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Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines

Mathematics

Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines

Overview

Overview

🎯 Learning outcomes

  • Master the foundational differentiation rules power rule, constant multiple rule, sum/difference rule, product rule, and quotient rule.
  • Apply the Chain Rule for composite functions and evaluate derivatives of nested powers: d/dx [f(x)]n = n [f(x)]n−1 f'(x).
  • Perform implicit differentiation on algebraic relations F(x, y) = 0 and determine dy/dx.
  • Determine the geometric equations of tangent and normal lines to planar curves at specified points.
  • Apply differentiation to real-world geometric and physical rates of change and optimization problems.

🌳 Concept tree

  1. Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation
  2. Chain Rule and Tangent Lines

├── Key terms

├── Laws and key relationships

Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
├── Foundational Differentiation Rules
  • Power
  • Product
  • and Quotient
PowerProductQuotient
•├── The Chain Rule and Extended Power Rule for Composite FunctionsChainRuleExtendedPower
├── Geometric ApplicationsTangent and Normal Lines to Planar CurvesTangentNormalLinesPlanar

├── Comparison

├── Worked examples

└── Exam tips

Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 1 / 13
Key terms

Key terms

Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
Derivative (dy/dx or f'(x))
  • The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable
  • defined as the limit of the difference quotient as Δx approaches zero: lim(h → 0) [f(x+h) – f(x)] / h
instantaneousratechangefunction
Chain Rule
  • A fundamental theorem for differentiating composite functions: if y = f(u) and u = g(x)
  • then dy/dx = (dy/du) × (du/dx)
fundamentaltheoremdifferentiatingcomposite
Slope of Tangent Line
  • The trigonometric tangent of the angle of inclination of the tangent line to the curve at point (x1
  • y1)
  • evaluated by calculating the first derivative m = f'(x1)
trigonometricangleinclinationcurve
Normal LineThe straight line perpendicular to the tangent line at the exact point of tangency (x1, y1), having a slope of mnormal = -1 / mtangent (provided mtangent ≠ 0).straightperpendiculartangentexact
Product Rule
  • The derivative of the product of two differentiable functions equals the first function times the derivative of the second
  • plus the second function times the derivative of the first: d/dx [u × v] = u v’ + v u’
derivativedifferentiablefunctionsequals
Quotient Rule
  • The derivative of the quotient of two functions equals the denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus the numerator times the derivative of the denominator
  • all divided by the square of the denominator: d/dx [u / v] = (v u’ – u v’) / v2
derivativefunctionsequalsdenominator
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 2 / 13
Laws and key relationships

Laws and key relationships

Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
Power Rule of Differentiation[ Formula: d/dx [xn] = n × xn – 1 ] Valid for all real exponents n (positive, negative, and fractional).FormulaValidrealexponents
Product and Quotient Rules[ Formula: d/dx [u v] = u v’ + v u’ | d/dx [u / v] = (v u’ – u v’) / v2 ] Essential for differentiating complex rational and polynomial productsFormulaEssentialdifferentiatingcomplex
Equation of the Tangent Line
  • [ Formula: y – y1 = m × (x – x1) ] Where m = dy/dx evaluated at point of contact (x1
  • y1)
Formulaevaluatedpointcontact
Equation of the Normal Line[ Formula: y – y1 = (-1 / m) × (x – x1) ] Perpendicular line to the tangent passing through the point of tangencyFormulaPerpendiculartangentpassing
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 3 / 13
Foundational Differentiation Rules: Power, Product, and Quotient

Foundational Differentiation Rules: Power, Product, and Quotient

  • Calculus represents the mathematical language of dynamic change.
  • The first derivative of a function y = f(x) measures the sensitivity to change of the function value (y) with respect to a change in its argument (x).
Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
Power Rule
  • For any real number n
  • the derivative of xn is n xn−1. When coupled with the constant multiple rule: d/dx [c f(x)] = c f'(x)
realnumberderivativecoupled
Product Rule
  • When differentiating a product of two functions
  • students must avoid the tempting fallacy of simply multiplying their derivatives! The rigorous rule requires: d/dx [u(x) v(x)] = u(x) v'(x) + v(x) u'(x). For three functions: d/dx [u v w] = u’ v w + u v’ w + u v w’
differentiatingfunctionsstudentsmust
Quotient Rule
  • For rational functions y = u(x) / v(x) where v(x) ≠ 0: d/dx [u/v] = [v(x) u'(x) – u(x) v'(x)] / [v(x)]2. The minus sign in the numerator is mandatory
  • and the denominator is squared without differentiation
rationalfunctionsminussign
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 4 / 13
The Chain Rule and Extended Power Rule for Composite Functions

