11

1 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS (LAS)

Quarter 3: Week 1-8

 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Limit of a Function

Name of the Learner ________________________ Q3,W1

Section ____________________________ Date _______________

Background Information

The concept of a limits has been studied many years ago and it is very essential when
it comes to studying the change in great aspect. Limits are said to be the backbones of calculus
which is so called the mathematics of change. It is undeniable that early mathematicians used
a limiting process to obtain as well better approximations of areas of circles. The evaluation of
limits causes the constructions of derivatives and the integral functions. Let us now explore
the nature of limits to understand further its definition.

Consider the graph of the following rational functions and focus on their behavior

𝑥 2 −4
a) f(x)=
𝑥−2
b) g(x) =
/𝑥−2/
𝑥−2
c) h(x) =
1
(𝑥−2)2

Notice that each function is undefined at x=2, but if we make this statement and no
other, we give a very partial image of how each function behaves in the vicinity of x = 2. To
express the behavior of each graph in the vicinity of 2 more completely, we need to
introduce the concept of a limit.

Definition (Limit of a Function)

Let f(x) be a function defined at all values in an open interval containing a, with the
possible exception of a itself, and let L be a real number. If all values of the function f(x)
approach the real number L as the values of x(≠a) approach the number a, then we say that
the limit of f(x) as x approaches a is L. Concisely, as x gets closer to a, f(x) gets closer and
stays close to L.
In symbols, we express this idea as:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐿
𝑥→𝑎
This is read as “the limit of a function f(x) as x approaches a is L”.

Graph of functions as they approach to a certain value are shown below;

f(x) = 1 + 3x f(x) = x2 + 1 f(x) = | x |

at x = 2 at x =0
at x = -1 01

2
f(x) = x – 5x + 4 f(x) = x+1 if x < 4
2
x–1 (x-4) + 3 if x ≤ 4

at x = 4
at x = 1

Evaluating the Limit of a Function Using the Table of Values

Consider these examples.
Example 1: Find lim (𝑥 + 𝟐)
𝑥→4

x 2 2.5 3 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 3.9 3.99 3.999

f(x) 4 4.5 5 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.7 5.9 5.99 5.999
*Value of x gets closer to 4 from the left as x approaches 4 from the left

x 6 5.5 5 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.3 4.1 4.01 4.001

f(x) 8 7.5 7 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.3 6.1 6.01 6.001
*Value of x gets closer to 4 from the right as x approaches 4 from the right
 Therefore, the lim (𝑥 + 2) = 6
𝑥→4

Example 2: One sided Limit

Let f be defined by the equation f(x) = √𝑥 − 2 , evaluate a) lim− 𝑓(𝑥) and b) lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→2 𝑥→2

Solution:
a) The lim− 𝑓(𝑥)=√𝑥 − 2 does not exist because √𝑥 − 2 is not a real number if x< 2
𝑥→2
b) Let us construct the table of values

x 6 4 3 2.7 2.5 2.1 2.01 2.001 2.0001

f(x) 2 1.4142 1 0.8367 0.7071 0.3162 0.1 0.316 .016

The graph of the lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)=√𝑥 − 2

𝑥→2

Hence, the lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)=√𝑥 − 2 is 0.

𝑥→2

Distinguishing the Limit and the Value of a Function at a

The distinction of the limit and the value of a function is very essential in
understanding further the concept of continuity which will be discussed in the succeeding
lessons.
Let us consider this function,
f(x ) = |x| if x ≠ 0
2 if x = 0

As can be gleaned, the entries are not the same;

lim 𝑓(𝑥) f(a)

𝑥→𝑎

lim |x| = 0 f(0) = 2

𝑥→0

This example shows that lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑎) may be distinct.
𝑥→𝑎

Furthermore, consider the next illustration;

f(x ) = x+1 if x < 4

(x – 4)2 + 3 if x ≥ 4

Then, we will have and once again that lim 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑎) are unequal.
𝑥→𝑎

lim 𝑓(𝑥) f(a)

𝑥→𝑎

lim 𝑓(𝑥)DNE f(4) = 2

𝑥→0

When a limit does not exist? The limits usually do not exist due to the following reasons:

1. The one-sided limits are not equal.

2. The function doesn't approach a finite value.
3. The function doesn't approach a particular value (oscillation).
4. The x - value is approaching the endpoint of a closed interval.

Example 3: Consider a function f(x) = 1/x whose graph is shown below, what can be said
about lim f(x)? Does it exist or not? Why?
𝑥→0
Answer:
The limit does not exist because the arrows moves in opposite direction as x
approaches 0. As x-values get closer and closer to 0, the more negatively or positively large
the corresponding f(x)-values become.

−1, 𝑥 < 0
Example 4: Suppose 𝑓(𝑥) = { and given its graph below, what is the limit of the
3𝑥, 𝑥 ≥ 0
function?

Solution
a. lim− 𝑓(𝑥) = −2
𝑥→0

b. lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 = 3(0) = 0

𝑥→0

c. lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

d. Note: when lim− 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) the lim 𝑓(𝑥) does not exist. Hence, lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→0
does not exist.

Laws of Limits
In the previous examples, we have evaluated limits using the table of values. This
time, to evaluate the limits of the functions, the following laws will be applied.
1. The Law of Constant
If c is a constant real number, lim 𝑐 = c
𝑥→𝑎

Examples:

a) lim 6 = 6 b) lim(−10) = -10

2 6

2. The Limit of x law, lim 𝑥 = a

𝑥→𝑎
The limit of x as x approaches a is equal to a.
 Examples:

a) lim 𝑥 = 7 b) lim 𝑥 = -12

7 −12

3. The Constant Multiple Law

The limit of a constant c times a function is equal to the constant c times the limit of
the function provided that lim 𝑓(𝑥)exists.
𝑥→𝑎

lim 𝑐 f(x) = c lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Examples:

a) lim 4𝑥 = 4lim 𝑥 b) lim 6𝑥 = 6 lim 𝑥

𝑥→2 𝑥→5 𝑥→−7 𝑥→−7

= 4 (5) = 6(-7)

=20 = -42

4. The Law of Sum and Difference

This states that the limit of sum and difference of functions is the sum/difference of the
individual functions.

lim[ f ( x ) g ( x)] = lim f ( x) lim g ( x).

x →a x →a x →a

Examples:

a) lim(𝑥 + 9) =lim 𝑥 + lim 9 b)lim (𝑥 − 5) = lim 𝑥 − lim 5

𝑥→9 𝑥→9 𝑥→9 𝑥→3 𝑥→3 𝑥→3

=9 + 9 =3-5
= 18 =-2

5. Law of Product

lim[ f ( x ) g ( x )] = lim f ( x) lim g ( x).

x →a x →a x →a

Examples:
a) lim 3(2𝑥 + 1) = lim 3 ∗ lim (2𝑥 + 1) b)lim 𝑥(5𝑥 + 6)= ?
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→4

= 3 (5) = 4[ 5(4) +6)]

= 15 = 4 (26) = 104
6. Law of Quotient

f ( x) lim f ( x )
lim = x→a .
x→a g ( x) lim g ( x ) lim g ( x) 0.
x→a provided x →a

Examples:

2𝑥+1
lim 2𝑥+1 2(3)+1 𝟕
lim = 𝑥→3 = =
𝑥→3 𝑥+3 lim 𝑥+3 3+3 𝟔
𝑥→3

7. The Law of Power

The limit of nth power of a function is equal to the power of the limit of the function if
n is a positive integer and the limit of f(x) as x approaches a exists.
n
( x) ( x)
n
6a. lim f = lim f
x→a x →a

Examples:

a) lim (3𝑥 + 2)3 = lim(3𝑥 + 2)3 b) lim (4𝑥 + 9)2 = (−3)2 = 9

𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→−3
= 53
= 125

8. Law of Radical/Root
This states that if n is a positive integer, the limit of the nth root of a function is just
the nth root of the limit of the function provided that the nth root of the limit is a real
number. Take note also that if n is even, then the limit of a function is positive.

𝑛
lim 𝑛√𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑛√ lim 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝐿
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Examples:

2
If lim f(x) = 4, then lim 2√𝑓(𝑥) = 2√ lim 𝑓(𝑥) =√4 = 2
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎 𝑥→𝑎

Limits of Algebraic Functions

In this topic, the laws of limits will be applied further by evaluating the limits of
polynomials, rational and radical functions.

Example 1 - Determine lim (2x3 – 4x2 + 1)

𝑥→−1

Solution:
lim (2x3 – 4x2 + 1) = lim 2x3 - lim 4x2+ lim 1 (Sum)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1
 = 2 lim x3 −4 lim x2 + 1 (Constant Multiple)
𝑥→−1 𝑥→−1

= 2(-1)3 – 4(-1)2 + 1 (Power)

=-2–4+1
= -5

(𝑥−3)( 𝑥 2 −2)
Example 2 – Evaluate lim
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1
Solution:
lim ( x−3) ∙ lim ( 𝑥 2 −2)
(𝑥−3)( 𝑥 2 −2) 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
lim = (Quotient)
𝑥→1 𝑥 2 +1 lim (𝑥 2 +1)
𝑥→1

lim ( x−3) ∙ lim ( 𝑥 2 −2)

𝑥→1 𝑥→1
= (Multiplication)
2

(lim 𝑥−lim 3)( lim𝑥 2 − lim 2)

= 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1
(Sum)
2

( 1−3)(12 −2)
= =1
2

𝑥 2 + 4𝑥+4
Example 3 Determine lim
𝑥→−1 𝑥+2

Solution:

𝑥2 + 4𝑥+4 (𝑥+2)(𝑥+2)
lim =
𝑥→6 𝑥+2 𝑥+2
= x+2
= 6+2 =8

3
Example 4 - Find lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6
𝑥→−2

Solution:
3 3
lim √𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6 = lim (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 6)
√𝑥→−2
𝑥→−2

3
= √4 − 6 − 6)
3
= √−8 = - 1
 √2𝑥+5
Example 5 – Evaluate lim
𝑥→2 1−3𝑥

Solution:

lim √2𝑥+5 lim (2𝑥+5)

