on [0,2][0, 2]: average velocity 12∫023t2 dt=12⋅8=4\tfrac12\int_0^2 3t^2\,dt = \tfrac12 \cdot 8 = 4

    vˉ=1b−a∫abv(t) dt\displaystyle \bar v = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b v(t)\,dt
    =s(b)−s(a)b−a\displaystyle = \frac{s(b) - s(a)}{b - a}
    aˉ=v(b)−v(a)b−a\displaystyle \bar a = \frac{v(b) - v(a)}{b - a}
    sˉ=1b−a∫abs(t) dt\displaystyle \bar s = \frac{1}{b-a}\int_a^b s(t)\,dt

13.45 The Planar Motion of a Particle

  1. 13.45.1

    Calculating Velocity for Plane Motion Using Differentiation

    Velocity is the derivative of position, component by component. Speed is the length of the velocity vector.

    e.g. r(t)=⟨t2,3t⟩\mathbf r(t) = \langle t^2, 3t \rangle: v(2)=⟨4,3⟩\mathbf v(2) = \langle 4, 3 \rangle, speed =5= 5

    v(t)=⟨x′(t),y′(t)⟩\displaystyle \mathbf v(t) = \langle x'(t), y'(t) \rangle
    speed=x′(t)2+y′(t)2\displaystyle \text{speed} = \sqrt{x'(t)^2 + y'(t)^2}
  2. 13.45.2

    Calculating Acceleration for Plane Motion Using Differentiation

    Acceleration is the derivative of velocity, the second derivative of position, component by component.

    e.g. r(t)=⟨t3,2t2⟩\mathbf r(t) = \langle t^3, 2t^2 \rangle: v=⟨3t2,4t⟩\mathbf v = \langle 3t^2, 4t \rangle, a=⟨6t,4⟩\mathbf a = \langle 6t, 4 \rangle, a(1)=⟨6,4⟩\mathbf a(1) = \langle 6, 4 \rangle

    a(t)=v′(t)\displaystyle \mathbf a(t) = \mathbf v'(t)
    =⟨x′′(t),y′′(t)⟩\displaystyle = \langle x''(t), y''(t) \rangle
  3. 13.45.3

    Finding Velocity Vectors in Two Dimensions Using Integration

    Integrate acceleration component by component. Use the initial velocity to find the constant in each component.

    e.g. a=⟨2,6t⟩\mathbf a = \langle 2, 6t \rangle, v(0)=⟨1,−1⟩\mathbf v(0) = \langle 1, -1 \rangle: v(t)=⟨2t+1,3t2−1⟩\mathbf v(t) = \langle 2t + 1, 3t^2 - 1 \rangle

    v(t)=v(0)+∫0ta(s) ds\displaystyle \mathbf v(t) = \mathbf v(0) + \int_0^t \mathbf a(s)\,ds
  4. 13.45.4

    Finding Displacement Vectors in Two Dimensions Using Integration

    Displacement is the integral of velocity, component by component. Add it to the starting position to get the ending position. Distance traveled is the integral of speed instead.

    e.g. v=⟨2t,3t2⟩\mathbf v = \langle 2t, 3t^2 \rangle on [0,2][0, 2]: Δr=⟨4,8⟩\Delta\mathbf r = \langle 4, 8 \rangle. From ⟨1,1⟩\langle 1, 1 \rangle it ends at ⟨5,9⟩\langle 5, 9 \rangle

    Δr=∫abv(t) dt\displaystyle \Delta\mathbf r = \int_a^b \mathbf v(t)\,dt
    r(b)=r(a)+Δr\displaystyle \mathbf r(b) = \mathbf r(a) + \Delta\mathbf r

Unit 14 30 topics

Sequences & Series

Sequences, Monotonic Sequences, Infinite Series, and more.

14.46 Sequences

Arithmetic: add d = 325+38+311+314+3Geometric: multiply by r = 212×24×28×216×2aₙ = a₁ + (n − 1)daₙ = a₁ · rⁿ⁻¹
Arithmetic sequences grow by equal steps, like linear functions. Geometric sequences grow by equal factors, like exponential functions.
  1. 14.46.1

    Limits of Sequences

    A sequence converges to LL if its terms get arbitrarily close to LL as n→∞n \to \infty. If there is no finite limit, it diverges. If an=f(n)a_n = f(n) and f(x)→Lf(x) \to L, then an→La_n \to L.

