If you follow the definition, then the derivative of a function at a point is the limit of the ratio of the increment of the function Δ y to the argument increment Δ x:

Everything seems to be clear. But try using this formula to calculate, say, the derivative of the function f(x) = x 2 + (2x+ 3) · e x sin x. If you do everything by definition, then after a couple of pages of calculations you will simply fall asleep. Therefore, there are simpler and more effective ways.

To begin with, we note that from the entire variety of functions we can distinguish the so-called elementary functions. These are relatively simple expressions, the derivatives of which have long been calculated and tabulated. Such functions are quite easy to remember - along with their derivatives.

Derivatives of elementary functions

Elementary functions are all those listed below. The derivatives of these functions must be known by heart. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to memorize them - that’s why they are elementary.

So, derivatives elementary functions:

Name	Function	Derivative
Constant	f(x) = C, C ∈ R	0 (yes, zero!)
Power with rational exponent	f(x) = x n	n · x n − 1
Sinus	f(x) = sin x	cos x
Cosine	f(x) = cos x	−sin x(minus sine)
Tangent	f(x) = tg x	1/cos 2 x
Cotangent	f(x) = ctg x	− 1/sin 2 x
Natural logarithm	f(x) = log x	1/x
Arbitrary logarithm	f(x) = log a x	1/(x ln a)
Exponential function	f(x) = e x	e x(nothing changed)

If an elementary function is multiplied by an arbitrary constant, then the derivative of the new function is also easily calculated:

(C · f)’ = C · f ’.

In general, constants can be taken out of the sign of the derivative. For example:

(2x 3)’ = 2 · ( x 3)’ = 2 3 x 2 = 6x 2 .

Obviously, elementary functions can be added to each other, multiplied, divided - and much more. This is how new functions will appear, no longer particularly elementary, but also differentiated according to certain rules. These rules are discussed below.

Derivative of sum and difference

Let the functions be given f(x) And g(x), the derivatives of which are known to us. For example, you can take the elementary functions discussed above. Then you can find the derivative of the sum and difference of these functions:

(f + g)’ = f ’ + g ’
(f − g)’ = f ’ − g ’

So, the derivative of the sum (difference) of two functions is equal to the sum (difference) of the derivatives. There may be more terms. For example, ( f + g + h)’ = f ’ + g ’ + h ’.

Strictly speaking, there is no concept of “subtraction” in algebra. There is a concept of “negative element”. Therefore the difference f − g can be rewritten as a sum f+ (−1) g, and then only one formula remains - the derivative of the sum.

f(x) = x 2 + sin x; g(x) = x 4 + 2x 2 − 3.

Function f(x) is the sum of two elementary functions, therefore:

f ’(x) = (x 2 + sin x)’ = (x 2)’ + (sin x)’ = 2x+ cos x;

We reason similarly for the function g(x). Only there are already three terms (from the point of view of algebra):

g ’(x) = (x 4 + 2x 2 − 3)’ = (x 4 + 2x 2 + (−3))’ = (x 4)’ + (2x 2)’ + (−3)’ = 4x 3 + 4x + 0 = 4x · ( x 2 + 1).

Answer:
f ’(x) = 2x+ cos x;
g ’(x) = 4x · ( x 2 + 1).

Derivative of the product

Mathematics is a logical science, so many people believe that if the derivative of a sum is equal to the sum of derivatives, then the derivative of the product strike">equal to the product of derivatives. But screw you! The derivative of a product is calculated using a completely different formula. Namely:

(f · g) ’ = f ’ · g + f · g ’

The formula is simple, but it is often forgotten. And not only schoolchildren, but also students. The result is incorrectly solved problems.

Task. Find derivatives of functions: f(x) = x 3 cos x; g(x) = (x 2 + 7x− 7) · e x .

Function f(x) is the product of two elementary functions, so everything is simple:

f ’(x) = (x 3 cos x)’ = (x 3)’ cos x + x 3 (cos x)’ = 3x 2 cos x + x 3 (− sin x) = x 2 (3cos x − x sin x)

Function g(x) the first multiplier is a little more complicated, but the general scheme does not change. Obviously, the first factor of the function g(x) is a polynomial and its derivative is the derivative of the sum. We have:

g ’(x) = ((x 2 + 7x− 7) · e x)’ = (x 2 + 7x− 7)’ · e x + (x 2 + 7x− 7) · ( e x)’ = (2x+ 7) · e x + (x 2 + 7x− 7) · e x = e x· (2 x + 7 + x 2 + 7x −7) = (x 2 + 9x) · e x = x(x+ 9) · e x .

Answer:
f ’(x) = x 2 (3cos x − x sin x);
g ’(x) = x(x+ 9) · e x .