√𝑥→2
√2𝑥+5 √9 𝟑
lim = 𝑥→2
= = −5 =-𝟓
𝑥→2 1−3𝑥 lim (1−3𝑥) −5
𝑥→2

𝑥− 121
Example 6 – Determine lim
𝑥→121 √𝑥−11

Solution:
𝑥− 121 𝑥− 121 √𝑥+11
lim = • (Multiply the conjugate of √𝑥 - 11)
𝑥→121 √𝑥−11 √𝑥−11 √𝑥+11

(𝑥− 121)(√𝑥+11)
=
𝑥−121

= √𝑥 + 11

=√121 + 11
= 11 + 11
= 22

As a summary, remember the following:

• If all values of the function f(x) approach the real number L as the values
of x(≠a) approach the number a, then we say that the limit of f(x) as x
approaches a is L. Symbolically, 𝒍𝒊𝒎 f(x) = L
𝒙→𝒂
• To evaluate the limit of a function by table of values, assign values from right and left
approaching a particular value.
• The value of 𝒍𝒊𝒎 f(x) may be distinct from the function value at x = a, that is of f(a).
𝒙→𝒂
• If x approaches a from the left or through values less than a, then write 𝒍𝒊𝒎− f(x)
𝒙→𝒂
• If x approaches a from the right or through values greater than a, then write 𝒍𝒊𝒎+ f(x)
𝒙→𝒂
• Further, we say 𝒍𝒊𝒎 f(x) = L if and only if 𝒍𝒊𝒎− f(x)= L and 𝒍𝒊𝒎+ f(x)
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙→𝒂 𝒙→𝒂
• For a limit to exists, the limits from both left and right must exist and be equal to L.
• 𝒍𝒊𝒎 f(x) does not exist (DNE) whenever 𝒍𝒊𝒎− f(x) ≠ 𝒍𝒊𝒎+ f(x)
𝒙→𝒂 𝒙→𝒂 𝒙→𝒂
• The limits do not exist for one sided limits, those that do not approach to finite and
particular values(oscillations) and when x - value is approaching the endpoint of a
closed interval.
• Apply the limit laws to evaluate the limit of algebraic functions such as
polynomials, rational and radical.
Learning Competency with Code:
• Illustrate the limit of a function using a table of values and the graph of the
function (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-1)
• Distinguish between lim f(x) and f(c) (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-2)
x→a
• Illustrate the limit laws (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-3)
• Apply the limit laws in evaluating the limit of algebraic functions (polynomial,
rational, and radical (STEM_BC11LC-IIIa-4)

Practice A
Find the limit of the following functions by table of values. If the limit does not exist, write
DNE. Show the graph of the functions.
1. lim (x – 3)
x→−1

2. lim (x2 + 1)
x→−1

3. Lim √3 − 𝑥
x→𝟑+

3 |−𝑥+3|
4. Lim
x→𝟑− −𝑥+3

Practice B
Evaluate the limit of the following algebraic functions.
2𝑥 2 −5𝑥−3
1. Lim
x→𝟑 𝑥−3

𝑥 4 +3𝑥 3 −𝑥 2 + 𝑥+4
2. Lim
x→−𝟏 𝑥−3

√𝑥+4 −2
3. lim
𝑥→0 𝑥

√𝑥+6 −𝑥
4. lim
𝑥→3 𝑥−3

1 1
+
2 𝑥
5. lim
𝑥→−2 𝑥+2

Enrichment
Practice C
What is the limit of f(x) = 1/x2 and – 1/x2 as x approaches 0. Show the graph.
References:
Department of Education. Basic Calculus Teachers’ Guide for Senior High School, First
Edition. Sunshine Interlinks Publishing House,Q.C.,Philippines.2016. pp 3 - 33.
“Evaluating Limits Worksheets”. Last accessed October 2020.
http://webpages.sou.edu/~stonelakb/math/pdf/Evaluating%20Limits%20Worksheet%20
solutions.pdf
LibreTexts. “Limits of a Function and Limit Laws”. Last accessed October 2020.
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_California_Davis/UCD_Mat_21A%3A_
Differential_Calculus/2%3A_Limits_and_Continuity/2.2%3A_Limit_of_a_Function_and_
Limit_Laws
“Limits Discontinuities”. Last accessed October 2020.
https://cdn.kutasoftware.com/Worksheets/Precalc/14%20%20Limits%20at%20Jump%2
0Discontinuities%20and%20Kinks.pdf
Math Warehouse. “How to Determine when Limits Don’t Exist”. Last accessed October 2020.
https://www.mathwarehouse.com/calculus/limits/how-to-determine-when-limits-do-not-
exist.php
Nagwa. “Limits from Tables and Graphs Worksheet”. Last accessed October 2020.
https://www.nagwa.com/en/worksheets/510158976146/

Answer Key
Practice A
1. -4 (table of values may vary) 3. DNE (table of values may vary)

2. 2 (table of values may vary) 4. 3 (table of values may vary)

Practice B

1. 7 2. 8 3. ¼ 4. -5/6 5. -
1/4
Enrichment
Practice C
For 1/x2 , the limit is positive infinity and negative infinity for -1/x2

Graph of 1/x2 Graph of - 1/x2

Prepared:

LOIDA B. QUIRIMO, MAED

Master Teacher I
Mathematics
 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Limits of Transcendental Functions and Some Indeterminate Forms
Name of the Learner ________________________ Q3, W2
Section ____________________________ Date _______________

Background Information
Some situational problems require mathematical models that uses functional
relationships and may involve the idea of exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
This means that the study of these topics plays an important role in unlocking some difficulties
and find solutions to some of the mathematical problems. To further understand, let us explore
the limits of these functions.

Evaluating Limits of Exponential Functions

An exponential function is in the form f(x) = bx for any real number x where b is any
positive real number and b≠ 0. The domain of f is all real numbers. The range of f is all positive
real numbers. The y-intercept is (0,1) and the horizontal asymptote is y=0. The characteristics
and the graph of exponential function with the form f(x)=bx, b>0, b≠1 are shown below;

• One to one function

• Horizontal asymptote: y=0
• Domain: (-∞, ∞)
• Range : (0, ∞)
• x-intercept: none
• y-intercept: (0,1)
• increasing if b>1
• decreasing if b<1

Example 1: Consider the exponential function f(x) = 3x, find lim 3𝑥 and lim 3𝑥
x→−∞ x→+∞

Solution:
lim 3𝑥
x→−∞

x 1 0 -1 -5 -9
f(x) 3 1 0.33333 0.00411 0.00005

lim 3𝑥
x→+∞

x -1 5 7 9 11
f(x) 0.333333 243 2,187 19, 683 177, 147
 As you have noticed, as x decreases, the value of the function approaches 0. Thus,
lim 3𝑥 = 0. While lim 3𝑥 = +∞ because as the value of x increases, the function f(x)
x→−∞ x→+∞
increases too.

The graph of f(x) = 3x is shown below:

Natural Exponential Function

The natural exponential function f(x) = e which is known as the Euler number has a
value of 2.7182818285…

Example 2: Evaluate lim 𝑒 𝑥

x→0

Solution:
Using the table of values, naturally we have lim− 𝑒 𝑥 = 1 as shown as the values
x→0
approaching 0 from its left.

x -2 -1 -0.01 -0.0001 -0.000001

f(x) 0.135335367 0.36787944 0.99004983 0.999900005 0.999999

Also, considering the values approaching 0 from its right, we will have lim+ 𝑒 𝑥 = 1
x→0

x 2 1 0.01 0.0001 0.000001

f(x) 7.389051595 2.7182818285 1.0100501671 1.000100005 1.000001

Hence, lim 𝑒 𝑥 = 1. The graph is shown below:

x→0
Example 3: Evaluate lim 𝑒 −𝑥
x→0

Solution:
Using table of values approaching from its left, lim− 𝑒 −𝑥 = 1
x→0

x -2 -1 -0.01 -0.0001 -0.000001

f(x) 7.389051595 2.7182818285 1.0100501671 1.000100005 1.000001

From its right, lim+ 𝑒 −𝑥 = 1

x→0

x 2 1 0.01 0.0001 0.000001

f(x) 0.135335367 0.36787944 0.99004983 0.999900005 0.999999

We conclude that, lim 𝑒 −𝑥 = 1. The graph of the function is shown below.

x→0

Evaluating Limits of Logarithmic Functions

Recall that the inverse of exponential function is the logarithmic function. So, if x = 2y,
the inverse of this function is given by log2x = y. The natural logarithmic functions f(x) = ln x.
Meaning, that ln x = logex which is the inverse of y = ex

Example 4: Evaluate lim log2x and lim+log2x

x→+∞ x→0

Solution:
Using table of values, we have
lim log2x
x→+∞

x 0.125 0.5 1 2 8 32 128

f(x) -3 -1 0 1 3 5 7

lim log2x
x→0+

x 512 128 32 8 2 1 0.5 0.125 .0313 0.0078

f(x) 9 7 5 3 1 0 -1 -3 -5 -7
 As can be seen in the tables, as x values increases the value of the function f(x)=
log2x increases too. Also, as x approaches 0, the value of the function f(x) = log 2x
decreases. Therefore, lim log2x = +∞ and lim+log2x= -∞
x→+∞ x→0

Here is the graph,

Example 5: Evaluate lim ln x

x→1

Solution:
Construct the table of values of f(x) = ln x from left and right approaching 1.
lim ln x
x→1−

x 0.1 0.5 0.9 0.99 0.999 0.9999 0.9999

f(x) -2.30258 -0.69315 -0.10536 -0.01005 -0.00100 -0.00010 -0.00001

lim ln x
x→1+

x 2 1.5 1.1 1.01 1.001 1.0001 1.00001

f(x) 0.693147 0.4054651 0.095310 0.0099503 0.0009995 0.000099 0.000009

Based from the given values, as x approaches 1, the function value gets closer and
closer to 0. This only means that, lim ln x=0. The graph of f(x) = ln x is shown below:
x→1