    e.g. an=3n+1n+2→3a_n = \frac{3n + 1}{n + 2} \to 3

    lim⁡x→∞f(x)=L  ⇒  lim⁡n→∞an=L\displaystyle \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = L \;\Rightarrow\; \lim_{n \to \infty} a_n = L
  2. 14.46.2

    Convergence of Geometric Sequences

    rnr^n goes to 0 when ∣r∣<1\lvert r \rvert < 1 and stays 1 when r=1r = 1. It diverges when r>1r > 1 or r≤−1r \le -1.

    e.g. (23)n→0\left(\tfrac23\right)^n \to 0. (−1)n(-1)^n diverges (it bounces between −1-1 and 11)

    lim⁡n→∞rn=0 if ∣r∣<1\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} r^n = 0 \text{ if } \lvert r \rvert < 1
    converges  ⟺  −1<r≤1\displaystyle \text{converges} \iff -1 < r \le 1
  3. 14.46.3

    Further Convergence of Geometric Sequences

    Combine the powers to rewrite the term as a⋅rna \cdot r^n, then apply the geometric rule to rr.

    e.g. 2n+15n=2(25)n→0\frac{2^{n+1}}{5^n} = 2\left(\tfrac25\right)^n \to 0. (x2)n\left(\tfrac x2\right)^n converges for −2<x≤2-2 < x \le 2

    bn+kcn=bk(bc)n\displaystyle \frac{b^{n+k}}{c^n} = b^k\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^n
  4. 14.46.4

    Limits of Sequences With Factorials

    n!n! grows faster than any bnb^n, so bn/n!→0b^n/n! \to 0. For ratios of factorials, cancel first: (n+1)!=(n+1) n!(n+1)! = (n+1)\,n!.

    e.g. (n+1)!n⋅n!=n+1n→1\frac{(n+1)!}{n \cdot n!} = \frac{n+1}{n} \to 1, and 5nn!→0\frac{5^n}{n!} \to 0

    (n+1)!=(n+1)⋅n!\displaystyle (n+1)! = (n+1) \cdot n!
    lim⁡n→∞bnn!=0\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{b^n}{n!} = 0
  5. 14.46.5

    Determining Limits of Sequences Using Relative Magnitudes

    As n→∞n \to \infty, these grow in this order (p>0p > 0, b>1b > 1). A slower one over a faster one goes to 0.

    e.g. n102n→0\frac{n^{10}}{2^n} \to 0 and ln⁡nn→0\frac{\ln n}{\sqrt n} \to 0

    ln⁡n≪np≪bn≪n!≪nn\displaystyle \ln n \ll n^p \ll b^n \ll n! \ll n^n
  6. 14.46.6

    Further Determining Limits of Sequences Using Relative Magnitudes

    In a sum, the fastest-growing term dominates. Keep the dominant term on top and bottom, then take the limit.

    e.g. 2n+n33⋅2n−n≈2n3⋅2n→13\frac{2^n + n^3}{3 \cdot 2^n - n} \approx \frac{2^n}{3 \cdot 2^n} \to \tfrac13

14.47 Monotonic Sequences

  1. 14.47.1

    Monotonic Sequences

    Increasing if an+1≥ana_{n+1} \ge a_n for all nn, decreasing if an+1≤ana_{n+1} \le a_n. Monotonic means one or the other. A monotonic sequence that is bounded converges.

    e.g. an=nn+1a_n = \frac{n}{n+1}: an+1−an=1(n+1)(n+2)>0a_{n+1} - a_n = \frac{1}{(n+1)(n+2)} > 0, so increasing

    an+1−an>0  ⇒  increasing\displaystyle a_{n+1} - a_n > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{increasing}
    an+1−an<0  ⇒  decreasing\displaystyle a_{n+1} - a_n < 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{decreasing}
  2. 14.47.2

    Identifying Monotonic Sequences Using Differentiation

    Let f(n)=anf(n) = a_n. If f′(x)>0f'(x) > 0 for x≥kx \ge k, the sequence increases from n=kn = k on. If f′(x)<0f'(x) < 0, it decreases.

    e.g. an=ln⁡nna_n = \frac{\ln n}{n}: f′(x)=1−ln⁡xx2<0f'(x) = \frac{1 - \ln x}{x^2} < 0 for x>ex > e, so decreasing for n≥3n \ge 3

    f′(x)>0  ⇒  increasing\displaystyle f'(x) > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{increasing}
    f′(x)<0  ⇒  decreasing\displaystyle f'(x) < 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{decreasing}
  3. 14.47.3

    Identifying Monotonic Sequences Using Ratios

    For positive terms, compare an+1/ana_{n+1}/a_n to 1. Best for factorials and powers.