Please note that in the last step the derivative is factorized. Formally, this does not need to be done, but most derivatives are not calculated on their own, but to examine the function. This means that further the derivative will be equated to zero, its signs will be determined, and so on. For such a case, it is better to have an expression factorized.

If there are two functions f(x) And g(x), and g(x) ≠ 0 on the set we are interested in, we can define a new function h(x) = f(x)/g(x). For such a function you can also find the derivative:

Not weak, huh? Where did the minus come from? Why g 2? And like this! This is one of the most complex formulas- You can’t figure it out without a bottle. Therefore, it is better to study it at specific examples.

Task. Find derivatives of functions:

The numerator and denominator of each fraction contain elementary functions, so all we need is the formula for the derivative of the quotient:

According to tradition, let's factorize the numerator - this will greatly simplify the answer:

A complex function is not necessarily a half-kilometer-long formula. For example, it is enough to take the function f(x) = sin x and replace the variable x, say, on x 2 + ln x. It will work out f(x) = sin ( x 2 + ln x) - this is a complex function. It also has a derivative, but it will not be possible to find it using the rules discussed above.

What should I do? In such cases, replacing the variable and the derivative formula helps complex function:

f ’(x) = f ’(t) · t', If x is replaced by t(x).

As a rule, the situation with understanding this formula is even more sad than with the derivative of the quotient. Therefore, it is also better to explain it with specific examples, with detailed description every step.

Task. Find derivatives of functions: f(x) = e 2x + 3 ; g(x) = sin ( x 2 + ln x)

Note that if in the function f(x) instead of expression 2 x+ 3 will be easy x, then we get an elementary function f(x) = e x. Therefore, we make a replacement: let 2 x + 3 = t, f(x) = f(t) = e t. We look for the derivative of a complex function using the formula:

f ’(x) = f ’(t) · t ’ = (e t)’ · t ’ = e t · t ’

And now - attention! We perform the reverse replacement: t = 2x+ 3. We get:

f ’(x) = e t · t ’ = e 2x+ 3 (2 x + 3)’ = e 2x+ 3 2 = 2 e 2x + 3

Now let's look at the function g(x). Obviously it needs to be replaced x 2 + ln x = t. We have:

g ’(x) = g ’(t) · t’ = (sin t)’ · t’ = cos t · t ’

Reverse replacement: t = x 2 + ln x. Then:

g ’(x) = cos ( x 2 + ln x) · ( x 2 + ln x)’ = cos ( x 2 + ln x) · (2 x + 1/x).

That's all! As can be seen from the last expression, the whole problem has been reduced to calculating the derivative sum.

Answer:
f ’(x) = 2 · e 2x + 3 ;
g ’(x) = (2x + 1/x) cos ( x 2 + ln x).

Very often in my lessons, instead of the term “derivative,” I use the word “prime.” For example, a prime from the amount equal to the sum strokes. Is that clearer? Well, that's good.

Thus, calculating the derivative comes down to getting rid of these same strokes according to the rules discussed above. As a final example, let's return to the derivative power with a rational exponent:

(x n)’ = n · x n − 1

Few people know that in the role n may well be a fractional number. For example, the root is x 0.5. What if there is something fancy under the root? Again, the result will be a complex function - they like to give such constructions to tests oh and exams.

Task. Find the derivative of the function:

First, let's rewrite the root as a power with a rational exponent:

f(x) = (x 2 + 8x − 7) 0,5 .

Now we make a replacement: let x 2 + 8x − 7 = t. We find the derivative using the formula:

f ’(x) = f ’(t) · t ’ = (t 0.5)’ · t’ = 0.5 · t−0.5 · t ’.

Let's do the reverse replacement: t = x 2 + 8x− 7. We have:

f ’(x) = 0.5 · ( x 2 + 8x− 7) −0.5 · ( x 2 + 8x− 7)’ = 0.5 · (2 x+ 8) ( x 2 + 8x − 7) −0,5 .

Finally, back to the roots:

Complex derivatives. Logarithmic derivative.
Power derivative exponential function

We continue to improve our differentiation technique. In this lesson, we will consolidate the material we have covered, look at more complex derivatives, and also get acquainted with new techniques and tricks for finding a derivative, in particular, with the logarithmic derivative.

Those readers who have a low level of preparation should refer to the article How to find the derivative? Examples of solutions, which will allow you to raise your skills almost from scratch. Next, you need to carefully study the page Derivative of a complex function, understand and resolve All the examples I gave. This lesson is logically the third in a row, and after mastering it you will confidently differentiate fairly complex functions. It is undesirable to take the position of “Where else? That’s enough!”, since all examples and solutions are taken from real tests and are often encountered in practice.

