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Calculus Ithe 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.

8 units, 27 sections, 175 topics. Press / to search.

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Unit 1 6 topics

Preliminaries

The Hyperbolic Functions.

1.1 The Hyperbolic Functions

  1. 1.1.1

    The Hyperbolic Functions

    Built from exe^x and e−xe^{-x}. Their main identity looks like the trig one but with a minus sign.

    e.g. sinh⁡(ln⁡2)=2−122=34\sinh(\ln 2) = \frac{2 - \tfrac12}{2} = \tfrac34

    sinh⁡x=ex−e−x2\displaystyle \sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}
    cosh⁡x=ex+e−x2\displaystyle \cosh x = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}
    tanh⁡x=sinh⁡xcosh⁡x\displaystyle \tanh x = \frac{\sinh x}{\cosh x}
    cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=1\displaystyle \cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1
  2. 1.1.2

    The Reciprocal Hyperbolic Functions

    Reciprocals of sinh, cosh, and tanh. csch⁡\operatorname{csch} and coth⁡\coth are undefined at x=0x = 0.

    e.g. cosh⁡(ln⁡2)=54\cosh(\ln 2) = \tfrac54, so sech⁡(ln⁡2)=45\operatorname{sech}(\ln 2) = \tfrac45

    sech⁡x=1cosh⁡x\displaystyle \operatorname{sech} x = \frac{1}{\cosh x}
    csch⁡x=1sinh⁡x\displaystyle \operatorname{csch} x = \frac{1}{\sinh x}
    coth⁡x=cosh⁡xsinh⁡x\displaystyle \coth x = \frac{\cosh x}{\sinh x}
    1−tanh⁡2x=sech⁡2x\displaystyle 1 - \tanh^2 x = \operatorname{sech}^2 x
  3. 1.1.3

    Solving Equations Containing Hyperbolic Functions

    Rewrite in terms of exe^x, multiply through by exe^x, and solve the quadratic in u=exu = e^x. Reject any u≤0u \le 0, then take ln⁡\ln.

    e.g. cosh⁡x=54⇒2e2x−5ex+2=0⇒ex=2\cosh x = \tfrac54 \Rightarrow 2e^{2x} - 5e^x + 2 = 0 \Rightarrow e^x = 2 or 12\tfrac12, so x=±ln⁡2x = \pm \ln 2

    e−x=1u,u=ex\displaystyle e^{-x} = \frac{1}{u},\quad u = e^x
  4. 1.1.4

    Graphs of the Hyperbolic Functions

    sinh⁡x\sinh x is odd, increasing, and passes through the origin with range all reals. cosh⁡x\cosh x is even and U-shaped with minimum 11 at x=0x = 0, range [1,∞)[1, \infty). tanh⁡x\tanh x is odd and increasing, with horizontal asymptotes y=±1y = \pm 1 and range (−1,1)(-1, 1).

    e.g. cosh⁡x≥1\cosh x \ge 1, so cosh⁡x=12\cosh x = \tfrac12 has no solution

    lim⁡x→±∞tanh⁡x=±1\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\pm\infty} \tanh x = \pm 1
  5. 1.1.5

    Graphs of the Reciprocal Hyperbolic Functions

    sech⁡x\operatorname{sech} x is even with maximum 11 at x=0x = 0, range (0,1](0, 1], and asymptote y=0y = 0. csch⁡x\operatorname{csch} x is odd with asymptotes x=0x = 0 and y=0y = 0, and never equals 0. coth⁡x\coth x is odd with asymptotes x=0x = 0 and y=±1y = \pm 1, and range ∣y∣>1\lvert y \rvert > 1.

    e.g. ∣coth⁡x∣>1\lvert \coth x \rvert > 1, so coth⁡x=12\coth x = \tfrac12 has no solution

  6. 1.1.6

    The Inverse Hyperbolic Functions

    Each inverse can be written as a natural log. cosh⁡−1\cosh^{-1} uses the branch x≥0x \ge 0, so its output is never negative. cosh⁡−1x\cosh^{-1} x is defined for x≥1x \ge 1 and tanh⁡−1x\tanh^{-1} x for ∣x∣<1\lvert x \rvert < 1.

