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
Tangent Lines and Derivatives
Problem 35a
Textbook Question
Find the derivative function f' for the following functions f.
f(x) =3x²+2x−10; a=1

1
Step 1: Identify the function f(x) = 3x^2 + 2x - 10, which is a polynomial function.
Step 2: Recall the power rule for differentiation, which states that the derivative of x^n is n*x^(n-1).
Step 3: Apply the power rule to each term of the function separately. For the first term, 3x^2, the derivative is 2*3*x^(2-1) = 6x.
Step 4: Apply the power rule to the second term, 2x. The derivative of x is 1, so the derivative of 2x is 2*1 = 2.
Step 5: The derivative of a constant, such as -10, is 0. Combine the derivatives of each term to find f'(x) = 6x + 2.

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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'(x) and represents the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at any given point.
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Power Rule
The Power Rule is a fundamental technique for finding derivatives of polynomial functions. It states that if f(x) = x^n, where n is a real number, then the derivative f'(x) = n*x^(n-1). This rule simplifies the differentiation process, especially for functions involving powers of x, making it easier to compute derivatives quickly.
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Evaluating Derivatives at a Point
To evaluate the derivative at a specific point, such as a = 1, you first find the derivative function f'(x) and then substitute the value of x with the point of interest. This gives the slope of the tangent line to the function at that specific point, providing insight into the function's behavior at that location.
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