    e.g. an=2nn!a_n = \frac{2^n}{n!}: ratio =2n+1<1= \frac{2}{n+1} < 1 for n≥2n \ge 2, so decreasing from n=2n = 2 on

    an+1an>1  ⇒  increasing\displaystyle \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} > 1 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{increasing}
    an+1an<1  ⇒  decreasing\displaystyle \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} < 1 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{decreasing}

14.48 Infinite Series

11/223/437/845678nSₙ0.51S = 1Sₙ = 1/2 + 1/4 + … + 1/2ⁿ= 1 − 1/2ⁿEach term closes half the gap.S = a / (1 − r)when |r| < 1Here a = 1/2, r = 1/2: S = 1
The partial sums 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, … climb toward 1 but never pass it, so the infinite series converges to 1. A geometric series converges exactly when |r| < 1.
  1. 14.48.1

    Infinite Series and Partial Sums

    A series adds the terms of a sequence. The nnth partial sum SnS_n adds the first nn terms. The sum of the series is the limit of SnS_n.

    e.g. ∑n=1∞12n\sum_{n=1}^\infty \tfrac{1}{2^n}: S3=78S_3 = \tfrac78, Sn=1−12n→1S_n = 1 - \tfrac{1}{2^n} \to 1

    Sn=a1+a2+⋯+an\displaystyle S_n = a_1 + a_2 + \cdots + a_n
    ∑n=1∞an=lim⁡n→∞Sn\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n = \lim_{n\to\infty} S_n
  2. 14.48.2

    Convergent and Divergent Infinite Series

    A series converges if SnS_n has a finite limit and diverges otherwise. nth-term test: if an↛0a_n \not\to 0, the series diverges. If an→0a_n \to 0, the test says nothing (the harmonic series ∑1n\sum \tfrac1n diverges).

    e.g. ∑nn+1\sum \frac{n}{n+1} diverges because the terms go to 1

    lim⁡n→∞an≠0  ⇒  diverges\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} a_n \ne 0 \;\Rightarrow\; \text{diverges}
  3. 14.48.3

    Properties of Infinite Series

    If ∑an=A\sum a_n = A and ∑bn=B\sum b_n = B both converge, sums and constant multiples work term by term.

    e.g. ∑n=1∞(32n+13n)=3(1)+12=72\sum_{n=1}^\infty \left(\tfrac{3}{2^n} + \tfrac{1}{3^n}\right) = 3(1) + \tfrac12 = \tfrac72

    ∑(an±bn)=A±B\displaystyle \sum (a_n \pm b_n) = A \pm B
    ∑c an=cA\displaystyle \sum c\,a_n = cA
  4. 14.48.4

    Further Properties of Infinite Series

    Adding or removing finitely many terms does not change whether a series converges, only its sum. Convergent plus divergent diverges. A nonzero multiple of a divergent series diverges.

    e.g. ∑n=3∞12n=1−12−14=14\sum_{n=3}^\infty \tfrac{1}{2^n} = 1 - \tfrac12 - \tfrac14 = \tfrac14

    ∑n=1∞an=a1+∑n=2∞an\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n = a_1 + \sum_{n=2}^\infty a_n
  5. 14.48.5

    Telescoping Series

    Write each term as a difference bn−bn+1b_n - b_{n+1} (often with partial fractions). The middle terms cancel, leaving Sn=b1−bn+1S_n = b_1 - b_{n+1}.

    e.g. ∑n=1∞1n(n+1)=∑(1n−1n+1)\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n(n+1)} = \sum \left(\tfrac1n - \tfrac1{n+1}\right), Sn=1−1n+1→1S_n = 1 - \tfrac1{n+1} \to 1

    Sn=b1−bn+1\displaystyle S_n = b_1 - b_{n+1}
    sum=b1−lim⁡n→∞bn+1\displaystyle \text{sum} = b_1 - \lim_{n\to\infty} b_{n+1}

14.49 Geometric Series

  1. 14.49.1

    Finding the Sum of an Infinite Geometric Series

    With first term aa and ratio rr, the series converges only when ∣r∣<1\lvert r \rvert < 1.

    e.g. 6+3+32+⋯=61−1/2=126 + 3 + \tfrac32 + \cdots = \frac{6}{1 - 1/2} = 12

    a+ar+ar2+⋯=a1−r\displaystyle a + ar + ar^2 + \cdots = \frac{a}{1 - r}
  2. 14.49.2

