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Zach Hoisington
Mr. Acre
Advanced Placement Calculus
9 March 2015
Its Complicated: The Relationship Between Derivatives and Integrals
With calculus, functions go beyond just being points connected by a line. Calculus
introduces concepts such as the derivative and the integral. By definition, the derivative is the
instantaneous rate of change at any given point on a graph. The derivative could also be defined
as the slope at any given point of a function, which is the same concept reworded.
The derivative is a function by itself, which is important to remember. The derivative
function can be used to find the instantaneous rate of change at any given point, which is its
primary use. It can be also be defined as the change in x divided by the change in y, because it is
ultimately the slope of the original function. What makes the derivative useful is that it follows
the original function infinitely, with the derivatives y-value representing the slope of the original
function at that x-value. To find the derivative function quickly and efficiently, there are a few,
well-accepted strategies that one may use, including the power rule, product rule, chain rule, and
quotient rule. Finding the derivative of a complex function is often a culmination of all of these
rules, so they build appropriately.
The first of these strategies is the power rule. The power rule states that when a variable
has a power, the derivative of this is the power brought down to be the coefficient of the variable
and the new power is the old power minus one. For example, using the original function f(x) and
the derivative function f(x):

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f ( x )=x 2 +4 x +9 f ' ( x )=2 x+ 4

This example above shows the power rule in use. Notice how each variable is taken down a
degree, and the constant 9 in this case is removed, for it had no variable to begin with. The 4x
was changed to x because the x that was to the power of 1 in the original function became x to
the power of 0 in the derivative, making the variable equal to 1 and not vital to showing in the
equation.
Another trick to quickly finding the derivative is the product rule. This product rule is
used when more than one variable is being multiplied, especially if they are governed by other
factors such as trigonometric functions. The formula for finding the derivative of a product
function and an example can be seen below:

( f g )' =f ' g+ f g '

f ( x )=x 2 sin ( x ) f ' ( x )=2 x ( sin ( x ) ) + x 2 (cos ( x ))
In the formula, f and g both represent parts of the original function. This is also the definition of
the product rule. The product rule was also used here as the x2 was derived into 2x.
Before mentioning the last rule, it is important to mention an often forgotten rule: the
chain rule. This rule states that while taking the derivative of a function that contains a variable
inside of it, the derivative of the function inside the parentheses must be multiplied by the
derivative.
f ( x )=sin ( 4 x ) f ' ( x )=cos ( 4 x ) 4
This rule comes into play quite often and is often essential in accurately finding the derivative.
The final trick to easily finding the derivative is the quotient rule. This rule states as
follows:

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'
g(x) '
g ( x ) h ( x )g ( x ) h '(x )
f ( x )=
f (x )=
2
h (x)
(h ( x ))

The derivatives of the numerator and denominator are multiplied by the originals and subtracted,
as shown in the example. The denominator is then squared, completing the quotient rule.
On the other end of the spectrum is the integral. The integral is the opposite of the
derivative in respect to finding it. The integral finds the area underneath a function on a given
interval. There are many different methods of estimating the integral, but an integral is found by
adding all of the area underneath a curve by multiplying the change in x by the y value, basically
creating rectangles. The change in x can get infinitely close to 0, making the integral more
accurate. The definite integral perfectly finds this area. In order to calculate the integral, the rules
explained above for the derivative are practically inverted. However, because there are some
differences, the most important rules to note are the reverse power rule and the reverse chain
rule.
1
4
f ( x )=x 2 +4 x +9 f (x)= x3 + x 2+ 9 x+C
3
2
Above is an example of the reverse power rule. As shown, each exponent is increased by
a increment of 1. Instead of bringing down the exponent, the exponent is inverted. The constant
C is added because the constant is unknown in the function. If one were to take the derivative of
this integral, this person would end up with the original function. Also, for the reverse chain rule,
is it similar to the chain rule for derivatives, but the coefficient is inverted.
Although it is not very clich, the relationship between the derivative, integral and
original function is not actually that complicated. The derivative and integral are essentially the
opposite of each other. This can be shown best on a graph.