Evaluating Limits of Trigonometric Functions

To evaluate the limits of a function involving trigonometric, we have better
understanding and mastery of using trigonometric identities which were already presented in
the previous quarter and learn more about the limits of trigonometric function formulas. Here
are some of the limits of trigonometric function formulas:
lim sinx = 0 lim cos x = 1 lim sin x = sin c lim cos x = cos c
x→0 x→0 x→c x→c
 We also have the three special functions which are shown below and their graphs

sin 𝑥
a) lim
𝑥
=1
x→0

1− cos 𝑥
b) lim =0
x→0 𝑥

𝑒 𝑡 −1
c) lim =0
x→0 𝑡

In more general terms, for each number a ≠0, then,

sin 𝑎𝑥 1− cos 𝑎𝑥
lim =1 lim =0
x→0 𝑎𝑥 x→0 𝑎𝑥

sin 4𝑥 1− cos 2𝑥
Example 6: Evaluate: a) lim 3𝑥
and b) lim
x→0 x→0 5𝑥

Solution:
sin 4𝑥 4 sin 4𝑥 4 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑥 4 𝟒
a) lim = lim [ • ]= lim = (1) =
x→0 3𝑥 𝑥→0 3 4𝑥 3 𝑥→0 4𝑥 3 𝟑
 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 2 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 2 1− 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 2
b) lim = lim [ • ]= lim = (0) = 𝟎
x→0 5𝑥 𝑥→0 5 2𝑥 5 𝑥→0 2𝑥 5

sin 𝑥
Example 7: Find lim
x→π/2 6𝑥

Solution:
π
sin 𝑥 sin( ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛90 1
lim = 2
π = cos 540 = −1 = -1
x→π/2 𝑐𝑜𝑠6𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠6( )
2

cos 3𝑥
Example 8: Determine lim
x→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥

Solution:
cos 3𝑥 cos 3(0) cos 0 1
lim = = = =1
x→0 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 cos 2(0) cos 0 1

As a summary, remember the following:

• An exponential function is in the form f(x) = bx for any real number x where b is any
positive real number and b≠ 0.

• The natural exponential function f(x) = e which is known as the Euler number has a
value of 2.7182818285…

• In exponential function, as x increases, the value of the function increases too where
b>0 and if b< 1, the function value decreases.

• The logarithmic function is the inverse of exponential function given by log2x = y.

• To evaluate the limits of exponential and logarithmic functions applying table of

values, we can assign values of x from its left or right approaching a certain value.

• To evaluate the limits of trigonometric functions, learning trigonometric identities is

necessary. The use of trigonometric formulas and special functions may also apply
when needed. Table of values can also be utilized.

Learning Competency with code:

• Compute the limits of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
using tables of values and graphs of the functions (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-1).
• Illustrate limits involving the expressions with (sin t)/t, (1-cost)/t and (et – 1)/t
and using tables of values (STEM_BC11LC-IIIb-2).
Practice A: Find the limits of the following functions involving exponential and logarithmic
functions by table of values. Graph.

1
1. lim ( )𝑥
x→+∞ 2

2. lim log x
x→10

3. lim (2)𝑥
x→6

4. lim ln x
x→5

5. lim (𝑒)𝑥
x→2

Practice B: Evaluate the following limits involving trigonometric function and some special
functions
1. lim cos x
x→Π
1−cos 𝑡
2. lim
t→0 sin 𝑡

sin 3𝑥
3. lim
x→0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑥
sin(𝑡+3)
4. lim
t→−3 𝑡 3 + 3𝑡 2

5. lim (x cot 2x)

x→0

Enrichment
Practice C: Calculate the limit of the given trigonometric function below. Show your
complete solutions.
cos 3𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
lim
t→−0 𝑥2
References:
Department of Education. Basic Calculus Teachers’ Guide for Senior High School, First
Edition. Sunshine Interlinks Publishing House,Q.C.,Philippines.2016. pp 39 – 51.
Salas, Hille, Etgen Calculus: One and Several Variables. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright
2007.
“Limits of Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions”. Accessed October 2020.
https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Mount_Royal_University/MATH_1200%3A_Calculus
_for_Scientists_I/1%3A_Limit__and_Continuity_of_Functions/1.9%3A_Limit_of_Expone
ntial_Functions_and_Logarithmic_Functions.
“Limits of Trigonometric Functions”. Accessed October 2020.
http://www.phengkimving.com/calc_of_one_real_var/06_the_trig_func_and_their_inv/06
_01_the_trig_func/06_01_03_lim_of_trig_func.htm
“Trigonometric Limits”. Accessed October 2020.
https://www.mathdoubts.com/trigonometric-limits-problems-and-solutions/
“Trigonometric Limits”. Accessed October 2020.
https://www.math24.net/trigonometric-limits/

Answer Key
Practice A (table of values may vary)
1. 0 4. 1.61

2. 1 5. e2 or 7.389..

3. 64
Practice B
1. -1 2. 0 3. 3/2 4. 1/9 5. 1/2
Enrichment
Practice C
Answer: -4

Prepared:

LOIDA B. QUIRIMO, MAED

Master Teacher I
Mathematics
 Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheet
CONTINUITY

Name of Learner: _________________ Q3, W3

Section: ________________________ Date: ____________

Background Information:

A function is said to be continuous at x = a if there is no interruption in the graph of f(x) at a.

Its graph is unbroken at a, and there is no hole, jump or gap. Such functions can be sketched without
lifting the ballpen from the paper; that is, there is no break in the graph.

A function is said to be continuous on an open interval at (a, b) if it is continuous at each point

in that interval.

Example 1: The following graphs are said to be continuous on an open interval at (a, b). Notice the
graphs have no holes, breaks or gaps.

a b a b

a b

a b

A function is said to be continuous at a point x = a if the following three conditions are

satisfied:

i. f(x) is defined, that is, it exists at x = a and it is not infinity.

ii. lim 𝑓(𝑥) exists.

𝑥 →𝑎

iii. lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑎)

𝑥 →𝑎

If one or more conditions are not satisfied, we say that the given function is discontinuous at
x = a. Graphs of functions that are discontinuous at a real number are shown below where special names
are indicated to associate with these discontinuities.

a. The graph below has a hole at x = 2. It is undefined at x = 2. This function is said to be

removable discontinuity at x = 2.
 b. The graph on the next page is an example of a finite jump discontinuity because the limits
of the function to the left and to the right are not equal, and therefore the limit at x = 3 does
not exist.

c. The graph below is an example of an infinite discontinuity. The limits of the function at
𝑥 = 𝑎 does not exist since to the left and to the right of 3, the function either increases or
decreases indefinitely.

4𝑥+5
Example 2: Determine whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at a) x = - 1 and b) x = 3.
9−3𝑥

Solutions:

a) Step 1: Find 𝑓(−1).

4(−1) + 5 1
𝑓(−1) = =
9 − 3(−1) 12
 Step 2: Compute lim 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥 →−1

1
=
12

4𝑥+5
Step 3: Since 𝑓(−1) = lim 𝑓(𝑥), the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is continuous at x = - 1.
𝑥 →−1 9−3𝑥

4𝑥+5
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = at x = -1 is shown below.
9−3𝑥

b) Step 1: Solve for 𝑓(3).

4(3)+5 17
𝑓(3) = = = 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑. 𝑓(3) 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛′ 𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡. Therefore, we can see that the
9−3(3) 0
function is discontinuous at x=3.

For practice, you might want to verify that:

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = ∞ and lim+ 𝑓(𝑥) = −∞

𝑥 →3− 𝑥 →3

So lim 𝑓(𝑥) doesn’t exist.

𝑥 →3

4𝑥+5
The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = at x = 3 is shown below.
9−3𝑥
 𝑥 2 −9
Example 3: Determine where the function 𝑓(𝑥) is discontinuous.
3𝑥 2 +2𝑥−8

Soltions:

The only points in which the rational expression will be discontinuous will be where we have
division by zero. Therefore, all we need to do is determine where the denominator is zero.

The function will therefore be discontinuous at the points x = 4/3 and x =- 2.

2𝑥, 𝑥 < 6
Example 4: Determine whether the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { is continuous at a) x = 4 and
𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6
b) x = 6.
Solutions:

a) Step 1: Find 𝑓(4).

𝑓(4) = 2(4) = 8

Step 2: Compute lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥 →4

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(4) = 8

𝑥 →4

2𝑥, 𝑥 < 6
Step 3: Since 𝑓(4) = lim 𝑓(𝑥), the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { is continuous at x = 4.
𝑥 →4 𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6
2𝑥, 𝑥 < 6
The graph of𝑓(𝑥) = { at x = 4 is on the next page.
𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6

b) Step 1: Find 𝑓(6).

𝑓(6) = 2(6) = 12

Step 2: Compute lim 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑥 →6

lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 6 − 1 = 5
𝑥 →6
 2𝑥, 𝑥 < 6
Step 3: Since 𝑓(6) ≠ lim 𝑓(𝑥), the function 𝑓(𝑥) = { is discontinuous at x = 6.
𝑥 →6 𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6
2𝑥, 𝑥 < 6
The graph of𝑓(𝑥) = { at x = 6 is shown below.
𝑥 − 1, 𝑥 ≥ 6

Learning Competency with code

• Illustrate continuity of a function at a number (STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-1)

• Determine whether a function is continuous at a number or not
(STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-2)
• Illustrate continuity of a function on an interval (STEM_BC11LC-IIIc-3)
• Solve problems involving continuity of a function (STEM_BC11LC-IIId-3)

Activity 1: Multiple-Choice. Choose the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. If f is a function such that lim f(x) as x --> a does not exist then f is not continuous.
A. True
B. False

2. If functions f(x) and g(x) are continuous everywhere then

A. f / g)(x) is also continuous everywhere.
B. (f / g)(x) is also continuous everywhere except at the zeros of g(x).

For problem numbers 3 and 4, refer to the graph below:

 3. Which of the following best describes the continuity at x = 1?

A. Continuous
B. Removable Point Discontinuity
C. Infinite Discontinuity
D. Jump Discontinuity

4. Which of the following best describes the continuity at x = -3?

A. Continuous
B. Removable Point Discontinuity
C. Infinite Discontinuity
D. Jump Discontinuity

5. Which of the following best describes the continuity at x = 5?

A. Continuous
B. Removable Point Discontinuity
C. Infinite Discontinuity
D. Jump Discontinuity

Activity 2: Determine the point/s where the following functions are discontinuous, if it there is/are.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5

8𝑡
2. 𝑅 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡 2 −9𝑡−1

1
3. ℎ(𝑧) = 2−4cos (3𝑧)

𝑥
4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
7−𝑒 2𝑥+3

Activity 3: Determine whether the following functions are continuous at given points.
6
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = at A) 𝑥 = −2 and B) 𝑥 = 5
𝑥 2 −3𝑥−10

𝑡 2 , 𝑡 < −2
2. ℎ(𝑡) = { at A) t = - 2 and t = 10
𝑡 + 6, 𝑡 ≥ −2
Activity 4: Problem-solving. Solve the problem below.
1. Find the value of a such that
2𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑥 − 14
lim 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 →−1 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3
exists. And what is the value of the limit?
References:
Comandante, Jr, Felipe. Calculus for Business & Economics. Third Edition. Mandaluyong City:
National Book Store, 2011.

