Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Lesson 4.2
The Limit Definition of Derivative
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

Slope and Equation of the Tangent Line and the Derivative 4
The Derivative of a Function 8

Key Points 15

Key Formula 15

Check Your Understanding 16

Challenge Yourself 17

Bibliography 19

Key to Try It! 19

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Lesson 4.2

The Limit Definition of Derivative

Introduction
Imagine that you own a company that produces wicker baskets. The cost of the production
depends on the quantity manufactured. The rate at which the production cost changes with
respect to the number of items produced is the marginal cost. This is an application of
Calculus in economics. Other applications of Calculus are in the fields of physics, engineering,
medicine, and many more.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 1

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
In this lesson, we will revisit the slope of the tangent line. Its applications in different fields
made it a basis of a fundamental concept of Calculus, which is what we call the derivative.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competencies
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
• Apply the definition of the
following:
derivative of a function at a given
● Define the derivative of a function.
number
● Relate the derivative of a function to the (STEM_BC11D-IIIe-2).
slope of the tangent line. • Relate the derivative of a function

● Solve for the derivative of a function. to the slope of the tangent line
(STEM_BC11D-IIIe-3).
● Apply the definition of the derivative of a
function at a given number.

Warm Up
Slope of the Tangent Line 15 minutes
In this activity, you will be able to recall how to find the slope of the tangent line of the graph
of a function at a specific 𝑥 value.

Materials
● paper
● pen

Procedure
1. Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .
2. Determine the following:
a. interval where the function is increasing
b. interval where the function is decreasing

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Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
3. Determine the following:
a. interval where the slope of the tangent line to 𝑓(𝑥) is positive
b. interval where the slope of the tangent line to 𝑓(𝑥) is negative

4. Graph the function and draw the tangent lines of the function at 𝑥 = 0, 1, −1.
5. Answer the guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. What is the behavior of 𝑓(𝑥) on an interval where the slope of the tangent line is
positive?
2. What is the behavior of 𝑓(𝑥) on an interval where the slope of the tangent line is
negative?
3. Where do you think will a tangent line with a slope of 0 occur?

Learn about It!

Slopes of tangent lines are used to solve problems on the rate of change. For instance, the
instantaneous velocity is an application of the slope of a tangent line. Other applications
include the rate at which the number of bacteria increases over time, the rate of change of
temperature with respect to time, and the rate of change of the concentration of a drug in
the bloodstream. The usefulness of the slope of tangent lines in different fields makes it a
central concept in Calculus.

Why is the equation for the slope of the tangent

line important in Calculus and in other fields?

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 3

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Slope and Equation of the Tangent Line and the Derivative

In the previous lesson, we discussed that the slope of the tangent line of a function 𝑓(𝑥) at
(𝑎, 𝑓(𝑎)) is given by

𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑚 = lim .
𝑥→𝑎 𝑥−𝑎

An alternative form of this equation that we will be using hereafter is

𝑓(𝑎 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑎)
𝑚 = lim ,
ℎ→0 ℎ

where ℎ = 𝑥 − 𝑎.

Consequently, the equation of the tangent line is given by

𝑦 − 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑎).

The slope of the tangent line of the function 𝑓(𝑥) at (𝑎, 𝑓(𝑎)) is called the derivative of 𝒇 at
𝒂:

𝒇(𝒂 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒂)
𝒇′ (𝒂) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

Thus, the equation of the tangent line is given by

𝒚 − 𝒇(𝒂) = 𝒇′(𝒂)(𝒙 − 𝒂).

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 4

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
Solve for the slope of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 21 at 𝑥 = 3.

Solution
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) at 3, or 𝑓 ′ (3).

𝑓(3 + ℎ) − 𝑓(3)
𝑓 ′ (3) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
[(3 + ℎ)2 + 4(3 + ℎ) − 21] − [32 + 4(3) − 21]
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
[9 + 6ℎ + ℎ + 12 + 4ℎ − 21] − [9 + 12 − 21]
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
ℎ + 10ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(ℎ + 10)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(ℎ
= lim + 10)
ℎ→0
= 10

Therefore, the slope of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 21 at 𝑥 = 3 is 𝟏𝟎.

1 Try It!
Solve for the slope of the tangent line to the parabola 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 10 at 𝑥 = 3.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 5

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Example 2
Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 𝑥 3 , solve for 𝑓 ′ (−2). Interpret what this value means.

Solution
Solve for 𝑓′(−2).

𝑓(−2 + ℎ) − 𝑓(−2)
𝑓 ′ (−2) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
[(−2 + ℎ) − (−2 + ℎ)3 ] − [−2 − (−2)3 ]
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
[−2 + ℎ − (ℎ − 6ℎ2 + 12ℎ − 8)] − 6
3
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
3 2
−2 + ℎ − ℎ + 6ℎ − 12ℎ + 8 − 6
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
3 2
−ℎ + 6ℎ − 11ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(−ℎ2 + 6ℎ − 11)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
= lim (−ℎ + 6ℎ − 11)
ℎ→0
= −11

This means that 𝒇′ (−𝟐) = −𝟏𝟏 is the slope of the tangent line to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 𝑥 3
at 𝑥 = −2.