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A real-world example is a great way to show the relationship between the two and
include a graph. For this example, a submarine is the subject of discussion. This submarine is
submerged in water and trying to go to the surface. It is initially 20 leagues under the sea and is
starting from rest but gaining speed. Its displacement can be represented by this function:
f ( x )=x 2 +9 x20
In this case, f(x) is the submarines depth in leagues and the variable x is the time since the
submarine began elevating in minutes. To find the velocity of the submarine at any given point,
the derivative of this equation must be found.
f ' (x)=2 x +9

Still, the x in this equation represents time. The variable f(x) is the velocity at any given point,
measured in leagues per minute. The change in y (leagues) is with respect to the change in x
(time), giving us distance over time, or velocity.

Figure 1. Displacement Against Velocity

As seen in Figure 1, both the displacement function, shown in blue, and the velocity
function, shown in red, have been plotted. The red function plots the rate of change at any given
instantaneous point in time of the blue function. The fact that velocity has a positive slope means

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that there is also a value for acceleration, which can be found by taking the derivative of the
velocity function. The acceleration function is then:
f ' ' ( x)=2
This can then be added to the graph with the other two functions to see how they interact.

Figure 2. Acceleration
Figure 2 is very similar to Figure 1, but includes an additional green line, which
represents acceleration. The fact that the acceleration function does not have a slope means that
the velocity function is changing at a constant rate, 2 leagues per minute squared. Similarly to
before, the derivative was found by diving the change in y by the change in x, which still
represent leagues and minutes. This, when done twice, is why the acceleration is in square units.
Derivatives and integrals could be used for more than just distance. It can work with any
degrees of function. Take, for example, the area of a square. The area would be the original
function, the derivative representing the length of the side, and the integral representing the
volume of a cube with the same length side. If the length of a side was x, the equations would be
as follows:
2 '

f ( x )=x f ( x )=2 x f ( x ) =x

These functions also directly relate to the units for each dimension. The units for area would be
feet squared, the length feet, and the volume cubic feet.

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Critical points on a graph are where noteworthy things take place, such as a maximum or
minimum. At a critical point, the slope of the graph is zero or undefined. Also included in the
critical point spectrum are plateaus, where the graph levels off, and points of inflection, where
the concavity of the graph changes.
These critical points can be found using the derivative. As stated before, the slope at these
points is zero of undefined. Therefore, the derivative will be zero at a critical point on the
original function. Graphically, the derivative will be crossing the x-axis. The can also be found
algebraically by setting the derivative function equal to zero. These concepts are demonstrated
below, using a cubic function as the original function.

Figure 3. Critical Points

Knowing the sign (either positive, negative, or zero) of the derivative and second
derivative tell of happenings on the original function. As shown in Figure 3, when the cubic
function is at a local minimum or maximum, the derivative graph crosses the x-axis. Also, when
the cubic function is changing concavity, the quadratic function is 0. The third, linear function
represents the second derivative. Notice how when the second derivative is positive, the original
function is concave up, and the opposite is true. Also, when the derivative is at a local minimum,

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the second derivative is 0. This is similar to the zeros on the quadratic function and how they
relate to the maximum and minimum of the cubic.
The first derivative can also be used to quickly determine the concavity of the original
function. This is done using the slope of the first derivative. Because the derivative is graphing
the slope of the original function, if the second derivative, which is the derivative of the first
derivative, is below the x-axis, the slope of the first derivative is negative. When the slope of the
first derivative is negative, the original function is concave down. When the slope of the first
derivative is positive, the original function is concave up. The slope of the first derivative is what
corresponds to the concavity of the original function, and the location in relation to the x-axis of
the second derivative also corresponds to the concavity of the original function.
Referring back to Figure 3, using the first and second derivative can be used to find the
maximums and minimums of the original function. When the original function has a maximum
or minimum, there will be no slope at that point. Because of this, the derivative will be equal to
0, which can be solved algebraically or by looking for zeros on the graph of the derivative.
However, because there is no slope at any point of inflection, this is not entirely accurate. In
order to decide if it is truly a maximum or minimum of the original function at this point, one
must use the second derivative test. This test states that when the original functions slope is
zero, and the second derivative is negative, the original function has a local maximum When the
second derivative is positive, the original function has a local minimum.
There are two forms of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, which is a theorem that
basically defines calculus. The first form states that to integrate a function on the closed interval
[a,b], subtract the integral evaluated at a from the integral evaluated at b to solve for the definite
integral. This is shown below:

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b

f ( x ) dx=g ( x ) f ( x ) dx=g ( b ) g (b)

a

An example of this is shown below:

2

x 2+ 4 x +9=( 13 23+ 42 22 +9 ( 2 ) )( 13 13+ 42 12 +9 ( 1 ) )

1

This integral can also be represented graphically.