Mathematics LibreTexts. " Continuity”.

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/Monroe_Community_College/MTH_210_Calculus_I/Chapter_
2_Limits/2.6%3A_Continuity. (Accessed on August 22, 2020)

Answer Key:
Activity 1:
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. A
Activity 2:
1. Continuous everywhere.
2. Discontinuous at:

3. Discontinuous at:

Or

4. Discontinuous at:

Activity 3:

1. A. Disontinuous at x = -2 ; B. Discontinuous at x = 5
2. A. Continuous at t = - 2; B. Continuous at t= 10.

Activity 4:
1. a=12 and the value of the limit is 4

Prepared:

CRISTIAN F. DAVID, EdD.

Master Teacher II
Angeles City Science High School
 Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheet
BASIC CONCEPTS OF DERIVATIVES

Name of Learner: _________________ Q3, W4

Section: ________________________ Date: ____________

Background Information:

Calculus, to a certain extent, concerns itself with the study of tangents to a curve. A tangent
line is defined as the line intersects the curve at only one point, while the line that line that intersects
the curve in two or more distinct points is called a secant line. Depicted in Figure 1 is the graph of a
polynomial function with tangents drawn at various points:

Figure 1

Upon observation, two important properties of the tangents to a curve may become apparent:

1. At the point at which it is tangent to the curve, the tangent line touches the curve, but does
not "cross" it.
2. The tangent line has the same slope as the point of the graph that it touches.

The slope m of a line is defined as the tangent of its angle of inclination or equivalently, as the
ratio of the change inn vertical distance (rise) to the change in horizontal distance (run) as the point
𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 ∆𝑦 𝑦2 −𝑦1
moves along the line in either direction. That is, 𝑚 = tan 𝜃 = = = .
𝑟𝑢𝑛 ∆𝑥 𝑥2 −𝑥1

Figure 2
 The slope of a given line is constant. However, for a given function whose graph is a curve,
the slope is not constant at a given point. The rate of change of a curve can be estimated by calculating
the ratio of change of the function ∆𝑦 to the change of the independent variable ∆𝑥. To illustrate this,
consider the graph in Figure 3 with a secant line that intersects at points P 1 (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) and P2 (𝑥 +
ℎ, 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)).

𝑃2

𝑃1

Figure 3

∆𝑦
We can calculate the quantity 𝑚 = for these two arbitrary points. We have:
∆𝑥

∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − (𝑓𝑥)
𝑚= =
∆𝑥 (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑥
∆𝑦 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − (𝑓𝑥)
=
∆𝑥 ℎ

𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−(𝑓𝑥)
This quantity is called the difference quotient. It does not represent the slope of
ℎ
the graph at (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)). Rather, it represents the slope of the secant line that goes the points P1
(𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) and P2 (𝑥 + ℎ, 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)).
To get the slope of the curve at the point P1 (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)), we can draw a tangent line at P1
(𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)). (See Figure 4)

𝑃2

𝑃1
Figure 4

Recall that the tangent to the graph has the same slope as the graph at the point of tangency.
Therefore, finding the slope of the graph at (x, f (x)) is the same as finding the slope of the tangent line
we have just drawn. Now, consider what happens to the secant line as h, the distance between the two
points on the x-axis, is made progressively smaller as shown in Figure 5.

𝑃2

𝑃2

𝑃2
𝑃1 𝑃1
𝑃1
Figure 5

It appears now that as h gets smaller, the secant line looks more and more like the tangent line,
which means that the slope of the secant is getting closer and closer to the slope of the tangent. This
suggests that if we could make h arbitrarily small, the slope of the secant would get arbitrarily close to
the slope of the tangent. Using limits, this idea could be represented as:
𝑚𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 = lim (𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡 )
ℎ→0

Substituting in the difference quotient for the slope of the secant yields:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − (𝑓𝑥)
𝑚𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Since the slope of the tangent is the same as the slope of the graph at the point of tangency,
we can say that:
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−(𝑓𝑥)
Slope of function at point (x, f (x)) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

This is one of the central ideas of all of calculus. The limit of the difference quotient is such
an important expression that it is given a name, the derivative, and is represented by "f'(x)". Thus, we
can say:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓′(𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
is the derivative of the function f with respect to x.

Remarks:
1. The process for obtaining the derivative of a function is called differentiation.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
2. Various types of notation are used for 𝑓′(𝑥). These are = (𝑓)= 𝑑𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑦′.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥+∆𝑥)−(𝑓𝑥)
3. We can also use 𝑓′(𝑥) = lim for the derivative of a function f with respect to
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
x.
 Example 1: Use the definition to differentiate 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 1.
Solutions:
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) [4(𝑥 + ℎ) − 1] − (4𝑥 − 1) Substitute f(x+h) and f(x) to given f
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
4𝑥 + 4ℎ − 1 − 4𝑥 + 1 Evaluate f(x+h) and f(x)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
4ℎ + 4𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 1 + 1 Rearrange the terms and simplify
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
4ℎ
= lim Cancel h
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim 4
ℎ→0 Evaluate the limit as ℎ → 0
=𝟒
Answer

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3 and evaluate f’(7)

Solutions:
𝑓 (𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) [(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 2(𝑥 + ℎ) + 3] − (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3) Substitute f(x+h) and f(x) to
A. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = ℎ→0
lim = lim given f
ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
[𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 − 2𝑥 − 2ℎ + 3] − (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 3)
= lim Evaluate f(x+h) and f(x)
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2 − 2𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 3 − 3
= lim Rearrange the terms and simplify
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2
= lim Factor the numerator
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ) Cancel h
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Evaluate the limit as ℎ → 0
= lim 2𝑥 + ℎ
ℎ→0
Simplify
= 2𝑥 + 0
Answer
= 𝟐𝒙

B. f’ (7) = 2 (7) = 14 Evaluate f’(7)

Learning Competency with code

• Illustrate the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point (STEM_BC11DIIIe-1)
• Apply the definition of the derivative of a function at a given number (STEM_BC11DIIIe-2)
• Relate the derivative of a function to the slope of the tangent line (STEM_BC11DIIIe-3)
Activity 1: Find the derivative of y with respect to x.

1. y = 3x − 5

2. 𝑦 = 6

3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥

4. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1

5. 𝑦 = √𝑥

Activity 2: For each of the following functions, find the indicated derivative using the definitions.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 1; 𝑓′(2)

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2; 𝑓′(−2)

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 7; 𝑓′(0)

References:
Comandante, Jr, Felipe. Calculus for Business & Economics. Third Edition. Mandaluyong City:
National Book Store, 2011.

Math is Fun Advanced. " Introduction to Derivatives”.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/derivatives-introduction.html/. (Accessed on August 22,
2020)
SparkNotes. " Introduction to Derivatives”.
https://www.sparknotes.com/math/calcab/introductiontoderivatives/section1/page/3/. (Accessed on
August 22, 2020)
Answer Key:
Activity 1:

6. 𝑦′ =3
7. 𝑦′ =0
8. 𝑦′ = 2𝑥 + 4
9. 𝑦′ = 6𝑥 − 2
1 √𝑥
10. 𝑦 ′ = 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 ′ =
2√𝑥 2𝑥

Activity 2:
1. 𝑓 ′ (2) = 0
2. 𝑓 ′ (−2) = 12
3. 𝑓 ′ (0) = −2

Prepared:

CRISTIAN F. DAVID, EdD.

Master Teacher II
Angeles City Science High School
 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
DIFFERENTIATION RULES
Name of the Learner _____________________ Q3,W5
Section ____________________________ Date _______________

Background Information

Recall that a function f is continuous at a number c if all of the following conditions

are satisfied:
a. f(c) is defined
b. lim f (x) exists; and
x®c
c. lim f (x) = f(c)
x®c
If at least one of the these conditions is not satisfied, the function is said to be
discontinuous
at c.

Also, a function f is said to be continuous everywhere if f is continuous at every real

f (c + h) - f (c)
number. A function f is differentiable at the number c if f '(c) = lim exists.
h®0 h

Consider the following illustrative examples on determining whether a function is

continuous or differentiable at a number.

Example 1:

ì 5x If x < 1
The function defined by f (x) = í
î 2x + 3 If x ≥ 1

Following definition of continuity of a function, we can say that f(c) exists which is
equal to 5 also the limit from the left and right exists and is also equal to 5. Hence, the
function is said to be continuous at x = 1 since lim f (x) = f(c).
x®c

Testing for differentiability we have to follow the definition of a differentiability of a

function.

5(x + h) - 5x
For x < 1, f(x) = 5x and lim- = 5.
h®0 h
[2(x + h) + 3] - (2x + 3)
For x > 1, f(x) = 2x+3 and lim+ = 2.
h®0 h
 Since one-sided limits at x = 1 do not coincide, the limit at x = 1 does not exist. And
since this limit is the definition of the derivative at x = 1. We conclude that the derivative does
not exist. Therefore, f is not differentiable at x = 1.
2. The function defined by f(x) = /x/.

