Subjects

AP Calculus AB/BC

Nov 30, 2025

3 pages

Mastering Derivatives and Integrals: A Beginner's Guide

Jilly @jillian_yoeu

Calculus might seem intimidating, but it's really about understanding how things change (derivatives) and how things add up... Show more

Derivative and Integral Preview
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Derivative Rules and Applications

Derivatives tell us the rate at which functions change. Learning the basic derivative rules will make calculus much easier! The most common rules include power rule $x^n → nx^{n-1}$ , trigonometric functions like $\sin x → \cos x$ , and $e^x → e^x$ (the only function that's its own derivative!).

When functions get more complex, we use special techniques. The product rule helps with multiplied functions $$f\cdotg \to f\cdotg' + g\cdotf'$$ , the quotient rule works for divided functions $\frac{f}{g} → \frac{g·f' - f·g'}{g^2}$ , and the chain rule handles composite functions ($f(g(x)) → f'(g(x))·g'(x)$).

Let's see these rules in action! For $f(x) = 4x^5 - 5x^4$ , we get $f'(x) = 20x^4 - 20x^3$ using the power rule. With $f(x) = e^x \sin x$ , we apply the product rule to get $f'(x) = e^x \sin x + e^x \cos x$ .

💡 When differentiating, think about which rule fits the situation. Is it a product of functions? Use the product rule. A function inside another function? That's the chain rule!

Finding Critical Points and Inflection Points

Derivatives help us find where functions reach their peaks and valleys. To find critical points (minimums and maximums), set the derivative equal to zero and solve for x. Then check what happens on both sides of these points to classify them.

For example, with $f(x) = 1 - 9x - 6x^2 - x^3$ , we first find $f'(x) = -9 - 12x - 3x^2$ . Setting this equal to zero and solving gives us $x = -3$ and $x = -1$ . By checking values on either side, we can determine that $x = -3$ is a minimum and $x = -1$ is a maximum.

The second derivative ($f''(x)$) tells us about the function's curvature. When $f''(x)$ changes sign, we have a point of inflection where the curve changes from concave up to concave down (or vice versa). These points often reveal important changes in the function's behavior.

🔍 Think of critical points as the "peaks" and "valleys" of your function's landscape. The inflection points are where the terrain changes its curving pattern!

Introduction to Integration

Integration is the reverse of differentiation—it helps us find the original function when we know its derivative. Basic integration formulas mirror derivative rules $\int x^n dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C$ $except when $n = -1$$ .

When integrating, don't forget the constant of integration (C)! For example, $\int (5x^2 - 8x + 5)dx = \frac{5x^3}{3} - 4x^2 + 5x + C$ . With negative exponents, we get terms like $\int \frac{4}{x^2}dx = -\frac{4}{x} + C$ .

For more complex integrals, u-substitution is your best friend. This technique works when part of the integrand looks like the derivative of another part. For example, with $\int e^{x^2} \cdot 2x dx$ , we can set $u = x^2$ and $du = 2x dx$ , transforming our integral into $\int e^u du = e^u + C = e^{x^2} + C$ .

🌟 Think of u-substitution as a way to simplify complicated integrals by making a clever variable change. Look for patterns where one part of the expression is almost the derivative of another part!

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Subjects

AP Calculus AB/BC

•

Nov 30, 2025

•

3 pages

Mastering Derivatives and Integrals: A Beginner's Guide

Jilly

@jillian_yoeu

Calculus might seem intimidating, but it's really about understanding how things change (derivatives) and how things add up (integrals). These powerful mathematical tools help us solve countless real-world problems in science, engineering, and economics.

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Derivative Rules and Applications

💡 When differentiating, think about which rule fits the situation. Is it a product of functions? Use the product rule. A function inside another function? That's the chain rule!

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Finding Critical Points and Inflection Points

🔍 Think of critical points as the "peaks" and "valleys" of your function's landscape. The inflection points are where the terrain changes its curving pattern!

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Introduction to Integration

Integration is the reverse of differentiation—it helps us find the original function when we know its derivative. Basic integration formulas mirror derivative rules: $\int x^n dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C$ $except when $n = -1$$ .

🌟 Think of u-substitution as a way to simplify complicated integrals by making a clever variable change. Look for patterns where one part of the expression is almost the derivative of another part!