# Derivatives & Derivative Rules: How To Find the Derivative

Derivatives: Contents (Click to skip to that section):

## Common Derivative Rules

This is a list of the more common derivatives (the ones you’ll usually find in the appendix of a text book). Want to add something to this table? Post a comment and we’ll take a look!
Power of x

 c = 0 x = 1 xn = n x(n-1)

Exponential / Logarithmic Derivatives Table

 ex = ex bx = bx ln(b) ln(x) = 1/x

Trigonometric

 sin x = cos x csc x = -csc x cot x cos x = – sin x sec x = sec x tan x tan x = sec2 x cot x = – csc2 x

Inverse Trigonometric

 arcsin x = 1 / (√ (1- x2)) arccsc x = -1 / (|x| √ (x2 – 1)) arccos x = -1 / (√ (1- x2)) arcsec x = 1 / (|x| √ (x2) – 1) arctan x = 1 / (1 + x2) arccot x = (-1 / 1 +x2)

Hyperbolic

 sinh x = cosh x csch x = – coth x csch x cosh x = sinh x sech x = – tanh x sech x tanh x = 1 – tanh2x coth x = 1 – coth2x

Above is a list of the most common derivatives you’ll find in a derivatives table. If you aren’t finding the derivative you need here, it’s possible that the derivative you are looking for isn’t a generic derivative (i.e. you actually have to figure out the derivative from scratch). If that’s the case and you need to find the derivative, check out the calculus section of this site, or try an online calculator like this one from Wolfram Alpha.

If you believe there’s a common derivative missing from this derivatives table, leave a comment and we’ll take a look!

## Product Rule

The product rule is used in calculus to differentiate many functions where one function is multiplied by another. The formal definition of the rule is (f * g)’ = f’ * g + f * g’. While this looks tricky, you’re just multiplying the derivative of each function by the other function. Recognizing the functions that you can differentiate using the product rule in calculus can be tricky. Working through a few examples will aid you in recognizing when to use the product rule and when to use other rules, like the chain rule.

## 1. y=x3 ln x(Video)

Watch the video or read the steps below:

## How do I Differentiate y=x3 ln x?

The derivative of x3 is 3x2, but when x3 is multiplied by another function — in this case a natural log, the process gets a little more complicated.

Differentiating functions in calculus that are multiplied with another function is achieved with the product rule, a very simple procedure that only involves a little algebra.

Sample problem: Differentiate y=x3 ln x.

Step 1: Name the first function “f” and the second function “g.” Go in order (i.e. the first listed function should be called “f” and the second should be called “g”).
f=x3
g=ln x
Step 2: Rewrite the equation using the new function names f and g you started using in Step 1:
Multiply f by the derivative of g, then add the derivative of f multiplied by g. You don’t need to actually differentiate at this point: just rewrite the equation.
y’= x3 D (ln x) + D (x3) ln x

Step 3: Take the derivative of the two functions in the equation you wrote in Step 2. Leave the two other functions in the sequence alone.
y’= x3 (1/x) + (3x2 ln x).

Step 4: Use algebra to simplify the result. This step is optional, but it keeps things neat and tidy and is almost certainly required by your professor :)
y’= x2 + 3x2 ln x.

That’s it! If you differentiate y=x3 ln 3, the answer is y’= x2 + 3x2 ln x.

Graph of y=x^3 ln x (red line). When you differentiate y=x^3 ln x you get x2 + 3x2 ln x (red line)

## 2. y=(x3+7x-7)(5x+2)

Step 1: Label the first function “f” and the second function “g”.
f=(x3+7x-7)
g=(5x+3)

Step 2: Rewrite the functions: multiply the first function f by the derivative of the second function g and then write the derivative of the first function f multiplied by the second function, g. The tick marks mean “derivative” but we’ll use “D” instead.
y’=(x3+7x-7) D(5x+3)+D(x3+7x-7)(5x+3)

Step 3: Take the derivative of the two functions identified in the equation you wrote in Step 2.
y’=(x3+7x-7) (5)+(3x2+7)(5x+3)

Step 4: Use algebra to multiply out and neaten up your answer:
y-=5x3+35x-35+15x3+9x2+35x+21 = 20x3+9x2+70x-14
That’s it!