ì - x If x < 0
To identify if it is continuous or not, we may rewrite the function as f (x) = í
î x If x ≥ 0
f(c) exists since f(0) = 0, for the second condition the limit from the left and right is also equal
to 0. And since condition 1 and condition 2 are equal then, we can say that the function at x
= 0 is continuous.
However, if we look at the limit definition of the derivative,
f (0 + h) - f (0) 0+h - 0 h
lim = lim = lim .
h®0 h h®0 h h®0 h

Note that the absolute value function is defined differently to the left and right of 0 so
we need to compute one-sided limits.

h h
lim- = lim- = lim ( -1) = -1.
h®0 h h®0 - h h®0 -
h h
Similarly, lim+ = lim- = lim- (1) = 1.
h®0 h h®0 h h®0
Hence, the derivative does not exist at x = 0 since the one-sided limits do not
coincide.
The two examples proved that continuity does not necessarily imply differentiability.
That is, there are functions which are continuous at a point, but not differentiable at that
point. The next theorem however says that the converse is always TRUE.

Theorem: If a function f is differentiable at a, then f is continuous at a.

Remarks:
a. If f is continuous at x = a, it does not mean that f is differentiable at x = a.
b. If f is not continuous at x = a, then f is not differentiable at x = a.
c. If f is not differentiable at x = a, it does not mean that f is not continuous at x = a.
d. A function f is not differentiable at x = a if one of the following is true:
(i) f is continuous at x = a.
(ii) the graph of f has a vertical tangent line at x = a.
(iii) the graph of f has a corner or cusp at x = a.
Examples:

ì x3 If x ≥ 2
1. The function f (x) = í
î x +1 If x < 2
The defined function is not continuous at x = 2 since its RHL and its LHL are not
equal.

RHL: lim+ f (x) = 8 LHL: lim- f (x) = 3

x®2 x®2

Hence, by Remark 1 letter b, if it is not continuous at a point then it is not

differentiable at that point.

1 -1
2. Using the definition the derivative of the function f (x) = is f '(x) = 2 .
x x
Observe that f is differentiable at x = 1 since f’(1) = -1. However, f is not differentiable
at x = 0 since f’(0) is undefined.

ì 3x If x ≥ 0
3. Consider the function f (x) = í
î 7x If x < 0

This function is continuous at x = 0 since f(0) = lim+ f (x) = lim- f (x) = 0 . However,
x®0 x®0
this function is not differentiable at x = 0. To see this, note that by taking the derivatives of
f(x) = 3x and f(x) = 7x, respectively. Note also the change in the inequalities involved in the
intervals present. Since lim+ f '(x) = 3 ¹ 7 = lim- f '(x) , then the limit does not exist. The
x®0 x®0
derivative, being defined as this limit, would also not exist at x = 0.

If x > 0 ì3
f '(x) = í
If x < 0 î7
Note also that failure to be differentiable at a point does not imply discontinuity at that
point. This is shown in this example, whereas f is not differentiable at x = 0 however it is
continuous at x = 0.

Differentiation Rules and Examples Involving Algebraic, Exponential, and

Trigonometric Functions
Below are the Differentiation Rules that can help us to find the derivatives of
functions easily.
 RULE 1: The Constant Rule
If f(x) = c where c is a constant, then f’(x) = 0. The derivative of a constant is equal to
zero.
Examples:
a. If f(x) = 5, then f’(x) = 0.
b. If h(x) = -4/7, then h’(x) = 0.
c. If g(x) = π, then g’(x) = 0.

RULE 2: The Power Rule

If f(x) = xn where n Î , then f’(x) = nxn-1.

Examples:

a. If f(x) = x2, then f’(x) = 2x2-1 = 2x.

1
b. Find g’(x) where g(x) = 3.
𝑥
The function can be written as g(x) = x-3
−3
g’(x) = -3x-3-1 = -3x-4 =
𝑥4

c. If h(x) = √𝑥, then we can write h(x) = 𝑥 1/2 . So we have,

1 -1
1 -1 1 1
h'(x) = x 2 = x 2 =
2 2 2 x

RULE 3: The Constant Multiple Rule

If f(x) = k h(x) where k is a constant, then f’(x) = k h’(x).

Examples:

3 3 -1
3 -1 3 3
a. If f (x) = 4x then f '(x) = (4)x 4 = 3x 4 = 1 = 4 .
4,
4 x
x4
-1
1 1 1 1
b. If g(x) = x , then g'(x) = ( )x 2 = .
2 2 2 4 x
c. If h(x) = 2x , then h'(x) = 2x1-1 = 2 .

RULE 4: The Sum/Difference Rule

If f(x) = g(x) ± h(x) where g and h are differentiable functions, then f’(x) = g’(x) ± h’(x).

Examples:

Differentiate the following (Use the given functions in the Examples in Rule 3):
a. f(x) + g(x) b. g(x) + h(x) c. f(x) - h(x)
 3 1
a. f '(x) + g'(x) = +
4
x 4 x
1
b. g'(x) + h'(x) = + 2
4 x
3
c. f '(x) + h'(x) = 4 - 2
x

RULE 5: The Product Rule

If f and g are differentiable functions, then

Dx [ f (x).g(x)] = f (x).g'(x) + g(x). f '(x)

It states that the derivative of the product of two differentiable functions is the first
function times the derivative of the second function plus the second function times the
derivative of the first function.

Examples:
a. Find f’(x) if f(x) = x2(2x+3).
f '(x) = x 2 Dx (2x + 3) + (2x + 3)Dx x 2
f '(x) = x 2 (2) + (2x + 3)(2x)
f '(x) = 2x 2 + 4x 2 + 6x = 6x 2 + 6x = 6x(x +1)

b. Find g’(x) if g(x) = (3x2 - 4)(x2 - 2x).

g'(x) = (3x 2 - 4)Dx (x 2 - 2x) + (x 2 - 2x)Dx (3x 2 - 4)
g'(x) = (3x 2 - 4)(2x - 2) + (x 2 - 2x)(6x)
g'(x) = 6x 3 - 6x 2 - 8x + 8 + 6x3 - 12x 2
g'(x) = 12x3 - 18x 2 - 8x + 8 or 2(6x3 – 9x2 – 4x + 4)

RULE 6: The Quotient Rule

Let f(x) and g(x) be two differentiable functions with g(x) ≠ 0. Then

f (x) g(x). f '(x) - f (x).g'(x)

Dx [ ]=
g(x) [g(x)]2
The rule above states that the derivative of the quotient of two functions is the fraction
having as its denominator the square of the original denominator, and its numerator the
denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus the numerator times the
derivative of the denominator.

Examples:

3x + 5
a. Let h(x) = , compute for h’(x).
x2 + 4
 3x + 5
If h(x) = 2
, then f(x) = 3x + 5 and g(x) = x2 + 4 and therefore f’(x) = 3 and g’(x) =
x +4
2x. Thus,

g(x). f '(x) - f (x).g'(x) (x 2 + 4)(3) - (3x + 5)(2x)

h'(x) = h'(x) =
[g(x)]2 (x 2 + 4)2

3x 2 +12 - 6x 2 - 10x 12 - 10x - 3x 2

h'(x) = h'(x) =
(x 2 + 4)2 (x 2 + 4)2

2x 4 + 7x 2 - 4
b. Let f (x) = 5 , find f’(x).
3x + x 4 - x +1
(3x 5 + x 4 - x +1)Dx (2x 4 + 7x 2 - 4) - (2x 4 + 7x 2 - 4)Dx (3x 5 + x 4 - x +1)
f '(x) =
(3x 5 + x 4 - x +1)2

(3x 5 + x 4 - x +1)(8x 3 +14x 2 ) - (2x 4 + 7x 2 - 4)(15x 4 + 4x 3 - 1)

f '(x) =
(3x 5 + x 4 - x +1)2

RULE 7: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions

1. Dx (sin u) = cos u Dxu 4. Dx (cot u) = -csc2u Dxu
2. Dx (cos u) = -sin u Dxu 5. Dx (sec u) = sec u tan u Dxu
3. Dx (tan u) = sec2u Dxu 6. Dx (csc u) = - csc u cot u Dxu
NOTE: u is a function with respect to x

Examples:
Find y’.
a. y = sin 7x d. y = sec x + 3 csc x
y’ = cos (7x) Dx (7x) y’ = sec x tan x + 3(-csc x cot x)
y’ = 7 cos 7x y’ = sec x tan x – 3 csc x cot x

b. y = cos 2x3
y’ = (-sin 2x3) Dx (2x3)
y’ = -6x2 sin 2x3

c. y = tan 3x 2
y’ = sec2 3x 2 Dx 3x 2
3x
y’ = sec2 3x 2 ( )
2
3x
3x sec 2 3x 2
y’ =
2
(Note: we cannot cancel 3x 2 to simplify because the 3x 2
3x
in the numerator is the angle of the trigonometric functions
sec)
 RULE 8: Derivatives of an Exponential Function
If f(x) = eu, then f’(x) = eu Dxu
If f(x) = logau, then f’(x) = (1/u)logae Dxu
If f(x) = ln u, then f’(x) = (1/u) Dxu
If f(x) = au, then f’(x) = aulna Dxu
NOTE: u is a function with respect to x and a is any constant.

Examples:
a. Find f’(x) if f(x) = 3ex
f’(x) = 3 Dx(ex) = 3ex

b. Find y’ if y = ln (cos 3x)

1 -3sin3x
y’ = ( - sin3x)(3) = = - tan3x
cos3x cos3x

c. Find g’(x) if g(x) = 33x

g’(x) = 33x(ln 3) (3) = 3.33x ln 3 or 33x+1 ln 3

RULE 9: Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

1 -1
1. Dx (sin-1u) = Dx u 4. Dx (cot-1u) = 2
Dx u
1- u 2 u +1

-1 1
2. Dx (cos-1u) = Dx u 5. Dx (sec-1u) = Dx u
2 2
1- u u u -1
1 -1
3. Dx (tan-1u) = 2
Dx u 6. Dx (csc-1u) = Dx u
u +1 u u2 - 1
NOTE: u is a function with respect to x

Examples:

a. Find f’(x) if f(x) = tan-15x

1 5
f’(x) = 2
(5) =
(5x) +1 25x 2 +1
 b. Find y’ if y = sec-1 2x
1 1
y’ = ( (2))
2x ( 2x )2 - 1 2 2x
1 1 1
y’ = ( )=
2x 2x - 1 2x 2x 2x - 1

Learning Competency with code:

• Determine the relationship between differentiability and continuity of a function.
(STEM_BC11DIIIf-1)

• Apply the Differentiation Rules in computing the derivative of an algebraic,

exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions.
(STEM_BC11DIIIf-3)

Practice A: Briefly answer the following questions.

