,

frrn

Prrx or e

Puxr

16.

The function

(o

if o=r<l

Hor,rr Sropprxo lxousrnv According to industry sourcss, rcvenue from the home shopping industry for ihe years since its
inccption may be approximated by the function

ft,= I -"%183i!;#ffi3illf if , <r< 1o

iflo<xs loo
[,.t
and /(.r) are measured in units of 1000 ft'
flight path of a plane taking off from the oigilt
}cribes
d climbing to an altitude of 15,0fi) ft: Plot the graph of/
rvisualize the r4iectory of the plane.

both

0re

fi
s

=.f(r)

1234
6
$orving the position s of a magtev

An

Intuitive

2.6 DERIVAIIVE 135

*(') =

[-o.olrt + o.zst2
to.rr, - o.u,

- o.tat ifo =, = 3
if 3 <

r=

ll

where R(r) measures thc rcvenue in billions of dollars and t

is measured in years, with r = 0 corrcsponding to the beginning of 1984. Plot the graph of R.
Soarce.' Paul Kagan Associates

Exampte

We rnentioned in Section 2.4 rhat the problem of finding-the rau of cltange of one
quantity with respect to another is mathematically eguivalent to tlre problem of findingthe slope ofthe tangent line to a curve at a given point on the curve. Bcfore going
on to establish this relationship, let's shovl'is plausibility by looking it it from an
intuitive point of view.
ConJider the motion of the maglev discussed in Section 2.4. Recall that ttrc
position of the maglev at any time r is given by

s=f(1)={12 (0sr<30)
where s is measured in feet and t in seconds. The graph of the function/is skcrched
in Figure 46.
Observe that the graph of/rises slowly at first but more rapidly as , increases,
reflecting the fact that the speed of the maglev is increasing with time. firis obscr'
vation suggests a relationship between the sPeed of the maglev at any time t and
the steepness of the curve at the point corresponding to this value of r. Thus, it
would appear that we can solve the problem of finding the speed of the maglev at
any time if we can find a way to measure the steepness of the curve,at any point
on the curve.
To discover a yardstick that will measure the steepness of a curve, consider
the graph of a function/such as the one shown in Figure 47a. Think of the curve
as representing a stretch ofroller coaster track (Figurc 47b). When the car is at the
point P on the curve, a passenger sitting erect in the car and looking straight ahead
will have a line of sight that is parallel to the line I, the tangent to the curve at P.
As Figure 47a suggests, the steepness of the curve-that is, the rate at
which y is increasing or decreasing with respect to x-is grven by the slope of the
tangent line to the graph of/at the point P(t,f(x). But for now w will show how
this relationship can be used to estimate the rate of change of a function from its
graph.

136 2

FIGURE

FUNCTIONS. LIMITS, AND THE DERIVATIVE

47

(a) I

is the tangent line to the curve at

P.

(b) Iis

parattet to the [ine of sight.

,re
[ft
i.
ir

APPUED EXAMPLE 1 Sociat Securitll Benificiaries The grapl

of the function ) : /V(r), shown in Figure 48, gives the number of SociC
Security benehciaries from the beginning of 1990 (r : 0) through the year 2045
(t = 55).

E49

f,'0 Droaches

P atong the
!fu16 approach the ta

?70
=

>60
RGURE

4E

The number of Social Security beneficiaries

from 1990 through 2045. We can use the

slope of the tangent tin at the indicated

points to estimate the rate at which the
number of Sociat Security beneficiaries wilt
be changing.

0 5 l0 15 20 25 3035 40 45 505s
Years

Use the graph of y = N(r) to estimate the rate at which the number of Social
Security beneficiaries was growing at the beginning of the year 2000 (, : l0).
How fast will the number be growing at the beginnin g of 2025 (1 : 35)? [Assume
that the rate of change of the function N at any value of, is given by the slope of
the tangent line at the point P(r, N(r)).]
Source: Social Security Administration

Solutlon

From the figure, we see that the slope ofthe tangent line I1 to the graph
of y
1g1r; at Pr(10, 44.7) is approximately 0.5. This tells us that the quantity y is
increasing at the rate of I unit per unit increase in t, when t = 10. In other words,
at the beginning of the year 2000, the number of Social Security beneficiaries was
increasing at the rate of approximately 0.5 million, or 5fi),000, per year.
The slope of the tangent line Trat P2(35,71.9) is approximately 1.15. This tells
us that at the beginning of 2025 the number of Social Security beneficiaries will be
growing at the rate of approximately L 15 million, or I , I 50,000, per

year.

