2 Derivatives

2.4 The Product and Quotient Rules

The previous section showed that, in some ways, derivatives behave nicely. The Constant Multiple and Sum/Difference Rules established that the derivative of f(x)=5x2+sinx was not complicated. We neglected computing the derivative of things like g(x)=5x2sinx and h(x)=5x2sinx on purpose; their derivatives are not as straightforward. (If you had to guess what their respective derivatives are, you would probably guess wrong.) For these, we need the Product and Quotient Rules, respectively, which are defined in this section.

We begin with the Product Rule.

Theorem 2.4.1 Product Rule

Let f and g be differentiable functions on an open interval I. Then fg is a differentiable function on I, and

ddx(f(x)g(x))=f(x)g(x)+f(x)g(x).

Important: ddx(f(x)g(x))f(x)g(x). While this answer is simpler than the Product Rule, it is wrong. We can show that this is wrong by considering the functions f(x)=x2 and g(x)=x5.
Using the WRONG rule we get ddx[f(x)g(x)]=2x5x4=10x5. However, when we simplify the product first and apply the Power Rule, fg=x2x5=x7 and

ddx[f(x)g(x)]=7x610x5.

Applying the real Product Rule we see that,

ddx[f(x)g(x)] =x2ddx(x5)+ddx(x2)x5
=x25x4+2xx5
=7x6

We practice using this new rule in an example, followed by a proof of the theorem.

Example 2.4.1 Using the Product Rule

Use the Product Rule to compute the derivative of y=5x2sinx. Evaluate the derivative at x=π/2.

SolutionTo make our use of the Product Rule explicit, let’s set f(x)=5x2 and g(x)=sinx. We easily compute/recall that f(x)=10x and g(x)=cosx. Employing the rule, we have

ddx(5x2sinx)=5x2cosx+10xsinx.
margin: π2π5101520xy Figure 2.4.1: A graph of y=5x2sinx and its tangent line at x=π/2. Λ

At x=π/2, we have

y(π/2)=5(π2)2cos(π2)+10π2sin(π2)=5π.

We graph y and its tangent line at x=π/2, which has a slope of 5π, in Figure 2.4.1. While this does not prove that the Product Rule is the correct way to handle derivatives of products, it helps validate its truth.

  • Proof of the Product Rule


    By the limit definition, we have

    ddx(f(x)g(x))=limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x)g(x)h.

    We now do something a bit unexpected; add 0 to the numerator (so that nothing is changed) in the form of -f(x+h)g(x)+f(x+h)g(x), and then do some regrouping as shown.

    ddx (f(x)g(x))
    =limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x)g(x)h  (now add 0 to the numerator)
    =limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x+h)g(x)+f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x)h
    =limh0(f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x+h)g(x))+(f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x))h
    =limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x+h)g(x)h+limh0f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x)h
    =limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-g(x)h+limh0f(x+h)-f(x)hg(x)
    =limh0f(x+h)limh0g(x+h)-g(x)h+limh0f(x+h)-f(x)hlimh0g(x)
    =f(x)g(x)+f(x)g(x).

It is often true that we can recognize that a theorem is true through its proof yet somehow doubt its applicability to real problems. In the following example, we compute the derivative of a product of functions in two ways to verify that the Product Rule is indeed “right.”

Example 2.4.2 Exploring alternate derivative methods

Let y=(x2+3x+1)(2x2-3x+1). Find y two ways: first, by expanding the given product and then taking the derivative, and second, by applying the Product Rule. Verify that both methods give the same answer.

SolutionWe first expand the expression for y; a little algebra shows that y=2x4+3x3-6x2+1. It is easy to compute y;

y=8x3+9x2-12x.

Now apply the Product Rule.

y =(x2+3x+1)ddx(2x2-3x+1)+ddx(x2+3x+1)(2x2-3x+1)
=(x2+3x+1)(4x-3)+(2x+3)(2x2-3x+1)
=(4x3+9x2-5x-3)+(4x3-7x+3)
=8x3+9x2-12x.

The uninformed usually assume that “the derivative of the product is the product of the derivatives.” Thus we are tempted to say that y=(2x+3)(4x-3)=8x2+6x-9. Obviously this is not correct.

Example 2.4.3 Using the Product Rule with a product of three functions

Let y=x3lnxcosx. Find y.

SolutionWe have a product of three functions while the Product Rule only specifies how to handle a product of two functions. Our method of handling this problem is to simply group the latter two functions together, and consider y=x3(lnxcosx). Following the Product Rule, we have

y =(x3)(lnxcosx)+3x2(lnxcosx)
To evaluate (lnxcosx), we apply the Product Rule again:
=(x3)(lnx(-sinx)+1xcosx)+3x2(lnxcosx)
=x3lnx(-sinx)+x31xcosx+3x2lnxcosx

Recognize the pattern in our answer above: when applying the Product Rule to a product of three functions, there are three terms added together in the final derivative. Each term contains only one derivative of one of the original functions, and each function’s derivative shows up in only one term. It is straightforward to extend this pattern to finding the derivative of a product of 4 or more functions.