1. Suppose f is a function such that f’(1) is undefined. Which of the following statements
is ALWAYS true?
a. f must be continuous at x = 1
b. f is NOT continuous at x = 1
c. There is not enough information to determine whether or not f is continuous at x =
1

2. Which of the following statements is/are ALWAYS true?

a. A function that is continuous at x = a must be differentiable at x = a.
b. A function that is NOT continuous at x = a must NOT be differentiable at x = a.
c. A function that is NOT differentiable at x = a must NOT be continuous at x = a.
d. A function that is differentiable at x = a must NOT be continuous at x = a.

Practice B: Find the first derivative of the following algebraic functions.

1. f(x) = 2,000 6. F(x) = (3x2 + 5)(x-5)

x
2. f(x) = 3x2 – 2x 7. F(x) =
(x - 2)
(2x - 7)
3. f(x) = 1/x3 8. F(x) =
(x + 4)
4. f(x) = (3x2 + 5)2
5. f(x) = x-5
Practice C: Find the first derivative of the following exponential and logarithmic functions.

a. y = e5x

b. y = xe2x

c. y = 2(x-1)

d. y = ln (x2-1)

e. y = log5(3x2)

Practice D: Find the first derivative of the following trigonometric functions.

1. y = sin 5x +1
p
2. y = cos
x2
3. y = tan (7x-1)
4. y = sec5x 3

5. y = cot 5x2

Practice E: Find the first derivative of the following inverse trigonometric functions.

1. y = cos-1(1-x)

2. y = sin-1(cos x)

3. y = tan-1(3x+7)

4. y = x2cot-1(1-x)

5. y = [sin -1 (4x)]2
References:
Balmaceda, JMP, et al. Basic Calculus, First Edition. Reviewed by Arceo, CPP, et al. Pasig
City: Department of Education, 2016.

“Differentiation Formulas”. Accessed October 2020. https://byjus.com/maths/differentiation-

formulas/#:~:text=%20Differentiation%20Formulas%20List%20%201%20Power%20R
ule%3A,%20gf’%206%20Quotient%20Rule%3A%20%3D%20More

“Differentiability and Continuity”. Accessed October 2020.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9DurbQYpfVqEA83RXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEE
cG9zAzEEdnRpZANDMTA1OV8xBHNlYwNzcg--
/RV=2/RE=1602925147/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.khanacademy.org%2fmath
%2fap-calculus-ab%2fab-differentiation-1-new%2fab-2-
4%2fv%2fdifferentiability/RK=2/RS=9ET1GVrk5s9AF18kNrEh1qMO4jQ-

“Differentiability and Continuity”. Accessed October 2020.

https://www.brainkart.com/article/Differentiability-and-Continuity_36106/

Louis, Leithold. The Calculus 7, 7th Edition. Harpercollins College Division, 1995.

“Rules of Differentiation of Functions on Calculus”. Accessed October 2020.

https://www.analyzemath.com/calculus/Differentiation/rules.html

Answer Key
Practice Set A
1. letter c is always TRUE 2. letter b is always TRUE

Practice Set B

1
1. 0 2. 6x-2 3. -3/x4 4. 12x(3x2+5) 5. 6. 9x2-
2 x-5
30x+5
-2
2 15
7. (x - 2) 8.
(x + 4)2

Practice Set C

2x 2 log 5 e
1. 5e 2. e2x(2x+1) 3. 2x-iln2 4. 5.
(x 2 - 1) x
Practice Set D

5cos 5x +1 2p p 15x 2 sec 5x 3 tan 5x 3

1. 2. 3
sin 2 3. 7sec2 (7x - 1) 4.
2 5x +1 x x 2 sec 5x 3
5. -10x csc2 5x 2

Practice Set E

1 3 8sin - 1 4x
1. 2. –csc x 3. 2
4.
2x - x 2 9x + 42x + 50 1 - 16x 2

8sin - 1 4x
5.
1 - 16x 2

Prepared:

ALVIN F. BUTSAYO
Teacher III
Mathematics
 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Limit of a Function

Name of the Learner ________________________ Q3,W6

Section ____________________________ Date _______________

Background Information

This Lesson is subdivided into three (3) subtopics namely;

A. Extreme Value Theorem

B. Optimization Problems
C. Illustration of the Chain Rule of Differentiation

Before we start with problem solving, we shall recall key concepts about Mathematical
Modeling. From General Mathematics subject physical phenomenon exhibits particular
functions to which such phenomenon behaves. For example, the number of people y in a
certain area that is infected by the existing pandemic (COVID-19) after some time. Such
phenomenon can be expressed as a function, for instance y(t) = 10(2 t). then we know that
initially, there are y(0) = 10 affected patients. After one hour, there are y(1) = 10(2 1)= 20
affected patients.
Observe that the independent variable here is time t and that the quantity y depends
on t. Since y is dependent on t, it now becomes possible to optimize the value of y by
controlling at which time t you will measure y.

Examples:
For each of the following, determine the dependent quantity Q(x) and the independent
quantity x on which it depends. Then, find the function Q(x) that accurately models the given
scenario.
1. The product P of a given number x and the number which is one unit bigger.
P(x) = x(x+1) = x2+x

2. The Volume V of a Sphere of a given radius r.

V(r) = (4/3)πr3

3. The Volume of a right circular cone with radius 3 cm and a given height h.
V(h) = 32πh.
 CRITICAL POINTS AND POINTS WHERE EXTREMA OCCUR
DEFINITION
Let f be a function that is continuous on an open interval I containing x0.
1. We say that x0 is a critical point of f if f’(x0) = 0 or f’(x) does not exist (that is, f has
a corner or a cusp at (x0, f(x0))).
2. We say that the maximum occurs at x 0 if the value f(x0) is the largest among all
other functional values on I, that is, f(x0) ≥ f(x) for all x elements of the I.
3. We say that the minimum of f occurs at x 0 if the value f(x0) is the smallest among
all the other functional values on I, that is. F(x0) ≤ f(x) for all x elements of the I.
4. We say that an extreme of f occurs at x0 if either the maximum or the minimum
occurs at x0.

Examples:
Find all the critical points of the given function f.
1. f(x) = 3x2 – 3x + 4
2. f(x) = x3 – 9x2 +15x – 20
3. f(x) = x – 3x1/3

Solution:
We differentiate f and find all the values of x such that f’(x) becomes zero or undeifned.
1. Note that f is differentiable everywhere, so critical points will only occur when f’(x) is
zero. That is, f’(x) = 6x – 3. Therefore equating to zero, 6x – 3 = 0; x = ½. So x = ½ is
a critical point.

2. f’(x) = 3x2 – 18x + 15 = 3(x2 – 6x + 5) = 3(x – 5)(x – 1). Hence the critical points are 1
and 5.
2
x3 - 1
3. f’(x) = 1 – x-2/3 = 2
. Observe that f’(x) is zero when the numerator is zero, or
x 3

when x = 1. Moreover, f’(x) is undefined when the denominator is zero. So the critical
points are 0 and 1.
 FERMAT’S THEOREM AND THE EXTREME VALUE THEOREM
FERMAT’S THEOREM. Let f be continuous on an open interval I containing x0. If f has an
extremum at x0, then x0 must be a critical point of f.

EXTREME VALUE THEOREM. Let f be a function which is continuous on a closed and

bounded interval [a, b]. Then the extreme values (maximum and minimum) of f always
exist, and they occur either at the endpoints or at the critical points of f.

Examples:

Find the extrema of the given functions (previous examples) on the interval [-1, 1].

Solution:

We already solved for the critical points of f in the previous exercise. We will only consider
those critical points on the interval [-1, 1]. By Extreme Value Theorem, we will consider the
endpoints so the things left undone are the following:

• Get the functional values of all the critical points inside [-1, 1].
• Get the functional values at the endpoints; and
• Compare the values. The highest one is the maximum value while the lowest one is
the minimum value.

1. There is only one critical point, x = ½, and the endpoints are 1 and -1. We present the
functional value in a table.

x -1 1/2 1

f(x) 10 13/4 4

Clearly, the maximum of f occurs at x = -1 and has a value 10. The minimum of f occurs at x
= ½ and has value 13/4.

2. The critical points of f are 1 and 5, but we are only limited with our domain [-1, 1], we are
only interested in x = 1.And the table of functional values are;

X -1 1

f(x) -45 -13

Therefore, the maximum value -13 occurs at x = 1 while the minimum value -45 occurs at x =
-1.

3. f(0) = 0, f(1) = -2 and f(-1) = 2. So, the maximum point is (-1, 2) while the minimum point is
(1, -2).
B. Optimization Problems

Many real-life situations require us to find a value that best suits our needs. If we are given
several options for the value of a variable x, how do we choose the “best value?” Such problem
is classified as an OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS. And to solve such problems we have the
following:

Suggested Steps in Solving Optimization Problems

1. If possible, draw a diagram of the problem.
2. Assign variables to all unknown qunatities involved.
3. Specify the objective function. This function must be continuous.
a. Identify the quantity, say q, to be maximized or minimized.
b. Formulate an equation involving q and other quantities. Express q in terms of a
single
variable, say x. If necessary, use the information given and relationships between
quantities to eliminate some variables.
4. Determine the domain or constraints of q from the physical restrictions of the problem.
The domain must be a closed and bounded interval.
5. Use appropriate theorems involving extrema to solve the problem. Make sure to give the
exact answer (with appropriate units) to the question.

EXAMPLES:

1. Find two numbers whose product is 25 and whose sum is a maximum.

We want to maximize the sum of two numbers whose product is 25.

