This week, we took the quiz over the chain rule, u-substitution, and implicit differentiation, then worked on sections 3.8 and 3.9, derivatives of inverse trig functions and exponential functions. We were given more derivative rules to use for these types of functions. I am a little nervous as my notes and rule sheet continue to grow because I know that many of these rules will need to be memorized for the AP test at the end of the year. I am able to recognize and have memorized the basic rules like the product, quotient, and exponential function rules, but I need to work more on committing the trig functions and inverse trig functions derivative rules to memory. I am confident that these will stick in my mind through more practice with problems that require use of these rules.
I think that the most challenging part of sections 3.8 and 3.9 is the simplification of the derivative function once the rules are used. It seems as if this should be the simple part of finding derivatives, but as they get harder, the problems get longer and more complex and the steps it takes to simplify do the same. I have found it helpful to check my answers in the back of the book in order to make sure that I am coming up with the correct solutions. Sometimes it can be frustrating when my answer does not match the correct one no matter how many times I double check my work and simplification steps. I have come to realize that the solution to a problem can look different depending on the way it was simplified even if both answers were simplified correctly. I am going to practice simplification more to improve my ability to fully reduce my answers to match the correct ones.
I am a little nervous about the test on Monday, but I am pretty confident in my understanding of Chapter 3 overall. The review assignment has surprised me a little with a few little things that I don't remember entirely and will need to review. Being able to picture in my mind and draw the graph of f'(x) from f(x) and vice versa is one of these concepts that needs a little extra studying. Overall, I am feeling confident with this chapter and feel that with a little more practice and review this weekend, I will be ready for the test.
I think that the most challenging part of sections 3.8 and 3.9 is the simplification of the derivative function once the rules are used. It seems as if this should be the simple part of finding derivatives, but as they get harder, the problems get longer and more complex and the steps it takes to simplify do the same. I have found it helpful to check my answers in the back of the book in order to make sure that I am coming up with the correct solutions. Sometimes it can be frustrating when my answer does not match the correct one no matter how many times I double check my work and simplification steps. I have come to realize that the solution to a problem can look different depending on the way it was simplified even if both answers were simplified correctly. I am going to practice simplification more to improve my ability to fully reduce my answers to match the correct ones.
I am a little nervous about the test on Monday, but I am pretty confident in my understanding of Chapter 3 overall. The review assignment has surprised me a little with a few little things that I don't remember entirely and will need to review. Being able to picture in my mind and draw the graph of f'(x) from f(x) and vice versa is one of these concepts that needs a little extra studying. Overall, I am feeling confident with this chapter and feel that with a little more practice and review this weekend, I will be ready for the test.