Chapter 4
Algebraic Functions
Objectives
Explain the fundamental concept of algebraic function
Derive the formulas of derivative of a sum, a product and a quotient
Answer problems on algebraic functions
In this topic, we developed a certain standard formulas by means of which any elementary function may
be differentiated. The use of these formulas obviates the necessity of evaluating a special limit in every problem,
thus effecting a great saving of time.
Derivative of a constant
We note first that the derivative of a constant is zero:
(1) dc = 0
dx
This result appears geometrically from the fact that the curve y = c is a straight line parallel to Ox, so that
the slope everywhere zero. Likewise since a constant never changes in value, its rate of change is always zero.
Formally, if y = c, then y + Δy = c, and hence
Δy = 0, Δy = 0,
Δx
dy = Lim Δy =0
dx Δx 0 Δx
Derivative of a sum; a product; a quotient;
If u and v are function of x, the following formulas are true by the definition of the derivative:
(2) d (u + v) = du + dv , ; The derivative of the sum of two functions is
dx dx dx equal to the sum of their derivative
(3) d (u v) = u dv + v du ; The derivative of the product of two functions
dx dx dx is equal to the first function times the
derivative of the second plus the second
times the derivative of the first.
v du - u dv ; The derivative of the quotient of two functions
(4) d ( u ) = dx dx is equal to the denominator times the
dx v v2 derivative of the numerator minus the
numerator times the derivative of the
denominator, all divided by the square of the
denominator
Proof of (2) Let x assume an increment Δx, and denote by Δu and Δv the corresponding
increment of u and v. then
y = u+v
y + Δy = u + Δu +v + Δu
Δy = Δu + Δv,
Δy = Δu + Δv ,
Δx Δx Δx
dy = Lim Δy = du + dv
dx Δx 0 Δx dx dx
Proof of (3):
y=uv
y + Δy = ( u + Δu) (v + Av),
Δy = u Δv +v Δu + Δu Δv,
Δy = u Δv + v Δu + Δu Δv
Δx Δx Δx Δx
dy = Lim Δy = u dv + v du
dx Δx 0 Δx dx dx
Proof (4):
y= u
v
y +_Δy = u + Δu
v + Δv
Δy = u + Δu - u = uv + v Δu – uv – u Δv
v + Δv v (v + Δv) v
Δy = v Δu – u Δv
Δx Δx Δx
(v + Δv) v
dy = Lim Δy = v du - u du
dx Δx 0 Δx dx dx
2
r
Derivative of the product of a constant and a function.
(5) d (c v) = c dv Note: c is a constant
dx dx
Derivative of the reciprocal of a function
(6) d ( 1 ) = - dv
dx v dx
v2
n
Derivative of x
If
y = xn
then
dy = nxn-1
dx
Example (a) The derivative of y = 2x3 – 5x2 + 3x + 2
Solution
y = 2x3 – 5x2 + 3x + 2
then
dy = (2 ) (3) x3-1 – (5) (2) x2-1 + (3) (1) x1-1 + 0 * Any number or variables
dx raised to exponent zero the
y’ = 6x2 – 10x + 3 result is 1.
* Derivative of a
constant is zero (0).
* Y’ is equal to dy/dx
Example (b) The derivative of y = x2 + 1
4x + 3
Solution
y = x2 + 1 ; The derivative of the quotient of two functions (4)
4x + 3
dy = (4x + 3)(2x) – (x2 + 1)(4)
dx (4x + 3)2
y’ = 8x2 + 6x - 4x2 - 4
(4x + 3 )2
Y’ = 4x2 + 6x - 4
( 4x + 3)2
Example (c) To differentiate y = 1 .
√𝑥
Solution
y= 1 .
√𝑥
Y= 1
X1/2
Y = x–½
dy = (1) ( - 1/2) x -1/2 - 1
dx
y’ = - 1 x – 3/2
2
Y’ = - 1
2 x 3/2
Exercises
Differentiate the functions
1. y = 2x3 – 7x + 1
2. y = 3x-1 – 4x-2
3. w=1 + 2 y - y2
6 5 3
4. x = √𝑡 - 1
√𝑡
5. y = ( 1 + x2 ) (3 – 2x)
6. y= 1
3x – 2