    Writing an Infinite Geometric Series in Sigma Notation

    Find the first term aa and the ratio rr. Starting at n=0n = 0 uses rnr^n; starting at n=1n = 1 uses rn−1r^{n-1}.

    e.g. 5−53+59−⋯=∑n=0∞5(−13)n5 - \tfrac53 + \tfrac59 - \cdots = \sum_{n=0}^\infty 5\left(-\tfrac13\right)^n

    ∑n=0∞arn=∑n=1∞arn−1\displaystyle \sum_{n=0}^\infty a r^n = \sum_{n=1}^\infty a r^{n-1}
  3. 14.49.3

    Sums of Infinite Geometric Series Given in Sigma Notation

    Plug in the starting index to get the first term. The base of the power is rr. If ∣r∣<1\lvert r \rvert < 1, the sum is first term over 1−r1 - r; otherwise the series diverges.

    e.g. ∑n=2∞3(12)n\sum_{n=2}^\infty 3\left(\tfrac12\right)^n: first term 34\tfrac34, sum =3/41/2=32= \frac{3/4}{1/2} = \tfrac32

    ∑n=k∞arn=ark1−r\displaystyle \sum_{n=k}^\infty a r^n = \frac{a r^k}{1 - r}
  4. 14.49.4

    Convergence of Geometric Series

    A geometric series with a≠0a \ne 0 converges when ∣r∣<1\lvert r \rvert < 1 and diverges when ∣r∣≥1\lvert r \rvert \ge 1. If rr contains xx, solve ∣r∣<1\lvert r \rvert < 1 for xx.

    e.g. ∑n=0∞(x3)n\sum_{n=0}^\infty \left(\tfrac x3\right)^n converges for −3<x<3-3 < x < 3, with sum 33−x\frac{3}{3 - x}

    ∣r∣<1  ⟺  converges\displaystyle \lvert r \rvert < 1 \iff \text{converges}
  5. 14.49.5

    Repeating Decimals as Infinite Geometric Series

    A block of kk repeating digits gives first term a=block/10ka = \text{block}/10^k and ratio r=1/10kr = 1/10^k. Sum it as a geometric series.

    e.g. 0.36‾=0.361−0.01=3699=4110.\overline{36} = \frac{0.36}{1 - 0.01} = \frac{36}{99} = \frac{4}{11}

    a=block10k,r=110k\displaystyle a = \frac{\text{block}}{10^k},\quad r = \frac{1}{10^k}
    value=a1−r\displaystyle \text{value} = \frac{a}{1 - r}

14.50 Infinite Series Convergence Tests

  1. 14.50.1

    The Nth Term Test for Divergence

    If the terms do not approach 0, the series diverges. If lim⁡an=0\lim a_n = 0, the test tells you nothing and you need another test.

    e.g. ∑n2n+1\sum \frac{n}{2n+1}: terms →12≠0\to \tfrac12 \ne 0, so it diverges

    lim⁡n→∞an≠0\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} a_n \ne 0
    ⇒  ∑an diverges\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; \textstyle\sum a_n \text{ diverges}
  2. 14.50.2

    The Integral Test

    If ff is positive, continuous, and decreasing for x≥1x \ge 1 with f(n)=anf(n) = a_n, the series and the integral both converge or both diverge. The sum does not equal the integral.

    e.g. ∑1n2\sum \frac{1}{n^2}: ∫1∞x−2 dx=1\int_1^\infty x^{-2}\,dx = 1, so the series converges

    ∑n=1∞an  and  ∫1∞f(x) dx\displaystyle \textstyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} a_n \;\text{and}\; \int_1^{\infty} f(x)\,dx
    converge or diverge together\displaystyle \text{converge or diverge together}
  3. 14.50.3

    Harmonic Series and p-Series

    A pp-series converges only when p>1p > 1. The harmonic series is the case p=1p = 1, and it diverges.

    e.g. ∑1n\sum \frac{1}{\sqrt n}: p=12≤1p = \tfrac12 \le 1, so it diverges

    ∑n=1∞1np\displaystyle \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^p}
    p>1: converges\displaystyle p > 1:\ \text{converges}
    p≤1: diverges\displaystyle p \le 1:\ \text{diverges}
  4. 14.50.4

    The Comparison Test

    For positive terms with an≤bna_n \le b_n: a smaller series under a convergent one converges, and a larger series over a divergent one diverges.

    e.g. 1n2+1<1n2\frac{1}{n^2+1} < \frac{1}{n^2} and ∑1n2\sum \frac{1}{n^2} converges, so ∑1n2+1\sum \frac{1}{n^2+1} converges