Let's start with repetition. At the lesson Derivative of a complex function We looked at a number of examples with detailed comments. During the study of differential calculus and other sections mathematical analysis– you will have to differentiate very often, and it is not always convenient (and not always necessary) to describe examples in great detail. Therefore, we will practice finding derivatives orally. The most suitable “candidates” for this are derivatives of the simplest of complex functions, for example:

According to the rule of differentiation of complex functions :

When studying other matan topics in the future, such a detailed record is most often not required; it is assumed that the student knows how to find such derivatives on autopilot. Let’s imagine that at 3 o’clock in the morning the phone rang and a pleasant voice asked: “What is the derivative of the tangent of two X’s?” This should be followed by an almost instantaneous and polite response: .

The first example will be immediately intended for independent decision.

Example 1

Find the following derivatives orally, in one action, for example: . To complete the task you only need to use table of derivatives of elementary functions(if you haven't remembered it yet). If you have any difficulties, I recommend re-reading the lesson Derivative of a complex function.

, , ,
, , ,
, , ,

, , ,

, ,

Answers at the end of the lesson

Complex derivatives

After preliminary artillery preparation, examples with 3-4-5 nestings of functions will be less scary. The following two examples may seem complicated to some, but if you understand them (someone will suffer), then almost everything else in differential calculus will seem like a child's joke.

Example 2

Find the derivative of a function

As already noted, when finding the derivative of a complex function, first of all, it is necessary Right UNDERSTAND your investments. In cases where there are doubts, I remind you of a useful technique: we take the experimental value of “x”, for example, and try (mentally or in a draft) to substitute this value into the “terrible expression”.

1) First we need to calculate the expression, which means the sum is the deepest embedding.

2) Then you need to calculate the logarithm:

4) Then cube the cosine:

5) At the fifth step the difference:

6) And finally, the outermost function is the square root:

Formula for differentiating a complex function are applied in reverse order, from the outermost function to the innermost. We decide:

There seem to be no errors...

(1) Take the derivative of the square root.

(2) We take the derivative of the difference using the rule

(3) The derivative of a triple is zero. In the second term we take the derivative of the degree (cube).

(4) Take the derivative of the cosine.

(5) Take the derivative of the logarithm.

(6) And finally, we take the derivative of the deepest embedding.

It may seem too difficult, but this is not the most brutal example. Take, for example, Kuznetsov’s collection and you will appreciate all the beauty and simplicity of the analyzed derivative. I noticed that they like to give a similar thing in an exam to check whether a student understands how to find the derivative of a complex function or does not understand.

The following example is for you to solve on your own.

Example 3

Find the derivative of a function

Hint: First we apply the linearity rules and the product differentiation rule

Full solution and answer at the end of the lesson.

It's time to move on to something smaller and nicer.
It is not uncommon for an example to show the product of not two, but three functions. How to find the derivative of the product of three factors?

Example 4

Find the derivative of a function

First we look, is it possible to turn the product of three functions into the product of two functions? For example, if we had two polynomials in the product, then we could open the brackets. But in the example under consideration, all the functions are different: degree, exponent and logarithm.

In such cases it is necessary sequentially apply the product differentiation rule twice

The trick is that by “y” we denote the product of two functions: , and by “ve” we denote the logarithm: . Why can this be done? Is it really – this is not a product of two factors and the rule does not work?! There is nothing complicated:

Now it remains to apply the rule a second time to bracket:

You can also get twisted and put something out of brackets, but in this case it’s better to leave the answer exactly in this form - it will be easier to check.

The considered example can be solved in the second way:

Both solutions are absolutely equivalent.

Example 5

Find the derivative of a function

This is an example for an independent solution; in the sample it is solved using the first method.

Let's look at similar examples with fractions.

Example 6

Find the derivative of a function

There are several ways you can go here:

Or like this:

But the solution will be written more compactly if we first use the rule of differentiation of the quotient , taking for the entire numerator:

In principle, the example is solved, and if it is left as is, it will not be an error. But if you have time, it is always advisable to check on a draft to see if the answer can be simplified? Let us reduce the expression of the numerator to common denominator And let's get rid of the three-story fraction:

The disadvantage of additional simplifications is that there is a risk of making a mistake not when finding the derivative, but during banal school transformations. On the other hand, teachers often reject the assignment and ask to “bring it to mind” the derivative.

A simpler example to solve on your own:

Example 7

Find the derivative of a function

We continue to master the methods of finding the derivative, and now we will consider a typical case when the “terrible” logarithm is proposed for differentiation

Example 8

Find the derivative of a function

Here you can go the long way, using the rule for differentiating a complex function:

But the very first step immediately plunges you into despondency - you have to take the unpleasant derivative from a fractional power, and then also from a fraction.