Stope of a Tangent Line

In Example I we answered the questions raised by drawing the graph of the function N and estimating the position of the tangent lines. Ideally, however, we would
like to solve a problem analytically whenever possible. To do this we need a precise
definition of the slope of a tangent line to a curve.

EGURE

50

2.6

DERIVATIVE I37

To define the tangent line to a curve C at a point P on the curve, fix P and let e
be any point on C diitinct from P (Figure 49). The straight line passing through p
and Q is called a secant line.
v

Secant lirrcs

P along

the curve C the

hes approach the tangent line f.

Now, as the point Q is allowed to move toward P along the curve, the secant
line through P and Q rolates about the fixed point P and approaches a fixed line
through P. This fixed line, which is the limiting position of the secant lines through
P ant 2 as Q approaches P, is the tangent line to the graph of/ at the point P.

(r)

The points p(x,

f(x)l

and

fi,x +

h,

lg

0(r +

h,

l(x + hll

+ h))

(b)

As h approaches zero, 0 approaches P.

We can describe the process mbre precisely as follows. Suppose the curve C
is the graph of a function / defined by y = /(;r). Then the point P is described by
P(x,f(x)) and the polnt 0 by @(x + h,f(x + &)), where lr is some appropriate nonzero
number (Figure 50a). Observe that we can make Q approach P along the curve C by letting approach zero (Figure 50b).

Next, using the formula for the slope of a line, we can write the slope of the
secant line passing through

P(x,f(x)) and 0(r + h,f(x + &)) as

f(x + h) - f(x)

(x+h)-x

:f(x

+ h) - f(x)

(5)

As observed earlier, Q approaches P, and therefore the secant line through P and Q
approaches the tangent line Tas ft approaches zero. Consequently, we might expect

ff

11'
I
I
I

i,

I38 2

FU,{CTIOI{S. LIII4ITS, AI{O

IHE DERIVATIVE

l:"

that the slope of the secant line would approach the slope of the tangent
approaches zero. This leads to the following definition.

i,

:,:::
51pne.'.o,f

.'e'.r$n$ehi..f ina
tansentrrne

*"tt*,**

point P('r'l(r)) is given

T'tr{l}ll;
it it'exists.

Rates

of

Change

We now show that the problem of finding the slope of the tangent line to the graph
of a function/at the point P(x,f(x)) is mathematically equivalent to the problem of
finding the rate of change of f at x. To see this, suppose we arc given a function/tha
describes the relationship between the two quantities r and )-that is, y = /(x). The
numbel/(x + h) - f(x\ measures the change in y that corresponds to a change fi in
x (Figure 5 l),

Qtx + h,

ETORE & DISru

Eilrh thc dilfcrencc bc
tewrage

bixr

rate of draog
and the ingrrrr

-of,change

of a frmi

f(x + h))

P(r,/(.r)

FIGURE

l$

51

- J(x) is the change in y that

h')
corresponds

to a change h in x.

trp

(r

measures the average rate of change of y with rcspect to x over the interval
lx, x + hl. For example, if y measures the position of a car at time x, then quotient
(7) gives the average velocity of the car over the time interval lx, x + h).
Observe that the difference quotient (7) is the same as (5). We conclude that the
difference quotient (7) also measures the slope ofthe secant line that passes through
the nro points PG,,f(x) and 0(.r + h,f(x * ft) lying on the graph of y : f(x).Next, by
taking the limit of the
to zero--that is, by evaluating

otu"*""";;"}:;,ffis

we obtain the rate of change of/ at x. For example, if y measures the position of a
car at time x, then the limit (8) gives the velocity of the car at time x. For emphasiq
the rate of change of a function/at
is often called the instantaneous rate of

of the tangem

isJ'(r); f

[rf,

changcs

per unit chalqe

ir

2.6

OERIVATIVE 139

change of/at.r. This distinguishes it from the average rate of change ofJ, which is
computed over an interttal [x, x + trl rather than at a number x
Observe that the limit (8) is the same as (6). Thereforc, the limit of the difference quotient also measures the slope of the tangent line to the graph of y = tQ) at
the point (x,.f(r)).The following summarizes this discussion
..t,,,,,:.,

.:,.