Let’s begin with assigning variables to the unknown, let us denote x as one of the numbers,
x ≠ 0, and 25/x as the other one.

x
We are interested in maximizing the sum of the function f (x) = x + . Differentiating this,
25
25
we obtain f '(x) = 1 - .
x2
Equating this to zero, we obtain x2 = 25, and so x = ± 5.
To obtain the maximum, we substitute these into f. So, f(5) = 5 + 10/5 = 10 and f(-5) = -5 +
25/(-5) = -10.
Since 10 > -10, we choose the point 5 and 5.
 2. What should be the shape of a rectangular field of given perimeter, if it is to have a
maximum area?
x The Perimeter is P = 2x + 2y
Solve one of the dimensions in terms of the
other variables we have;
y
𝑃
x=( )-y
2

P P
Since the Area is being maximized we have, A = xy = ( - y)y = y - y 2
2 2
P
Differentiate with respect to y we have, A’ = - 2y and equating to zero
2
P 𝑃
0= - 2y y =
2 4

𝑃 𝑃
Substituting to the equation x = ( ) – y to solve for x, and x = .
2 4
𝑃 𝑃
Hence, the rectangle has dimensions and and it is a Square.
4 4

3. An open-typed rectangular box is to be made from a piece of cardboard 24 cm long

and 9 cm wide by cutting out identical squares from the four corners and turning up
the sides. Find the Volume of the largest rectangular box that can be formed.
x
x Let s be the side of the squares to be cut
out, and imagine flaps being turned up to
9 cm
form the box. The length, width and
height of the box would then be (24-2s),
24 cm
(9-2s), and s, respectively.

The Volume then will be V(s) = (24-2s)(9-2s)(s) = 2(108s - 33s2 + 2s3).

We wish to maximize V(s) but note that s should be nonnegative and should not be
more than half of the width of the cardboard. Thst is, s Î [0, 4.5]. We now get the first
derivative and equate the result to zero:

V’s = 216-132s+12s2 = 4(54-33s+3s2)

0 = 4(54-33s+3s2)

Solving for s we get the values: s = 2 and s = 9. We can’t consider s = 9 since s

values should only from 0 to 4.5. Hence, we get the value s = 2.

Substituting the answers to the Volume formula we have; V(2) = 200cm3.

C. Illustration of the Chain Rule of Differentiation

The Chain Rule of Differentiation below provides for a formula for the derivative of a
composition of a function.

Chain Rule
Let f be a function differentaible at c and let g be a function differentiable at f(c). Then the
composition g o f is differentiable at c and

Remark 1: Another way to state the Chain Rule is the following: If y is differentiable
function of u defined by y = f(u) and u is a differentiable function of x defined by u = g(x),
then y is a differentiable function of x, and the derivative of y with respect to x is given by

dy dy du
= .
dx du dx

Examples:
1. f(x) = (3x2 – 2x + 4)2, find f’(x) using the Chain Rule.

We can rewrite y = f(x) = (3x2 – 2x + 4)2 as y = f(u) = u2 where u = 3x2 – 2x + 4, a

differentiable function of x. Using the Chain Rule, we have
dy du
f '(x) = y' = .
dx dx
= (2u)(6x – 2)
= 2(3x2 – 2x + 4)(6x – 2)
=36x3 – 36x2 + 56x -16

dy
2. Consider the functions y = 3u2 + 4u and u = x2 + 5. Find .
dx
dy dy du
= .
dx du dx

= (6u + 4)(2x)
= [6(x 2 + 5) + 4](2x)
= (6x 2 + 34)(2x)
= 12x 3 + 68x

dy
3. Suppose y = 3(x2 – 1)2 + sin (x2 – 1). Find .
dx
We let u = (x2 – 1). Thus, we can write y as y = 3u2 + sin u. Applying the Chain Rule,
we obtain
dy dy du
= .
dx du dx
 = (6(x 2 - 1) + cos(x 2 - 1))(2x)
= 12(x 2 - 1) + 2x cos(x 2 - 1)

Learning Competency with Code:

• Illustrate the Extreme Value Theorem. (STEM_BC11D-IIIg-1)

• Solve optimization problems that yield polynomial functions. (STEM_BC11D-IIIg-2)

• Illustrate the Chain Rule of Differentiation. (STEM_BC11D-IIIh-2)

Practice A
Find all the critical points of the given functions.
1. f(x) = 4x2 – 3x – 5

x3 2
2. f (x) = +x +x+5
3
3. f(x) = sin x

4. f (x) = e x - x

5. F(x) = ln x

Practice B: Find the extrema of the given functions in the specified interval.

1. f(x) = x2 + 2 on [1, 10]

2. f(x) = x2 – 5x + 6 on [-20, 20]

3. f(x) = ex – x on [0, 1]
[[

2 3 5 2
4. f(x) = x - x - 3x +1 on [-2, 5]
3 2

5. f(x) = x4 – 18x2 + 4 on [-4, 5]

Practice C: Answer the following optimization problems systematically.
1. Find two numbers whose sum is 20 and whose product is a maximum.
2. Find the dimensions of a rectangle with perimeter 100 m and whose area is as
large as possible.
3. Find the maximum Area of an isosceles triangle whose perimeter is 18 inches.
4. Find the dimension of the largest right circular cone that can be inscribed in a
sphere of radius 12 inches.
5. Find the point on the line y = x nearest to the point (4, 1).

Practice Set D

dy
Find .
dx
x
6. y = (3x 2 - 4x + 5)3 4. y = ee
1
7. y = sin x + cos x 5. y = (tan x ) 3
8. y = esec x

References:
Balmaceda, JMP, et al.. Basic Calculus, First Edition. Reviewed by Arceo, CPP, et al. Pasig
City: Department of Education, 2016

“Chain Rule”. Accessed October 2020. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/ap-calculus-

ab/ab-differentiation-2-new/ab-3-1a/a/chain-rule-review
“Extreme Value Theorem”. Accessed October 2020.
https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9Ikl9UopfAJ0ANnZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG
9zAzIEdnRpZANDMTA1OV8xBHNlYwNzcg--
/RV=2/RE=1602929406/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cliffsnotes.com%2fstudy-
guides%2fcalculus%2fcalculus%2fapplications-of-the-derivative%2fextreme-value-
theorem/RK=2/RS=6NXRiplbCokSJ.t2clX43oVVPqE-
Louis, Leithold. The Calculus 7 7th Edition. Harpercollins College Division, 1995
“Optimization Problems”. Accessed October 2020.
https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Calculus/Map%3A_Calculus__Early_Transcend
entals_(Stewart)/04%3A_Applications_of_Differentiation/4.07%3A_Optimization_Proble
ms
Answer Key
PRACTICE SET A

kp
1. 3/8 2. -1 3. , k is an odd integer 4. 0 5.no critical point
2

PRACTICE SET B

1. Min (1, 3); Max (10, 102)

2. Min (5/2, -1/4); Max (-20, 506)
3. Min (0, 1); Max (1, e-1)
4. Min (3, -25/2); Max (5, 41/6)
5. Min ( ± 3, -77); Max (5, 179)

PRACTICE SET C

1. 10 and 10 2. 25m by 25m 3. 9 3 in2

4. h = 16 in radius of the base of the cone = 8 2 in 5. (5/2, 5/2)

PRACTICE SET D

1. 6(3x – 2)(3x2 – 4x + 5)2

cos x - sin x
2.
2 sin x + cos x

3. esec x (sec x + tan x)

x
+x
4. ee

sec 2 x
5.
6 x 3 tan 2 x

Prepared:

ALVIN F. BUTSAYO
Teacher III
Mathematics
 BASIC CALCULUS
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Solving Problems Involving Chain Rule

Name of the Learner ________________________ Q3, W7

Section ____________________________ Date _______________

Background Information

The concept of differentiation using the chain rule was already introduced in the
previous lesson. Recall that the chain rule is used to find for the derivative of the composition
of the functions as shown below;
Rule: Let f be a function differentiable at c and let be a function differentiable at f(c). Then
the composition of g ○ f is differentiable at c and
Dx(g ○ f)(c)= g’(f(c)) • f ’ c or
dy/dx = dy/du • du/dx

The derivative of a composition of functions is the derivative of the outer function

evaluated at the inner function, times the derivative of the inner function. This time we are
going to solve more problems involving the chain rule. It is also important to equip oneself in
finding the derivatives such as algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, radical and trigonometric
functions as well as the composition of functions.

Example 1: Find the derivative of f(x) = (4x2 – 3x + 1)2

Solution:
Using the chain rule, we can rewrite:
y = f(x) = (4x2 – 2x + 1)2 as y = f(u) = u2 where u = 4x2 – 2x + 1, so we have
dy/dx or y’= dy/du • du/dx
= 2u (8x – 2)
but u = 4x2 – 2x + 1, substituting the value, will give
= 2(4x2 – 2x + 1) (8x-2)
Factor 8x – 2, becomes 2(4x -1)
= 2(4x2 – 2x + 1) 2(4x – 1)
= 4 (4x2 – 2x + 1)(4x – 1)
Or in expanded form
=16x3 – 48x2 + 24x – 4
Example 2: Differentiate (x2 + 1) 7
Solution:
Let u = x2 + 1 and f(u) = u7
y’ = dy/du • du/dx
= 7u6 (2x)
= 7(x2 + 1)6 (2x) is given to emphasize the chain rule term, but we could simplify
the result algebraically, leading to,
= 14x( x2 + 1)6

Example 3: Find the derivative of f(x) = sin(2x)

Solution:
Let u = 2x and f(u) = sin u. Recall also that the derivative of sin x = cos x. So we have,
y’ = dy/du • du/dx
= cos u (2)
= cos (2x) (2)
= 2 cos (2x)

Example 4: Find dy/dx where y = √7𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3

Solution:

Let u = 7𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3. Recall also that √7𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3 can be expressed as (7𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3)1/2.

