Math 22 Higher-Order Derivative

Higher-Order Derivatives

 The "standard" derivative $f'(x)$ is called the first derivative of $f(x)$. The derivative of $f'(x)$ is the second derivative of$f(x)$, denoted by $f''(x).$
 By continuing this process, we obtain higher-order derivative of $f(x)$.

Note: The 3rd derivative of $f(x)$ is $f'''(x)$. However, we simply denote the $n^{th}$ derivative as $f^{(n)}(x)$ for $n\geq 4$

Example: Find the first four derivative of

1) $f(x)=x^{4}+5x^{3}-2x^{2}+6$

Solution:
f'(x)=4x^3+15x^2-4x
f(x)=12x^2+30x-4
f(x)=24x+30
f^{(4)}(x)=24

2) $f(x)=(x^{3}+1)(x^{2}+3)$

Solution:
It is better to rewrite $f(x)=(x^{3}+1)(x^{2}+3)=x^{5}+3x^{3}+x^{2}+3$
Then, $f'(x)=5x^{4}+9x^{3}+2x$
$f''(x)=20x^{3}+27x^{2}+2$
$f'''(x)=60x^{2}+54x$
$f^{(4)}(x)=120x+54$

Notes

If $f(x)$ is the position function, then $f'(x)$ is the velocity function and $f''(x)$ is the acceleration function.

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