Calculus 4.

1 Interpreting the Derivative in Context Notes

Write your questions
and thoughts here!
Recall:

∆ ∆
Slope between two points: or
∆ ∆

Units for the Derivative:

The derivative of 𝑓 𝑥 is

If 𝑓 𝑥 0, then 𝑓 𝑥 is increasing. If 𝑓 𝑥 0, then 𝑓 𝑥 is decreasing.

1. Mr. Sullivan wants Mr. Brust to finish creating his packets in Algebra 2. The number of
packets Mr. Brust has completed is modeled by 𝑝 𝑤 , where 𝑤 is measured in weeks.
a. Interpret 𝑝 10 1 in the context of the problem.

After 10 weeks, Mr. Brust has completed 1 packet.

b. Interpret 𝑝′ 39 4 in the context of the problem.

On the 39th week, Mr. Brust is making 4 packets per week.

2. The rate at which Mr. Kelly is buying baseball cards per year is modeled by 𝑏 𝑡 , where
𝑡 is measured in years.
a. Interpret 𝑏 3 150 in the context of the problem.

On the 3rd year, Mr. Kelly is buying 150 cards per year.

b. Interpret 𝑏′ 4 10 in the context of the problem.

On the 4th year, the rate at which Mr. Kelly is buying baseball cards is
increasing by 10 per year.
4.1 Interpreting the Derivative in Context
Calculus
Practice
For each problem, a differentiable function is given along with a definition of the variables. Interpret the
values in the context of the problem.
1. The percentage grade a student receives on a test, is 2. Mr. Bean rides his motor scooter to work some
modeled by 𝐺 𝑡 where 𝑡 is the number of hours days. His distance from home can be modeled by
spent studying for the test. Interpret 𝐺 1 3. 𝑑 𝑡 meters where 𝑡 is measured in minutes.
Interpret 𝑑 15 650.

3. The rate at which a factory produces baseball hats 4. Mr. Brust has entered a Biggest Loser contest and
can be modeled by 𝑏 𝑡 where 𝑏 𝑡 is the number is hoping to lose some of those holiday calories.
hats produced per hour and 𝑡 is the number of His weight gain or loss can be modeled by 𝑝 𝑡 ,
hours since the factory opens. Interpret 𝑏 1 where 𝑝 is measured in pounds per week and 𝑡 is
100. weeks since he started his diet. Interpret 𝑝 4
1.

5. The number of gallons of water in a storage tank at 6. The rate at which the temperature is changing is
time 𝑡, in minutes, is modeled by 𝑤 𝑡 . Interpret modeled by 𝑇 ℎ , where 𝑇 is measured in degrees
𝑤 10 8. per hour and ℎ is hours since midnight. Interpret
𝑇 20 0.5.

7. A harbor’s water depth changes with the ocean 8. The height of a rocket is modeled by ℎ 𝑡 meters
tides. The rate of change of the depth of the water where 𝑡 is measured in seconds. Interpret ℎ 10
is modeled by 𝑑 𝑡 , where 𝑑 is measured in feet 30.
per hour and 𝑡 is hours. Interpret 𝑑 2 3.

9. The time it takes for a chemical reaction to occur 10. A tire is leaking air pressure because of a small
can be modeled by 𝑡 𝐴 , where 𝑡 is the time, in hole. The function 𝑝 𝑡 models the amount of air
minutes, and 𝐴 is the catalyst used, measured in pressure (psi) in the tire after 𝑡 minutes. Interpret
milliliters. Interpret 𝑡 40 1.7. 𝑝 3 2.

No test prep for this lesson.

 Calculus 4.2 Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Notes
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and thoughts here!
Mr. Brust is playing catch with his best friend, himself. He throws a tennis ball straight up
into the air. The height of the ball is modeled by 𝒔 𝒕 𝟒. 𝟗𝒕𝟐 𝟏𝟖𝒕 𝟐 where 𝑡 is time
in seconds and 𝑠 is the height of the ball from the ground in meters.
POSITION VELOCITY ACCELERATION

Position function: 𝑠 𝑡
Velocity function: 𝑣 𝑡 𝑠 𝑡
Acceleration function: 𝑎 𝑡 𝑣 𝑡 𝑠 𝑡
Velocity = Rate of Change of Position
𝑣 𝑡 0 means the particle is __________________________________
𝑣 𝑡 0 means the particle is __________________________________
𝑣 𝑡 0 means the particle is _____________
Average velocity on the interval 𝑎, 𝑏

Speed |𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲|

Speeding Up or Slowing Down?

