Calculus

Derivatives and the Power Rule

We have learned that we can find the derivative of a function f (x) using the difference quotient, as
the difference approaches zero:

f ( x+ h)− f ( x)
f ' ( x) = as h gets very small .
h

Our next step in calculus is finding ways to differentiate (take the derivative of) polynomial
functions without doing excrutiatingly difficult and gnarly algebra each time.

We will look for patterns and create rules about how to take derivatives.

We have already covered all the linear functions.

Next, let's look at the family of power functions, like x 2 , x3 , x 4 , and so on.

Start off easy. Do the algebra to simplify the expression on the right:
Expand, then combine like terms. Then divide each remaining term by h to simplify.

(x+ h)2−x 2
A. Let f (x )=x 2 . Evaluate f ' ( x) =
h

The next one requires a bit more algebra, but I know you can do it.
3 3
3 ( x+ h) − x
B. Let g ( x)= x . Evaluate g ' (x ) = h

Go on to the back...
Now, get on a computer or phone and navigate to www.wolframalpha.com so that you don't have to
hurt yourself doing tedious algebra. For the next problem, you can type in the command "expand
(x+h)^4" and get the binomial expansion done for you. Then simplify.

4 ( x+ h)4 −x 4
C. Let B( x)= x . Evaluate B ' (x ) =
h

Are you ready to speculate about the derivatives of power functions? Try one more.
Again, use WolframAlpha to help with the expansion. (Type "expand (x+h)^7")
7 7
7 (x + h) −x
D. Let C (x )=x . Evaluate C ' ( x) =
h

E. Have you found a pattern? What do you think the derivative of x 25 would be?

F. Check out question. If f (x )=x 100 , what is f ' ( x) ?

Hint: You can type "derivative of x^25" or "derivative of x^100" in WolframAlpha and check your guesses!