    e.g. sinh⁡−134=ln⁡(34+54)=ln⁡2\sinh^{-1}\tfrac34 = \ln\left(\tfrac34 + \tfrac54\right) = \ln 2

    sinh⁡−1x=ln⁡(x+x2+1)\displaystyle \sinh^{-1} x = \ln\left(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}\right)
    cosh⁡−1x=ln⁡(x+x2−1)\displaystyle \cosh^{-1} x = \ln\left(x + \sqrt{x^2-1}\right)
    tanh⁡−1x=12ln⁡1+x1−x\displaystyle \tanh^{-1} x = \frac12 \ln\frac{1+x}{1-x}

Unit 2 33 topics

Limits

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

2.2 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. 2.2.1

    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. 2.2.2

    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. 2.2.3

    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. 2.2.4

    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. 2.2.5

    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

2.3 The Algebra of Limits

  1. 2.3.1

    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. 2.3.2

    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. 2.3.3

    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. 2.3.4

    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}

2.4 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. 2.4.1

    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. 2.4.2

    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. 2.4.3

    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. 2.4.4

    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. 2.4.5

    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. 2.4.6

    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. 2.4.7

    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. 2.4.8

    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. 2.4.9

    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}

2.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Manipulation

  1. 2.5.1

    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. 2.5.2

    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. 2.5.3

    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. 2.5.4

    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. 2.5.5

    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. 2.5.6

    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. 2.5.7

    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. 2.5.8

    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. 2.5.9

    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

2.6 Special Limits

  1. 2.6.1

    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. 2.6.2

    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. 2.6.3

    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. 2.6.4

    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. 2.6.5

    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
  6. 2.6.6

    Further Limits Involving the Exponential Function

    These limits define or come straight from ee. Rewrite a limit to match one of these forms.

    e.g. lim⁡x→∞(1+2x)3x=(e2)3=e6\lim_{x\to\infty} \left(1 + \tfrac2x\right)^{3x} = \left(e^2\right)^3 = e^6

    lim⁡x→0ex−1x=1\displaystyle \lim_{x\to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x} = 1
    lim⁡x→∞(1+kx)x=ek\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\infty} \left(1 + \frac{k}{x}\right)^x = e^k
    lim⁡x→0(1+x)1/x=e\displaystyle \lim_{x\to 0} (1 + x)^{1/x} = e

Unit 3 13 topics

Continuity

Continuity, and Removing Discontinuities.

3.7 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. 3.7.1

    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. 3.7.2

    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. 3.7.3

    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. 3.7.4

    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. 3.7.5

    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. 3.7.6

    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. 3.7.7

    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. 3.7.8

    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. 3.7.9

    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. 3.7.10

    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

3.8 Removing Discontinuities

  1. 3.8.1

    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. 3.8.2

    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. 3.8.3

    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 4 22 topics

Introduction to Differentiation

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

4.9 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. 4.9.1

    The Average Rate of Change of a Function

    The change in output divided by the change in input between two points. It is the slope of the line through those two points on the graph.

    e.g. f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2 from x=1x = 1 to x=4x = 4: 16−14−1=5\tfrac{16 - 1}{4 - 1} = 5

    f(b)−f(a)b−a\displaystyle \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}
  2. 4.9.2

    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}
  3. 4.9.3

    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}
  4. 4.9.4

    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}
  5. 4.9.5

    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}
  6. 4.9.6

    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
  7. 4.9.7

    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'
  8. 4.9.8

    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)
  9. 4.9.9

    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)
  10. 4.9.10

    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)

4.10 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. 4.10.1

    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. 4.10.2

    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. 4.10.3

    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. 4.10.4

    Differentiating Hyperbolic Functions

    Like trig, but the derivative of cosh⁡\cosh has no minus sign. Apply the chain rule as usual.

    e.g. ddxcosh⁡(3x2)=6xsinh⁡(3x2)\frac{d}{dx}\cosh(3x^2) = 6x\sinh(3x^2)

    ddxsinh⁡x=cosh⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x
    ddxcosh⁡x=sinh⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x
    ddxtanh⁡x=sech⁡2x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\tanh x = \operatorname{sech}^2 x
  5. 4.10.5

    Differentiating Reciprocal Hyperbolic Functions

    All three derivatives carry a minus sign.

