AP Calculus BC : Derivative at a Point

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Calculus BC

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Example Questions

Example Question #173 : Derivative Review

Calculate the derivative of  at the point .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

There are 2 steps to solving this problem.

First, take the derivative of 

Then, replace the value of x with the given point and evaluate

For example, if  , then we are looking for the value of  , or the derivative of  at .

Calculate 

Derivative rules that will be needed here:

  • Derivative of a constant is 0. For example, 
  • Taking a derivative on a term, or using the power rule, can be done by doing the following:

Then, plug in the value of x and evaluate

Example Question #331 : Ap Calculus Bc

If , which of the following limits equals ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The equation for the derivative at a point is given by

.

By substituting , we obtain

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