1. Derivatives on the Calculator

2. NDER On the TI-83 to find the derivative we can use NDER.
Example: Find the derivative of y = x3 at
x = 2
Press MATH 8 then type x ^ 3 , x , 2 ). Hit enter.

3. Symmetric Difference Quotient
Your calculator uses the symmetric difference quotient to compute NDER
with h = .001
It is an approximation! It is not exact and can lead to a false answer.

4. Example
To find NDER(x3,x,2) your calculator did this approximation

5. Example Find NDER(|x|, x, 0) (Note: This is f’(0) where f(x) = |x|)
We know graphically that this DNE since there is a corner at x = 0.
What does your calculator tell you? Why?

6. Alternative method To find the derivative of y = lnx when x = 2
Enter lnx under Y1 then GRAPH
Press 2ND TRACE then 6(dy/dx), type enter 2 and press ENTER