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Basics of differentiation for Edexcel A-level Maths







This page covers the following topics:
1. Differentiating linear expressions
2. Differentiating polynomials
3. Differentiating constants
4. Differentiating fractions
The derivative of a function is the rate of change of the function with repsect to the given variable. The derivative of the linear expression x is 1. A linear expression of form ax has a derivative of a.

A polynomial can be differentiated by multiplying the coefficients of each variable by their exponent and subtracting one from the exponent of each variable.

The Constant Rule states that the derivative of a constant function is 0.

When differentiating fractions, the given fraction should be separated if it has more than one term in its numerator. The terms of the variable in the denominator which are raised to a power must then be brought to the numerator by changing its power to its negative. If the power involves roots, it must be turned into a fractional power.

1
Differentiate y = (x² + x⁵)/x⁵.
y = (x² + x⁵)/x⁵ = x⁻³ + 1
dy/dx = −3x⁻⁴
−3x⁻⁴
2
Find the rate of change of the perimeter of the given shape with respect to x.
perimeter = x² + x² + 4 + 4 = 2x² + 8
By the constant rule, dy/dx = 4x.
4x

3
Differentiate y = 6.
By the constant rule, dy/dx = 0.
0
4
Find the derivative of y = (5x + 1)/x².
y = (5x + 1)/x² = 5x/x² + 1/x² = 5x⁻¹ + x⁻²
dy/dx = −5x⁻² − 2x⁻³
−5x⁻² − 2x⁻³
5
Find the derivative of y = 15x²x/(3x³).
y = 15x²x/3x³ = 5
By the constant rule, dy/dx = 0.
0
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