WORKSHEET 1

This worksheet is aimed at refreshing differentiation methods and other basic concepts that
students must have acquainted themselves with while doing ECO 134.
1. What is the difference between continuity and discontinuity of a function?
2. For the following functions, determine for what values of x the functions are continuous?
If the function is discontinuous at any value of x, write that value down:
(i)

f(x) = 3x3 +2x2 + x + 1

(ii)

f(x) = (x)/ (x+1)

(iii)

f(x) = (x3 27) / (x2 9)

3. (i) For an upward sloping graph, is the slope value positive or negative?
(ii) For a downward sloping graph, is the slope value positive or negative?
(Hint: For Questions 1, 2 & 3, refer to Chapter 6 of Chiang for answers)

4. Find dy/dx for the following:

(You must determine which rule to use for the following functions)
(i) y = x3 + x2 x + 3
3 2
(ii) y = (1 x) ( 2 x3 ) ( 3 x6 )
(iii) y =
(iv) y = (2x3 5x + 10)8
(v) y = (x2 x)-2
(vi)Given y = u8 + 18 and u = 2x2 + 1,
(vii) Given that y = u5 and u = 2x3 5x + 10
(viii) y =
(ix) y =

and u =
, u = v(3-2v), v = x2.

5. Find partial derivatives of the following:

(i)
y = 7x1 + 6x1x22 9x23
(ii)
y = ( 5x1 + 3) / (x2 2)

(iii) y = f(x, y) = xy + (x / y)
(iv) y = f(x,y) = x
+ y .

y2

x2