That's why before how to take the derivative of a “sophisticated” logarithm, it is first simplified using well-known school properties:

! If you have a practice notebook at hand, copy these formulas directly there. If you don't have a notebook, copy them onto a piece of paper, since the remaining examples of the lesson will revolve around these formulas.

The solution itself can be written something like this:

Let's transform the function:

Finding the derivative:

Pre-converting the function itself greatly simplified the solution. Thus, when a similar logarithm is proposed for differentiation, it is always advisable to “break it down”.

And now a couple of simple examples for you to solve on your own:

Example 9

Find the derivative of a function

Example 10

Find the derivative of a function

All transformations and answers are at the end of the lesson.

Logarithmic derivative

If the derivative of logarithms is such sweet music, then the question arises: is it possible in some cases to organize the logarithm artificially? Can! And even necessary.

Example 11

Find the derivative of a function

We recently looked at similar examples. What to do? You can sequentially apply the rule of differentiation of the quotient, and then the rule of differentiation of the product. The disadvantage of this method is that you end up with a huge three-story fraction, which you don’t want to deal with at all.

But in theory and practice there is such a wonderful thing as the logarithmic derivative. Logarithms can be organized artificially by “hanging” them on both sides:

Note : because a function can take negative values, then, generally speaking, you need to use modules: , which will disappear as a result of differentiation. However, the current design is also acceptable, where by default it is taken into account complex meanings. But if in all rigor, then in both cases a reservation should be made that.

Now you need to “disintegrate” the logarithm of the right side as much as possible (formulas before your eyes?). I will describe this process in great detail:

Let's start with differentiation.
We conclude both parts under the prime:

The derivative of the right-hand side is quite simple; I will not comment on it, because if you are reading this text, you should be able to handle it confidently.

What about the left side?

On the left side we have complex function. I foresee the question: “Why, is there one letter “Y” under the logarithm?”

The fact is that this “one letter game” - IS ITSELF A FUNCTION(if it is not very clear, refer to the article Derivative of a function specified implicitly). Therefore, the logarithm is an external function, and the “y” is an internal function. And we use the rule for differentiating a complex function :

On the left side, as if by magic, we have a derivative. Next, according to the rule of proportion, we transfer the “y” from the denominator of the left side to the top of the right side:

And now let’s remember what kind of “player”-function we talked about during differentiation? Let's look at the condition:

Final answer:

Example 12

Find the derivative of a function

This is an example for you to solve on your own. A sample design of an example of this type is at the end of the lesson.

Using the logarithmic derivative it was possible to solve any of examples No. 4-7, another thing is that the functions there are simpler, and, perhaps, the use of the logarithmic derivative is not very justified.

Derivative of a power-exponential function

We have not considered this function yet. A power-exponential function is a function for which both the degree and the base depend on the “x”. Classic example, which will be given to you in any textbook or at any lecture:

How to find the derivative of a power-exponential function?

It is necessary to use the technique just discussed - the logarithmic derivative. We hang logarithms on both sides:

As a rule, on the right side the degree is taken out from under the logarithm:

As a result, on the right side we have the product of two functions, which will be differentiated according to the standard formula .

We find the derivative; to do this, we enclose both parts under strokes:

Further actions are simple:

Finally:

If any conversion is not entirely clear, please re-read the explanations of Example No. 11 carefully.

In practical tasks, the power-exponential function will always be more complicated than the lecture example considered.

Example 13

Find the derivative of a function

We use the logarithmic derivative.

On the right side we have a constant and the product of two factors - “x” and “logarithm of logarithm x” (another logarithm is nested under the logarithm). When differentiating, as we remember, it is better to immediately move the constant out of the derivative sign so that it does not get in the way; and, of course, we apply the familiar rule :

On which we analyzed the simplest derivatives, and also got acquainted with the rules of differentiation and some technical methods finding derivatives. Thus, if you are not very good with derivatives of functions or some points in this article are not entirely clear, then first read the above lesson. Please get in a serious mood - the material is not simple, but I will still try to present it simply and clearly.

In practice, you have to deal with the derivative of a complex function very often, I would even say, almost always, when you are given tasks to find derivatives.

We look at the table at the rule (No. 5) for differentiating a complex function:

Let's figure it out. First of all, let's pay attention to the entry. Here we have two functions - and , and the function, figuratively speaking, is nested within the function . A function of this type (when one function is nested within another) is called a complex function.

I will call the function external function, and the function – internal (or nested) function.

! These definitions are not theoretical and should not appear in the final design of assignments. I use informal expressions “external function”, “internal” function only to make it easier for you to understand the material.

