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AP Calculus BC Flashcards: Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.

To find the derivative of f(x) = 8x³ - 5x, which rules must be applied in combination?
You must apply the difference rule, the constant multiple rule for the coefficients 8 and 5, and the power rule for the variables.
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To find the derivative of f(x) = 8x³ - 5x, which rules must be applied in combination?
You must apply the difference rule, the constant multiple rule for the coefficients 8 and 5, and the power rule for the variables.
How do the sum and difference rules simplify the process of differentiating functions?
They allow a function composed of multiple terms added or subtracted together to be differentiated on a term-by-term basis.
State the Constant Multiple Rule for derivatives.
The derivative of a constant multiplied by a function is the constant multiplied by the derivative of that function.
If the derivative of f(x) is f'(x), what is the derivative of g(x) = 12 * f(x)?
According to the constant multiple rule, the derivative g'(x) is 12 multiplied by the derivative of f(x), which is 12 * f'(x).
If the derivative of g(x) is g'(x) and the derivative of h(x) is h'(x), what is the derivative of the function f(x) = g(x) + h(x)?
Using the sum rule, the derivative f'(x) is equal to the sum of the individual derivatives, g'(x) + h'(x).
What is the collective term for the rules governing the differentiation of sums, differences, and constant multiples of functions?
These are known as the basic derivative rules, which are fundamental properties used for differentiating more complex functions like polynomials.
What combination of rules is used to find the derivatives of polynomial functions?
The power rule is combined with the sum, difference, and constant multiple rules to find the derivatives for any polynomial function.
State the Sum Rule for derivatives.
The derivative of a sum of functions is the sum of their individual derivatives, allowing differentiation term-by-term.
State the Difference Rule for derivatives.
The derivative of a difference of functions is the difference of their individual derivatives.
What is the primary purpose of the sum, difference, and constant multiple rules?
These rules allow for the differentiation of complex functions by breaking them down into simpler, familiar functions that can be differentiated individually.