The Definition of a Derivative

Read this section to understand the definition of a derivative. Work through practice problems 1-8.

Definition of Derivative: \quad \mathbf{f}^{\prime}(\mathrm{x}) \equiv \lim\limits_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} \quad if the limit exists and is finite.

Notations For The Derivative: \mathbf{f}^{\prime}(\mathbf{x}), \operatorname{Df}(\mathbf{x}), \frac{\mathbf{d} \mathbf{f}(\mathbf{x})}{\mathbf{d x}}

Tangent Line Equation: The line \mathbf{y}=\mathbf{f}(\mathbf{a})+\mathbf{f}^{\prime}(\mathbf{a}) \cdot(\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{a}) is tangent to the graph of \mathrm{f} at (a,f(a)).

Formulas: D( constant )=0

D ( x^n ) = n*x^{n-1} (proven for n = positive integer: true for all constants n)

D ( sin(x) ) = cos ( x ) and D ( cos(x) ) = -sin( x )

\begin{aligned}

&\mathbf{D}(|\mathrm{x}|) = \left\{\begin{array}{lll}

+1 & \text { if } \mathrm{x} > 0 \\

\text { undefined } & \quad \text { if } \mathrm{x} = 0 \\

-1 & \text { if } \mathrm{x} < 0

\end{array}\right.

\end{aligned}

Interpretations of  f '(x):

Slope of a line tangent to a graph
Instantaneous rate of change of a function at a point
Velocity or acceleration
Magnification factor
Marginal change