If velocity and acceleration have the same sign, the particle is _____________________

If velocity and acceleration have different signs, the particle is __________________

𝒕 𝟓 𝟏 𝟐 𝟒
𝒗 𝒕 3 2 1 1
𝒂 𝒕 4 7 0.1 1

Conclusion slowing down slowing down speeding up speeding up

Displacement: The net change in position.

Write your questions
and thoughts here!
Particle Motion from an equation.
The position (x-coordinate) of a particle moving on the x-axis is modeled by the function
𝑥 𝑡 𝑡 4𝑡 3 for 𝑡 0,
Where 𝑥 is measured in cm and 𝑡 is measured in minutes.
1. Find the displacement of the particle during the first 2 minutes.

2. Find the average velocity of the particle during the first 2 minutes.

3. Find the velocity of the particle when 𝑡 4.

4. Find the acceleration of the particle when 𝑡 4.

5. Is the particle speeding up or slowing down at 𝑡 4? Justify.

Particle Motion from a graph

The figure shows the velocity 𝑣 𝑥 𝑡 of a particle moving on a coordinate line.

6. When is the particle moving right? Justify.

7. When is the particle moving left? Justify.

8. When is the particle’s acceleration Positive? Negative? Zero?

9. When does the particle have the greatest speed?

10. When is the particle speeding up? Justify.

11. When is the particle slowing down? Justify.

4.2 Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
Calculus
Practice
1. A particle moves along a line so that its position at any time 𝑡 0 is given by the function
1
𝑠 𝑡 𝑡 3𝑡 8𝑡 5
3
where s is measured in meters and t is measured in seconds.
a. Find the instantaneous velocity at any b. When is the particle at rest?
time t.

c. Find the acceleration of the particle at d. What is the displacement of the particle for the
any time t. first 3 seconds?

2. A ball is dropped off a 1200 ft cliff. The height of the ball over time is modeled by the function
ℎ 𝑡 1200 16𝑡 where h is the height of the ball and 𝑡 is time in seconds.
a. Find ℎ′ 3 . Explain what it means. b. Find ℎ′′ 3 . Explain what it means.

3. The position, in meters, of a body at time t sec is 𝑠 𝑡 𝑡 6𝑡 9𝑡. Find the body’s
acceleration each time the velocity is zero.

4. A particle P moves on the number line. The graph 𝑠 𝑓 𝑡 shows the position of P as a function of
time t.
a. When is P moving to the left?

b. When is P moving to the right?

c. When is P at rest?

d. Graph the particle’s velocity where defined.

5. The figure shows the velocity 𝑣 𝑓 𝑡 of a body moving along a coordinate line in meters per
second.
a. When does the body reverse direction?

b. When is the body moving at a constant speed?

c. What is the body’s maximum speed?

d. What time interval(s) is the body speeding up?

6. A rock thrown vertically upward from the surface of the moon at a velocity of 32 meters per second
reaches a height of 𝑠 𝑡 32𝑡 0.8𝑡 meters in t seconds.
a. Find the rock’s velocity and acceleration as b. How long did it take the rock to reach its
functions of time. highest point?

7. The data in the table gives selected values for the velocity, in meters per minute, of a particle
moving along the x-axis. The velocity v is a differentiable function of time t.

Time t 0 2 5 6 8 12
Velocity
-3 2 3 5 7 5
𝒗 𝒕
a. At 𝑡 0, is the particle moving to the right b. Is there a time during the time interval 0 𝑡
or left? Justify. 12 minutes when the particle is at rest? Justify.

c. Use the data from the table to approximate d. Explain the meaning of 𝑣′ 10 in terms of the
𝑣′ 10 . particle motion.
8. The graph represents the velocity, in feet per second, of a particle moving along the x-axis over the
time interval from 𝑡 0 to 𝑡 9 seconds.
a. At 𝑡 4, is the particle moving to the right
or left? Justify.

b. Over what time interval is the particle

moving left? Justify.

c. At 𝑡 4, is the acceleration positive or

negative? Justify.

d. What is the average acceleration of the e. At what time 𝑡 in the given interval is the
particle over the interval 2 𝑡 4 ? particle furthest to the right. Justify.
Show the computations and label your
answer.