To clarify the situation, consider:

Example 1

Find the derivative of a function

Under the sine we have not just the letter “X”, but an entire expression, so finding the derivative right away from the table will not work. We also notice that it is impossible to apply the first four rules here, there seems to be a difference, but the fact is that the sine cannot be “torn into pieces”:

In this example, it is already intuitively clear from my explanations that the function is a complex function, and the polynomial is internal function(investment), and – an external function.

First step what you need to do when finding the derivative of a complex function is to understand which function is internal and which is external.

When simple examples It seems clear that a polynomial is embedded under the sine. But what if everything is not obvious? How to accurately determine which function is external and which is internal? To do this, I suggest using the following technique, which can be done mentally or in a draft.

Let's imagine that we need to calculate the value of the expression at on a calculator (instead of one there can be any number).

What will we calculate first? First of all you will need to perform the following action: , therefore the polynomial will be an internal function:

Secondly will need to be found, so sine – will be an external function:

After we SOLD OUT with internal and external functions, it’s time to apply the rule of differentiation of complex functions .

Let's start deciding. From the lesson How to find the derivative? we remember that the design of a solution to any derivative always begins like this - we enclose the expression in brackets and put a stroke at the top right:

At first we find the derivative of the external function (sine), look at the table of derivatives of elementary functions and notice that . All table formulas are also applicable if “x” is replaced with a complex expression, in this case:

Please note that the inner function hasn't changed, we don't touch it.

Well, it's quite obvious that

The result of applying the formula in its final form it looks like this:

The constant factor is usually placed at the beginning of the expression:

If there is any misunderstanding, write the solution down on paper and read the explanations again.

Example 2

Find the derivative of a function

Example 3

Find the derivative of a function

As always, we write down:

Let's figure out where we have an external function and where we have an internal one. To do this, we try (mentally or in a draft) to calculate the value of the expression at . What should you do first? First of all, you need to calculate what the base is equal to: therefore, the polynomial is the internal function:

And only then is the exponentiation performed, therefore, the power function is an external function:

According to the formula , first you need to find the derivative of the external function, in this case, the degree. Looking for in the table the required formula: . We repeat again: any tabular formula is valid not only for “X”, but also for a complex expression. Thus, the result of applying the rule for differentiating a complex function next:

I emphasize again that when we take the derivative of the external function, our internal function does not change:

Now all that remains is to find a very simple derivative of the internal function and tweak the result a little:

Example 4

Find the derivative of a function

This is an example for you to solve on your own (answer at the end of the lesson).

To consolidate your understanding of the derivative of a complex function, I will give an example without comments, try to figure it out on your own, reason where the external and where the internal function is, why the tasks are solved this way?

Example 5

a) Find the derivative of the function

b) Find the derivative of the function

Example 6

Find the derivative of a function

Here we have a root, and in order to differentiate the root, it must be represented as a power. Thus, first we bring the function into the form appropriate for differentiation:

Analyzing the function, we come to the conclusion that the sum of the three terms is an internal function, and raising to a power is an external function. We apply the rule of differentiation of complex functions :

We again represent the degree as a radical (root), and for the derivative of the internal function we apply a simple rule for differentiating the sum:

Ready. You can also reduce the expression to a common denominator in brackets and write everything down as one fraction. It’s beautiful, of course, but when you get cumbersome long derivatives, it’s better not to do this (it’s easy to get confused, make an unnecessary mistake, and it will be inconvenient for the teacher to check).

Example 7

Find the derivative of a function

This is an example for you to solve on your own (answer at the end of the lesson).

It is interesting to note that sometimes instead of the rule for differentiating a complex function, you can use the rule for differentiating a quotient , but such a solution will look like an unusual perversion. Here is a typical example:

Example 8

Find the derivative of a function

Here you can use the rule of differentiation of the quotient , but it is much more profitable to find the derivative through the rule of differentiation of a complex function:

We prepare the function for differentiation - we move the minus out of the derivative sign, and raise the cosine into the numerator:

Cosine is an internal function, exponentiation is an external function.
Let's use our rule :

We find the derivative of the internal function and reset the cosine back down:

Ready. In the example considered, it is important not to get confused in the signs. By the way, try to solve it using the rule , the answers must match.

Example 9

Find the derivative of a function

This is an example for you to solve on your own (answer at the end of the lesson).

So far we have looked at cases where we had only one nesting in a complex function. In practical tasks, you can often find derivatives, where, like nesting dolls, one inside the other, 3 or even 4-5 functions are nested at once.

Example 10

Find the derivative of a function

Let's understand the attachments of this function. Let's try to calculate the expression using the experimental value. How would we count on a calculator?

First you need to find , which means the arcsine is the deepest embedding:

This arcsine of one should then be squared:

And finally, we raise seven to a power:

That is, in this example we have three different functions and two embeddings, while the innermost function is the arcsine, and the outermost function is the exponential function.

