The Definition of a Derivative

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 140 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of finding the derivative of a quadratic function using the definition of a derivative. The definition of a derivative is a fundamental concept in calculus that helps us understand how functions change as their input changes. We will use the given quadratic function $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ to find its derivative using the definition.

The Definition of a Derivative

The definition of a derivative is given by:

f^{\prime}(x)=\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}

This definition states that the derivative of a function $f(x)$ at a point $x$ is equal to the limit of the difference quotient as $h$ approaches zero. The difference quotient is given by:

\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}

Finding the Derivative of $f(x)$

To find the derivative of $f(x)$ , we need to substitute the given function into the definition of a derivative. We get:

f^{\prime}(x)=\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(4(x+h)^2-6(x+h)-7) - (4x^2-6x-7)}{h}

Expanding the Expression

To simplify the expression, we need to expand the squared term in the numerator. We get:

(4(x+h)^2-6(x+h)-7) - (4x^2-6x-7)

=4(x^2+2hx+h^2)-6(x+h)-7-4x^2+6x+7

=4x^2+8hx+4h^2-6x-6h-7-4x^2+6x+7

=8hx+4h^2-6h

Substituting the Expression into the Definition

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can substitute it into the definition of a derivative. We get:

f^{\prime}(x)=\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{8hx+4h^2-6h}{h}

Cancelling Out the Common Factor

We can cancel out the common factor of $h$ in the numerator and denominator. We get:

f^{\prime}(x)=\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} (8x+4h-6)

Evaluating the Limit

As $h$ approaches zero, the term $4h$ approaches zero. Therefore, we are left with:

f^{\prime}(x)=8x-6

Conclusion

In this article, we used the definition of a derivative to find the derivative of the quadratic function $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ . We simplified the expression and evaluated the limit to get the final answer. The derivative of $f(x)$ is given by $f^{\prime}(x)=8x-6$ .

Example Use Cases

The derivative of a function can be used in a variety of applications, such as:

Finding the maximum or minimum of a function
Determining the rate of change of a function
Solving optimization problems

Tips and Tricks

When finding the derivative of a function using the definition, make sure to:

Simplify the expression as much as possible
Cancel out common factors
Evaluate the limit carefully

By following these tips and tricks, you can find the derivative of a function using the definition with ease.

Common Mistakes

When finding the derivative of a function using the definition, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes:

Failing to simplify the expression
Not cancelling out common factors
Evaluating the limit incorrectly

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your answer is correct.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of finding the derivative of a quadratic function using the definition of a derivative. In this article, we will answer some common questions related to the derivative of a quadratic function.

Q: What is the derivative of a quadratic function?

A: The derivative of a quadratic function is a linear function. In the case of the quadratic function $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ , the derivative is given by $f^{\prime}(x)=8x-6$ .

Q: How do I find the derivative of a quadratic function?

A: To find the derivative of a quadratic function, you can use the definition of a derivative. This involves substituting the quadratic function into the definition and simplifying the expression. You can also use the power rule of differentiation, which states that if $f(x)=x^n$ , then $f^{\prime}(x)=nx^{n-1}$ .

Q: What is the power rule of differentiation?

A: The power rule of differentiation states that if $f(x)=x^n$ , then $f^{\prime}(x)=nx^{n-1}$ . This rule can be used to find the derivative of a quadratic function by substituting $n=2$ .

Q: How do I use the power rule of differentiation to find the derivative of a quadratic function?

A: To use the power rule of differentiation to find the derivative of a quadratic function, you can substitute $n=2$ into the formula. For example, if $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ , you can find the derivative by substituting $n=2$ into the formula:

f^{\prime}(x)=2(4x^2-6x-7)

=8x^2-12x-14

Q: What is the significance of the derivative of a quadratic function?

A: The derivative of a quadratic function is significant because it represents the rate of change of the function. In the case of the quadratic function $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ , the derivative $f^{\prime}(x)=8x-6$ represents the rate of change of the function.

Q: How do I use the derivative of a quadratic function to solve optimization problems?

A: To use the derivative of a quadratic function to solve optimization problems, you can use the fact that the derivative represents the rate of change of the function. For example, if you want to find the maximum or minimum of a quadratic function, you can use the derivative to determine the critical points of the function.

Q: What are critical points?

A: Critical points are points on the graph of a function where the derivative is equal to zero or undefined. In the case of a quadratic function, the critical points are the points where the derivative is equal to zero.

Q: How do I find the critical points of a quadratic function?

A: To find the critical points of a quadratic function, you can set the derivative equal to zero and solve for $x$ . For example, if $f(x)=4x^2-6x-7$ , you can find the critical points by setting the derivative $f^{\prime}(x)=8x-6$ equal to zero and solving for $x$ :

8x-6=0

x=\frac{6}{8}

x=\frac{3}{4}

Conclusion

In conclusion, the derivative of a quadratic function is a linear function that represents the rate of change of the function. By using the definition of a derivative or the power rule of differentiation, you can find the derivative of a quadratic function. The derivative of a quadratic function is significant because it represents the rate of change of the function, and it can be used to solve optimization problems.

Example Use Cases

The derivative of a quadratic function can be used in a variety of applications, such as:

Finding the maximum or minimum of a function
Determining the rate of change of a function
Solving optimization problems

Tips and Tricks

When finding the derivative of a quadratic function, make sure to:

Simplify the expression as much as possible
Cancel out common factors
Evaluate the limit carefully

By following these tips and tricks, you can find the derivative of a quadratic function with ease.

Common Mistakes

When finding the derivative of a quadratic function, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes:

Failing to simplify the expression
Not cancelling out common factors
Evaluating the limit incorrectly

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your answer is correct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the derivative of a quadratic function is a powerful tool that can be used in a variety of applications. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can find the derivative of a quadratic function with ease. Remember to simplify the expression, cancel out common factors, and evaluate the limit carefully. With practice and patience, you can become proficient in finding the derivative of a quadratic function.