Calculus 2 : Definition of Derivative

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Calculus 2

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : Derivatives

Find the derivative of  using the definition of the derivative.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The definition of a derivative is 

Substituting these expressions into the definition of a derivative gives us

 

 

 

 

Example Question #61 : Definition Of Derivative

5q

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

5a

Example Question #62 : Definition Of Derivative

What is the derivative of a term: ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Step 1: Move the exponent to the coefficient..

We get, 2ax..

Step 2: The new exponent after moving the old one down is  less than it was before:



The derivative of  is 

Example Question #64 : Derivatives

Find the function represented by the following limit,  



Possible Answers:

Constant 

Correct answer:

Explanation:

                                (1)

 

Recall the first principles definition of a derivative, 

                                (2)

 

The limit in Equation (1)  can be determined by inspection if we compare to the general definition of a derivative, Equation (2). It's apparent that equation (1) is the definition of the derivative for the function  . So the limit can be found by simply differentiating the function  with respect to .

 

 

 

 

 

Example Question #65 : Derivatives

Find the derivative of the following function:

.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The function in the problem is simply !  Therefore, by knowing the derivative of , we know the solution is .  You would obtain the same results if you completed this problem using the quotient rule and simplifying. 

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