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Methods of Differentiation in BBA Mathematics

Differentiation in BBA mathematics involves finding the derivative of a function, which represents how the function changes with respect to its variable. Below are the key methods of differentiation:

1. Basic Differentiation Rules

  • These include applying standard rules such as the constant rule, power rule, and constant multiple rule:
  • Constant Rule: The derivative of a constant is zero.
  • Power Rule: \( \frac{d}{dx}(x^n) = n \cdot x^{n-1} \).
  • Constant Multiple Rule: \( \frac{d}{dx}(c \cdot f(x)) = c \cdot f'(x) \), where \( c \) is a constant.

2. Sum and Difference Rule

  • When differentiating a function that is the sum or difference of two or more functions, differentiate each term separately.
  • Formula: [ \frac{d}{dx}(f(x) \pm g(x)) = f'(x) \pm g'(x) ]

3. Product Rule

  • Used when differentiating the product of two functions.
  • Formula: [ \frac{d}{dx}(f(x) \cdot g(x)) = f(x) \cdot g'(x) + g(x) \cdot f'(x) ]
  • This ensures that both functions are accounted for in the derivative.

4. Quotient Rule

  • Applied when differentiating a quotient of two functions.
  • Formula: [ \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}\right) = \frac{g(x) \cdot f'(x) - f(x) \cdot g'(x)}{[g(x)]^2} ]
  • This is useful for differentiating fractions where one function is divided by another.

5. Chain Rule

  • Used for finding the derivative of a composite function (a function within another function).
  • Formula: [ \frac{d}{dx}(f(g(x))) = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) ]
  • The chain rule is helpful for differentiating functions with nested expressions.

6. Implicit Differentiation

  • When a function is not explicitly solved for one variable in terms of another (e.g., \(x\) and \(y\) are mixed), implicit differentiation is used.
  • Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to \(x\), applying the chain rule as needed.
  • Solve for \( \frac{dy}{dx} \).

7. Logarithmic Differentiation

  • This method involves taking the natural logarithm of both sides of a function before differentiating.
  • Useful for differentiating functions where the variable appears as both the base and exponent (e.g., \( y = x^x \)).
  • Steps:
  • Take the natural log of both sides: \( \ln(y) = \ln(f(x)) \).
  • Differentiate both sides using the chain rule: \( \frac{1}{y} \frac{dy}{dx} = f'(x) \).
  • Solve for \( \frac{dy}{dx} \).

8. Higher-Order Derivatives

  • These involve differentiating a function multiple times.
  • The second derivative, \( f''(x) \), represents the derivative of the first derivative and measures the rate of change of the slope.
  • Higher-order derivatives can be found by repeatedly applying differentiation.

9. Differentiation of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  • For exponential functions \( f(x) = e^x \), the derivative is \( f'(x) = e^x \).
  • For logarithmic functions \( f(x) = \ln(x) \), the derivative is \( f'(x) = \frac{1}{x} \).

10. Differentiation of Trigonometric Functions

  • Common derivatives for trigonometric functions include:
  • \( \frac{d}{dx}(\sin(x)) = \cos(x) \)
  • \( \frac{d}{dx}(\cos(x)) = -\sin(x) \)
  • \( \frac{d}{dx}(\tan(x)) = \sec^2(x) \)

These methods provide a range of techniques for solving problems related to rates of change, optimization, and other calculus-based applications in business administration.

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