## 3. y=x^-3(17+3x^-3)

Sample problem: Differentiate y=x-3(17+3x-3) using the product rule.

Step 1: Name the functions so that the first function is “f” and the second function is “g.” In this example, we have:
f=x-3 and
g=(17+3x-3)

Step 2: Rewrite the equation: Multiply f by the derivative of g, added to the derivative of f multiplied by g.
f’=x-3 D(17+3x-3) + D(x-3) (17+3x-3).

Step 3: Take the two derivatives of the equation from Step 2:
f’=x-3 (-9x-4) + (-3x-4) (17+3x-3).

Step 4: Use algebra to expand and simplify the equation:
f’=-9x-7-51x-4-9x-7 = -18x-7-51x-4.
That’s it!

## 4. y=6x3/2 cot x.

Step 1: Label the first function “f” and the second function “g”.
f=6x3/2
g= cot x

Step 2: Rewrite the functions: multiply the first function f by the derivative of the second function g and then write the derivative of the first function f multiplied by the second function, g. The tick(‘) in the formal definition means “derivative” but we’ll use “D” instead.
y’=(6x3/2)* D (cot x) + D(6x3/2)* cot x

Step 3: Take the derivative of the two functions from Step 2.
y’=(6x3/2)* (– csc2 x) + (6(3/2)x1/2)* cot x

Step 4: Use algebra to multiply out and neaten up your answer:
f’ = 6x3/2 – csc2 x + 9x1/2cot x
= 3x1/2(2x – csc2 x + 3 cot x)

That’s it!

Tip: Don’t be tempted to skip steps, especially when multiplying out algebraically. Although you might think you’re in calculus (and therefore know it all when it comes to algebra!), common mistakes usually happen in differentiation not by the actual differentiating process itself, but when you try and multiply out “in your head” instead of being careful to multiply out piece-wise.

## Derivative of a Constant

While most of the rules require you to complete several steps, taking the derivative of a constant only requires you to perform one step:

Change the constant to a 0, because the derivative or slope of any constant function is equal to zero.

In other words, if f(x)=c, then f'(x)=0.
Examples of how to take the Derivative of a Constant:
If f(x)=5, then f'(x)=0
If f(x)=0.1, then f'(x)=0
If f(x)=10000000, then f'(x)=0.
If f(x)=55 1/3, then f'(x)=0
If f(x)=√9, then f'(x)=0
That’s it!

Warning: The rule that the derivative of a constant only applies if you take the derivative of a constant, and not constants that also have exponents, constants multiplied by x, or anything other than a number. While √9 is a constant, √9x is not. If in doubt, graph your function. If the result is a horizontal line, then your function is a constant.

## Derivative of x

The derivative of x = 1. Similarly, the derivative of -x = 1.

Why?

The definition of the derivative is the slope of the tangent line at any point on the graph. The function y=x is a constant function. It has a positive slope of exactly 1 at all points on the graph — that’s why the derivative for the whole function is defined as 1.

The line of y=x (red line) and the derivative y=1.

The graph of -x is a decreasing graph with a negative slope of exactly -1 at all points:

Graph of y=-x (red line) and the derivative, -1 (green line).

One you wrap the idea around your head that the derivative is just the slope of the tangent line, it makes finding simple derivatives extremely easy. If only all derivatives in calculus were this simple!

## Derivative of 2x

The derivative of any x value multiplied by a constant is just the constant. For example, the derivative of 2x is 2, or the derivative of 100x is 100. You can apply this rule to any x value multiplied by a constant, including pi, e, decimals, fractions and constants like z,p,w, or v.

Why?

The derivative is a tangent line at a point. In other words, find the slope at a point and you have the derivative. The slope of the line 2x is 2, no matter what point you pick to find the slope. Therefore, the derivative of the entire function is 2.

Graph of y=2x (red line) and the derivative of 2x(green line).

Tip: Just in case you need a refresher, the slope formula is change in y / change in x. You can use this formula to take an average of a slope at two points; as the slope for a linear graph (like 2x) is constant, finding the slope between two points will also give you the derivative of 2x.

## Derivative of 3x

The derivative of any x value multiplied by a constant is just the constant. For example, the derivative of 99x is 99, or the derivative of 101x is 101.