    e.g. ddxcoth⁡(2x)=−2csch⁡2(2x)\frac{d}{dx}\coth(2x) = -2\operatorname{csch}^2(2x)

    ddxsech⁡x=−sech⁡xtanh⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{sech} x = -\operatorname{sech} x \tanh x
    ddxcsch⁡x=−csch⁡xcoth⁡x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{csch} x = -\operatorname{csch} x \coth x
    ddxcoth⁡x=−csch⁡2x\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\coth x = -\operatorname{csch}^2 x
  6. 4.10.6

    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}
  7. 4.10.7

    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'
  8. 4.10.8

    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}
  9. 4.10.9

    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
  10. 4.10.10

    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

  11. 4.10.11

    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

  12. 4.10.12

    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 5 18 topics

Advanced Differentiation

Differentiating Composite Functions, Differentiating Implicit and Inverse Functions, and Differentiation Using Logarithms.

5.11 Differentiating Composite Functions

  1. 5.11.1

    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. 5.11.2

    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. 5.11.3

    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. 5.11.4

    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. 5.11.5

    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. 5.11.6

    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. 5.11.7

    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

5.12 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. 5.12.1

    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. 5.12.2

    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. 5.12.3

    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. 5.12.4

    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. 5.12.5

    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. 5.12.6

    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. 5.12.7

    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}
  8. 5.12.8

    Differentiating Inverse Hyperbolic Functions

    Compare to inverse trig: these use x2+1x^2 + 1 and x2−1x^2 - 1 under the root. cosh⁡−1\cosh^{-1} needs x>1x > 1 and tanh⁡−1\tanh^{-1} needs ∣x∣<1\lvert x \rvert < 1.

    e.g. ddxsinh⁡−1(2x)=24x2+1\frac{d}{dx}\sinh^{-1}(2x) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{4x^2+1}}

    ddxsinh⁡−1x=1x2+1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\sinh^{-1} x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}
    ddxcosh⁡−1x=1x2−1\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\cosh^{-1} x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}}
    ddxtanh⁡−1x=11−x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\tanh^{-1} x = \frac{1}{1-x^2}
  9. 5.12.9

    Differentiating Inverse Reciprocal Hyperbolic Functions

    Domains: sech⁡−1\operatorname{sech}^{-1} needs 0<x<10 < x < 1, csch⁡−1\operatorname{csch}^{-1} needs x≠0x \ne 0, and coth⁡−1\coth^{-1} needs ∣x∣>1\lvert x \rvert > 1.

    e.g. ddxcoth⁡−1(3x)=31−9x2\frac{d}{dx}\coth^{-1}(3x) = \frac{3}{1-9x^2}

    ddxsech⁡−1x=−1x1−x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{sech}^{-1} x = \frac{-1}{x\sqrt{1-x^2}}
    ddxcsch⁡−1x=−1∣x∣1+x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{csch}^{-1} x = \frac{-1}{\lvert x \rvert\sqrt{1+x^2}}
    ddxcoth⁡−1x=11−x2\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\coth^{-1} x = \frac{1}{1-x^2}

5.13 Differentiation Using Logarithms

xy(0, 1)(1, 0)y = xy = 2ˣy = log2 xhorizontalasymptote y = 0vertical asymptotex = 0Inverse functionsy = 2ˣy = log2 x(0, 1)(1, 0)(1, 2)(2, 1)(2, 4)(4, 2)Swap each point to gofrom one graph to the other.
y = 2ˣ and y = log₂ x are inverses, so each is the other reflected across y = x. The exponential never touches y = 0 and the log never touches x = 0.
  1. 5.13.1

    Logarithmic Differentiation

    Take ln⁡\ln of both sides, expand with log rules, differentiate implicitly, then multiply by yy. Useful for messy products, quotients, and powers.

    e.g. y=x3(x+1)2y = \frac{x^3}{(x+1)^2}: ln⁡y=3ln⁡x−2ln⁡(x+1)\ln y = 3\ln x - 2\ln(x+1), so y′=y(3x−2x+1)y' = y\left(\tfrac3x - \tfrac{2}{x+1}\right)

    ln⁡y=ln⁡f(x)\displaystyle \ln y = \ln f(x)
    y′y=ddxln⁡f(x)\displaystyle \frac{y'}{y} = \frac{d}{dx}\ln f(x)
    ⇒  y′=y⋅ddxln⁡f(x)\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; y' = y \cdot \frac{d}{dx}\ln f(x)
  2. 5.13.2

