AP Calculus AB : Derivatives of functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Calculus AB

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the power rule to find the derivative.

 

Example Question #52 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The derivative of  is . (Memorization)

Example Question #53 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the chain rule to find the derivative: 

 

Thus, .

Example Question #54 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the power rule to find the derivative.

The derivative of a constant is zero. 

Thus, the derivative is .

Example Question #55 : Derivatives Of Functions

Use the method of your choice to find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The easiest way to find this derivative is to FOIL, and then use the power rule.

Example Question #55 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the product rule to find this derivative.

Example Question #57 : Derivatives Of Functions

Define 

Evaluate  and  so that  is both continuous and differentiable at .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For  to be continuous at , it must hold that 

.

To find , we can use the definition of  for all negative values of :

It must hold that  as well; using the definition of  for all positive values of :

.

Therefore, .

Now examine . For  to be differentiable, it must hold that 

To find , we can differentiate the expression for  for all negative values of :

Again, through straightforward substitution, 

To find , we can differentiate the expression for  for all positive values of :

Again, through substitution,

and .

Example Question #56 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the power rule to find the derivative.

 

Thus, the derivative is 

Example Question #57 : Derivatives Of Functions

Find the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the quotient rule to find the derivative. 

Simplify.

Example Question #76 : Derivatives

Find the first derivative of the function:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The derivative of the function is equal to

and was found using the following rules:

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