Why?

The derivative is defined as the tangent line at a point. To put it another way, all you need to do is find the slope at a particular point and that value is the derivative.

You can find the slope of a line between two points by using the slope formula:
Slope = Change in y / change in x.
As you can probably deduce from the formula, it’s impossible to find the slope at a point…because there’s no change! In calculus, if you want to find the slope at a point you just pick a couple of points that are very close to the point you want to find the slope for. For example, if you want to find the derivative of 3x (which is just the slope), you might pick the point x=3 to find the derivative at. To use the slope formula, you need two points, so you could choose x=2 and x=4 (which are 1 units either side of 3). A linear function has a constant slope–so it doesn’t matter which points you pick!

The slope of the line 3x is 3, no matter what point you pick to find the slope. Therefore, the derivative of 3x is the derivative of the entire function: 3.

Graph of the function 3x

## Derivative of e

The derivative of e is 0.

Why?

Because the derivative of any constant is 0.

e“, sometimes called Napier’s constant, is not a variable like x or y. It’s a constant like π. It has a value of approximately 2.718. This graph shows the function y = e (red) and y = ex (green):

If you look at the graph of e, you can see that the slope is zero for all points on the line; A horizontal line always has a slope of zero. Therefore, the derivative is always zero for constant functions (like e) that produce a horizontal line when graphed.

However, it becomes slightly more complicated when you try to find a derivative of e when it’s combined with another function. For example, you might be asked to find the derivative of e functions that look like this: ex or x2x2. For these functions, you need to use a rule called the chain rule. See: How to differentiate e functions using the chain rule.

Natural Log (ln)
A natural logarithm of a function, written ln(x) and sometimes log(subscript e)(x), is a logarithm that is equal to the power the natural number, e, would have to be raised to in order to equal x. Given that a logarithm is essentially a function, this adds some unique issues when attempting to differentiate natural logs.

Sample problem # 1: Differentiate the function ln(x).

d/dx ln(x) = 1/x

That’s all!

Sample problem # 2: Differentiate the function ln(sqrt(x))
Note:At a glance, this would simply be 1/sqrt(x), but the reality is a bit
trickier than that.

Step 1:Use the law for algorithms that states ln xn = n ln x to separate
the exponent from the function. As sqrt(x) is the same as x1/2, this puts it in a form we can apply the earlier rule to.
d/dx ln(sqrt(x)) = d/dx ½ ln x
Step 2: Find the derivative of the function. Given that ln x derives to 1/x, and a constant’s derivative is always itself:
d/dx ½ ln x = 1/2x
Note: d/dx xy is equal to d/dx x d/dx y.

Tip:Whenever you come across functions you need to differentiate that include natural logs, you can substitute 1/x for the derivative of the
natural log of x. It is important to note that this applies specifically to
the natural log, and not to logarithms of any other base.

## The derivative of sin3x

The derivative of sin3x is 3sin2x cos x.
There are two main ways to arrive at the derivative, either by using the definition of a limit (the long way), or by using a shortcut, called the general power rule. Shortcuts exist so that you can skip using the long way of finding a derivative: the definition of a limit. The general form of the power rule helps you to differentiate functions of the form [u(x)]n], like sin3x, which can be rewritten as [sin x]3, which has the inside function of “sin x” and the outside function of x3. The general form of the power rule is:
If y-un, then y=nun-1*u’, where “u” is the inside function.

Sample problem: Find the Derivative of Sin3x

Step 1: Rewrite the equation to make it a power function:
sin3x = [sin x]3

Step 2: Find the derivative for the “inside” part of the function, sin x. According to the general rules for differentiation, the derivative of sin x is cos x:
f’ sin x = cos x

Step 3: Rewrite the function according to the general power rule. In other words, write out the general power rule, substituting in your function where appropriate. The last half of the general power rule is the derivative of the inside function you worked out in Step 2:
f- = 3[sin x]3-1[cos x] = 3[sin x]2[cos x]

Step 4: Rewrite using algebra:
3[sin x]2[cos x] = 3sin2x cos x

That’s it!

