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
2. Intro to Derivatives
Derivatives as Functions
Problem 3.2.29a
Textbook Question
21–30. Derivatives
a. Use limits to find the derivative function f' for the following functions f.
f(s) = 4s³+3s; a= -3, -1

1
Step 1: Recall the definition of the derivative using limits. The derivative of a function f(s) at a point s is given by the limit: f'(s) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(s+h) - f(s)}{h}.
Step 2: Substitute the given function f(s) = 4s^3 + 3s into the limit definition. This gives us: f'(s) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{(4(s+h)^3 + 3(s+h)) - (4s^3 + 3s)}{h}.
Step 3: Expand the expression (s+h)^3 using the binomial theorem: (s+h)^3 = s^3 + 3s^2h + 3sh^2 + h^3. Substitute this into the limit expression.
Step 4: Simplify the expression by distributing and combining like terms. This involves expanding 4(s+h)^3 and 3(s+h), then subtracting 4s^3 + 3s.
Step 5: Factor out h from the numerator and then cancel it with the h in the denominator. Finally, take the limit as h approaches 0 to find the derivative f'(s).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative
The derivative of a function measures how the function's output value changes as its input value changes. It is defined as the limit of the average rate of change of the function over an interval as the interval approaches zero. The derivative is often denoted as f'(s) and represents the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at a given point.
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Limit
A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. It is used to define derivatives and integrals. In the context of finding a derivative, the limit helps to determine the instantaneous rate of change of the function at a specific point by examining the function's values as they get arbitrarily close to that point.
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Power Rule
The Power Rule is a basic differentiation rule that simplifies the process of finding the derivative of polynomial functions. It states that if f(s) = s^n, where n is a real number, then the derivative f'(s) = n * s^(n-1). This rule is particularly useful for functions like f(s) = 4s³ + 3s, allowing for quick calculation of derivatives without using the limit definition directly.
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