9. A particle moves along the x-axis so that at time 𝑡 its position is given by
𝑥 𝑡 𝑡 6𝑡 9𝑡 11
where 𝑡 is measured in seconds and 𝑥 is measured in feet.
a. At 𝑡 0, is the particle moving to the right b. At 𝑡 1, is the velocity of the particle
or left? Justify. increasing or decreasing? Justify.

c. What is the displacement over the first 6 seconds?

No test prep. These questions are already like exam type problems.
 Calculus 4.3 Rates of Change Other Than Motion Notes
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and thoughts here!
Increasing or Decreasing?
To know if something is increasing or decreasing, check the ________________________

Height is increasing if ______________________

Velocity is decreasing if ______________________

Mr. Brust’s IQ is increasing if ______________________

is decreasing if ______________________

Recall: Derivative on a calculator.

Find 𝑓 3 if 𝑓 𝑥 5

Is the function already a rate of change?

 If 𝑓 𝑥 is the bunny population after 𝑥 years, than what is 𝑓 𝑥 ?

 If 𝑓 𝑥 is the rate at which a bunny population increases (bunnies per year), than
what is 𝑓 𝑥 ?

Rate of Change from a Table

𝑡
0 10 20 30
(years)
𝑃 𝑡
100 120 150 200
(people)

Estimate 𝑃 15 Estimate 𝑃 20
4.3 Rates of Change Other Than Motion
Calculus
Practice
1. A store is having a 12-hour sale. The total number of shoppers who have entered the store 𝑡 hours after the
sale begins is modeled by the function 𝐸 defined by 𝐸 𝑡 0.3𝑡 14𝑡 110𝑡 for 0 𝑡 12. At what
rate are shoppers entering the store 5 hours after the start of the sale?

2. The function 𝑡 𝑓 𝑃 models the time, in days, for a small pond to evaporate as a function of the size 𝑃 of
the pond, measured in liters. What are the units for 𝑓 𝑃 ?

3.
𝑡 𝑊 𝑡
(days) ℉
0 58
5 60
10 61
15 64
20 68

The temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit ℉ , of a lake is a differentiable function 𝑊 of time 𝑡. The table
above shows the water temperature as recorded every 5 days over a 20-day period. Use the data from the
table to find an approximation for 𝑊 10 . Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units
of measure.

4. The function 𝐷 𝑡 13 2.7 cos 𝑡 models the depth, in feet, of water 𝑡 hours after 6 A.M. Find the
instantaneous rate of change of the depth of the water at 9 A.M. Use appropriate units.

5. The rate of consumption of liquid chocolate in Switzerland is given by 𝑅 𝑡 𝑐𝑒 , where 𝑅 is measured in

millions of gallons per year and 𝑡 is measured in years from the beginning of 1990. The consumption rate
doubles every 9 years and the consumption rate at the beginning of 1990 was 2 million gallons per year.
Find 𝑐 and 𝑘.
6.
𝑡
0 10 20 30
(minutes)
𝑊 𝑡
104 90 79 72
℉

The temperature of water in a bathtub at time 𝑡 is modeled by a strictly decreasing, twice-differentiable

function 𝑊, where 𝑊 𝑡 is measured in degrees Fahrenheit and 𝑡 is measured in minutes. The water is
cooling for 30 minutes, beginning at time 𝑡 0. Values of 𝑊 𝑡 at selected times 𝑡 are given in the table
above. Use the data in the table to estimate 𝑊 15 . Show the computations that lead to your answer.
Using correct units, interpret the meaning of your answer in the context of this problem.

7. The rate of decay, in grams per minute, of a radioactive substance is a differentiable, decreasing function 𝑅 of
time, 𝑡, in minutes. The table below shows the decay rate as recorded every 4 minutes over a 24-minute
period.
𝑡
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
(minutes)
𝑅 𝑡
(grams per 320 221 130 82 39 22 11
minute)

a. Approximate 𝑅 12 . Show the computations that lead to your answer. Indicate units of measure.

b. A physicist proposes the function 𝐺 𝑡 320 0.882 as a model for the rate of decay of the radioactive
substance, using the same units as 𝑅 𝑡 . Find 𝐺 12 . Using appropriate units, explain the meaning of
your answer in terms of the decay rate of the substance.