We consider one more example before discussing another derivative rule.

Example 2.4.4 Using the Product Rule

Find the derivatives of the following functions.

1.f(x)=xlnx  2.g(x)=xlnx-x.

SolutionRecalling that the derivative of lnx is 1/x, we use the Product Rule to find our answers.

  1. (a)

    ddx(xlnx)=x1/x+1lnx=1+lnx.

  2. (b)

    Using the result from above, we compute

    ddx(xlnx-x)=1+lnx-1=lnx.

This seems significant; if the natural log function lnx is an important function (it is), it seems worthwhile to know a function whose derivative is lnx. We have found one. (We leave it to the reader to find others; a correct answer will be very similar to this one.)

We have learned how to compute the derivatives of sums, differences, and products of functions. We now learn how to find the derivative of a quotient of functions.

Theorem 2.4.2 Quotient Rule

Let f and g be differentiable functions defined on an open interval I, where g(x)0 on I. Then f/g is differentiable on I, and

ddx(f(x)g(x))=g(x)f(x)-f(x)g(x)[g(x)]2.
  • Proof of the Quotient Rule


    Let the functions f and g be defined and g(x)0 on an open interval I. By the definition of derivative,

    ddx(f(x)g(x)) =limh0f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x)g(x)h
    =limh0[(f(x+h)g(x+h)-f(x)g(x))1h]
    =limh0[(f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x+h)g(x+h)g(x))1h]

    Adding and subtracting the term f(x)g(x) in the numerator does not change the value of the expression and allows us to separate f and g so that

    ddx(f(x)g(x)) =limh0[(f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x)+f(x)g(x)-f(x)g(x+h)g(x+h)g(x))1h]
    =limh0[f(x+h)g(x)-f(x)g(x)hg(x+h)g(x)+f(x)g(x)-f(x)g(x+h)hg(x+h)g(x)]
    =limh0[g(x)f(x+h)-f(x)hg(x+h)g(x)+f(x)g(x)-g(x+h)hg(x+h)g(x)]
    =limh0g(x)f(x+h)-f(x)h-f(x)g(x+h)-g(x)hg(x+h)g(x)
    =limh0g(x)limh0f(x+h)-f(x)h-limh0f(x)limh0g(x+h)-g(x)hlimh0g(x+h)limh0g(x)
    =g(x)f(x)-f(x)g(x)[g(x)]2

Let’s practice using the Quotient Rule.

Example 2.4.5 Using the Quotient Rule

Let f(x)=5x2sinx. Find f(x).

SolutionDirectly applying the Quotient Rule gives:

ddx(5x2sinx) =sinxddx(5x2)-5x2ddx(sinx)(sinx)2
=sinx10x-5x2cosxsin2x
=10xsinx-5x2cosxsin2x.

The Quotient Rule allows us to fill in holes in our understanding of derivatives of the common trigonometric functions. We start with finding the derivative of the tangent function.

Example 2.4.6 Using the Quotient Rule to find ddx(tanx).

Find the derivative of y=tanx.

SolutionAt first, one might feel unequipped to answer this question. But recall that tanx=sinx/cosx, so we can apply the Quotient Rule.

ddx(tanx) =ddx(sinxcosx)
=cosxddx(sinx)-sinxddx(cosx)(cosx)2
=cosxcosx-sinx(-sinx)cos2x
=cos2x+sin2xcos2x
=1cos2x
=sec2x.

This is a beautiful result. To confirm its truth, we can find the equation of the tangent line to y=tanx at x=π/4. The slope is sec2(π/4)=2; y=tanx, along with its tangent line, is graphed in Figure 2.4.2. margin: -π2-π2π4π2-10-5510xy Figure 2.4.2: A graph of y=tanx along with its tangent line at x=π/4. Λ

We include this result in the following theorem about the derivatives of the trigonometric functions. Recall we found the derivative of y=sinx in Example 2.1.6 and stated the derivative of the cosine function in Theorem 2.3.1. The derivatives of the cotangent, cosecant and secant functions can all be computed directly using Theorem 2.3.1 and the Quotient Rule.

Theorem 2.4.3 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
1.  ddx(sinx)=cosx 2.  ddx(cosx)=-sinx
3.  ddx(tanx)=sec2x     4.  ddx(cotx)=-csc2x
5.  ddx(secx)=secxtanx 6.  ddx(cscx)=-cscxcotx

The proofs of these derivatives have been presented or left as exercises. To remember the above, it may be helpful to keep in mind that the derivatives of the trigonometric functions that start with “c” have a minus sign in them.