Let's start deciding

According to the rule First you need to take the derivative of the outer function. We look at the table of derivatives and find the derivative of the exponential function: The only difference is that instead of “x” we have a complex expression, which does not negate the validity of this formula. So, the result of applying the rule for differentiating a complex function next.

Functions complex type do not always fit the definition of a complex function. If there is a function of the form y = sin x - (2 - 3) · a r c t g x x 5 7 x 10 - 17 x 3 + x - 11, then it cannot be considered complex, unlike y = sin 2 x.

This article will show the concept of a complex function and its identification. Let's work with formulas for finding the derivative with examples of solutions in the conclusion. The use of the derivative table and differentiation rules significantly reduces the time for finding the derivative.

Basic definitions

Definition 1

A complex function is one whose argument is also a function.

It is denoted this way: f (g (x)). We have that the function g (x) is considered an argument f (g (x)).

Definition 2

If there is a function f and is a cotangent function, then g(x) = ln x is the function natural logarithm. We find that the complex function f (g (x)) will be written as arctg(lnx). Or a function f, which is a function raised to the 4th power, where g (x) = x 2 + 2 x - 3 is considered an entire rational function, we obtain that f (g (x)) = (x 2 + 2 x - 3) 4 .

Obviously g(x) can be complex. From the example y = sin 2 x + 1 x 3 - 5 it is clear that the value of g has the cube root of the fraction. This expression can be denoted as y = f (f 1 (f 2 (x))). From where we have that f is a sine function, and f 1 is a function located under square root, f 2 (x) = 2 x + 1 x 3 - 5 - fractional rational function.

Definition 3

The degree of nesting is determined by any natural number and is written as y = f (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (... (f n (x)))))) .

Definition 4

The concept of function composition refers to the number of nested functions according to the conditions of the problem. To solve, use the formula for finding the derivative of a complex function of the form

(f (g (x))) " = f " (g (x)) g " (x)

Examples

Example 1

Find the derivative of a complex function of the form y = (2 x + 1) 2.

Solution

The condition shows that f is a squaring function, and g(x) = 2 x + 1 is considered a linear function.

Let's apply the derivative formula for a complex function and write:

f " (g (x)) = ((g (x)) 2) " = 2 (g (x)) 2 - 1 = 2 g (x) = 2 (2 x + 1) ; g " (x) = (2 x + 1) " = (2 x) " + 1 " = 2 x " + 0 = 2 1 x 1 - 1 = 2 ⇒ (f (g (x))) " = f " (g (x)) g " (x) = 2 (2 x + 1) 2 = 8 x + 4

It is necessary to find the derivative with a simplified original form of the function. We get:

y = (2 x + 1) 2 = 4 x 2 + 4 x + 1

From here we have that

y " = (4 x 2 + 4 x + 1) " = (4 x 2) " + (4 x) " + 1 " = 4 (x 2) " + 4 (x) " + 0 = = 4 · 2 · x 2 - 1 + 4 · 1 · x 1 - 1 = 8 x + 4

The results were the same.

When solving problems of this type, it is important to understand where the function of the form f and g (x) will be located.

Example 2

You should find the derivatives of complex functions of the form y = sin 2 x and y = sin x 2.

Solution

The first function notation says that f is the squaring function and g(x) is the sine function. Then we get that

y " = (sin 2 x) " = 2 sin 2 - 1 x (sin x) " = 2 sin x cos x

The second entry shows that f is a sine function, and g(x) = x 2 is denoted power function. It follows that we write the product of a complex function as

y " = (sin x 2) " = cos (x 2) (x 2) " = cos (x 2) 2 x 2 - 1 = 2 x cos (x 2)

The formula for the derivative y = f (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (. . . (f n (x))))) will be written as y " = f " (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (. . . ( f n (x))))) · f 1 " (f 2 (f 3 (. . . (f n (x)))) · · f 2 " (f 3 (. . . (f n (x))) )) · . . . fn "(x)

Example 3

Find the derivative of the function y = sin (ln 3 a r c t g (2 x)).

Solution

This example shows the difficulty of writing and determining the location of functions. Then y = f (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x))))) denote where f , f 1 , f 2 , f 3 , f 4 (x) is the sine function, the function of raising to 3 degree, function with logarithm and base e, arctangent and linear function.