𝟖. 𝟗𝟎𝟓 grams/min/min. At time 𝒕 𝟏𝟐 minutes, the decay rate is decreasing

at the rate of
8.905 grams per minute per minute.
8. For time 𝑡 0 hours, let 𝑟 𝑡 50 1 𝑒 . represent the speed, in miles per hour, at which a car travels
along a straight road. Find 𝑟′ 2 . Indicate units of measure.
4.3 Rates of Change Other Than Motion Test Prep
9. People are entering a museum at a rate modeled by 𝑓 𝑡 people per hour and exiting the building at a rate
modeled by 𝑔 𝑡 people per hour, where 𝑡 is measured in hours. The functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are nonnegative and
differentiable for all times 𝑡. Which of the following inequalities indicates that the rate of change of the number
of people in the building is decreasing at time 𝑡?

(A) 𝑔 𝑡 0 (B) 𝑔 𝑡 0 (C) 𝑓 𝑡 𝑔 𝑡 0 (D) 𝑓 𝑡 𝑔 𝑡 0

ANSW
ER: C

10. Calculator Active. The rate of 𝑅 𝑡 of a certain item produced in a factory is given by
𝑅 𝑡 4000 48 𝑡 3 4 𝑡 3
where 𝑡 is the number of hours since the beginning of the workday at 8:00 a.m. At what time is the rate of
production increasing most rapidly?

(A) 8:00 am (B) 10:00 am (C) 11:00 am (D) 1:00 pm

Answer: C
 Calculus 4.4 Introduction to Related Rates Notes
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and thoughts here!
Many variables have a familiar relationship. Or in other words, a way variables are “related”
to each other. A great example is the Pythagorean Theorem.

𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝒄𝟐

Let’s say a triangle’s dimensions are changing. This means a dimension (a, b, or c) has a rate
of change, and this rate is “related” to another dimension’s rate of change.

Differentiate your relationship with respect to one specific variable. This is like implicit
differentiation. Usually it is with respect to time, but not always.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

1. A police car, approaching a right-angled intersection police car

from the north is chasing a speeding car that has turned
the corner and is now moving straight east. Set up a
relationship, then find an equation that shows the
related rates of the vehicles with respect to time.

speeding car

Some dimensions are constants.

An airplane (point A) is flying on a horizontal path that will take it directly over an observer
(point O). The airplane maintains a constant altitude. Relate the rates of change of the
distance between the observer and the airplane and the horizontal distance between the two.

O
4.4 Introduction to Related Rates
Calculus
Practice
Find a relationship between the given rates of change by doing the following.
1. Set up a relationship using variables for the situation.
2. Differentiate with respect to time 𝒕.
1. An ice cube is melting. Relate the volume’s rate of change with the edges’ rate of change.

2. The width and length of a rectangle are increasing. Relate these rates of change with the rate of change
of the area of the rectangle.

3. A spherical balloon is expanding. Relate the rate of change of surface area with the rate of change of
the radius of the balloon. 𝐴 4𝜋𝑟 .

4. The water level is dropping in a cylindrical tank because of a small leak in the tank. Relate the rates of
change between the water level and the volume of the water. The volume is modeled by 𝑉 𝜋𝑟 ℎ.

5. Mr. Brust is using a ladder to paint his house. The ladder is leaning against the house when Mr.
Sullivan decides to pull the base of the ladder away from the house. Set up a relationship of the rates of
change of how high the top of the ladder is and the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the house.
6. A rocket is rising vertically. An observer on the ground is standing a certain distance from the rocket’s
launch point. As the observer watches the rocket, the angle of elevation is increasing. Relate the rates
of change of the angle of elevation with the speed of the rocket.

7. A boat is being pulled toward a dock by a rope attached to its bow through a pulley on the dock. The
pulley is higher than the boat’s bow by several feet. Relate the rate that the rope is hauled in with how
fast the boat is approaching the dock.

4.4 Introduction to Related Rates Test Prep

8. Let 𝑎 and 𝑏 be functions of time 𝑡 such that the sum of 𝑎 and three times 𝑏 is constant. Which of the
following equations describes the relationship between the rate of change of 𝑎 with respect to time and
the rate of change of 𝑏 with respect to time?

(A) 3 (B) 3

(C) 3 0 (D) 3 𝐹, where 𝐹 is a function of 𝑡.