Tip: Calculus uses a lot of algebra and trigonometry. If your algebra skills are weak, this is where the course will likely become difficult. Rather than concentrating on memorizing the rules of differentiation, concentrate on improving your algebra skills. Being able to look at a function and seeing which rule might apply if you manipulate the equation (for example, knowing that a square root can be rewritten as “to the 1/2 power”) is key to working out derivatives.

## How to differentiate exponents

The Power Rule is one of the first rules you will come across in differential calculus, and with the prevalence of exponents in calculus it is one you will use often. The Power Rule is stated as “The derivative of x to the nth power is equal to n times x to the n minus one power,” when x is a monomial (a one-term expression) and n is a real number. In symbols it looks as follows:
d/dx xn = nxn – 1
The rule is succinct and simple. Place the exponent in front of “x” and then subtract 1 from the exponent. For example, d/dx x3 = 3x(3 – 1) = 3x2.
That’s it!

## Differentiate Exponents: Steps

Differentiate exponents with the power rule.

With the power rule, you can quickly move through what would be a complex differentiation in seconds without the aid of a calculator. Take the derivative of x1000 for example. Attempting to solve (x+h)1000 would be a time-consuming chore, so here we will use the Power Rule.

Step 1: Find “n”, which is the exponent. For this problem, n is equal to 1000.
Step 2: Substitute the value “n” into the front of the base to get 1000x1000.
Step 3: Subtract 1 from the exponent:
1000x1000-1 = 1000x999
That’s it!

## Constant multiplied by a power rule function

The derivative of a constant is always zero and the derivative of a function depends upon what kind of function it is (for example, you can differentiate exponents with the power rule). Intuitively, you might think that a constant multiplied by a function is zero, because the derivative of a constant is zero (0 * anything = 0). However, differentiation in calculus isn’t always intuitive; the derivative of a constant multiplied by a power rule function is actually equal to the constant times the derivative of the function.

Sample Question 1: What is the derivative of 5x3?

Step 1: Separate the constant from the function.
5
x3
Step 2: Differentiate the function using the rules of differentiation. The function x3 is an exponent and so is differentiated using the power rule:
d/dx [x3] = 3x3-1 = 3x2
Step 3: Place the constant back in front of the derivative of the function from Step 2:
5(3x2)
Step 4: Use algebra to multiply through:
5(3x2) = 15x2

Sample Question 2: What is the derivative of -7x-4?

Step 1: Separate the constant from the function.
-7
x-4
Step 2: Differentiate the function using the rules of differentiation. The function x-4 is an exponent and so is differentiated using the power rule:
d/dx [x-4] = -4x-4-1 = -4x-5
Step 3: Place the constant back in front of the derivative of the function from Step 2:
-7[-4x-5]
Step 4: Use algebra to multiply through:
-7[-4x-5] = 28x-5 = 28/x5

That’s it!

## Proof of the Power Rule

In order to understand how the proof of the power rule works, you should be familiar with the binomial theorem (although you might be able to get away with not knowing it if your algebra skills are strong). If you need a refresher, see this article on how to use the binomial theorem. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the formal definition of a limit and you’ll need strong algebra skills. If you have those three prerequisites, it should be very easy to follow. This proof of the power rule is the proof of the general form of the power rule, which is:

In other words, this proof will work for any numbers you care to use, as long as they are in the power format.
Sample problem: Show a proof of the power rule using the classic definition of the derivative — the limit.

Step 1: Insert the power rule into the limit definition:

Step 2: Use the binomial theorem to evaluate the equation from Step 1:

Note: I included “…” to indicate this is an incomplete series. In order to prove the power rule you don’t need to write out the entire series.

Step 3: Simplify the equation from Step 2 using algebra. Basically, you’re canceling out any +nn and -nn, and dividing by Δx:

Step 4: Delete the terms that multiply by δx (because δx is such an insignificant amount it’s practically zero):

Step 5: Expand the equation, using combinations (n choose 1):

Step 6: Use the following rules to further reduce the equation:

1. 1! reduces to one, so you can eliminate it.
2. 7!/6! = 7 or 10!/9!= 10, so n!/n-1! = n

This equation is the derivative of Xn.
That’s it!

