MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

Part I - Communication and Understanding /10

1. Choose one of the following questions to answer: [4 marks]

a. How do the derivatives of trigonometric functions relate to the derivatives of
exponential and logarithmic functions in terms of their applications in real-world
scenarios?
The derivatives of trigonometric functions are periodic and often arise in
problems involving oscillations, waves, and circular motion, like in physics
(e.g., pendulum motion, sound waves). The derivatives of exponential
functions describe growth and decay processes (e.g., population growth,
radioactive decay). Logarithmic derivatives often model phenomena
involving rates of change in proportions (e.g., pH in chemistry, earthquake
magnitude). The relationship lies in their different but complementary roles:
trigonometric functions model periodic behavior, while exponential and
logarithmic functions describe continuous change.

b. In what situations would implicit differentiation be necessary, and how does it

differ from the standard differentiation methods used for explicit functions?
Implicit differentiation is used when a function is not explicitly solved for one
variable in terms of another (i.e., when both variables are intermixed, as in
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1, a circle equation). It differs from standard differentiation
because we differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to one
variable (usually x) while treating the other variable (usually y) as a function
of x. This is essential for finding derivatives in cases where solving for one
variable explicitly would be too complex or impossible.

2. Define any three of the following: [6 marks]

a. Trigonometric Functions
These are functions like sin(x), cos(x), tan(x), which relate angles of a right
triangle to the ratios of its sides. They are used to model periodic behaviour, such
as waves and oscillations, and their derivatives are also periodic.
b. Exponential Functions
An exponential function is of the form𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 & 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where e is Euler’s
number (~2.718). These functions model continuous growth or decay and are
crucial in fields like biology, economics, and physics. Their key feature is that the
rate of change of an exponential function is proportional to the value of the
function itself.
c. Higher-Order Derivatives
These refer to the second derivative, third derivative, and so on, of a function. The
second derivative, for example, describes the rate of change of the first derivative
and is often used to analyze acceleration (the derivative of velocity) or concavity in
graphs.

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

Part II - Short Answer Questions /10

Instructions: Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. You do not
need to explain your answers for this part, unless specifically stated otherwise.

1. Explain when and how you would use the chain rule. [2 marks]

The chain rule is used when differentiating a composite function, where one function is
nested inside another. You would apply the chain rule whenever you encounter a
situation where a function depends on another function, like f(g(x)).To apply the chain
rule, you differentiate the outer function while keeping the inner function unchanged,
and then multiply by the derivative of the inner function.

Example: f(x) cos(4x+5)

f’(x)= -sin(4x+5) x 4

2 4
2. State two methods you can use to differentiate 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2) . [2 marks]

Method 1:You can first use the power rule on both bracketed functions to find the derivative of the
polynomial function.

Method 2: You can also use the product rule to expand the functions in the brackets and then the
power rule with both bracketed polynomial functions.

3. True or False: The first rule that we would use to find the derivative of
12
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(1 + 𝑥) is the product rule. Explain. [2 marks]
False the first method you would use is the chain rule because this function does not meat the
necessary requirements to use the product rule which is to multiply two or more complete
functions but it does meet the requirement of the chain rule.

4. True or False: You can use the product rule to differentiate a rational function. Explain.
[2 marks]
No you cannot use the product rule to find the derivative of a rational function you have to use the
quotient rule because instead of multiplying the two functions you are dividing them and you can
only use the product rule when multiplying two functions.

5. True or False: The derivative of 𝑓(𝑥) = 240(1 − 𝑥

30
) is 𝑓'(𝑥) =− 8𝑥. Explain. [2 marks]

This statement is false because when we find the derivative of the function is actually -8 not -8x
because when we find the derivative it was solved to be -8.

NPSS Night School Ms. Fonseca

 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

Part II - Long Answer Questions /40

Instructions: Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all of
your work. Simply stating the final answer will result in a mark of 0.

1. Write an expression for ℎ'(𝑥) if ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑝(𝑥)𝑞(𝑥)𝑟(𝑥)𝑠(𝑥). [7 marks]

2. If 𝑓(0) = 0, and 𝑓'(0) = 2, find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑓(𝑓(𝑓(𝑥)))) at 𝑥 = 0. Show all of your
work. [7 marks]

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

3. Find the derivative of the following function. Simplify as much as possible. Show all of
your work. [8 marks]

𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑦) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑦) =

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

4. Differentiate. Show all of your work.

a. 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( 𝑥 + 1) [4 marks]
3

𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥) 𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 𝑒 · 𝑠𝑖𝑛(5 ) [6 marks]

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

NPSS Night School Ms. Fonseca

 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

For which values of 𝑥 is the slope of the tangent to the curve 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥
𝑥+2
parallel with
the line given by the equation 2𝑥 − 5𝑦 − 9 = 0? [8 marks]

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

Part IV - Reflection /10

1.Outline your strengths and weaknesses in this unit. Include at least two strengths and two
weaknesses.
Strengths:
1.I have a solid grasp of the product rule, quotient rule, chain rule etc. and can apply
them confidently in various functions.
2.I’m able to effectively combine the chain rule with other differentiation rules when solving
complex problems.
Weaknesses:
I occasionally struggle with identifying when to use the quotient rule versus the product rule,
especially with more complicated expressions.

Finding the derivatives of combined such as a logarithmic function multiplying a exponential

function is fairly complicated and it sometimes is tricky to find the derivative

2.Reflect on your progress as a self-directed, independent learner?

Throughout this unit, I’ve worked independently to strengthen my understanding of the rules
of differentiation. I’ve taken the initiative to review problems from the textbook and seek
additional practice. I’ve also used videos to clarify any confusion and have noticed that my
problem-solving skills have improved as a result. However, I realize that I need to allocate
more time to reviewing my mistakes to avoid repeating them especially when solving the
more complicated questions.

3.Include any websites you used for extra practice or videos that you watched. Explain how
these websites/videos helped you. Include at least two different resources?

I used Khan Academy to review lessons on the product rule and chain rule and how to solve
implicit derivatives. The step-by-step explanations and practice problems helped solidify my
understanding of how and when to apply these rules. I also watched PatrickJMT videos on
YouTube, which provided clear examples of the quotient rule and some of the more
complicated functions that we needed to find the derivatives of. His breakdown of complex
problems into manageable steps made it easier for me to understand and apply the rule in
different scenarios.
The sources are below:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/dc-diff-intro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wH-g60EJ18

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 MCV4U0 | Assignment 3

NPSS Night School Ms. Fonseca