9. The number of minutes 𝑀 that it takes to make a calculus lesson and the number of lessons 𝐿 that are
made per week satisfy the relationship 𝐿 , where 𝑘 is a constant. Which of the following best
describes the relationship between the rate of change, with respect to time 𝑡, of 𝐿 and the rate of
change, with respect to time 𝑡, of 𝑀?

(A) (B)

(C) (D)
 Calculus 4.5 Solving Related Rates Notes
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and thoughts here!
1. If 𝑦 3𝑥 6𝑥, find when 𝑥 1, and 2.

Guidelines to solving related rate problems

1. Draw a picture.
2. Make a list of all known and unknown rates and quantities.
3. Relate the variables in an equation.
4. Differentiate with respect to time.
5. Substitute the known quantities and rates and solve.

IMPORTANT: Substituting a non-constant quantity before differentiating is not allowed!

Rectangle Example
The width of a rectangle is increasing at a rate of 2 cm/sec and its length is increasing at a
rate of 3 cm/sec. At what rate is the area of the rectangle increasing when its width is 4 cm
and its length is 5 cm?

Triangle Example
A police car, approaching a right-angled intersection from the north is chasing a speeding car
that has turned the corner and is now moving y

straight east. When the police car is 0.6 miles north

of the intersection and the car is 0.8 miles to the police car
east, the police determine with a radar gun that the
distance between them and the car is increasing at
20 mph. If the police car is moving at 60 mph at the
instant of measurement, what is the speed of the
car?
x

speeding car
4.5 Solving Related Rates
Calculus
Practice
1. If 𝑦 3𝑥 6𝑥, find when 𝑥 1, and 3. 2. If 𝑔 5ℎ ℎ , find when ℎ 2, and 3.

3. If 𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 , find when 𝑥 3, 𝑦 4, 4. If 𝐴 𝑏ℎ, find when 𝑏 7, ℎ 6,

1, and 5. 2, and 3.

5. An ice cube is melting at a rate of 5 cubic cm per hour. At what rate is the edge of the cube changing
when the edge of the cube is 3 cm.

Answer: cm/hour
2
6. A circular pool of water is expanding at the rate of 16𝜋 in / sec. At what rate is the radius expanding
when the radius is 4 inches?

Answer: 2 inches/sec
7. A spherical balloon is expanding at a rate of 60𝜋 in3 / sec. How fast is the surface area of the balloon
expanding when the radius of the balloon is 4 inches? 𝑉 𝜋𝑟 and 𝐴 4𝜋𝑟 .

Answer: 30𝜋 in2/sec

8. An airplane (pt. A) is flying 600 mph on a horizontal path that will take it directly over an observer
(pt. O). The airplane maintains a constant altitude of 7 miles (see figure). What is the rate of change
of the distance between the observer and the airplane when 𝑥 5 miles?

z
7 mi.

O
x

Answer: mph
√

9. Mr. Brust is using a ladder to paint his house. The 17-ft ladder is leaning against the house when Mr.
Kelly decides to pull the base of the ladder away from the house at a rate of 3 ft./sec. How fast is the
top of the ladder moving down the side of the house when it is 8 ft. above the ground? Indicate units
of measure.

Answer: feet/sec
10. A boat is being pulled toward a dock by a rope attached to its bow through a pulley on the dock. The
pulley is 7 feet higher than the boat’s bow. If the rope is hauled in at a rate of 4 feet/sec, how fast is
the boat approaching the dock when 25 feet of rope is out?

Answer: feet/sec

4.5 Solving Related Rates Test Prep

11. The base of a triangle is decreasing at a constant rate of 0.2 cm/sec and the height is increasing at 0.1
cm/sec. If the area is increasing, which answer best describes the constraints on the height h at the
instant when the base is 3 centimeters?

(a) ℎ 3 (b) ℎ 1 (c) ℎ 1.5 (d) ℎ 1.5 (e) ℎ 2

 Calculus 4.6 Approximating with Local Linearity Notes
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and thoughts here!
The tangent line of the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) at 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎 can give you an approximate value of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) for
points close to 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎.

Concave UP with a Tangent Line Concave DOWN with a Tangent Line

UNDERESTIMATE OVERESTIMATE

1. 𝑓𝑓 is concave up on its domain with 𝑓𝑓(4) = 5 and 𝑓𝑓 ′ (4) = 3.

a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(3.8) using the local linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 4?

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate? Explain.