## Derivative of Inverse Functions

An inverse function is a function that undoes another function; you can think of a function and its inverse as being opposite of each other. The slopes of inverse linear functions are multiplicative inverses of each other. For example, a linear function that has a slope of 4 has an inverse function with a slope of 14. This means that you can find the derivative of inverse functions by using a little geometry or you could find the derivative of inverse functions by finding the inverse function for the derivative and then using the usual rules of differentiation to differentiate the inverse function. However, there is a third option: using the formula to find the derivative of inverse functions.

Sample problem: Find the derivative of the inverse function for the following function:

### Part One: Find the inverse of the function

Step 1: Swap f(x) for y:

Step 2: Switch x and y:

Step 3: Solve for y, using algebra, to get the inverse function:

• x2 = y-3
• y = x2 + 3

y = x2 + 3 is the inverse function

Note: You could find the derivative of the inverse function at this point, using the usual rules for differentiation. Continue with the Steps if you want to use the formula for the derivative of inverse functions.

### Part Two: Using the Formula for the Derivative of Inverse Functions

Step 4: Calculate the derivative for the original function. Use the chain rule for this sample problem.

Step 5: Insert your answer from Step 4 into the derivative of inverse functions formula:

Step 6: Replace the “x” from your answer in Step 5 with the inverse function from Step 3:

Note that the square and square root will cancel, so will the 3s, leaving 2x as the derivative of the inverse function.

That’s it!

Tip: In order for the derivative of the inverse function to work, the inverse function must be differentiable at f-1(x) and f'(f-1(x)) is not equal to zero.
Warning: If you flip the graph of this sample function, you only get half of the parabola. Therefore, this particular inverse only holds for x>0.

## How to Find the Derivative of a Trigonometric Function

Trigonometric functions, also called circular functions, are functions of angles. You’re probably already familiar with the six trigonometric functions: sin x, cos x, tan x, sec x, csc x and cot x.

Derivatives for the six trig functions:

• d/dx sin x = cos x
• d/dx csc x = -csc x cot x
• d/dx cos x = – sin x
• d/dx sec x = sec x tan x
• d/dx tan x = sec2 x
• d/dx cot x = – csc2 x

However, you might be asked (especially in beginning calculus) to find the derivative of a trig function using the definition of a derivative instead of a table. When you use the definition of a derivative, you’re actually working on a proof. In other words, if you want to prove that one function is a derivative of another, you’ll nearly always start with the definition of a derivative and end with the derivative of the trigonometric function.

Sample Problem: Find the derivative of a trigonometric function (sin x) using the definition of a derivative (in other words, prove that d/dx sin x = cos x:

Step 1: Insert the function sin x into the definition of a derivative:

Step 2: Use the trigonometric identity sin(a+b)=sin a * cos B + cos a * sin B to rewrite the definition from Step 1:

Step 3: Use algebra to rewrite the formula in Step 2:

= – sin x* (0) + cos x * (1) = cos x

That’s it!

Tip: You can use the exact same technique to work out a proof for any trigonometric function. Start with the definition of a derivative and identify the trig functions that fit the bill.

## Find the Derivative Using the Derivative Formula

There are short cuts to finding derivatives (like the ones above), but when you first start learning calculus you’ll be using the derivative formula: f'(x) = lim Δx -> 0 ( f( x + Δx ) – f (x) ) / Δx.
Sample problem #1:Find the derivative of f(x) = √(4x + 1)

Step 1:Insert the function into the derivative formula. The function is √(4x + 1), so:
f'(x) = lim Δx -> 0 √( 4( x + Δx ) + 1 – √(4x + 1) ) / Δx.
If this looks confusing, all we’ve done is changed “x” in the formula to x + Δx in the first part of the derivative formula.

Step 2: Use algebra to work the formula. Here’s where you’ll benefit from strong algebra skills, because every formula is different.