The Chain Rule and Extended Power Rule for Composite Functions

  • In practical scientific and engineering formulations, functions are frequently nested as composites: y = f(g(x)).
  • The Chain Rule dictates that the derivative of the composite function is the derivative of the outer function evaluated at the inner function, multiplied by the derivative of the inner function.
Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule: a hill model with a tangent rod and a normal rod shows rules of differentiation, the chain rule and tangent lines: slope 2 at (1, 1).
Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule: a hill model with a tangent rod and a normal rod shows rules of differentiation, the chain rule and tangent lines: slope 2 at (1, 1).
Comparison aspectMain ideaExampleKeywords
Extended Power Rule
  • If y = [u(x)]n
  • where u(x) is a differentiable function of x
  • then
—differentiablefunctionthen
•dy/dx = n × [u(x)]n – 1 × u'(x)—
Differentiating Radical Functions
  • For square roots y = √u(x)
  • applying the chain rule directly yields a rapid computational shortcut: dy/dx = u'(x) / [2 √u(x)]. That is
  • the derivative of a square root equals the derivative of what is inside the root divided by twice the root itself
—squarerootsapplyingchain
Implicit DifferentiationFor relations where y cannot be explicitly isolated as y = f(x) (
  • the equation of a circle x2 + y2 = r2 or x3 + y3 = 3axy): we differentiate both sides with respect to x
  • remembering by the chain rule that d/dx [yn] = n yn−1 (dy/dx)
  • and then algebraically solve for the term dy/dx
relationscannotexplicitlyisolated
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 5 / 13
Geometric Applications: Tangent and Normal Lines to Planar Curves

Geometric Applications: Tangent and Normal Lines to Planar Curves

Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
•
  • The geometric interpretation of the derivative is the gradient (slope) of the tangent line to the curve y = f(x) at any given point P(x1
  • y1)
geometricinterpretationderivativegradient
•Methodology for Determining Tangent and Normal EquationsMethodologyDeterminingTangentNormal
Step 1
  • Verify or determine the point of contact P(x1
  • y1). If only x1 is given
  • evaluate y1 = f(x1)
Verifydeterminepointcontact
Step 2Differentiate the function algebraically to obtain the general derivative expression dy/dx = f'(x)Differentiatefunctionalgebraicallyobtain
Step 3Substitute the numerical coordinates of the point of contact into f'(x) to calculate the numerical slope of the tangent: m = f'(x1)Substitutenumericalcoordinatespoint
Step 4Formulate the Tangent Line Equation: y – y1 = m (x – x1)FormulateTangentLineEquation
Step 5
  • Formulate the Normal Line Equation: Since the normal line is perpendicular to the tangent line at the exact point of tangency
  • its slope is mnorm = -1/m (provided m ≠ 0). The equation is: y – y1 = (-1/m) (x – x1)
FormulateNormalLineEquation
  • Special Geometric Orientations:
If m = 0Tangent is horizontal (parallel to x-axis), equation is y = y1, and normal is vertical x = x1.
If m = ∞ (undefined)Tangent is vertical (parallel to y-axis), equation is x = x1, and normal is horizontal y = y1.
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 6 / 13
Comparison