    Further Logarithmic Differentiation

    Use it when both the base and the exponent contain xx. The power rule and the exponential rule do not apply directly.

    e.g. y=xxy = x^x: ln⁡y=xln⁡x\ln y = x\ln x, so y′=xx(ln⁡x+1)y' = x^x(\ln x + 1)

    y=f(x)g(x)\displaystyle y = f(x)^{g(x)}
    ln⁡y=g(x)ln⁡f(x)\displaystyle \ln y = g(x)\ln f(x)
    ⇒  y′=y(g′ln⁡f+gf′f)\displaystyle \Rightarrow\; y' = y\left(g'\ln f + \frac{g f'}{f}\right)

Unit 6 16 topics

Contextual Applications of Differentiation

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

6.14 Contextual Applications of Differentiation

  1. 6.14.1

    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. 6.14.2

    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)

6.15 Estimating Derivatives

  1. 6.15.1

    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. 6.15.2

    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. 6.15.3

    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}

6.16 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. 6.16.1

    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. 6.16.2

    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. 6.16.3

    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. 6.16.4

    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. 6.16.5

    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. 6.16.6

    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. 6.16.7

    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. 6.16.8

    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. 6.16.9

    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}

6.17 L'Hopital's Rule

  1. 6.17.1

    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. 6.17.2

    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 7 33 topics

Analytical Applications of Differentiation

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

7.18 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. 7.18.1

    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. 7.18.2

    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. 7.18.3

    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. 7.18.4

    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. 7.18.5

    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. 7.18.6

    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. 7.18.7

    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. 7.18.8

    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. 7.18.9

    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. 7.18.10

    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. 7.18.11

    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}

7.19 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. 7.19.1

    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. 7.19.2

    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. 7.19.3

    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. 7.19.4

    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. 7.19.5

    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)

7.20 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. 7.20.1

    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. 7.20.2

    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. 7.20.3

    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

7.21 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. 7.21.1

    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. 7.21.2

    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. 7.21.3

    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. 7.21.4

    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. 7.21.5

    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. 7.21.6

    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. 7.21.7

    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. 7.21.8

    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)
  9. 7.21.9

    Newton's Method

    Approximates a solution of f(x)=0f(x) = 0. Start with a guess x0x_0 and repeat the step until the values settle. It fails if f′(xn)=0f'(x_n) = 0 and can wander off if the guess is poor.

    e.g. f(x)=x2−2f(x) = x^2 - 2, x0=1x_0 = 1: x1=1−−12=1.5x_1 = 1 - \tfrac{-1}{2} = 1.5, x2=1.5−0.253=1712≈1.4167x_2 = 1.5 - \tfrac{0.25}{3} = \tfrac{17}{12} \approx 1.4167

    xn+1=xn−f(xn)f′(xn)\displaystyle x_{n+1} = x_n - \frac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)}
  10. 7.21.10

    Newton's Method for Optimizing Single-Variable Functions

    Extrema occur where f′(x)=0f'(x) = 0, so run Newton's method on f′f'. Classify the result with f′′f'': positive means a local min, negative means a local max.

    e.g. f(x)=x3−6xf(x) = x^3 - 6x, x0=1x_0 = 1: x1=1−−36=1.5x_1 = 1 - \tfrac{-3}{6} = 1.5, x2=1.5−0.759≈1.4167x_2 = 1.5 - \tfrac{0.75}{9} \approx 1.4167, and f′′>0f'' > 0, so a local min near 2\sqrt2

    xn+1=xn−f′(xn)f′′(xn)\displaystyle x_{n+1} = x_n - \frac{f'(x_n)}{f''(x_n)}

7.22 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. 7.22.1

    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. 7.22.2

    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. 7.22.3

    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}
  4. 7.22.4

    Newton's Second Law

    Net force equals mass times acceleration. Acceleration is the second derivative of position. In SI units, kg times m/s² gives newtons (N).

    e.g. m=2m = 2 kg, s(t)=t3s(t) = t^3 m: a(t)=6ta(t) = 6t, so at t=1t = 1, F=2(6)=12F = 2(6) = 12 N