,..::..i

,..

,'',

an

Initahtaneous- Rates of Change

,,.,,*,'Uil;ird,rate:otctrangc- of /over the interval [x,
','Averasc

r * [] or slope of the
* ft,J(x + /l)) is

qegaqt,line to *re erathiotlthrough the points (a,f(r)) and (x

,,,
:ii::::1.::..::.:.:11:.,...
r,

EL0RE & DISCUSS

l' ' thc diffcrence between
-ecrlage

rate of change of a

hln and the instantaneous

e dchange of a function.

,,.

f(x)

(9)

lf'ThelinllantanOqSrad.'of.nhahg16ff,htt,,or'slope

of the tangent line to the

...''

.,,;,..,.'',.1.,.,.,r...'1
:.

:r:::::r.

:1:-

:i:

::

,,,,iCrapfi,,offat
r:.::.:.1

:'.'.

,.'..

, i,

,
.

..

(i,/(i))

. .

+,,41

,.','

is,'

f(x

'

' ,', t
li*/g+lt]h -/(n)
'
:,..::i:':: :.: :':,_ ._ ha0
l',,,

::: ,1:,.,ll
,,,..:,

.,,1..,.,.,.;..,.,

,ll ,,'

',

(10)

The Derivative

The limit (6) or (10), which measures both the slope of the tangent line to thc graph
of y = /(.r) at the point P(x;/(x)) and the (instantaneous) rate of change of/at x, is
given a special name: the derivative ot/atx.

Oerlvative,of a Function

,fira,,.dbrivitine of a function
iffDufie.l.i);.*..i.i,-,.iiiiit,:i...i..,.ji.i.i:.
""t'=it''1slj11x,;,,i,,,,;:,iti:ii::iJlii:ir,:i:iiitl:it::,.i

:,,,,,,,,,:,,,,,.

..

1., .:.

ffi:.pdmfinjbfiff..is

with respect to

is the function

;kl uifi

dtset of

a[ r

l"

(read

(l

l)

where the limit exists.

Thus, the derivative of a funbtion/is afunction/f that gives the slope of the tangent
line to the graph of/at ary point (r,"f(x)) and also the rate of change of/at x (Figu.rc 52).

the tangent tine at

if'(x);/changes at tha rate'of

pa unit change in x at r.

I4O 2

FUNCTIONS, LIMITS, AND THE OERIVATIVE

Other notations for the derivative of/include:

o't';l

Read'?sub'ror/or'r"

Read"dydt'

;
y'

Read

'y prime"

The last two are used when the rule for..f is written in the form y : f(x).
The calculation of the derivative of/is facilitated using the following four-step
Process.

Four-Step Process for Finding

l.

Ite tangent tine to the

f(x) = x'z at (2, t)

Compute/(r + fi).

'' /(*)'
J. folm Uxe:quouent:l::
.

:.2i,...I.:,

,::iii

fr6uRE 53

/'(x)

'ft6,0in1:YL(i

,+,,n)

a;;#i ;;j,:,5[.f S;{

EXAMPLE

3r

Find the slope of the tangent line to rhe graph of /(x)

5 at any point (r,"f(.r)).

Sotution

The slope of the tangent line at any point on the graph of/is given by
the derivative of f at x. To find the derivative, we use the four-step process:

stepl f(x+ h):3(x+ h)+5=3x+3h+5

step2 f(x+ h) -f(x)= (3x+3h + 5) - (3.r + 5):3ft
f(x + h) - f(x):-:, 3h
Jleiil
step4 f'(4) =

y\f!#:

I,]B

We expect this result since the tangent line to any point on a straight line mus
coincide with the line itself and therefore must have the same slope as the line. In
this case, the graph of/is a straight line with slope 3.
I
EXAIIIPLE

3 Letf(x1:

yz.

a. Find/'(x).
b. Compute/'(2) and interpret your

result.

E6URE 54
nte ta-ngent line to the

a. To find/'(-r),
Step

we use the four-step processl

1 f(x + h): (x + h)2 = x2 + 2xh * h2

f(x+ h) -f(x)= x2 +2xh+ h2 - x2:2xh

Step2

step3 *ay:*#:2x+h
step4 f'(x): rffiffg:P:

grra

y--f-4xat(2,-4)is;

Solution

EXPLORE

+ h2: h(2r +

h)

t'

L,$(2,

h):2*

& DIg

Can the tangEnt line u

of a function intersecr
at more than one point
your answer using iUu

,2.6
b.