Figure 4. Integral Represented Graphically

Shown above in Figure 4 is the area under the graph between x=1 and x=2. It is shaded
gray. This is the area that the first form of the Fundamental Theorem is solving for.
The second form of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a bit different. This form
states that on if g(x) is the integral of a continuous graph f(x) on the interval [a,x], then the
derivative of g(x) is equal to f(x). Represented with proper calculus notation, this theorem looks
like this:
x

g ( x ) = f ( x ) dx g' ( x )=f ( x )
a

This form of the theorem covers what was previously discussed before, that the integral and
derivative are opposites of each other. When the integral of the function is derived, it becomes
the original function once again.

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The Mean Value Theorem, or MVT, is also a fundamental calculus concept. This theorem
states that if the function f(x) is both continuous and differentiable on the open interval (a,b),
there is a point c between a and b that exists such that the slope of the tangent at this point is
equal to the slope of the secant line connecting a and b. The formula looks like this:
f ' ( c )=

f ( b )f (a)
ba

Figure 5. Mean Value Theorem

Figure 5 demonstrates the MVT on a function. Notice how the function is both
continuous and differentiable on the interval (a,b), and c is in the middle of these two points. The
slope of the line formed between a and b is 1, and the slope of the tangent line at point c is also 1.
This graph is a perfect example of the Mean Value Theorem.
The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is also a fundamental calculus concept. This
theorem states that when f(x) is continuous between the closed interval [a,b] and there is a y
value of f(x) between f(a) and f(b), there is a value, c, where x=c such that f(c) = y. Figure 5 can
also demonstrate this. Because the function is continuous between a and b, there is a value of c
where x=c and f(c) = y.

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Because an integral is evaluated from a to b, can it be integrated from b to a and receive
the same answer? Based on the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the answer is no.
Instead, the integral will report a negative answer. The difference is shown here, using the same
example as before:
2

x 2+ 4 x +9=( 13 23+ 42 22 +9 ( 2 ) )( 13 13+ 42 12 +9 ( 1 ) )=17.33

1
1

x 2+ 4 x +9=( 13 13 + 42 12 +9 ( 1 ))( 13 23+ 42 22 +9 ( 2 ) )=17.33

2

Although these are opposites, the digits are the same. The only difference is the sign is inverted.
On the number line, however, this is a big difference. If one were to refer back to Figure 4, where
this integral was represented graphically, it would look the same, but the number that represents
the area would instead be negative.

Figure 6. F(x)
Figure 6 shows the graph of f(x), the derivative is f(x). This graph can be used to find
important parts of the original function, f(x).
a) For -5 < x < 5, find all values at which f has a relative maximum.
As stated before, a maximum or minimum on the original function occurs when the
derivative crosses the x-axis. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, a maximum or minimum could
occur at three places, when x equals: -3, 1, or 4. In order to decide is this is a true maximum, one

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must observe the first derivative graph more closely. A maximum occurs when the slope goes
from positive to negative, so when the first derivative goes from above the x-axis to below, it is a
maximum on the original function. The local maximums are located at x=-3 and x=4.
b) For -5 < x < 5, find al values x at which the graph of f has a point of inflection.
Because points of inflections when the concavity of a graph changes, this can be
translated to the slope of the derivative graph. Therefore, at maximums or minimums on the
derivative graph, there is a point of inflection on the original graph. These points are when x
equals -4, -1, and 2. These are the points of inflections on the original graph.
c) Find all intervals on which the graph of f is concave up and also has a positive slope.
To meet both of these conditions, the slope of the derivative must be positive, which
would mean positive concavity on the original, and above the x-axis, which would make the
slope of the original positive. The intervals that meet both of these conditions are when x is
between, and includes, -5 and -4, and when x is between and including 1 and 2.
d) Find the absolute minimum value of f(x) over the closed interval -5 x 5.
In part a, the maximums of the original function were found were found using derivative
zeros, and one zero was deemed not a maximum. This point, when x=1, is the absolute minimum
value of f(x) over the closed interval from -5 to 5.
x

e) Let g be the function given by g(x)=

f ' ( t ) dt

. Find g(3), g(3), and g(3).