    F=ma\displaystyle F = ma
    =m v′(t)=m s′′(t)\displaystyle = m\,v'(t) = m\,s''(t)

Unit 8 34 topics

Integration

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

8.23 Indefinite Integrals

  1. 8.23.1

    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. 8.23.2

    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. 8.23.3

    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. 8.23.4

    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. 8.23.5

    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. 8.23.6

    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. 8.23.7

    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
  8. 8.23.8

    Integrating Hyperbolic Functions

    Reverse the hyperbolic derivative rules. Unlike trig, sinh⁡\sinh and cosh⁡\cosh integrate to each other with no sign change.

    e.g. ∫(3cosh⁡x−sinh⁡x) dx=3sinh⁡x−cosh⁡x+C\int (3\cosh x - \sinh x)\,dx = 3\sinh x - \cosh x + C

    ∫sinh⁡x dx=cosh⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \sinh x\,dx = \cosh x + C
    ∫cosh⁡x dx=sinh⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \cosh x\,dx = \sinh x + C
    ∫sech⁡2x dx=tanh⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \operatorname{sech}^2 x\,dx = \tanh x + C
    ∫csch⁡2x dx=−coth⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \operatorname{csch}^2 x\,dx = -\coth x + C
    ∫sech⁡xtanh⁡x dx=−sech⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \operatorname{sech}x\tanh x\,dx = -\operatorname{sech}x + C
    ∫csch⁡xcoth⁡x dx=−csch⁡x+C\displaystyle \int \operatorname{csch}x\coth x\,dx = -\operatorname{csch}x + C
  9. 8.23.9

    Integration Using Inverse Hyperbolic Functions

    Three algebraic integrands have inverse hyperbolic antiderivatives. Here a>0a > 0; the cosh⁡−1\cosh^{-1} form needs x>ax > a and the tanh⁡−1\tanh^{-1} form needs ∣x∣<a\lvert x \rvert < a.

    e.g. ∫dxx2+9=sinh⁡−1x3+C\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 + 9}} = \sinh^{-1}\tfrac{x}{3} + C

    ∫dxx2+a2=sinh⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 + a^2}} = \sinh^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxx2−a2=cosh⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 - a^2}} = \cosh^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxa2−x2=1atanh⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{a^2 - x^2} = \frac1a \tanh^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C
  10. 8.23.10

    Integration Using Inverse Reciprocal Hyperbolic Functions

    These forms give sech⁡−1\operatorname{sech}^{-1}, csch⁡−1\operatorname{csch}^{-1}, and coth⁡−1\coth^{-1}. Here a>0a > 0; the first two are stated for 0<x0 < x (and x<ax < a for sech⁡−1\operatorname{sech}^{-1}), and the coth⁡−1\coth^{-1} form needs ∣x∣>a\lvert x \rvert > a.

    e.g. ∫dxx4−x2=−12sech⁡−1x2+C\int \frac{dx}{x\sqrt{4 - x^2}} = -\tfrac12 \operatorname{sech}^{-1}\tfrac{x}{2} + C for 0<x<20 < x < 2

    ∫dxxa2−x2\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x\sqrt{a^2 - x^2}}
    =−1asech⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle = -\frac1a \operatorname{sech}^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxxa2+x2\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{x\sqrt{a^2 + x^2}}
    =−1acsch⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle = -\frac1a \operatorname{csch}^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C
    ∫dxa2−x2=1acoth⁡−1xa+C\displaystyle \int \frac{dx}{a^2 - x^2} = \frac1a \coth^{-1}\frac{x}{a} + C

8.24 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. 8.24.1

    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. 8.24.2

    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. 8.24.3

    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. 8.24.4

    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. 8.24.5

    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. 8.24.6

    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. 8.24.7

    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

8.25 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. 8.25.1

    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. 8.25.2

    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. 8.25.3

    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. 8.25.4

    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. 8.25.5

    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

8.26 The Area Under a Curve

  1. 8.26.1

    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. 8.26.2

    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. 8.26.3

    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. 8.26.4

    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. 8.26.5

    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. 8.26.6

    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. 8.26.7

    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

8.27 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. 8.27.1

    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. 8.27.2

    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. 8.27.3

    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. 8.27.4

    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. 8.27.5

    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

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