    0≤an≤bn\displaystyle 0 \le a_n \le b_n
    ∑bn conv.⇒∑an conv.\displaystyle \textstyle\sum b_n \text{ conv.} \Rightarrow \sum a_n \text{ conv.}
    ∑an div.⇒∑bn div.\displaystyle \textstyle\sum a_n \text{ div.} \Rightarrow \sum b_n \text{ div.}
  5. 14.50.5

    The Limit Comparison Test

    For positive terms, compare to a known series bnb_n with the same dominant behavior. If the limit is a positive finite number, both series do the same thing.

    e.g. an=3n+1n3+2a_n = \frac{3n+1}{n^3+2}, bn=1n2b_n = \frac{1}{n^2}: L=3L = 3, and ∑1n2\sum \frac{1}{n^2} converges, so ∑an\sum a_n converges

    lim⁡n→∞anbn=L\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n} = L
    0<L<∞⇒same result\displaystyle 0 < L < \infty \Rightarrow \text{same result}
  6. 14.50.6

    The Alternating Series Test

    An alternating series ∑(−1)nbn\sum (-1)^n b_n with bn>0b_n > 0 converges if bnb_n is decreasing and bn→0b_n \to 0. The test can only show convergence, never divergence.

    e.g. ∑(−1)n+1n\sum \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n}: 1n\frac1n decreases to 0, so it converges

    bn+1≤bn  and  lim⁡n→∞bn=0\displaystyle b_{n+1} \le b_n \;\text{and}\; \lim_{n\to\infty} b_n = 0
  7. 14.50.7

    The Ratio Test

    Take the limit of the absolute ratio of consecutive terms. Best for factorials and powers like 2n2^n. If L=1L = 1 the test is inconclusive.

    e.g. ∑2nn!\sum \frac{2^n}{n!}: ratio =2n+1→0<1= \frac{2}{n+1} \to 0 < 1, so it converges

    L=lim⁡n→∞∣an+1an∣\displaystyle L = \lim_{n\to\infty} \left\lvert \frac{a_{n+1}}{a_n} \right\rvert
    L<1: converges absolutely\displaystyle L < 1:\ \text{converges absolutely}
    L>1: diverges\displaystyle L > 1:\ \text{diverges}
    L=1: inconclusive\displaystyle L = 1:\ \text{inconclusive}
  8. 14.50.8

    Absolute and Conditional Convergence

    If ∑∣an∣\sum \lvert a_n \rvert converges, the series converges absolutely, and so it converges. If ∑an\sum a_n converges but ∑∣an∣\sum \lvert a_n \rvert diverges, it converges conditionally.

    e.g. ∑(−1)nn\sum \frac{(-1)^n}{n} converges conditionally; ∑(−1)nn2\sum \frac{(-1)^n}{n^2} converges absolutely

    ∑∣an∣ conv.⇒∑an conv.\displaystyle \textstyle\sum \lvert a_n \rvert \text{ conv.} \Rightarrow \sum a_n \text{ conv.}
  9. 14.50.9

    The Alternating Series Error Bound

    For a series that passes the alternating series test, stopping after nn terms gives an error no bigger than the first term left out.

    e.g. ∑(−1)n+1n2\sum \frac{(-1)^{n+1}}{n^2}: S3=1−14+19=3136S_3 = 1 - \tfrac14 + \tfrac19 = \tfrac{31}{36}, error ≤116\le \tfrac{1}{16}

    ∣S−Sn∣≤bn+1\displaystyle \lvert S - S_n \rvert \le b_{n+1}
  10. 14.50.10

    Determining Convergence Parameters for Infinite Series

    Apply a test with the parameter left in, then solve the inequality the test requires. Check boundary values separately.

    e.g. ∑1n3k−2\sum \frac{1}{n^{3k-2}} converges when 3k−2>13k - 2 > 1, so k>1k > 1

    ∑arn converges  ⟺  ∣r∣<1\displaystyle \textstyle\sum ar^n \text{ converges} \iff \lvert r \rvert < 1
    ∑1np converges  ⟺  p>1\displaystyle \textstyle\sum \frac{1}{n^p} \text{ converges} \iff p > 1
  11. 14.50.11

    Selecting Procedures for Analyzing Infinite Series

    Try the nnth term test first. Spot geometric and pp-series on sight, use the ratio test for factorials or powers like 3n3^n, and the alternating series test for alternating signs. Use (limit) comparison with a pp-series for rational or root expressions, and the integral test when f(x)f(x) is easy to integrate.

    e.g. ∑n23n\sum \frac{n^2}{3^n}: ratio test gives L=13<1L = \tfrac13 < 1, so it converges

Unit 15 14 topics

Power Series

Taylor Polynomials, and Taylor Series.