In order to solve for an integral of a derivative from 1 to x, the integral must be

evaluated at the upper limit. In other words, 3 must be inserted into the upper limit. The
integral will be evaluated from 1 to 3 for f(t). Using the fundamental theorem, this would
be f(3) f(1), which, looking at the area under the curve, translated to 2.5 0.
g(3) = 2.5 square units. The derivative of this integral is the integral evaluated at the

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upper limit, so g(x) = f(x). g(3) = f(3), which makes g(3) = 1. Taking the derivative
again, g(x) is the derivative of f(x), which will tell the slope. The slope of f(x) when x is
3 is -1, so g(3) = -1.
Table 1
Problem 2
X

F(x)

F(x)

G(x)

G(x)

1
3
4
2
2
9
2
3
3
10
-4
4
4
-1
3
6
The table shown above will be used for the entirety of problem 2. This table covers 2

5
1
2
7

functions and their individual derivatives for x values 1 through 4. The function g(x) is strictly
increasing, and both functions are differentiable for all real numbers. The function H is given by
h(x) = f(g(x)) 6.
a) Use calculus concepts to explain why there must be a value r for 1 < r < 3 such that h(r) = -5.
This can be best explained using the Intermediate Value Theorem, which was previously
stated. The calculations proving this can be seen below:
h ( 1 )=f ( g ( 1 ) ) 6=3
h ( 3 )=f ( g ( 3 ) )6=7
Because the function is continuous, and h(1) = 3 and h(3) = -7, the IVT allows the assumption
that at some point in between these two, h(r) = -5.

b) Use calculus concepts to explain why there must be a value c for 1 < c < 3 such that h(c) = -5.

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As the last problem used the IVT, this one can be solved using the Mean Value Theorem.
The problem asks to prove that at some point between this interval that the derivative = -5, so the
slope of the function is -5. This can be shown with the MVT.
h' ( c )=

f ( g ( 3 ) )f ( g (1 ) ) 19
=
=5
31
2

Because the MVT gives an average, h(c) must equal -5 at some point along the interval [1,3].
g (x)

c) Let w be the function given by w(x) =

f ' ( t ) dt

. Find the value of w(3).

An integral and derivative is the integral evaluated at the upper limit, which is, in this
case, g(x). Also, the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be used here, as follows:
g(x)

w ( x )= f ' ( t ) dt w' ( x ) =f ( g ( x ) ) w' ( 3 )=f ( g ( 3 ) ) =f ( 4 )=1

1

As seen, the value of w(3) is -1.

d) If g-1 is the inverse function of g, write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of y=g-1(x)
at x=2.
In order to find the tangent line two things must be found: the coordinate of the
intersection and the slope. To find the coordinate, one must plug the value of 2 in for x to find y.
g ( 2 )=1
When x = 2, the y-value of g(x) is 1, giving the point (2,1). Because the question asks for the
inverse, the x and y values should be switched. The point of intersection is (1,2).
1
1
g' ( 1 )=5 g1 ( x )= y= ( x2 ) +1
5
5
Shown above are some more calculations. The g(1) value gives the slope of the function g(x) at
the point of intersection, because the derivative tells rate of change. This was then inverted for

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the inverse function. Point slope form was used to find the final equation for the line tangent to
the graph, but the point was changed back because this finds the tangent line when x = 2.
e) If h(x) = x b(x), where b(x) = f-1(x), use Table 1 to find h(3).
This problem requires a few steps. The first of these is to find the derivative of h(x):
h ( x )=x b ( x ) h' ( x ) =b ( x )+ xb ' ( x)
The product rule was used to find the derivative of h(x). From here, using the given information,
the problem can be solved:
f
1
x
= y h' ( x )=f 1 ( x )+
f
'
( y)
f ( y)
1
'
because b ( x )=f ( x ) b ( x ) =

( 1(x) )=

h' (3 )=f 1 ( 3 ) +

'

3
=1. 75
f ' (1)

After using the given to attempt to solve the problem, the value of h(3) was calculated to be
1.75.
After thoroughly discussing the relationship between the derivative and integral, it is
actually not that complicated. To put it in its simplest form, the derivative and integral are
opposites of each other. They find different things on the original function (derivative for rate of
change and integral for area). Their rules are opposites of each other and cancel out when done
together. Based on the clich opposites attract, the derivative and integral are perfect for each
other and til death do they coincide to solve calculus problems.

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Works Cited
Jacj. "Mean Value Theorem Image." Wikipedia Image. Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Oct. 2006. Web.
08 Mar. 2015.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_value_theorem#mediaviewer/File:Mvt2.svg>.