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 8a
Textbook Question
Find the derivative the following ways:
Using the Product Rule or the Quotient Rule. Simplify your result.
g(t) = (t + 1)(t² - t + 1)

1
Identify the function as a product of two functions: \( u(t) = t + 1 \) and \( v(t) = t^2 - t + 1 \).
Recall the Product Rule for derivatives, which states: \( (uv)' = u'v + uv' \).
Find the derivative of \( u(t) = t + 1 \), which is \( u'(t) = 1 \).
Find the derivative of \( v(t) = t^2 - t + 1 \), which is \( v'(t) = 2t - 1 \).
Apply the Product Rule: \( g'(t) = u'(t)v(t) + u(t)v'(t) = 1(t^2 - t + 1) + (t + 1)(2t - 1) \). Simplify the expression to get the final derivative.

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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(t) and v(t), the derivative of their product is given by u'v + uv'. This rule is essential when differentiating expressions where two functions are multiplied together, as it allows for a systematic approach to finding the derivative.
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Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule is used to differentiate a function that is the quotient of two other functions. If f(t) = u(t)/v(t), the derivative is given by (u'v - uv')/v². This rule is particularly useful when dealing with fractions of functions, ensuring that the differentiation accounts for both the numerator and the denominator.
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Simplification of Derivatives
After applying the Product or Quotient Rule, the resulting derivative often needs simplification to make it more manageable or interpretable. This involves combining like terms, factoring, or reducing fractions. Simplification is crucial for clearer analysis and understanding of the behavior of the function, especially when evaluating limits or finding critical points.
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