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Rules of Differentiation and Higher Order Derivatives

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Rules of Differentiation

The Constant Function Rule

The derivative of a constant function is always zero. If f(x) = c, where c is a constant, then:

  • Formula:

  • Example: If , then .

The Power Rule

The power rule is used to differentiate functions of the form xn, where n is any real number.

  • Formula:

  • Example:

  • Example:

The Constant Multiple Rule

The derivative of a constant multiplied by a function is the constant multiplied by the derivative of the function.

  • Formula:

  • Example:

The Sum Rule

The derivative of a sum of functions is the sum of their derivatives.

  • Formula:

The Difference Rule

The derivative of a difference of functions is the difference of their derivatives.

  • Formula:

  • Example:

Examples Combining Rules

  • Example: Differentiate

Higher Order Derivatives

Definition and Computation

Higher order derivatives are obtained by differentiating a function multiple times. The second derivative is the derivative of the first derivative, the third derivative is the derivative of the second derivative, and so on.

  • Notation: for the second derivative, for the third, and for the nth derivative.

  • Example: For :

    • First derivative:

    • Second derivative:

    • Third derivative:

    • Fourth derivative:

  • Example: Find , , for: a)

    b)

Derivatives of Exponential Functions

The Derivative of

The function is differentiable for all real numbers , and its derivative is itself:

  • Formula:

Theorem: The derivative of e^x is e^x

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