2. The function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 5𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 3 − 2 is concave down at 𝑥𝑥 = 1?.

a. Find the tangent line of 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 1.

b. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(1.1) using the local linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 1?

c. Is it an underestimate or overestimate? Explain.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
3. Consider the differential equation 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑦 (2𝑥𝑥 2 − 5𝑥𝑥). Let 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) be the particular
solution to the differential equation with the initial condition 𝑓𝑓(2) = 0.
a. Write an equation for the line tangent to the graph of 𝑓𝑓 at the point (2,0).

b. Use the tangent line to approximate 𝑓𝑓(2.2).

4.6 Approximating with Local Linearity
Calculus
Practice
For each differential equation, let 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) be the particular solution to the differential equation with the
given initial condition.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝜋𝜋 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 4𝑥𝑥
1. = (5 − 𝑦𝑦) sin 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑓𝑓 � � = 2. 2. 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = − 𝑦𝑦 and 𝑓𝑓(1) = 3.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
a. Write an equation for the line tangent to the a. Write an equation for the line tangent to the
𝜋𝜋 graph of 𝑓𝑓 at the point (1,3).
graph of 𝑓𝑓 at the point � , 2�.
2

b. Use the tangent line to approximate 𝑓𝑓(1.1).

b. Use the tangent line to approximate 𝑓𝑓(1.5).

Answer the questions for each function listed.

𝜋𝜋 𝑒𝑒 2𝑥𝑥
3. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2 cos 𝑥𝑥 + 1 is concave down on �0, �. 4. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥+1 is concave up on 𝑥𝑥 > −1.
2
a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(1) using the local a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(0.1) using the local
𝜋𝜋
linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = ? Give an linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 0?
2
exact answer (no rounding).

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate? b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate?

Explain. Explain.
 5. 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = −√4 − 𝑥𝑥 is concave up on its domain. 6. 𝑓𝑓 is concave down and 𝑓𝑓(3) = −1 and 𝑓𝑓 ′ (3) = 2.
a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(1.9) using the local a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(3.2) using the local
linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 2? Round to linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 3?
three decimal places.

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate?
Explain.

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate?
Explain.

7. 𝑓𝑓 is concave up and 𝑓𝑓(−5) = 2 and 𝑓𝑓 ′ (−5) = −1. 8. 𝑓𝑓 is concave down and 𝑓𝑓(2) = 1 and 𝑓𝑓 ′ (2) = −3.
a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(−5.1) using the a. What is the estimate for 𝑓𝑓(1.9) using the local
local linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = −5? linear approximation for 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 2?

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate? b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate?

Explain. Explain.

4.6 Approximating with Local Linearity Test Prep

9. Let 𝑓𝑓 be the function given by 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3𝑥𝑥 2 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 2. The tangent line to the graph of 𝑓𝑓 at 𝑥𝑥 = 1 is
used to approximate values of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥). Which of the following is the smallest value of 𝑥𝑥 for which the
error resulting from this tangent line approximation is more than 0.5?
[Hint for your calculator use: Create a table to compare values of two functions.]

(A) 1.3 (B) 1.4 (C) 1.5 (D) 1.6 (E) 1.7
ANSWER: B
10. The depth of snow in a field is given by the twice-differentiable function 𝑆𝑆 for 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 12, where
𝑆𝑆(𝑡𝑡) is measured in centimeters and time 𝑡𝑡 is measured in hours. Values of 𝑆𝑆 ′ (𝑡𝑡), the derivative of
𝑆𝑆, at selected values of time 𝑡𝑡 are shown in the table above. It is known that the graph of 𝑆𝑆 is
concave down for 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 12.

𝑡𝑡
0 1 4 9 12
(hours)
𝑆𝑆 ′ (𝑡𝑡)
(centimeters per 1.8 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.3
hour)

a. Use the data in the table to approximate 𝑆𝑆 ′′ (10). Show the computations that lead to your
answer. Using correct units, explain the meaning of 𝑆𝑆 ′′ (10) in the context of the problem.

b. Is there a time 𝑡𝑡, for 0 ≤ 𝑡𝑡 ≤ 12, at which the depth of snow is changing at a rate of 1.5
centimeters per hour? Justify your answer?

