DERIVATIVES

For , we define the derivative of f at x, denoted by , to be

if the limit exists

If exists for each x in the open interval (a, b), then f is said to be
differentiable over (a, b).

Interpretation of the Derivative
The derivative of a function f is a new function. The domain of is a subset of
the domain of f. The derivative has various applications and interpretations, including the
following:
1. Slope of the tangent line. For each x in the domain of , is the slope ofthe line
tangent to the graph of f at the point (x, f(x)).
2. Instantaneous rate of change. For each x in the domain of , is the instantaneous
rate of change of with respect to x.
3. Velocity. If f(x) is the position of a moving object at time x, then is the velocity
of the object at that time.

Steps in Finding the Derivative of f.
1. Find
2. Find
3. Find

4. Find

Example:
A companys total sales (in millions of dollars) t months from now are given by

1. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the sales.
2. Find and interpret S(12) and S(12).
3. Estimate the total sales after 13 months and after 14 months.

Seatwork:
The revenue (in dollars) from the sale of x infant car seats is given by

a. Find the average change in revenue if production is changed from 1,000 car seats to
1,050 car seats.
Formula:

b. Use the four-step process to find R(x).
c. Find the revenue and the instantaneous rate of change of revenue at a production
level of 1,000 car seats, and write a brief verbal interpretation of these results.
DERIVATIVES

For , we define the derivative of f at x, denoted by , to be

if the limit exists

If exists for each x in the open interval (a, b), then f is said to be
differentiable over (a, b).

Interpretation of the Derivative
The derivative of a function f is a new function. The domain of is a subset of
the domain of f. The derivative has various applications and interpretations, including the
following:
1. Slope of the tangent line. For each x in the domain of , is the slope ofthe line
tangent to the graph of f at the point (x, f(x)).
2. Instantaneous rate of change. For each x in the domain of , is the instantaneous
rate of change of with respect to x.
3. Velocity. If f(x) is the position of a moving object at time x, then is the velocity
of the object at that time.

Steps in Finding the Derivative of f.
1. Find
2. Find
3. Find

4. Find

Example:
A companys total sales (in millions of dollars) t months from now are given by

1. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the sales.
2. Find and interpret S(12) and S(12).
3. Estimate the total sales after 13 months and after 14 months.

Seatwork:
The revenue (in dollars) from the sale of x infant car seats is given by

a. Find the average change in revenue if production is changed from 1,000 car seats to
1,050 car seats.
Formula:

b. Use the four-step process to find R(x).
c. Find the revenue and the instantaneous rate of change of revenue at a production
level of 1,000 car seats, and write a brief verbal interpretation of these results.