Example 2.4.7 Exploring alternate derivative methods

In Example 2.4.5 the derivative of f(x)=5x2sinx was found using the Quotient Rule. Rewriting f as f(x)=5x2cscx, find f using Theorem 2.4.3 and verify the two answers are the same.

SolutionWe found f(x)=10xsinx-5x2cosxsin2x in Example 2.4.5. We now find f using the Product Rule, considering f as f(x)=5x2cscx.

f(x) =ddx(5x2cscx)
=5x2ddx(cscx)-cscxddx(5x2)
=5x2(-cscxcotx)+10xcscx (now rewrite trig functions)
=5x2-1sinxcosxsinx+10xsinx
=-5x2cosxsin2x+10xsinx (get common denominator)
=10xsinx-5x2cosxsin2x

Finding f using either method returned the same result. At first, the answers looked different, but some algebra verified they are the same. In general, there is not one final form that we seek; the immediate result from the Product Rule is fine. Work to “simplify” your results into a form that is most readable and useful to you.

When we stated the Power Rule in Section 2.3 we claimed that it worked for all n but only provided the proof for non-negative integers. The next example uses the Quotient Rule to provide justification of the Power Rule for n.

Example 2.4.8 Using the Quotient Rule to expand the Power Rule

Find the derivatives of the following functions.

  1. (a)

    f(x)=1x

  2. (b)

    f(x)=1xn, where n>0 is an integer.

SolutionWe employ the Quotient Rule.

  1. (a)

    f(x)=x0-11x2=-1x2.

  2. (b)

    f(x)=xn0-1nxn-1(xn)2=-nxn-1x2n=-nxn+1.

The derivative of y=1xn turned out to be rather nice. It gets better. Consider:

ddx(1xn) =ddx(x-n) (apply result from Example 2.4.8)
=-nxn+1 (rewrite algebraically)
=-nx-(n+1)
=-nx-n-1.

Thus, for all n, we can officially apply the Power Rule: multiply by the power, then subtract 1 from the power.

Taking the derivative of many functions is relatively straightforward. It is clear (with practice) what rules apply and in what order they should be applied. Other functions present multiple paths; different rules may be applied depending on how the function is treated. One of the beautiful things about calculus is that there is not “the” right way; each path, when applied correctly, leads to the same result, the derivative. We demonstrate this concept in an example.

Example 2.4.9 Exploring alternate derivative methods

Let f(x)=x2-3x+1x. Find f(x) in each of the following ways:

  1. (a)

    By applying the Quotient Rule,

  2. (b)

    by viewing f as f(x)=(x2-3x+1)x-1 and applying the Product and Power Rules, and

  3. (c)

    by “simplifying” first through division.

Verify that all three methods give the same result.

Solution

  1. (a)

    Applying the Quotient Rule gives:

    f(x)=x(2x-3)-(x2-3x+1)1x2=x2-1x2=1-1x2.
  2. (b)

    By rewriting f, we can apply the Product and Power Rules as follows:

    f(x) =(x2-3x+1)(-1)x-2+(2x-3)x-1
    =-x2-3x+1x2+2x-3x
    =-x2-3x+1x2+2x2-3xx2
    =x2-1x2=1-1x2,

    the same result as above.

  3. (c)

    As x0, we can divide through by x first, giving f(x)=x-3+1x. Now apply the Power Rule to see

    f(x)=1-1x2,

    the same result as before.

Example 2.4.9 demonstrates three methods of finding f. It is difficult to argue for a “best method” as all three gave the same result without too much difficulty, although it is clear that using the Product Rule required more steps. Ultimately, the important principle to take away from this is: simplify the answer to a form that seems “simple” and easy to interpret. They are equal; they are all correct. The most appropriate form of f depends on what we need to do with the function next. For later problems it will be important for us to determine the most appropriate form to use and to move flexibly between the different forms. In the next section we continue to learn rules that allow us to more easily compute derivatives than using the limit definition directly. We have to memorize the derivatives of a certain set of functions, such as “the derivative of sinx is cosx.” The Sum/Difference, Constant Multiple, Power, Product and Quotient Rules show us how to find the derivatives of certain combinations of these functions. The next section shows how to find the derivatives when we compose these functions together.

Exercises 2.4

 

Terms and Concepts

  1. 1.

    T/F: The Product Rule states that ddx(x2sinx)=2xcosx.

  2. 2.

    T/F: The Quotient Rule states that ddx(x2sinx)=2xcosx.

  3. 3.

