Derivatives are a mathematical concept in Calculus 2 that represent the rate of change of a function at a specific point. They are used to find the instantaneous rate of change, or slope, of a curve at a given point.
To find a derivative, you can use the derivative rules, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules help you find the derivative of a function by manipulating its algebraic expression.
Derivatives have many applications in real-world problems, such as finding maximum and minimum values, determining the velocity and acceleration of an object, and optimizing functions in business and economics.
Some common mistakes to avoid when working with derivatives include forgetting to use the chain rule, incorrectly applying the power rule, and not simplifying the expression before taking the derivative.
To improve your understanding of derivatives, it is important to practice and work through various problems. You can also seek help from a tutor or attend study groups, and make use of online resources such as videos, practice quizzes, and interactive tutorials.