DERIVAIIVE 741

:4.

I'Q) :

2(2)
This result tells us that the slope of the tangent line to the
graph of/at the point (2, 4) is 4. trt also tells us that the function/is changing
2. The graph of/and the tanat the rate of 4 units per unit change in .r at r
gent line at (2,4) arc shown in Figure

53.

1. Consider the function/(r)

/'(2),

using Equation

f'(2) =
fgent

: f

tine to the graph of

Use a graphing

atG, a)

(ll).

.r2 of Example 3. Suppose we want to computc

Thus,

Mta

+:hf

rQ)'

^(2

tt)2

z?

utility to plot the graph of

at'e!*1
x l,-2,61.
liq g(x).

inthe viewing window I-3, 3l

2.

Use zoorrr and

3. Explain why

EXAiIPLE

ii

rnlcs

the

to find

limit found in part 2 is/'(2).

4 Letlk) :

x2

4t.

a. Find/'(x).
Find the point on the graph
zontal.

ir.
Il

of/wherc the tangent line to

the curve is hori-

:!s Sketch ttrc graph of/and ttre tangent line to the curve at the point found in part (b).
ii d. What is the rate of change of'/at this point?
Solution

a. To find/'(x),
:.

ii
ii

Step 1

t:

Step 2

ENE 54
k tangent tine to the graph of
t= i - 4x at (2, -4) is y = -4.
SPLORE & DISCUSS
Can the tangent line to the graph
of a function intersect the graph

a more than one poitrt? Explain

your answer using illustrations.

f(x + h): (r * h)2 - 4{x + h) = xz + kh + h2 - 4x - 4h

f(x +' h) - f(x) : x2 + 2xh + h2 - 4x - 4h - (x2 - 4x)

=zxh+h2-4h:h(2x+h-4)

:1

we use the four-step process:

SleD J

f(x + h) - f(x) _ h(zx + h - 4\

step4

f(x)

: In!Sj!=:

h-=2x+h-4
I,31(2-

+h

- 4) = 2x - 4

on the graph of/where the tangent line to the curve is horizontal and
hence has slope zero, the derivative/'of/is zero. Accordingly, to find such
poin(s) we set/'(r) 0, which gives 2x 4 0, or x 2. The corresponding value of y. is given bV y
-4, and the required point is (2, -4).
c. The graph of/and the tangent line are shown in Figure 54.
d. The rate ofchange of/at r = 2 is zero.

b. At a point

- :

: f(2):

'

EXAIIPLE5 Letflx1=-.
x
a. Find/'(.r).
b. Find the slope of the tingent line I to the graph of/at the point where x
c. Find an equation of the tangent line I in paft (b).'

l.

T42 2

FUIICTIOilS; LI'IitrTS, ANO THE DERIVATIVE

Sotutlon

e. To find/'(r),

we use the four-step process:

I

Stepl

f(x+h)=-:x+n

step2

f(x+h)-f{x)=*-

Step 3

f(x+h):f(x)

step4 f'(x)

:mf#=

=-h

htl
(x+h) h
lim

x{x+h)

: -7I

b. Ttre slope of the tangent line lto the graph of/where r : I is given by
/'(l) = -l'
c. When r = 1, y :y'(l) = I and Tis tangent to the graph of/at the point (1, l).
From part (b), we know that the slope of I is - l. Thus, an equation of T is

fIGUTE 55
Ihc tangent line to the graph

l/x atlt, t).

off(r) =

(Figure

y- I = -l(x- l)
!=-x*2
I

55).

EXPLORING WITH TECHNOLOGY

1. Use the results ofExample 5 to draw the graph of/(r)
at the point

(t, l)

viewing window

2.

by plotting the graphs

l-4,41 x t-4,41.

ofyr

= lft

17, and yz

and its tangent line

2 in the

: -x *

Some Sraphing utilities draw the tangent'line to the graph of a function at a

given point automatically-you need only specify the function and give the
x-coordinate of the poirt of tangenry. If your graphing utility has this feature,
veriS the result of part I without finding an equation of ihe tangent line.

