AP Calculus BC : Derivatives

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Calculus BC

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Example Questions

Example Question #7 : The Mean Value Theorem

Let  on the interval . Find a value for the number(s) that satisfies the mean value theorem for this function and interval.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The mean value theorem states that for a planar arc passing through a starting and endpoint , there exists at a minimum one point, , within the interval  for which a line tangent to the curve at this point is parallel to the secant passing through the starting and end points.

Meanvaluetheorem

In other words, if one were to draw a straight line through these start and end points, one could find a point on the curve where the tangent would have the same slope as this line.

Note that the value of the derivative of a function at a point is the function's slope at that point; i.e. the slope of the tangent at said point.

First, find the two function values of  on the interval 

Then take the difference of the two and divide by the interval.

Now find the derivative of the function; this will be solved for the value(s) found above.

 

Derivative of an exponential: 

Derivative of a natural log: 

Product rule: 

Using a calculator, we find the solution , which fits within the interval , satisfying the mean value theorem.

Example Question #1 : Graphs Of F And F'

Assuming f(x) is continuous and differentiable for all values of x, what can be said about its graph at the point  if we know that  ?

Possible Answers:

There is not sufficient information to describe f(x).

f(x) is increasing when 

f(x) is decreasing when 

f(x) is concave up when 

Correct answer:

f(x) is increasing when 

Explanation:

Assuming f(x) is continuous and differentiable for all values of x, what can be said about its graph at the point  if we know that  ?

 

We are told about a first derivative and asked to consider the original function. Recall that anywhere the first derivative is negative, the original function is decreasing. Anywhere the first derivative is positive, the original function is increasing.

We are told that . In other words, the first derivative is positive.

This means our original function must be increasing.

f(x) is increasing when 

 

Example Question #211 : Calculus 3

Give .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 , and the derivative of a constant is 0, so

Example Question #1 : Computation Of Derivatives

Give .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, find the derivative  of .

, and the derivative of a constant is 0, so

 

Now, differentiate  to get .

Example Question #213 : Calculus 3

Differentiate .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

, so

Example Question #1 : Rules Of Basic Functions: Power, Exponential Rule, Logarithmic, Trigonometric, And Inverse Trigonometric

Give the second derivative of .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Find the derivative of , then find the derivative of that expression.

, so

Example Question #2 : Computation Of Derivatives

Give .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

, and the derivative of a constant is 0, so

Example Question #213 : Calculus 3

Give .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, find the derivative  of .

Recall that , and the derivative of a constant is 0.

 

Now, differentiate  to get .

Example Question #2 : Rules Of Basic Functions: Power, Exponential Rule, Logarithmic, Trigonometric, And Inverse Trigonometric

Find the derivative of the function 

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We can use the (first part of) the Fundemental Theorem of Calculus to "cancel out" the integral.

. Start

. Take the derivative of both sides with respect to .

To "cancel out" the integral and the derivative sign, verify that the lower bound on the integral is a constant (It's  in this case), and that the upper limit of the integral is a function of , (it's  in this case).

Afterward, plug  in for , and ultilize the Chain Rule to complete using the Fundemental Theorem of Calculus.

 

Example Question #371 : Ap Calculus Bc

Find the derivative of:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The derivative of inverse cosine is:

The derivative of cosine is:

Combine the two terms into one term.

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