    T/F: The derivatives of the trigonometric functions that start with “c” have minus signs in them.

  4. 4.

    What derivative rule is used to extend the Power Rule to include negative integer exponents?

  5. 5.

    T/F: Regardless of the function, there is always exactly one right way of computing its derivative.

  6. 6.

    In your own words, explain what it means to make your answers “clear.”

Problems

In Exercises 7–8., use the Quotient Rule to verify these derivatives.

  1. 7.

    ddx(cotx)=-csc2x

  2. 8.

    ddx(cscx)=-cscxcotx

In Exercises 9–12.:

  1. (a)

    Use the Product Rule to differentiate the function.

  2. (b)

    Manipulate the function algebraically and differentiate without the Product Rule.

  3. (c)

    Show that the answers from (a) and (b) are equivalent.

  1. 9.

    f(x)=x(x2+3x)

  2. 10.

    g(x)=2x2(5x3)

  3. 11.

    h(s)=(2s-1)(s+4)

  4. 12.

    f(x)=(x2+5)(3-x3)

In Exercises 13–16.:

  1. (a)

    Use the Quotient Rule to differentiate the function.

  2. (b)

    Manipulate the function algebraically and differentiate without the Quotient Rule.

  3. (c)

    Show that the answers from (a) and (b) are equivalent.

  1. 13.

    f(x)=x2+3x

  2. 14.

    g(x)=x3-2x22x2

  3. 15.

    h(s)=34s3

  4. 16.

    f(t)=t2-1t+1

In Exercises 17–42., compute the derivative of the given function.

  1. 17.

    f(x)=xsinx

  2. 18.

    f(t)=1t2(csct-4)

  3. 19.

    H(y)=(y5-2y3)(7y2+y-8)

  4. 20.

    F(y)=y23(y2+9y)

  5. 21.

    g(x)=x+7x-5

  6. 22.

    y=xx+4

  7. 23.

    g(x)=xx+4

  8. 24.

    g(t)=t5cost-2t2

  9. 25.

    h(x)=cotx-ex

  10. 26.

    h(t)=7t2+6t-2

  11. 27.

    f(x)=x4+2x3x+2

  12. 28.

    f(x)=x2-xx3

  13. 29.

    y=(1x3+5x4)(2x3-x5)

  14. 30.

    g(x)=11+x+x2+x3

  15. 31.

    p(x)=1+1x+1x2+1x3

  16. 32.

    f(x)=(16x3+24x2+3x)7x-116x3+24x2+3x

  17. 33.

    f(t)=t5(sect+et)

  18. 34.

    f(x)=sinxcosx+3

  19. 35.

    g(x)=e2(sin(π/4)-1)

  20. 36.

    g(t)=4t3et-sintcost

  21. 37.

    f(y)=y(2y3-5y-1)(6y2+7)

  22. 38.

    F(x)=(8x-1)(x2+4x+7)(x3-5)

  23. 39.

    h(t)=t2sint+3t2cost+2

  24. 40.

    f(x)=x2extanx

  25. 41.

    g(x)=2xsinxsecx

  26. 42.

    f(x)=xlnx

In Exercises 43–46., find the equations of the tangent line to the graph of g at the indicated point.

  1. 43.

    g(s)=es(s2+2) at (0,2).

  2. 44.

    g(t)=tsint at (3π2,-3π2)

  3. 45.

    g(x)=x2x-1 at (2,4)

  4. 46.

    g(θ)=cosθ-8θθ+1 at (0,1)

In Exercises 47–50., find the x-values where the graph of the function has a horizontal tangent line.

  1. 47.

    f(x)=6x2-18x-24

  2. 48.

    f(x)=xsinx on [-1,1]

  3. 49.

    f(x)=xx+1

  4. 50.

    f(x)=x2x+1

In Exercises 51–54., find the requested derivative.

  1. 51.

    f(x)=xsinx; find f′′(x).

  2. 52.

    f(x)=xsinx; find f(4)(x).

  3. 53.

    f(x)=cscx; find f′′(x).

  4. 54.

    f(x)=(x3-5x+2)(x2+x-7); find f(8)(x).

In Exercises 55–60., f and g are differentiable functions such that f(2)=3, f(2)=-1, g(2)=-5, and g(2)=2. Evaluate the expressions.

  1. 55.

    (f+g)(2)

  2. 56.

    (f-g)(2)

  3. 57.

    (4f)(2)

  4. 58.

    (fg)(2)

  5. 59.

    (fg)(2)

  6. 60.

    (gf+g)(2)

  1. 61.
    If f and g are functions whose graphs are shown, evaluate the expressions.-2-11234-2-11234gfxy * (a) (fg)(-1) (b) (f/g)(-1) (c) (fg)(3) (d) (g/f)(3)
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