AP®︎ Calculus AB Unit 2: Notes & Study Guide

Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with a comprehensive review on Unit 2 of AP Calculus AB – Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties.

Exam weight: 10%–12%
10 Topics

Unit 2: Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties

Define the derivative using limits and learn fundamental differentiation rules.

Begin with Topic 2.1: Defining Average and Inst...

To review Unit 2, go through each of the 10 topics below.

Everything you actually need to know for your Unit 2 test, pulled directly from the AP® Calculus AB curriculum.

Topic 2.1
~6 min
Review
Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point
Defining Average and Instantaneous Rates of Change at a Point
  • Average Rate of Change
  • Instantaneous Rate of Change and the Derivative at a Point
  • Computing the Derivative from the Definition
Review
Topic 2.2
~6 min
Review
Defining the Derivative of a Function and Using Derivative Notation
Defining the Derivative of a Function and Using Derivative Notation
  • The Derivative as a Limit
  • What the Difference Quotient Is Really Doing
  • Computing a Derivative from the Definition
Review
Topic 2.3
~6 min
Review
Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point
Estimating Derivatives of a Function at a Point
  • What the Derivative at a Point Represents
  • Estimating from a Table of Values
  • Estimating from a Graph
Review
Topic 2.4
~6 min
Review
Connecting Differentiability and Continuity: Determining When Derivatives Do and Do Not Exist
Connecting Differentiability and Continuity: Determining When Derivatives Do and Do Not Exist
  • Differentiability and Continuity at a Point
  • What Must Be True for a Derivative to Exist
  • When a Function Is Not Differentiable
Review
Topic 2.5
~4 min
Review
Applying the Power Rule
Applying the Power Rule
  • The Power Rule
  • Applying the Power Rule Correctly
  • Polynomials and Constants
Review
Topic 2.6
~5 min
Review
Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple
Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple
  • The Four Linearity Rules
  • The Big Picture: Linearity
  • Combining These with the Power Rule
Review
Topic 2.7
~5 min
Review
Derivatives of cos x, sin x, e^x, and ln x
Derivatives of cos x, sin x, e^x, and ln x
  • The Core Derivative Facts You Must Know Cold
  • Using These Rules Inside Larger Expressions
  • Common Errors That Cost Points
Review
Topic 2.8
~5 min
Review
The Product Rule
The Product Rule
  • The Product Rule
  • Why This Rule Exists
  • Recognizing When to Use It
Review
Topic 2.9
~5 min
Review
The Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule
  • The Quotient Rule
  • What the Rule Is Actually Doing
  • When to Use It vs When to Rewrite
Review
Topic 2.10
~5 min
Review
Finding the Derivatives of Tangent, Cotangent, Secant, and/or Cosecant Functions
Finding the Derivatives of Tangent, Cotangent, Secant, and/or Cosecant Functions
  • The Derivatives of tan x, cot x, sec x, and csc x
  • Rewriting Trig Functions Using Identities
  • Applying the Derivative Rules
Review

Notes

1 credit used · 5/5 remaining