2 Try It!
Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 , solve for 𝑓′(1). Interpret what this value means.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 6

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Example 3
Solve for the equation of the tangent line to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 16 at 𝑥 = 0.

Solution
Step 1: Solve for 𝑓′(0).

𝑓(0 + ℎ) − 𝑓(0)
𝑓 ′ (0) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 (ℎ) − 𝑓(0)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
−ℎ − 6ℎ + 16 − 16
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
−ℎ − 6ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(−ℎ − 6)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim (−ℎ − 6)
ℎ→0
= −6

Step 2: Write the equation of the tangent line.

The equation of the tangent line of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑎 is given by 𝑦 − 𝑓(𝑎) = 𝑓′(𝑎)(𝑥 − 𝑎).

Since 𝑎 = 0, 𝑓(0) = 16, and 𝑓 ′ (0) = −6, the equation of the tangent line of
𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 16 at 𝑥 = 0 is given by the following equation:

𝑦 − 𝑓(0) = 𝑓 ′ (0)(𝑥 − 0)
𝑦 − 16 = −6𝑥
𝑦 = −6𝑥 + 16

Thus, the equation of the tangent line to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 16 at 𝑥 = 0 is

𝒚 = −𝟔𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 7

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

3 Try It!
Solve for the equation of the tangent line to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 4 at 𝑥 = −3.

What do we mean by the derivative of a function at

a number?

The Derivative of a Function

𝒇(𝒂+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒂)
Since the limit 𝐥𝐢𝐦 is used in many applications, it is given a special name:
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

derivative.

Instead of finding the slope of the tangent line at a specific number 𝑎, we find the slope of the
tangent line at an arbitrary number. Thus, we replace 𝑎 by the variable 𝑥. We will look at the
derivative as a function “derived” from 𝑓(𝑥).

Derivative of a Function
The derivative of a function 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥 is defined by the equation

𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 ,
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

read as “𝑓 prime of 𝑥.”

The domain of 𝑓′ consists of the 𝑥 values in the domain of 𝑓 where the limit exists.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 8

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . The solution below shows the derivative of 𝑓 with respect to
𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 𝑥 2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 + 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2 − 𝑥 2
2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(2𝑥 + ℎ)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim (2𝑥 + ℎ)
ℎ→0
= 2𝑥

What does 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 mean? It gives the slope of the tangent line at any 𝑥 value in the domain
of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . For example, let 𝑥 = 1. Then, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 = 2(1) = 2. The slope of the tangent line
of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = 1 is 2. Recall that we have already solved this in the previous lesson by
finding the limit of the slope of the secant lines.

Did You Know?

Functions and Their Derivative

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 9

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

The derivative of a function is a function of 𝑥 that gives the slope of

the tangent line of the function at any 𝑥 value.

Observe the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and its derivative 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥. Notice
that the graph of the derivative gives the slope of 𝑓(𝑥) at any given
point.

For example, at 𝑥 = 1, the slope of 𝑓(𝑥) is 2. Thus, 𝑓 ′ (1) = 2. In the

interval (−∞, 0), 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing; thus, the graph of 𝑓′(𝑥) is below
the 𝑥-axis on that interval. In the interval (0, ∞), 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing;
thus, the graph of 𝑓′(𝑥) is above the 𝑥-axis. At 𝑥 = 0, the slope of the
tangent line is 0.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 10

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Let’s Practice!

Example 4
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 with respect to 𝑥.

Solution
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
Solve for the derivative of the function 𝑓′(𝑥) using the formula 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 5(𝑥 + ℎ) + 6 − (𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 + 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ − 5𝑥 − 5ℎ + 6 − 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6
2 2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
ℎ + 2ℎ𝑥 − 5ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
ℎ(ℎ + 2𝑥 − 5)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim (ℎ + 2𝑥 − 5)
ℎ→0
= 2𝑥 − 5

Therefore, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 is 𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓.

4 Try It!
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 with respect to 𝑥.

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 11

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Example 5
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 1 with respect to 𝑥 and use it to determine the slope
of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 4.

Solution
Step 1: Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥.
𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(√𝑥 + ℎ + 1) − (√𝑥 + 1)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
√𝑥 + ℎ + 1 − √𝑥 − 1
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
√𝑥 + ℎ − √𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
√𝑥 + ℎ − √𝑥 √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
= lim ( ∙ )
ℎ→0 ℎ √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
𝑥+ℎ−𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(√𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥)
ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(√𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥)
1
= lim
ℎ→0 √𝑥 + ℎ + √𝑥
1
=
2√𝑥

Step 2: Solve for the slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 4.

The slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 1 at 𝑥 = 4 is

1
𝑓 ′ (4) =
2√4
1
=
2(2)
1
=
4

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 12

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
1 𝟏
Thus, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 + 1 is 𝑓′(𝑥) = 2√𝑥, while the slope of the tangent line is 𝟒.

5 Try It!
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2√𝑥 with respect to 𝑥 and use it to solve for the
slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 1.

Example 6
𝑥+4
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 with respect to 𝑥 and use it to solve for the slope of the
tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 2.