EXPLORE

&

DISCUSS

Consider the following alter.native approach to the definition of the derivative of a

function:
ft be a positive number and suppose P(x
h.f(x Il)) and
Q@ + h,J@ + i)) are tw! points on the graph
1. Give a geometric and a physical ,1r.,Tr",1,j"n of.the quotient

kt

ofl

,2h

f(x+h)-IG-h)

Make a sketch to illustrate your answer.

2. Give a geometric and a physical interpretation of the limit

,,_ f(* + h) - f(x - h)

mzh

Make a sketch to illustrate your answer.

3. 'Explain why it makes sense to define

l@ +

/'('r)' = h.-$
firq
4. Using

h):f(x -

h)

2h

the dgfinition given in part 3, formulate a four-step process for finding/'(.r)

similar to that given on page 140 and use it to find the derivative of
f(x) = xz. Compare your answer with that obtained in Example 3 on page l4l.

2.6

iiln
lffi

DERIVATIVE 743

of a. Car Suppose the distance (in feeD covered by a car moving along a straight road , seconds after
starting from rest is given by the function f(t) = 2t2 (0 < r < 30).
APPLIED EXAITIPLE Q Average Velocity

a. Calculate the average velocity of, the car over the time intervals I22, 231,
a22, 22. t l, *td 122, 220 ll.

b.
c.

Calculate the (instantaneous) velocity of the car when t = 22.

Comparc the rcsults obtained in part (a) with that obtained in part (b).

Solutlon

a. We first compute the average velocity (average rate of change of/) over
''intervll |t, t + h7 using Formula (9). We find

f(t + h\: f(t)

2(t + h)2

hh

2t2

the

- 2f

+ 4th +

2h2

2t2,

=4t*2h
Next, using t : 22 andt = l, we find that the average velocity of the car over
the time interval l22,23lis
"ilt

4(22)+2(l)=99

,fi

or 90 feet per second. Similarly, using t = 22, h =0.1, and Il = 0.01, we find
that its average velocities over the time intervals [22,22.11andl22,22.0ll are
88.2 and 88.02 feet per second, respectively.
b. Using the limit (10), we see that thc instantaneous vglocity of the car at any
time r is given by

m8'-*re

= lim(4r +

2})

uscthersultsfromPart(a)'

=4t
In particular, the velocity of the car 22 seconds from rcst (t
u

c.

22) is given by

= 4(22)

or 88 feet per second,

The computations in part (a) show that, as the time intervals over which the
average velocity of the car are computed become smaller and smaller, the aver.
age velocities over these intervals do appnrach 88 feet per second, the instantaneous velocity of the car at t = 22.
f

lffi APPLIED EXAIIPLE 7 Demand for Tires The management of Titan

l@ Tirc Company has determined that the weekly demand function of their
i' Super Tiun tires is given by
l,:
p:/(r) = t& - x2
::

,br

744 2

FUI{CTIONS, LIMITS, AND THE DERIVATIVE

11 where

:ii

EGUNE

p is

measured in dollars and .r is measured in units of a thousand (Fig-

ure 56).

56

The graph of the demand functiori

p=144-l

Thousands of units

change in the unit price of a tire if the quantity

and 6000 tires, between 5000 and 5100 tires' and
between
5000
is
demanded
between 5000 and 5010 tires.
What is the instantaneous rate of change of the unit price when the quantity
demanded is 5000 units?

a. Find the average rate of

b.

Solutlon

a. The

average ratqofchange

ofthe unit price ofa tire ifthe quantity demanded

isbetweenrand.r*iis
f(x + h) = f(x) _

Temperature
in a chemical
reaction

u44-(x+D2l-UM-x2)
h

144"- x2

zxh

h2

144

To find the average rate of change of the unit price of a tire when the quantity demanded is between 5000 and 6000 tires (that is, over the interval [5, 6]),
we takex = 5 and L = l, obtaining

- I : -ll

-$ll per 1000 tires. (Remember, r is measured in units of a

Similarly, taking ft : 0.1 and i = 0.01 with x = 5, we find that the
rates of change of the unit price when the quantities demanded are
5000 and 5lfi) and between 5000 and 5010 are -$10.10 and -$10.01
or

000 tires, respectively.

b. The instantaneous rate of change of

the unit price of a tire when the

demanded is x units is given by

,mfgff:

Hl(-2x

- /,)

userhcrcsultsfronpart(a).