Comparison

Table→Summary Table of Calculus Differentiation Rules and Formulations
Function Type Mathematical Formula y = f(x) First Derivative dy/dx Practical Exemplary Application
Constant Function y = c 0 d/dx [7] = 0
Power Function y = xn n xn – 1 d/dx [x5] = 5 x4
Constant Multiple y = c u(x) c u'(x) d/dx [4 x3] = 12 x2
Product of Functions y = u × v u v’ + v u’ d/dx [x2 (3x + 1)] = x2(3) + (3x + 1)(2x)
Quotient of Functions y = u / v (v u’ – u v’) / v2 d/dx [(2x+1)/(x-3)] = [(x-3)(2) – (2x+1)(1)] / (x-3)2
Extended Power Chain y = [u(x)]n n [u(x)]n−1 × u'(x) d/dx [(x2 + 5)4] = 4(x2 + 5)3 × (2x) = 8x(x2 + 5)3
Square Root Chain y = √u(x) u'(x) / (2 √u(x)) d/dx [√(3x2 + 1)] = 6x / (2 √(3x2 + 1)) = 3x / √(3x2 + 1)
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 7 / 13
Worked examples

Worked examples

  • Determining Tangent and Normal Lines to an Algebraic CurveProblem Statement & Given Data: Find the equations of the tangent line and the normal line to the curve y = (2x – 1) / (x + 2) at the point where x = 1.Step-by-Step Mathematical & Chemical Solution: [1] Step 1: Determine the y-coordinate of the point of contact: Substitute x = 1 into the curve equation: [2] y1 = (2(1) – 1) / (1 + 2) = (2 – 1) / 3 = 1/3. [3] Point of tangency P is (1, 1/3). [4] Step 2: Differentiate y using the Quotient Rule: dy/dx = [(denominator)(derivative of numerator) – (numerator)(derivative of denominator)] / (denominator)2. [5] dy/dx = [(x + 2)(2) – (2x – 1)(1)] / (x + 2)2 = [2x + 4 – 2x + 1] / (x + 2)2 = 5 / (x + 2)2. [6] Step 3: Evaluate the slope m at x = 1: m = 5 / (1 + 2)2 = 5 / 32 = 5/9. [7] Step 4: Equation of the Tangent Line: y – y1 = m (x – x1) ==> y – 1/3 = 5/9 (x – 1). [8] Multiply both sides by 9: 9y – 3 = 5(x – 1) ==> 9y – 3 = 5x – 5. [9] Rearrange in standard form: 5x – 9y – 2 = 0. [10] Step 5: Equation of the Normal Line: Slope of normal mnorm = -1 / (5/9) = -9/5. [11] y – 1/3 = -9/5 (x – 1) ==> Multiply by 15: 15y – 5 = -27(x – 1) ==> 15y – 5 = -27x + 27. [12] Rearrange in standard form: 27x + 15y – 32 = 0.💡 High-Yield Exam Shortcut & Pitfall Alert: Exam Tip: Always double-check your tangent and normal slopes by verifying that mtangent × mnormal = (5/9) × (-9/5) = -1!
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 8 / 13
Exam tips

Exam tips

  • The derivative of a square root is the derivative of the inside divided by twice the root: d/dx [√u] = u’ / (2√u).
  • The product rule is u v’ + v u’, never simply u’ v’.
  • The slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line: mnorm = -1 / mtang.
  • A horizontal tangent has dy/dx = 0; a vertical tangent has dy/dx = undefined (denominator of derivative equals zero).
  • In implicit differentiation, remember to append (dy/dx) whenever differentiating any term containing y.
  • .egp-ex{margin:18px 0;border:1px solid rgba(79,63,224,.2);border-radius:16px;overflow:hidden;background:#fff}.egp-ex-h{padding:10px 16px;font-weight:800;background:linear-gradient(90deg,#4f3fe0,#22c1c3);color:#fff}.egp-ex-tabs{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;padding:10px 12px;background:#f7f6ff}.egp-ex-b{border:1px solid rgba(79,63,224,.3);background:#fff;border-radius:20px;padding:5px 14px;font-weight:700;cursor:pointer}.egp-ex-b.on{background:#4f3fe0;color:#fff}.egp-ex-p{padding:12px 16px}
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 9 / 13
Key Scientific Tables & Anatomical Diagrams Extracted from Official Curricula

Key Scientific Tables & Anatomical Diagrams Extracted from Official Curricula

💡 Core Diagrams & Reference Data→All data, reference comparison tables, and anatomical figures have been accurately digitized from official curriculum textbooks.