1. Multiply the top and the bottom by √( 4( x + Δx ) + 1 + √(4x + 1):
f'(x) = lim Δx -> 0 √( 4( x + Δx ) + 1 – √(4x + 1) ) * √( 4( x + Δx ) + 1 + √(4x + 1) / Δx * √( 4( x + Δx ) + 1 + √(4x + 1)
which reduces to:
= lim Δx -> 0 4(x + Δx) + 1 – (4x + 1) / Δx (√ (4x + Δx) + 1) + √ 4x + 1
2. Distribute the 4:
= lim Δx -> 0 (4x + 4Δx + 1 – 4x – 1) / (Δx (√ (4x + Δx) + 1) + √ (4x + 1)
3. Delete terms. In this case you can delete 4x, Δx and 1.
= lim Δx -> 0 4 / ((√ (4x + Δx) + 1) + √ 4x + 1))

Step 3:Take the limit. The Δx will drop out (because it’s an insignificant increment). Again, strong algebra skills will help here:
= 4 / ((√ (4x + 1) + √ 4x + 1)
= 4 / 2 √(4x + 1)
= 2 / √(4x + 1)

That’s it!

## Implicit Differentiation

The chain rule can be used for implicit differentiation.

Implicit differentiation is used when it’s difficult, or impossible to solve an equation for x. For example, the functions y=x2/y or 2xy = 1 can be easily solved for x, while a more complicated function, like 2y2 -cos y = x2 cannot. When you have a function that you can’t solve for x, you can still differentiate using implicit differentiation. With this technique, you directly differentiate both sides of the equation without solving for x.

## Implicit Differentiation

Sample problem #1: Differentiate 2x-y = -3 using implicit differentiation.

Step 1: Write out the function with the derivative on both sides:
dy/dx [2x-y] = dy/dx [-3]
This step isn’t technically necessary but it will help you keep your calculations tidy and your thoughts in order.

Step 2: Differentiate the right side of the equation. The right side of this equation is a constant, so the derivative is zero:
dy/dx [2x-y] = 0

Step 2: Differentiate the left side of the equation. The derivative of 2x-y is 2 (using the power rule and constant rule). Remember to treat the dependent variable as a function of the dependent variable:
2- dy/dx = 0

Step 4: Use algebra to solve for the derivative.
dy/dx = 2.

That’s it!

Sample problem #2: Differentiate y2 + x2 = 7 using implicit differentiation.

Step 1: Differentiate the left and right sides of the equation. This example also uses the power rule and constant rule:
2y dy/dx + 2x = 0

Step 2: Use algebra to solve:
2y dy/dx + 2x = 0
2y dy/dx = -2x
dy/dx = -2x/2y
dy/dx = -x/y

That’s it!

Tip: These basic examples show how to perform implicit differentiation using the power rule and constant rule. Depending on what function you are trying to differentiate, you may need to use other techniques of differentiation, including the chain rule, to solve.

## How to find critical numbers

A critical number is a number “c” that either makes the derivative equal to zero or it makes the derivative undefined. Critical numbers indicate where a change in the graph is taking place — for example, an increasing to decreasing point or a decreasing to increasing point. The number “c” also has to be in the domain of the original function (the one you took the derivative of). Finding critical numbers is an easy task if your algebra skills are strong; unfortunately, if you have weak algebra skills you might have trouble finding critical numbers. Why? Because each function is different, and algebra skills will help you to spot undefined domain possibilities such as division by zero. If your algebra isn’t up to par — now is the time to restudy the old rules!

## How to find critical numbers

Sample question: Find the critical numbers for the following function: x2x2-9

Step 1: Take the derivative of the function. Using the quotient rule, we get:
-18x(x2-9)2.

Step 2: Figure out where the derivative equals zero. This is where a little algebra knowledge comes in handy, as each function is going to be different. For this particular function, the derivative equals zero when -18x = 0 (making the numerator zero), so one critical number for x is 0 (because -18(0) = 0). Another set of critical numbers can be found by setting the denominator equal to zero, you’ll find out where the derivative is undefined:
(x2-9) = 0
(x-3)(x+3)=0
x = ±3

Step 3: Plug any critical numbers you found in Step 2 into your original function to check that they are in the domain of the original function. For this particular function, the critical numbers were 0, -3 and 3.
f(x) = 0202-9 = 0. Therefore, 0 is a critical number.
For +3 or -3, if you try to put these into the denominator of the original function, you’ll get division by zero, which is undefined. That means these numbers are not in the domain of the original function and are not critical numbers.

That’s it!

Derivatives & Derivative Rules: How To Find the Derivative was last modified: September 12th, 2017 by