Solution
Step 1: Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥.

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(𝑥 + ℎ) + 4 𝑥 + 4
−
(𝑥 + ℎ) + 1 𝑥 + 1
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
(𝑥 + ℎ + 4)(𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + ℎ + 1)
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(𝑥 + ℎ + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + ℎ𝑥 + ℎ + 4𝑥 + 4 − 𝑥 2 − ℎ𝑥 − 𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 4ℎ − 4
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(𝑥 + ℎ + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
−3ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ(𝑥 + ℎ + 1)(𝑥 + 1)

−3
= lim
ℎ→0 (𝑥 + ℎ + 1)(𝑥 + 1)

−3
=
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
−3
=
(𝑥 + 1)2

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 13

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
Step 2: Solve for the slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 2.

𝑥+4
The slope of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 at 𝑥 = 2 is given by the

solution below.

3
𝑓 ′ (2) = −
(2 + 1)2
3
=− 2
3
3
=−
9
1
=−
3

𝑥+4 −3 𝟏
Thus, the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 is 𝑓′(𝑥) = (𝑥+1)2, while the slope of the tangent line is − 𝟑.

6 Try It!
𝑥
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−3 with respect to 𝑥 and use it to solve for the slope

of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑥 = 5.

Did You Know?

Alternative Notations for the Derivative

Aside from 𝑓′(𝑥), the derivative of a function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
𝑥 can also be denoted as 𝑦 ′ , , 𝑓(𝑥), or 𝐷𝑥 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 14

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● The slope of the tangent line of the function 𝑓(𝑥) at (𝑎, 𝑓(𝑎)) is called the derivative
𝒇(𝒂+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒂)
of 𝒇 at 𝒂 and is given by 𝒇′ (𝒂) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , where ℎ = 𝑥 − 𝑎.
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

● The equation of the tangent line is given by 𝒚 − 𝒇(𝒂) = 𝒇′(𝒂)(𝒙 − 𝒂).

● The derivative of a function 𝒇 with respect to 𝒙 is defined by the equation
𝒇(𝒙+𝒉)−𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 , read as “𝑓 prime of 𝑥.” The domain of 𝑓′ consists of the 𝑥 values
𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

in the domain of 𝑓 where the limit exists.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Formula
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Use this formula to find the

Derivative of a 𝒇(𝒙 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙)
𝒇′ (𝒙) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 derivative of a function 𝑓(𝑥)
function 𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
with respect to 𝑥.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 15

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Check Your Understanding

𝑓(𝑎+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑎)
A. For each item, solve for 𝑓′(𝑎) using the equation 𝑓 ′ (𝑎) = lim .
ℎ→0 ℎ

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1; 𝑎 = 2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1; 𝑎 = −3
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 15; 𝑎 = 7
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 1; 𝑎 = 1
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥; 𝑎 = 4

B. For each item, solve for the equation of the tangent line of 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑎.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4 − 𝑥 2 ; 𝑎 = −1
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 7; 𝑎 = 0
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6; 𝑎 = 5
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 ; 𝑎 = 2
1
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥; 𝑎 = 1

C. Solve for the derivative of the function 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 16
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 9 − 𝑥 2
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 4
𝑥+3
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−2

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 16

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

D. Solve for the derivative and then use it to determine the slope
of the tangent line to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) at the given 𝑥 value.
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 27; 𝑥 = 3
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥; 𝑥 = −7
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = −2𝑥 3 ; 𝑥 = 1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 + √𝑥; 𝑥 = 4
𝑥+2
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = ; 𝑥 = −2
𝑥

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = √1 − 3𝑥, find 𝑓′(𝑥).

2. What is the meaning of the derivative of a function 𝑓(𝑥) with respect to 𝑥 in terms of
the graph of the function?

3. Consider the parabola 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , as shown in the graph below.

a. At what interval of 𝑥 values is the slope of the tangent line positive?

b. At what interval of 𝑥 values is the slope of the tangent line negative?
c. At what 𝑥 values are the slope of the tangent line equal to zero?

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 17

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function
4. Consider the graph of the function 𝑔(𝑥) below.

a. At what interval of 𝑥 values is 𝑓′(𝑥) positive?

b. At what interval of 𝑥 values is 𝑓′(𝑥) negative?
c. At what 𝑥 values are 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) equal to 0?

5. The number of bacteria on a petri dish is given by the function 𝑓(𝑡) where 𝑡 is the time
in hours.
a. What is the meaning of 𝑓(2)?
b. What is the meaning of the derivative 𝑓 ′ (2) = 1 000?

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 18

Unit 4: Derivative of a Function

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H. and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H. and Bruce H. Edwards. Calculus. 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning,
2010.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T. and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Stewart, James. Calculus. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning, 2016.

Key to Try It!

1. 9
2. 5; This is the slope of the tangent line of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 at 𝑥 = 1.
3. 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 13
4. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 8
1
5. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = ; 𝑓 ′ (1) = 1
√𝑥
3 3
6. 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = − (𝑥−3)2 ; 𝑓 ′ (5) = −
4

4.2. The Limit Definition of Derivative 19