🔬 Tangent_Normal_and_Derivative_Curve

  1. Scientific details and precise observational breakdown:
  2. Tangent & Normal Lines using First Derivative f (xo)
  3. Derivative Function f’(x) and Critical Points (f(x) = 0)
wes f(x) = X? — 3×7 +2×4+2
== Tangent at (2,2)y—2 =2(x—2)
se) Normal at (2,2)y—2=—3(x— 2)

F(x)

Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 10 / 13
Part 11

Part 11

  • 📖
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 11 / 13
🔍 In-Depth Explanations, Deductions & Multi-Book Insights:

🔍 In-Depth Explanations, Deductions & Multi-Book Insights:

  • ★ Comprehensive Ministry-Approved Academic Textbook 2026 / 2027 ★
  • Textbook Chapter Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines
  • Third Secondary / Grade 12 | Unit 2 – Calculus and Differentiation | Modern Egyptian Curriculum 2026/2027
  • 🎯 Ministerial Learning Outcomes & Key Competencies 2026/2027:
  • • Master the foundational differentiation rules power rule, constant multiple rule, sum/difference rule, product rule, and quotient rule.
  • • Apply the Chain Rule for composite functions and evaluate derivatives of nested powers: d/dx [f(x)]n = n [f(x)]n−1 f'(x).
  • • Perform implicit differentiation on algebraic relations F(x, y) = 0 and determine dy/dx.
  • • Determine the geometric equations of tangent and normal lines to planar curves at specified points.
  • • Apply differentiation to real-world geometric and physical rates of change and optimization problems.
  • 📖 Core Scientific Terminology & Definitions:
  • 🔹 Derivative (dy/dx or f'(x)) The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable, defined as the limit of the difference quotient as Δx approaches zero: lim(h → 0) [f(x+h) – f(x)] / h.
  • 🔹 Chain Rule A fundamental theorem for differentiating composite functions: if y = f(u) and u = g(x), then dy/dx = (dy/du) × (du/dx).
  • 🔹 Slope of Tangent Line The trigonometric tangent of the angle of inclination of the tangent line to the curve at point (x1, y1), evaluated by calculating the first derivative m = f'(x1).
Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
🔹 Normal Line
  • The straight line perpendicular to the tangent line at the exact point of tangency (x1
  • y1)
  • having a slope of mnormal = -1 / mtangent (provided mtangent ≠ 0)
straightperpendiculartangentexact
🔹 Product Rule
  • The derivative of the product of two differentiable functions equals the first function times the derivative of the second
  • plus the second function times the derivative of the first: d/dx [u × v] = u v' + v u'
derivativedifferentiablefunctionsequals
🔹 Quotient Rule
  • The derivative of the quotient of two functions equals the denominator times the derivative of the numerator minus the numerator times the derivative of the denominator
  • all divided by the square of the denominator: d/dx [u / v] = (v u' – u v') / v2
derivativefunctionsequalsdenominator
Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
•⚖️ Governing Mathematical & Physical Laws and PrinciplesGoverningMathematicalPhysicalLaws
★ Power Rule of Differentiation
  • [ Formula: d/dx [xn] = n × xn – 1 ] Valid for all real exponents n (positive
  • negative
  • and fractional)
FormulaValidrealexponents
★ Product and Quotient Rules[ Formula: d/dx [u v] = u v' + v u' | d/dx [u / v] = (v u' – u v') / v2 ] Essential for differentiating complex rational and polynomial productsFormulaEssentialdifferentiatingcomplex
★ Equation of the Tangent Line
  • [ Formula: y – y1 = m × (x – x1) ] Where m = dy/dx evaluated at point of contact (x1
  • y1)
Formulaevaluatedpointcontact
★ Equation of the Normal Line[ Formula: y – y1 = (-1 / m) × (x – x1) ] Perpendicular line to the tangent passing through the point of tangencyFormulaPerpendiculartangentpassing
  • 📌 Exhaustive In-Depth Academic Explanation & Scientific Analysis:

1. Foundational Differentiation Rules: Power, Product, and Quotient

  • Calculus represents the mathematical language of dynamic change.
  • The first derivative of a function y = f(x) measures the sensitivity to change of the function value (y) with respect to a change in its argument (x).