-fu6

In particular, tlie instantaneous rate of change of the unit price per tire when
the quantity demanded is 5000 is given by -2(5), or -$10 per 1000 tires.

The derivative of a.function provides us with a tool for measuring the rate of
change of one quantity with respect to another. Table 4 lists several other applications involving this limit.

l..

fi

x2

-2x-h

-2(s)

AE

E6UNE

57

-l

2.6

f/lcations

Invotving Rate of Change

f(a + h) -l@)

lbdsfor

Concentration of a

'

in the bloodstream
time

drug
at

lher of
bms sold

Revenue at a sales

liDE

Volume of sales at time

of x

units :

t@ + ht -t@l
,.
h-o
h

h
Meesurcs

y Stands for

fne

fne

DERIVATIVE 145

level

,.

Average rate of change in

the concentration o1 th"
drdg over the time inter-

Melsurs

Average rate of change in

the revenue when the
sales level is between

Instantaneous rate of
change in the concentration of the drug iri the
bloodstream at time "r = a
Instantaneous rate of
change in the revenue
when the salep Ievel is a

Average rate of change in

the volume of salei
over the time interval

Instantaneous rate of
change in the volume of
sales at time x
a

valfa, a

hl

x:aandx=a*h

units

fa,a + hl

Population of Drosophila Average rate of growth of

(fruit flies) at time.r
the fruit fly population

hprature Amount of product

i a chemical formed in the chemical
Eion
reaction when the temperature is x degrees

il:T"ri-"

Instantaneous rate bf
ehange of the fruit fly
population at time r
=a

intervar

Average rate of formation

of chemical pncduct
over the temperature
range la,

Instantaneous rbte of forma-

tion of chemical product

when the temperature is a

a + hl

degrees

Differentiabitity and Continuity

In practical applications, one encounters continuous functions that fail to be differentiable-that is, do not have a derivative-at certain values in the domain of the
functionl It can be shown that a continuous function/fails to be differentiable at
r : a when the graph of/makes an abrupt change of direction at (a,f(a)). We call
such a point a "corner." A function also fails to be differentiable at a point where the
tangent line is vertical since the slope of a vertical line is undefined. These cases ane
illustrated in Figure 57.

(a)

of

grapn makes an abrupt change of

The
ne graph
o,
= o.

direction
lion atx
atx

(b)

The stope at

x = a is undefined.

The next example illusrrates a function thar is not differentiable at a point.

APPLIED E(AMPLE 8 Wales Mary works at the B&O department store,

where, on a weekday, she is paid $8 an hour for the first 8 hours and $12 an
for overtime. The function

r
146 2

FUNCTIOilS, LI!,IITS, A}ID THE OERIVATIVE

ifO<xs8
f8.r
/(')=tn*-32 if8<x

i;!

n
!i:

it

li

2.6 setf-ch,

gives Mary's earnings on a weekday in which she worked r hours. Sketch the
graph of the function/and explain why it is not differentiable at x = 8.

{i

.rl

l. I*t/(x) = -x2 -

it

ative.

Sotutlon The graph of/is shown in Figure 58. Observe that the graph of/has
a corner at.r = 8 and consequently is not differcntiable at r = 8.
t

,ii
,ii

We close this section by mentioning the connection between the continuity and
the differentiability of a function at a given value r = c in the domain
By reexamifring the function of Example 8, it becomes clear that/is continuous everywhere
and, in particular, when r = E. This shows that in general the continuity ofa function at r = a does not necessarily imply the differentiability of the function at that
number. The converse, however, is true: If a function/is differentiable at x c, then
it is continuous there.

b. Find the slope of

point (0,3).

c. Findtherateofd
d. Find an equation

ofl

TIGUNE 58
The function
(8, 64).

is not differentiabte at

e.

I
|

**"**.uiutv,

.,,

q a f.nction isidifferentiable

iiu,,continutty
at .f,

a, then it is continuous at

For a proof of this result, see Exercise 60, page

EXPLORE
Suppose a

15

tiable atr = a. Can there be

two tangent lines to the graphs
of/at the point (a,/(a))?
Explain your answer.

Concepi

t-et P(2,f(2)) and O((

of a functionl
a. Find an expressio
through P andQ-

a.

b. Findanexpressio

l.

through P.