15.51 Taylor Polynomials

xy−2π−ππ2π−2−112P₁P₅P₃y = sin xP₁ = xP₃ = x − x³/6P₅ = x − x³/6 + x⁵/120Higher degree hugs sin xover a wider interval around 0.
Each Taylor polynomial matches sin x at 0 and then drifts away. Adding higher-degree terms keeps it on the curve over a wider stretch around 0.
  1. 15.51.1

    Second-Degree Taylor Polynomials

    Approximates ff near x=ax = a by matching its value, slope, and concavity at aa.

    e.g. exe^x at a=0a = 0: P2(x)=1+x+x22P_2(x) = 1 + x + \tfrac{x^2}{2}

    P2(x)=f(a)+f′(a)(x−a)\displaystyle P_2(x) = f(a) + f'(a)(x-a)
    +f′′(a)2(x−a)2\displaystyle + \frac{f''(a)}{2}(x-a)^2
  2. 15.51.2

    Analyzing Second-Degree Taylor Polynomials

    P2P_2 and ff share the same value, first derivative, and second derivative at aa. The coefficient of (x−a)2(x-a)^2 is half of f′′(a)f''(a), so double it to recover f′′(a)f''(a).

    e.g. P2=3−2(x−1)+5(x−1)2P_2 = 3 - 2(x-1) + 5(x-1)^2: f(1)=3f(1) = 3, f′(1)=−2f'(1) = -2, f′′(1)=10f''(1) = 10, concave up at x=1x = 1

    P2(k)(a)=f(k)(a), k=0,1,2\displaystyle P_2^{(k)}(a) = f^{(k)}(a),\ k = 0, 1, 2
    c2=f′′(a)2\displaystyle c_2 = \frac{f''(a)}{2}
  3. 15.51.3

    Third-Degree Taylor Polynomials

    Add the cubic term to P2P_2. Its coefficient is the third derivative divided by 3!=63! = 6.

    e.g. sin⁡x\sin x at a=0a = 0: P3(x)=x−x36P_3(x) = x - \tfrac{x^3}{6}

    P3(x)=P2(x)\displaystyle P_3(x) = P_2(x)
    +f′′′(a)6(x−a)3\displaystyle + \frac{f'''(a)}{6}(x-a)^3
  4. 15.51.4

    Higher-Degree Taylor Polynomials

    Each term uses the kkth derivative at aa divided by k!k!. Higher degree usually means a better approximation near aa.

    e.g. exe^x at 00: P4=1+x+x22+x36+x424P_4 = 1 + x + \tfrac{x^2}{2} + \tfrac{x^3}{6} + \tfrac{x^4}{24}

    Pn(x)=∑k=0nf(k)(a)k!(x−a)k\displaystyle P_n(x) = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{f^{(k)}(a)}{k!}(x-a)^k
  5. 15.51.5

    The Lagrange Error Bound

    Bounds the error of PnP_n at xx. MM is the largest value of ∣f(n+1)∣\lvert f^{(n+1)} \rvert between aa and xx.

    e.g. cos⁡0.2≈1−0.042=0.98\cos 0.2 \approx 1 - \tfrac{0.04}{2} = 0.98; M=1M = 1, so error ≤0.233!≈0.0013\le \tfrac{0.2^3}{3!} \approx 0.0013

    ∣f(x)−Pn(x)∣\displaystyle \lvert f(x) - P_n(x) \rvert
    ≤M ∣x−a∣n+1(n+1)!\displaystyle \le \frac{M\,\lvert x-a \rvert^{n+1}}{(n+1)!}

15.52 Taylor Series

  1. 15.52.1

    Radius of Convergence of Power Series Centered at the Origin

    ∑cnxn\sum c_n x^n converges for ∣x∣<R\lvert x \rvert < R and diverges for ∣x∣>R\lvert x \rvert > R. Find RR with the ratio test, and check the endpoints x=±Rx = \pm R separately.

    e.g. ∑xn3n\sum \frac{x^n}{3^n}: ratio →∣x∣3<1\to \frac{\lvert x \rvert}{3} < 1, so R=3R = 3

    lim⁡n→∞∣cn+1xn+1cnxn∣<1\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty} \left\lvert \frac{c_{n+1}x^{n+1}}{c_n x^n} \right\rvert < 1
  2. 15.52.2