2. The Chain Rule and Extended Power Rule for Composite Functions

  • In practical scientific and engineering formulations, functions are frequently nested as composites: y = f(g(x)).
  • The Chain Rule dictates that the derivative of the composite function is the derivative of the outer function evaluated at the inner function, multiplied by the derivative of the inner function.
  • Extended Power Rule If y = [u(x)]n, where u(x) is a differentiable function of x, then:
Comparison aspectMain ideaExampleKeywords
•dy/dx = n × [u(x)]n – 1 × u'(x)—
Differentiating Radical Functions
  • For square roots y = √u(x)
  • applying the chain rule directly yields a rapid computational shortcut: dy/dx = u'(x) / [2 √u(x)]. That is
  • the derivative of a square root equals the derivative of what is inside the root divided by twice the root itself
—squarerootsapplyingchain
Implicit DifferentiationFor relations where y cannot be explicitly isolated as y = f(x) (
  • the equation of a circle x2 + y2 = r2 or x3 + y3 = 3axy): we differentiate both sides with respect to x
  • remembering by the chain rule that d/dx [yn] = n yn−1 (dy/dx)
  • and then algebraically solve for the term dy/dx
relationscannotexplicitlyisolated

3. Geometric Applications: Tangent and Normal Lines to Planar Curves

Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
•
  • The geometric interpretation of the derivative is the gradient (slope) of the tangent line to the curve y = f(x) at any given point P(x1
  • y1)
geometricinterpretationderivativegradient
•Methodology for Determining Tangent and Normal EquationsMethodologyDeterminingTangentNormal
Step 1
  • Verify or determine the point of contact P(x1
  • y1). If only x1 is given
  • evaluate y1 = f(x1)
Verifydeterminepointcontact
Step 2Differentiate the function algebraically to obtain the general derivative expression dy/dx = f'(x)Differentiatefunctionalgebraicallyobtain
Step 3Substitute the numerical coordinates of the point of contact into f'(x) to calculate the numerical slope of the tangent: m = f'(x1)Substitutenumericalcoordinatespoint
Step 4Formulate the Tangent Line Equation: y – y1 = m (x – x1)FormulateTangentLineEquation
  1. Formulate the Normal Line Equation: Since the normal line is perpendicular to the tangent line at the exact point of tangency, its slope is mnorm = -1/m (provided m ≠ 0). The equation is: y – y1 = (-1/m) (x – x1).
  2. Special Geometric Orientations:
  3. Tangent is horizontal (parallel to x-axis), equation is y = y1, and normal is vertical x = x1.
  4. Tangent is vertical (parallel to y-axis), equation is x = x1, and normal is horizontal y = y1.
  5. 📊 Detailed Comparative Analysis & Data Classifications:
  6. Summary Table of Calculus Differentiation Rules and Formulations
  7. ✏️ Step-by-Step Fully Solved Exemplary Numerical Problems & Proofs:
Comparison aspectMain ideaKeywords
•★ Determining Tangent and Normal Lines to an Algebraic CurveDeterminingTangentNormalLines
Problem Statement & Given DataFind the equations of the tangent line and the normal line to the curve y = (2x – 1) / (x + 2) at the point where x = 1Findequationstangentline
•Step-by-Step Mathematical & Chemical SolutionStepMathematicalChemicalSolution
[1] Step 1Determine the y-coordinate of the point of contact: Substitute x = 1 into the curve equationDeterminecoordinatepointcontact
•[2] y1 = (2(1) – 1) / (1 + 2) = (2 – 1) / 3 = 1/3
•
  • [3] Point of tangency P is (1
  • 1/3)
Pointtangency
[4] Step 2Differentiate y using the Quotient Rule: dy/dx = [(denominator)(derivative of numerator) – (numerator)(derivative of denominator)] / (denominator)2DifferentiateusingQuotientRule
•[5] dy/dx = [(x + 2)(2) – (2x – 1)(1)] / (x + 2)2 = [2x + 4 – 2x + 1] / (x + 2)2 = 5 / (x + 2)2
[6] Step 3Evaluate the slope m at x = 1: m = 5 / (1 + 2)2 = 5 / 32 = 5/9Evaluateslope
[7] Step 4Equation of the Tangent Line: y – y1 = m (x – x1) ==> y – 1/3 = 5/9 (x – 1)EquationTangentLine
[8] Multiply both sides by 99y – 3 = 5(x – 1) ==> 9y – 3 = 5x – 5
[9] Rearrange in standard form5x – 9y – 2 = 0
[10] Step 5Equation of the Normal Line: Slope of normal mnorm = -1 / (5/9) = -9/5EquationNormalLineSlope
[11] y – 1/3 = -9/5 (x – 1) ==> Multiply by 1515y – 5 = -27(x – 1) ==> 15y – 5 = -27x + 27
[12] Rearrange in standard form27x + 15y – 32 = 0
💡 High-Yield Exam Shortcut & Pitfall AlertExam Tip: Always double-check your tangent and normal slopes by verifying that mtangent × mnormal = (5/9) × (-9/5) = -1!Alwaysdoublecheckyour
Function Type Mathematical Formula y = f(x) First Derivative dy/dx Practical Exemplary Application
Constant Function y = c 0 d/dx [7] = 0
Power Function y = xn n xn – 1 d/dx [x5] = 5 x4
Constant Multiple y = c u(x) c u'(x) d/dx [4 x3] = 12 x2
Product of Functions y = u × v u v' + v u' d/dx [x2 (3x + 1)] = x2(3) + (3x + 1)(2x)
Quotient of Functions y = u / v (v u' – u v') / v2 d/dx [(2x+1)/(x-3)] = [(x-3)(2) – (2x+1)(1)] / (x-3)2
Extended Power Chain y = [u(x)]n n [u(x)]n−1 × u'(x) d/dx [(x2 + 5)4] = 4(x2 + 5)3 × (2x) = 8x(x2 + 5)3
Square Root Chain y = √u(x) u'(x) / (2 √u(x)) d/dx [√(3x2 + 1)] = 6x / (2 √(3x2 + 1)) = 3x / √(3x2 + 1)

