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Quotient rule

This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.

Quotient rule

For any function in the form of F(x)=f(x)g(x),

F′(x)=f′(x)⋅g(x)-f(x)⋅g′(x)g(x)2

ddxfg=f′⋅g-f⋅g′g2

Example: f(x)=sinxx2

f′(x)=x2⋅cosx-sinx⋅2xx4

 

Related Glossary Terms

Derivative, Reciprocal rule

Index

Chapter 4 - The Quotient Rule

Chapter 4 - The Quotient Rule

Chapter 4 - The Chain Rule

Chapter 4 - The Chain Rule

Chapter 5 - Powers and Logarithms

Chapter 5 - Inverse Functions

Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers

These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.

  • Quotient rule

    The quotient rule differentiates a quotient where the denominator is nonzero and both functions are differentiable. It gives (f/g)′=(f′g−fg′)/g². For example, differentiating x/(x+1) produces 1/(x+1)² for x≠−1. The order of the subtraction and the denominator square both matter.

    Read more: 2.9 · Quotient rule →

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