    Radius of Convergence of Power Series

    A series centered at aa converges for ∣x−a∣<R\lvert x - a \rvert < R. The interval is (a−R,a+R)(a - R, a + R) plus any endpoints that pass a separate check. R=0R = 0 means only x=ax = a; R=∞R = \infty means all xx.

    e.g. ∑(x−2)nn\sum \frac{(x-2)^n}{n}: R=1R = 1; at x=3x = 3 it diverges, at x=1x = 1 it converges, so the interval is [1,3)[1, 3)

    ∑cn(x−a)n\displaystyle \textstyle\sum c_n (x-a)^n
    converges for ∣x−a∣<R\displaystyle \text{converges for } \lvert x - a \rvert < R
  3. 15.52.3

    Maclaurin Series

    A Taylor series centered at 00.

    e.g. ex=1+x+x22!+x33!+⋯e^x = 1 + x + \tfrac{x^2}{2!} + \tfrac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots for all xx

    f(x)=∑n=0∞f(n)(0)n!xn\displaystyle f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!}x^n
  4. 15.52.4

    Taylor Series

    The infinite version of the Taylor polynomial, centered at x=ax = a. It equals f(x)f(x) only inside its interval of convergence.

    e.g. 1x\frac1x at a=1a = 1: f(n)(1)=(−1)nn!f^{(n)}(1) = (-1)^n n!, so 1x=∑(−1)n(x−1)n\frac1x = \sum (-1)^n (x-1)^n for 0<x<20 < x < 2

    f(x)=∑n=0∞f(n)(a)n!(x−a)n\displaystyle f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!}(x-a)^n
  5. 15.52.5

    Representing Functions as Power Series

    Start from the geometric series. Substitute for xx, multiply by powers of xx, or differentiate or integrate term by term, and track the new interval.

    e.g. 11+x2=∑(−1)nx2n\frac{1}{1+x^2} = \sum (-1)^n x^{2n} for ∣x∣<1\lvert x \rvert < 1

    11−x=∑n=0∞xn\displaystyle \frac{1}{1-x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n
    ∣x∣<1\displaystyle \lvert x \rvert < 1
  6. 15.52.6

    Recognizing Standard Maclaurin Series

    Match a given series to a known one, then evaluate that function. The ln⁡(1+x)\ln(1+x) series holds for −1<x≤1-1 < x \le 1.

    e.g. ∑n=0∞2nn!=e2\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{n!} = e^2

    ex=∑n=0∞xnn!\displaystyle e^x = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}
    11−x=∑n=0∞xn, ∣x∣<1\displaystyle \frac{1}{1-x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n,\ \lvert x \rvert < 1
    ln⁡(1+x)=∑n=1∞(−1)n+1xnn\displaystyle \ln(1+x) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+1}x^n}{n}
  7. 15.52.7

    Recognizing Standard Maclaurin Series for Trigonometric Functions

    Sine uses odd powers and cosine uses even powers, with alternating signs. Both hold for all xx.

    e.g. ∑n=0∞(−1)nπ2n(2n)!=cos⁡π=−1\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n \pi^{2n}}{(2n)!} = \cos \pi = -1

    sin⁡x=x−x33!+x55!−⋯\displaystyle \sin x = x - \frac{x^3}{3!} + \frac{x^5}{5!} - \cdots
    cos⁡x=1−x22!+x44!−⋯\displaystyle \cos x = 1 - \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^4}{4!} - \cdots
  8. 15.52.8

    Differentiating Taylor Series

    Differentiate term by term. The radius of convergence stays the same, but recheck the endpoints.

    e.g. ddx(x−x33!+x55!−⋯ )=1−x22!+x44!−⋯=cos⁡x\frac{d}{dx}\left(x - \tfrac{x^3}{3!} + \tfrac{x^5}{5!} - \cdots\right) = 1 - \tfrac{x^2}{2!} + \tfrac{x^4}{4!} - \cdots = \cos x

    ddx∑cnxn=∑ncnxn−1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\sum c_n x^n = \sum n c_n x^{n-1}
  9. 15.52.9

    Approximating Integrals Using Taylor Series

    Replace the integrand with its series, integrate term by term, and add the first few terms. If the result alternates, the first omitted term bounds the error.

    e.g. ∫01e−x2dx=∫01(1−x2+x42−⋯ )dx≈1−13+110=2330\int_0^1 e^{-x^2}dx = \int_0^1 \left(1 - x^2 + \tfrac{x^4}{2} - \cdots\right)dx \approx 1 - \tfrac13 + \tfrac{1}{10} = \tfrac{23}{30}

    ∫0b∑cnxn dx\displaystyle \int_0^b \sum c_n x^n\,dx
    =∑cnbn+1n+1\displaystyle = \sum \frac{c_n b^{n+1}}{n+1}

Unit 16 9 topics

Applications of Technology

Using Graphing Calculators.