2. RefertoExercise l.

& DISCUSS

function/is differen-

point (O 3).
Sketch the graph
the point (0, 3).

2.6
r.

.....

?s

a. Find the derivariu

1. Use

a graphing

utility to plot tle graph of/(r) = .rrB in the vicwing window

l-2,21x l-2,21.
2.

Use a graphing utility to draw thc tangent line to the graph

Can you cxplain why thc prtress breaks down?

of/at

the point

e,f,

Findanexpressia

b.

the interval [2,2 r

Find an expressia

fat2.

(0,0).

EXAIIPLE g Fjgur 59 depicts a portion of the graph of a function. Explair

why the function fails to be differentiable at each of the numbes x = a, b, c,
d,

2.6

Exercise

L AvrmerWrrexrorm

weight measuremeat
birth (r = 0) ttrough r
of the rcspective tang
the average irifant's
What is the average
weight over the fint I

and g.

30

!
E
I

&

s
NGURE

225

920

59

Ihe graph of this function is not differentiable at the numbers a-9.

Solution The function fails to be differentiable at.r = a, b,

c because it
discontinuous at each of these numbers. The derivative of the function does
exist at x = d, e, and/bocausc it has a kink at each point on the graph
sponding to these numbers. Finally, the function is not differcntiable at r =
because the tangent line is vertical at (S,"fk)).
arlrd

l0
7-5

2.6

Self-Check Exercises

:-x2-2.l+3.
r hd the deri vative f ' of/, using the definition of the derivriw.
L frd tlre slope of the tangent line to the graph of/ at the
tdd (0.3).
e Had the rate of change of/when r = 0.
I Fhdan equation of the tangent line to the graph of/at the
r

Fitrt (0,

2. The

losses (in millions ofdollars) due to bad loans extended

chiefly in agriculturc, real cstate, shipping, and energy by the

Franklin Bank are estimatcd to bc

A=f(t)=

tb

3).

point (0, 3).

30

(o<r= to)

be

found on page I 52.

Concept Questions

tuough P and Q.

c.

exprcssion

+ hl.

of/over
of

lat2.

lUrrem or at hmm The following graph shows the

reight measurements of the average infant from the time of
tirth (t = 0) through age 2 (t:24). By computing the stopes

of the respective tangeni lines, estimate the rate of change of

dre average irifant's.weight when r = 3 and when r = 18.
Yhat is the average rate of change in the.average infant's
weight over the first year of life?

um-f(x+h)-f(x)

2. Fonesny The following graph shows tlrc volume of wood

produced in a single-species forest. Hcre/(r) is measured in
cubic meterc4tcctare and t is measured in years, By computing the slopes of the respcctive tangent lines,.stimate the
rate at which the wood grown is chanling at the beginning of
year l0 and at the beginning of year 30.
Source: The Raadon Houu Encyclopedia

e^

22.5

30

ro

E.E 25

en

T:
Eb
ia
Eq

.E

o
>

the

under what conditions does a function fail ro havc a derivative at a number? Illustrate your answer with sketctres.

x.

of

'n-oh

T2

30
E
I

t{

and a fhysical interpretation

Exercises

!, lvrmot

.=

rhc

h
exoression

Find an expression for the instantaneous rate ofchange

of

lQ+ht-f@)

b. Give a geometric

Find an expression for the average rate of change

LG

l.

3. a. Give a geometric and a physical interpretation of

Find an expressioh fgr the slope of the tangent line passing

iluough P.

6e interval [2,2

Comparp your answers for part (a) and (b) with those
ExCrcise

ErtoExercise l.

+ lor+

Solutions to Se$-Check Exercises 2.6 can

b P(Z,fQD and Q(Q + h); lQ + ft)) be points on the graph

{e functionl
r Find an expression for the slope ofthe secant line passing

-f

where r is the time in years (t = 0 corresponds to the beginning of 1994). How fast werc the losscs mounting at the
beginning of 1997? At the beginning of 1999? At rhe beginning of 2001?

Stach the graph of/and the tangent line.to the curve at

2S

DERIVAIIVE 747

20

l5

o.9 t0
E!
EO 5

l0

7.5

hn
468

l0 t2 t4 t6 t8 202224
,Months

3040
Ycars

=l$)