So f(u) = u 1/2
dy/dx = dy/du • du/dx
= (1/2)u1/2 – 1(14x + 4)

= (1/2) (7𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3)-1/2(14x + 4)

𝟏𝟒𝒙+𝟒
=
𝟐√𝟕𝒙𝟐 +𝟒𝒙+𝟑

Example 5: Differentiate y = (cos x – sinx)-2

Solution:
Let u = cos x – sin x and f(u) = u-2
y’ = dy/du • du/dx
 −𝟐 (− 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙−𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒙)
= -2u-3(-sinx – cos x) = -2( cosx – sinx)-3 ( -sinx – cosx) or
(𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒙−𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒙)𝟑

4
Example 6: Find dz/dy if z = , where a is a real number
(𝑎2 −𝑦 2 )2

Solution:
We can express z = 4(a2 – y2) -2. Let u = a2 – y2 and f(u) = u-2. So,
dz/dy = 4[ -2(a2 – y2) -2-1]d/dy (a2 – y2)
= -8 (a2 – y2) -3 (-2y)
16𝑦
= 16y (a2 – y2) -3 or
(𝑎2 −𝑦 2 )3

Example 7: Differentiate f(x) = (x5 + ex)100

Solution:
Using the chain rule, let u = x5 + ex and f(u) = u100
y’ = dy/du • du/dx
= 100u99 (5x4+ex)
= 100 (x5 + ex)99•(5x4+ex)

Example 8: Differentiate y=ln(1−5x2+x3)

Solution:
Let u = 1 – 5x2 + x3 and f(u) = ln u
𝑑𝑢 1
dy/du = = dy/du = -10x + 3x2 dx
𝑢 𝑢

y’ = dy/du • du/dx
1
= (-10x + 3x2)
𝑢

−𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟑𝒙𝟐
=
𝟏−𝟓𝒚𝟐+ 𝒚𝟐
As a summary, remember the following:
• The derivative of a composition of functions is the derivative of the outer function
evaluated at the inner function, times the derivative of the inner function.
Symbolically,
y’ = dy/du • du/dx.
• To solve other problems involving chain rule, there is a need to have a deep
understanding to apply the rules in getting the derivative of other functions such as
algebra, radical, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.

Learning Competency with Code

• Solve problems using the Chain Rule (STEM_BC11D-IIIh-i-1)

Practice A
Use the Chain Rule to find dy/dx of the following.
1. y= (4x3 -3x2 –x -5 )3

2. y= √1 − 𝑥

3. y= (2 + x)2 (1 – x)3

4. Find dy/dx if y = u2 + 6u – 2 and u = 4x2 + 8x + 1

1 1
5. Find dy/dx If y = , and u =
1−𝑢 1+𝑥

Practice B
Find the derivative of the following functions.
1. y = (6x2 + 7x)4

2. g(t) = (4t2 – 3t + 2)-2

3
3. y = √1 − 8𝑧

4. r(w) = csc(7w)

5. G(x)=2sin(3x+tan(x)
Enrichment
Practice C
Differentiate the following
1) y = ln(17 – x)

2) y = (1/5) sec-4 (4 +x3)

4
3) y = (5x3 – 3)5 √−4𝑥 5 − 3

References
“Chain Rule: Problems and Solutions”. Accessed October 2020.
https://www.matheno.com/calculus-1/chain-rule-problems-and-solutions

Department of Education. Basic Calculus Teachers’ Guide for Senior High School, First
Edition. Sunshine Interlinks Publishing House,Q.C.,Philippines.2016. pp 163 - 167.
Duane Kouba, “Chain Rule”. Accessed October 2020.
https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~kouba/CalcOneDIRECTORY/chainrulesoldirectory/Chai
nRuleSol.html#SOLUTION%207

Paul Dawkins, “Chain Rule”. Last modified Feb.2, 2018. Accessed October 2020.
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/problems/calci/chainrule.aspx
Answer Key
Practice A
1. dy/dx = 3(4x3 – 3x2 – x – 5)2 (12x2 – 6x – 1)
−1
2. dy/dx =
2√1−x
3. dy/dx = -2 – x + 6x2 – x3 – 2x4
4. dy/dx = 64(x+1)3
5. dy/dx = -1/x2

Practice B
1. y’ = 4(12x+7)(6x2 + 7x)3
2. g’(t) = -2(8t – 3)(4t2 – 3t + 2)-3
3. y’ = -8/3 (1-8z) -2/3
4. r’(w) = -7csc(7w)cot(7w)
5. G’(x) = 2(3 + sec2x)(cos(3x + tan x))

Enrichment
Practice C
1. y’ = 1/(x – 17)
2. y’ = (-12/5) [x2 sec-4 (4 + x3)] tan (4 + x3)
3. y’ = (5x2)(5x3 – 3)4 (-65x5 – 45 + 3x2)
(-4x5 – 3)3/4

Prepared:

LOIDA B. QUIRIMO, MAED

Master Teacher I
Mathematics
 Basic Calculus
Learning Activity Sheet
BASIC CONCEPTS OF DERIVATIVES

Name of Learner: _________________ Q3, W8-9

Section: ________________________ Date: ____________

Background Information:
One of the many applications of the evaluation of definite integrals is in determining
the areas of plane regions bounded by curves. Consider a continuous function f. If the graph
𝑏
of y = f(x) over the interval [a, b] lies entirely above the x-axis, then ∫𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 gives the area
of the region bounded by the curves y = f(x), the x-axis, and the vertical lines x = a and x = b.
This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Example 1: Find the area of the plane region bounded by y = 3x + 1, x = 1, x = 3, and the x-
axis.

Solution:
The graph of the plane region is shown in the figure below.
 This plane region is clearly in the first quadrant of the Cartesian plane and hence, we
obtain:
𝑏 3
Substitute the given function and the interval [a, b]
𝐴𝑅 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = ∫ (3𝑥 + 1)𝑑𝑥
𝑎 1 Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
3𝑥 2 3
=( + 𝑥) |
2 1 Evaluating the integral

3(3)2 3(1)2
=( + 3) − ( + 1)
2 2 Simplify

27 3
=( + 3) − ( + 1)
2 2
= 14 square units Answer

Example 2: Find the area of the plane region bounded above by y = 1- |x - 1| and below by
the x-axis
Solution: The graph of the plane region is shown below.

Observe that the line from the point (0, 0) to (1, 1) is given by:
𝑦 = 1 − |−(𝑥 − 1)| = 𝑥
and the line from the point (1, 1) to (0, 2) is given by:
𝑦 = 1 − |𝑥 − 1| = 2 − 𝑥
Clearly, we have two subregions here, Region 1 (R1) which is bounded above by y =
x, and Region 2 (R2) which is bounded above by y = 2 - x as shown in the figure below.
 Hence, the area of the entire plane region is given by:
𝐴 = 𝐴𝑅1 + 𝐴𝑅1
1 2 Substitute the given functions and the
= ∫ 𝑥𝑑𝑥 + ∫ (2 − 𝑥)𝑑𝑥 corresponding interval [a, b]
0 1

𝑥2 1 𝑥2 2 Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

=( ) | + (2𝑥 − ) |
2 0 2 1
2 2
1 0 22 12
= [ − ] + [2(2) − ] − [2(1) − ] Evaluating the integrals
2 2 2 2

= 1 square unit Answer

Example 3: Find the area of the plane region bounded by the curves 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2 and y = x.
Solution:
We start by finding the points of intersection of the two curves.

Substituting y = x into 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2, we obtain:

𝑥 = 𝑥2 − 2

𝑥 2 − −𝑥 − 2 = 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0

𝑥 = 2; 𝑥 = −1

When x = 2, y = 2 while when x = - 1, y = - 1. Hence, we have the points of

intersection (2, 2) and (1, 1). The graphs of the two curves, along with their points of
intersection, are shown below.
 The function f(x) - g(x) will be x - (x2 - 2). Our interval is I = [1, 2] and so a = 1 and b
= 2. Therefore, the area of the plane region is:

𝑏
𝐴𝑅 = ∫ [𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑔(𝑥)]𝑑𝑥
𝑎 Substitute the given functions and the
2 corresponding interval [a, b]
= ∫ [𝑥 − (𝑥 2 − 2)𝑑𝑥 Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
−1

𝑥2 𝑥3 2
=[ − + 2𝑥] | Evaluating the integrals
2 3 1
Evaluating the integrals
22 23 (−1)2 (−1)3
= [ − + 2(2)] − [ − + 2(−1)] Simplify the expressions
2 3 2 3
8 1 −1 Add the two expressions
= [2 − + 4] − [ − − 2]
3 2 3 Answer
10 −7
=[ ]−[ ]
3 6
𝟗
= square units
𝟐

Example 4: Juan wants to acquire a lot 200 𝜋

meters wide and with length bounded from the road
side to the banks of “Ilog Ahas”, which follows the
200
equation y = cos x + . (Refer to the figure on the
𝜋
right.)
a. Find the area of the lot.
b. If the price per square meter is P500, how much
is the cost of land?

Solution:
a. Suppose we place the x-axis along the side of the road and the y-axis on one side of
the lot, as shown. Note that the y-axis is placed such that it runs along the farthest side
of “Ilog Ahas”. We can now apply definite integrals to find the area of the region. (Refer
to the figure.)
 b. The price of the lot is 500(40, 000) = P20, 000, 000.

Learning Competency with code

• Compute the area of a plane region using the definite integral (STEM_BC11I-IVij-1)
• Solve problems involving areas of plane regions (STEM_BC11I-IVj-2)

Activity 1: Find the area of the region bounded by the graphs of:

1. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 + 10 and 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 16

2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = √𝑥

1
3. 𝑥 = 𝑦 2 − 3 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1
2

Activity 2: Solve the following problems:

1
1. A faucet is turned on and water flows out at a rate of 𝑣(𝑡) = 𝑡 3 − 𝑡 2 + 4 gallons per
2

minute, where t is the number of minutes since the faucet was turned on. To the
nearest gallon, how much water flows out of the faucet during the first two minutes
the faucet is turned on?
2. Muning the cat meows more loudly the higher she climbs in her favorite tree. Her
ℎ ℎ2
volume changes at a rate of 𝑣(ℎ) = + decibels per foot, where h is Muning's
20 3600
20
height above ground measured in feet. Find: ∫10 𝑣(ℎ)𝑑ℎ and explain what it

represents in the context of this problem.

References:
Comandante, Jr, Felipe. Calculus for Business & Economics. Third Edition. Mandaluyong
City: National Book Store, 2011.

Commission on Higher Education. " Basic Calculus”. 2016

Answer Key:
Activity 1:

1.
𝟔𝟒
𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
𝟑

2.
𝟏
𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
𝟑

3.
18 square units
Activity 2:
2
1. 10 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 or rounding to the nearest gallon, 11 gallons come out of the faucet during the
3
first 2 minutes it is turned on.

2. 8.15. Muning’s volume changes by approximately 8 decibels as she climbs from 10 feet up in
the tree to 20 feet up in the tree.

Prepared:

CRISTIAN F. DAVID, EdD.

Master Teacher II
Angeles City Science High School