16.53 Using Graphing Calculators

  1. 16.53.1

    Evaluating Expressions Using a Graphing Calculator

    Type the expression with full parentheses around numerators, denominators, and exponents. Use radian mode for calculus. On the AP exam, report decimals correct to three places.

    e.g. e0.5sin⁡2≈1.6487×0.9093≈1.499e^{0.5}\sin 2 \approx 1.6487 \times 0.9093 \approx 1.499 (radians)

  2. 16.53.2

    Finding Roots of Functions Using a Graphing Calculator

    Graph y=f(x)y = f(x) and find where it crosses the xx-axis. On a TI-84 use CALC, zero (left bound, right bound, guess). In Desmos, click the xx-intercept.

    e.g. x3−x−1=0x^3 - x - 1 = 0: one real root, x≈1.325x \approx 1.325

  3. 16.53.3

    Finding Intersections of Functions Using a Graphing Calculator

    Graph both functions and find where they cross. On a TI-84 use CALC, intersect. In Desmos, click the crossing point. You can also find the roots of f(x)−g(x)f(x) - g(x).

    e.g. cos⁡x=x\cos x = x at x≈0.739x \approx 0.739

  4. 16.53.4

    Finding Extrema of Functions Using a Graphing Calculator

    Graph the function and use CALC, maximum or minimum on a TI-84, or click the turning point in Desmos. On a closed interval, also check the endpoint values.

    e.g. f(x)=xe−xf(x) = xe^{-x}: local max at (1,0.368)(1, 0.368)

  5. 16.53.5

    Finding Derivatives Using a Graphing Calculator

    The calculator gives the derivative's value at one point, not a formula. On a TI-84 use nDeriv( or the ddx\tfrac{d}{dx} template. In Desmos, define f(x)f(x) and type f′(a)f'(a).

    e.g. f(x)=xxf(x) = x^x at x=2x = 2: f′(2)=4(ln⁡2+1)≈6.773f'(2) = 4(\ln 2 + 1) \approx 6.773

  6. 16.53.6

    Finding Definite Integrals Using a Graphing Calculator

    Use fnInt( or the ∫\int template on a TI-84, or type the integral in Desmos. Use it for integrals with no simple antiderivative. The result is a signed area.

    e.g. ∫01ex2 dx≈1.463\int_0^1 e^{x^2}\,dx \approx 1.463

  7. 16.53.7

    Finding Improper Integrals Using a Graphing Calculator

    Replace the infinite bound with larger and larger numbers and watch the values. If they settle on a number, the integral converges to it; if they keep growing, it diverges.

    e.g. ∫1bdxx2\int_1^b \frac{dx}{x^2} for b=10,100,1000b = 10, 100, 1000 gives 0.9,0.99,0.999→10.9, 0.99, 0.999 \to 1

    ∫a∞f(x) dx=lim⁡b→∞∫abf(x) dx\displaystyle \int_a^{\infty} f(x)\,dx = \lim_{b\to\infty} \int_a^b f(x)\,dx
  8. 16.53.8

    Exploring Functions Using Technology

    Use the graph, a table of values, and zoom to see a function's behavior. Graph f′f' to see where ff increases (f′>0f' > 0) or decreases (f′<0f' < 0). Graphs suggest answers. Calculus confirms them.

    e.g. Graph y=sin⁡xxy = \tfrac{\sin x}{x}: values approach 1 near x=0x = 0, suggesting lim⁡x→0sin⁡xx=1\lim_{x \to 0} \tfrac{\sin x}{x} = 1

  9. 16.53.9

    Plotting Parametric and Polar Curves Using Technology

    Switch the calculator to parametric or polar mode (in Desmos, type (x(t),y(t))(x(t), y(t)) or r=f(θ)r = f(\theta)). Use radians and set the tt or θ\theta range so the curve is traced once.

    e.g. r=2sin⁡θr = 2\sin\theta on 0≤θ≤π0 \le \theta \le \pi traces a circle of radius 1 once

    x=x(t), y=y(t), a≤t≤b\displaystyle x = x(t),\ y = y(t),\ a \le t \le b
    r=f(θ), α≤θ≤β\displaystyle r = f(\theta),\ \alpha \le \theta \le \beta

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