Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
3. Techniques of Differentiation
Product and Quotient Rules
Problem 3.4.11a
Textbook Question
7–14. Find the derivative the following ways:
a. Using the Product Rule (Exercises 7–10) or the Quotient Rule (Exercises 11–14). Simplify your result.
f(w) = w³ -w / w

1
Identify the function f(w) = \frac{w^3 - w}{w} and simplify it by dividing each term in the numerator by the denominator.
Simplify the expression: \frac{w^3}{w} - \frac{w}{w} = w^2 - 1.
Recognize that the simplified function f(w) = w^2 - 1 is a polynomial function.
Differentiate the simplified function using the power rule: \frac{d}{dw}(w^2) = 2w and \frac{d}{dw}(-1) = 0.
Combine the derivatives to find the derivative of the function: f'(w) = 2w.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Product Rule
The Product Rule is a formula used to find the derivative of the product of two functions. If you have two functions, u(w) and v(w), the derivative of their product is given by u'v + uv'. This rule is essential when differentiating expressions where two functions are multiplied together, allowing for a systematic approach to finding the derivative.
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Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule is used to differentiate functions that are expressed as the ratio of two other functions. If f(w) = u(w)/v(w), the derivative is given by (u'v - uv')/v². This rule is particularly useful when dealing with fractions in calculus, ensuring that the differentiation accounts for both the numerator and denominator.
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Simplification of Derivatives
Simplification of derivatives involves reducing the expression obtained after applying differentiation rules to its simplest form. This may include factoring, canceling common terms, or combining like terms. Simplifying the result is crucial for clarity and ease of interpretation, especially when further analysis or evaluation is required.
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