Derivatives

Everything you need to learn how to take derivatives like a machine.

One

What are Derivatives?

A quick introduction to what derivatives are so that everything else makes sense.

Two

How does a computer take derivatives?

What is the general logic that allows a rather simple program to compute infinitely many derivatives?

• Quick Refresher
• Lesson

Three

The Power Rule

The backbone of differentiation is the remarkably simple power rule. Understanding it fully is key.

Four

Exponentials and Logarithms

Two more functions that appear repeatedly in any Calculus course and have easy derivatives.

Five

Trigonometric Functions

Learn how to differentiate this versatile family of functions. You want to memorize these derivatives.

Six

Sum Rule and Constant Multiples

The easiest rule in Calculus is the sum rule so make sure you understand it.

• Quick Refresher
• Lesson
• Worksheet

Seven

Product Rule

Products are not as nice as sums, but learn the rule and differentiate any product.

Eight

Quotient Rule

The quotient rule is as straight-forward as the product rule, but you need to memorize a little bit more.

Nine

Chain Rule

If nothing else works then you're likely dealing with a composition of functions requiring the chain rule.

Ten

Logarithmic Differentiation

One final type of function requires logarithmic differentiation.

• Quick Refresher
• Lesson