c. At time 𝑡𝑡 = 4, the depth of snow is 28 centimeters. Use the line tangent to the graph of 𝑆𝑆 at
𝑡𝑡 = 4 to approximate the depth of the snow at time 𝑡𝑡 = 6. Is the approximation an
underestimate or an overestimate of the actual depth of snow at time 𝑡𝑡 = 6? Justify your answer.
 Calculus 4.7 L’Hospital’s Rule Notes
Write your questions
and thoughts here!
Recall: When evaluating limits, first try direct substitution! lim
→

1. lim
→

L’Hospital’s Rule:
Suppose 𝑓 𝑎 0 and 𝑔 𝑎 0 and lim or . L’Hopital’s Rule allows you to
→
apply the following:
𝒇 𝒙 𝒇 𝒂
𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒙→𝒂 𝒈 𝒙 𝒈 𝒂

Evaluate each limit. Use L’Hospital’s when possible.

2. lim 3. lim
→ →

[Remember the special trig limits? If you

forget those, you can always use
L’Hopital’s!]

4. lim 5. lim
→ →

[Sometimes, you have to apply

L’Hopital’s twice!]

L’HOSPITAL’S IS NOT THE QUOTIENT RULE!!

6.
4.7 L’Hospital’s Rule
Calculus
Practice
Find the following. Use L’Hôpital’s when possible.
1. lim 2. lim 3. lim
→ → →

4. lim 5. lim 6.
→ →

√
7. lim 8. lim 9. lim
→ → →

10. lim 11. lim 12. lim

→ → →

13. 14. lim 15. lim

→ →
4.7 L’Hospital’s Rule Test Prep
16. If 𝑓 𝑥 2𝑥 5, then lim is
→

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 3 (E) The limit

does not exist.

17. Functions 𝑓, 𝑔, and ℎ are twice-differentiable functions with 𝑔 3 ℎ 3 5. The line 𝑦 5

𝑥 3 is tangent to both the graph of 𝑔 at 𝑥 3 and the graph of ℎ at 𝑥 3.

a. Find ℎ 3 .

b. Let 𝑎 be the function given by 𝑎 𝑥 2𝑥 ℎ 𝑥 . Write an expression for 𝑎 𝑥 . Find 𝑎 3 .

c. The function ℎ satisfies ℎ 𝑥 for 𝑥 3. It is known that lim ℎ 𝑥 can be evaluated

→
using L’Hospital’s Rule. Use lim ℎ 𝑥 5 to find 𝑓 3 and 𝑓 3 . Show the work that leads to
→
your answers.
Name: _______________________________ Date:_______________ Period: _____ Review
Unit 4 REVIEW – Contextual Application of Differentiation
Reviews do NOT cover all material from the lessons but should remind you of key points. To be
prepared, you should review all packets from Unit 4.

1. The figure shows the velocity 𝑣 𝑓 𝑡 of a body moving along a coordinate line in meters per
second.
a) When does the body reverse direction?

b) When is the body moving at a constant speed?

c) What is the body’s maximum speed?

d) At what time interval(s) is the body slowing down?

Find the following. Use L’Hospital’s when possible.

2. lim 3. lim 4.
→ →

5. If the length 𝑙 of a rectangle is decreasing at a rate of 2 inches per minute while its width 𝑤 is
increasing at a rate of 2 inches per minute, which of the following must be true about the area 𝐴 of the
rectangle?

(A) 𝐴 is always increasing. (B) 𝐴 is always decreasing. (C) 𝐴 is increasing only when 𝑙 𝑤.

(D) 𝐴 is increasing only when 𝑙 𝑤. (E) 𝐴 remains constant.

 The following problems are calculator active.

6. Brust is riding his bicycle north away from an intersection at a rate of 15 miles per hour. Sully is
driving his car towards the intersection from the west at a rate of 30 miles per hour. If Brust is 0.4
miles from the intersection, and Sully is 1 mile from the intersection, at what rate is the distance
between the two of them increasing or decreasing?

7. The side of a cube is increasing at a constant rate of 0.2 centimeters per second. In terms of the
surface area 𝑆, what is the rate of change of the volume of the cube, in cubic centimeters per second?

(A) 0.1𝑆 (B) 0.2𝑆 (C) 0.6𝑆

(D) 0.04𝑆 (E) 0.008𝑆

8. The function 𝑓 𝑥 1 sin 𝑥 is concave up at 𝑥 ?

a. What is the estimate for 𝑓 0.5 using the local linear approximation for 𝑓 at 𝑥 ?

b. Is it an underestimate or overestimate? Explain.