From the formula for defining a complex function we have that

y " = f " (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) f 1 " (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) f 2 " (f 3 (f 4 (x)) f 3 " (f 4 (x)) f 4 " (x)

We get what we need to find

f " (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x))))) as the derivative of the sine according to the table of derivatives, then f " (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) ) = cos (ln 3 a r c t g (2 x)) .
f 1 " (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) as the derivative of a power function, then f 1 " (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) = 3 ln 3 - 1 a r c t g (2 x) = 3 ln 2 a r c t g (2 x) .
f 2 " (f 3 (f 4 (x))) as a logarithmic derivative, then f 2 " (f 3 (f 4 (x))) = 1 a r c t g (2 x) .
f 3 " (f 4 (x)) as the derivative of the arctangent, then f 3 " (f 4 (x)) = 1 1 + (2 x) 2 = 1 1 + 4 x 2.
When finding the derivative f 4 (x) = 2 x, remove 2 from the sign of the derivative using the formula for the derivative of a power function with an exponent equal to 1, then f 4 " (x) = (2 x) " = 2 x " = 2 · 1 · x 1 - 1 = 2 .

We combine the intermediate results and get that

y " = f " (f 1 (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) f 1 " (f 2 (f 3 (f 4 (x)))) f 2 " (f 3 (f 4 (x)) f 3 " (f 4 (x)) f 4 " (x) = = cos (ln 3 a r c t g (2 x)) 3 ln 2 a r c t g (2 x) 1 a r c t g (2 x) 1 1 + 4 x 2 2 = = 6 cos (ln 3 a r c t g (2 x)) ln 2 a r c t g (2 x) a r c t g (2 x) (1 + 4 x 2)

Analysis of such functions is reminiscent of nesting dolls. Differentiation rules cannot always be applied explicitly using a derivative table. Often you need to use a formula for finding derivatives of complex functions.

There are some differences between complex appearance and complex functions. With a clear ability to distinguish this, finding derivatives will be especially easy.

Example 4

It is necessary to consider giving such an example. If there is a function of the form y = t g 2 x + 3 t g x + 1, then it can be considered as a complex function of the form g (x) = t g x, f (g) = g 2 + 3 g + 1. Obviously, it is necessary to use the formula for a complex derivative:

f " (g (x)) = (g 2 (x) + 3 g (x) + 1) " = (g 2 (x)) " + (3 g (x)) " + 1 " = = 2 · g 2 - 1 (x) + 3 g " (x) + 0 = 2 g (x) + 3 1 g 1 - 1 (x) = = 2 g (x) + 3 = 2 t g x + 3 ; g " (x) = (t g x) " = 1 cos 2 x ⇒ y " = (f (g (x))) " = f " (g (x)) g " (x) = (2 t g x + 3 ) · 1 cos 2 x = 2 t g x + 3 cos 2 x

A function of the form y = t g x 2 + 3 t g x + 1 is not considered complex, since it has the sum of t g x 2, 3 t g x and 1. However, t g x 2 is considered a complex function, then we obtain a power function of the form g (x) = x 2 and f, which is a tangent function. To do this, differentiate by amount. We get that

y " = (t g x 2 + 3 t g x + 1) " = (t g x 2) " + (3 t g x) " + 1 " = = (t g x 2) " + 3 (t g x) " + 0 = (t g x 2) " + 3 cos 2 x

Let's move on to finding the derivative of a complex function (t g x 2) ":

f " (g (x)) = (t g (g (x))) " = 1 cos 2 g (x) = 1 cos 2 (x 2) g " (x) = (x 2) " = 2 x 2 - 1 = 2 x ⇒ (t g x 2) " = f " (g (x)) g " (x) = 2 x cos 2 (x 2)

We get that y " = (t g x 2 + 3 t g x + 1) " = (t g x 2) " + 3 cos 2 x = 2 x cos 2 (x 2) + 3 cos 2 x

Functions of a complex type can be included in complex functions, and complex functions themselves can be components of functions of a complex type.

Example 5

For example, consider a complex function of the form y = log 3 x 2 + 3 cos 3 (2 x + 1) + 7 e x 2 + 3 3 + ln 2 x (x 2 + 1)

This function can be represented as y = f (g (x)), where the value of f is a function of the base 3 logarithm, and g (x) is considered the sum of two functions of the form h (x) = x 2 + 3 cos 3 (2 x + 1) + 7 e x 2 + 3 3 and k (x) = ln 2 x · (x 2 + 1) . Obviously, y = f (h (x) + k (x)).

Consider the function h(x). This is the ratio l (x) = x 2 + 3 cos 3 (2 x + 1) + 7 to m (x) = e x 2 + 3 3

We have that l (x) = x 2 + 3 cos 2 (2 x + 1) + 7 = n (x) + p (x) is the sum of two functions n (x) = x 2 + 7 and p (x) = 3 cos 3 (2 x + 1) , where p (x) = 3 p 1 (p 2 (p 3 (x))) is a complex function with numerical coefficient 3, and p 1 is a cube function, p 2 by a cosine function, p 3 (x) = 2 x + 1 by a linear function.