💡 💡 Essential Exam Traps, Tips & High-Yield Insights:

  • The derivative of a square root is the derivative of the inside divided by twice the root: d/dx [√u] = u' / (2√u).
  • The product rule is u v' + v u', never simply u' v'.
  • The slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line: mnorm = -1 / mtang.
  • A horizontal tangent has dy/dx = 0; a vertical tangent has dy/dx = undefined (denominator of derivative equals zero).
  • In implicit differentiation, remember to append (dy/dx) whenever differentiating any term containing y.
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 12 / 13
Lesson summary

Lesson summary

  • ★ High-Yield Summary, Mind Maps & Comparison Tables ★
  • Calculus & Differentiation – Secondary Stage (Egyptian Curriculum 2026-2027) | 2026 / 2027 | 2026 / 2027 | Unit 2: Calculus and Differentiation
  • 🗺️ Core Concept Map & Knowledge Architecture:
  • ✔ Differentiability at x = a always implies continuity at x = a.
  • ✔ Horizontal tangents occur where f'(x) = 0; vertical tangents occur where 1/f'(x) = 0.
  • 📊 Classification & Comparative Summary Tables:
Differentiation Rule Function y = f(x) First Derivative dy/dx
Power Rule y = xn dy/dx = n * xn−1
Product Rule y = u(x) * v(x) u'(x)v(x) + u(x)v'(x)
Quotient Rule y = u(x) / v(x) [u'(x)v(x) – u(x)v'(x)] / [v(x)]2
Chain Rule (Power) y = [g(x)]n n * [g(x)]n−1 * g'(x)
Trig Functions sin(ax+b) / cos(ax+b) / tan(ax+b) a cos(ax+b) / -a sin(ax+b) / a sec2(ax+b)
  • 💡 Exam Flashcard Capsules & High-Yield Secrets:
  • ★ If m = f'(x_0) is the slope of the tangent at (x_0, y_0), then the slope of the perpendicular normal line is m_normal = -1 / m (provided m != 0).
  • ★ Differentiability at x = a always implies continuity at x = a.
  1. ★ Horizontal tangents occur where f'(x) = 0
  2. vertical tangents occur where 1/f'(x) = 0.
Lesson 2 – Rules of Differentiation, Chain Rule and Tangent Lines · 13 / 13