We found that m (x) = e x 2 + 3 3 = q (x) + r (x) is the sum of two functions q (x) = e x 2 and r (x) = 3 3, where q (x) = q 1 (q 2 (x)) is a complex function, q 1 is a function with an exponential, q 2 (x) = x 2 is a power function.

This shows that h (x) = l (x) m (x) = n (x) + p (x) q (x) + r (x) = n (x) + 3 p 1 (p 2 ( p 3 (x))) q 1 (q 2 (x)) + r (x)

When moving to an expression of the form k (x) = ln 2 x · (x 2 + 1) = s (x) · t (x), it is clear that the function is presented in the form of a complex s (x) = ln 2 x = s 1 ( s 2 (x)) with a rational integer t (x) = x 2 + 1, where s 1 is a squaring function, and s 2 (x) = ln x is logarithmic with base e.

It follows that the expression will take the form k (x) = s (x) · t (x) = s 1 (s 2 (x)) · t (x).

Then we get that

y = log 3 x 2 + 3 cos 3 (2 x + 1) + 7 e x 2 + 3 3 + ln 2 x (x 2 + 1) = = f n (x) + 3 p 1 (p 2 (p 3 (x))) q 1 (q 2 (x)) = r (x) + s 1 (s 2 (x)) t (x)

Based on the structures of the function, it became clear how and what formulas need to be used to simplify the expression when differentiating it. To become familiar with such problems and for the concept of their solution, it is necessary to turn to the point of differentiating a function, that is, finding its derivative.

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A proof of the formula for the derivative of a complex function is given. Cases when a complex function depends on one or two variables are considered in detail. A generalization is made to the case of an arbitrary number of variables.

Content

See also: Examples of using the formula for the derivative of a complex function

Basic formulas

Here we provide the derivation of the following formulas for the derivative of a complex function.
If , then
.
If , then
.
If , then
.

Derivative of a complex function from one variable

Let a function of variable x be represented as a complex function in the following form:
,
where there are some functions. The function is differentiable for some value of the variable x. The function is differentiable at the value of the variable.
Then the complex (composite) function is differentiable at point x and its derivative is determined by the formula:
(1) .

Formula (1) can also be written as follows:
;
.

Proof

Let us introduce the following notation.
;
.
Here there is a function of the variables and , there is a function of the variables and . But we will omit the arguments of these functions so as not to clutter the calculations.

Since the functions and are differentiable at points x and , respectively, then at these points there are derivatives of these functions, which are the following limits:
;
.

Consider the following function:
.
For a fixed value of the variable u, is a function of . It's obvious that
.
Then
.

Since the function is a differentiable function at the point, it is continuous at that point. That's why
.
Then
.

Now we find the derivative.

.

The formula is proven.

Consequence

If a function of a variable x can be represented as a complex function of a complex function
,
then its derivative is determined by the formula
.
Here , and there are some differentiable functions.

To prove this formula, we sequentially calculate the derivative using the rule for differentiating a complex function.
Consider the complex function
.
Its derivative
.
Consider the original function
.
Its derivative
.

Derivative of a complex function from two variables

Now let the complex function depend on several variables. First let's look at case of a complex function of two variables.

Let a function depending on the variable x be represented as a complex function of two variables in the following form:
,
Where
and there are differentiable functions for some value of the variable x;
- a function of two variables, differentiable at the point , . Then the complex function is defined in a certain neighborhood of the point and has a derivative, which is determined by the formula:
(2) .

Proof

Since the functions and are differentiable at the point, they are defined in a certain neighborhood of this point, are continuous at the point, and their derivatives exist at the point, which are the following limits:
;
.
Here
;
.
Due to the continuity of these functions at a point, we have:
;
.

Since the function is differentiable at the point, it is defined in a certain neighborhood of this point, is continuous at this point, and its increment can be written in the following form:
(3) .
Here

- increment of a function when its arguments are incremented by values and ;
;

- partial derivatives of the function with respect to the variables and .
For fixed values of and , and are functions of the variables and . They tend to zero at and:
;
.
Since and , then
;
.

Function increment:

. :
.
Let's substitute (3):

.

The formula is proven.

Derivative of a complex function from several variables

The above conclusion can easily be generalized to the case when the number of variables of a complex function is more than two.

For example, if f is function of three variables, That
,
Where
, and there are differentiable functions for some value of the variable x;
- differentiable function of three variables at point , , .
Then, from the definition of differentiability of the function, we have:
(4)
.
Because, due to continuity,
; ; ,
That
;
;
.

Dividing (4) by and passing to the limit, we obtain:
.

And finally, let's consider the most general case.
Let a function of variable x be represented as a complex function of n variables in the following form:
,
Where
there are differentiable functions for some value of the variable x;
- differentiable function of n variables at a point
, , ... , .
Then
.