Maths Differentiations: Class 12 Maths Notes, Definition, Derivatives Formula, Rules & Solved Examples

Differentiation 2021 ( Maths Differentiation )

Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma
Updated on Jun 17, 2025 15:30 IST

By Vikash Kumar Vishwakarma

Differentiation is the basic concept in calculus. It is used to find derivatives of functions. The derivative in Math is used to measure the change of a function with respect to another. Using the concept of differentiation, students can calculate the rate of change of a function over a period. 

Also, differentiation is an important topic in terms of various entrance tests such as JEE Main and JEE Advanced

Class 12 students must get familiar with the formula of differentiation, derivatives, rules of differentiation, and types of differentiation to clear the concept. Moreover, solving differentiation questions will help us understand the topic in detail.

Table of content
  • What is Differentiation?
  • Differentiation Formulas
  • Weightage of Differentiation
  • Illustrated Examples on Differentiation
  • FAQs on Differentiation
Maths Differentiation Logo

What is Differentiation?

The method of finding the derivative of any function is known as differentiation. 

The derivative of f is denoted by f’(x) or d/dx f(x). f’(x) can also be written as ‘differentiate with respect to x.’

The derivative of f at c is defined by:

lim h 0 f ( x + h ) f ( x ) h

Some Basic Results and Rules of Differentiation

Differentation Formulas

 

5. Derivatives of trigonometric functions

differentiation_3

6. Derivative of the algebraic sum of two functions

If y = u+v and u and v are functions of x, 

differentiation_4

7. Product rule
If y = uv and u and v are functions of x, 

differentiation_5

8. Quotient rule
If y = u/v and u and v are functions of x, 

differentiation_6

9. Chain rule
If y = f[g(x)] and u = g(x) then y = f(u) and

differentiation_7

10. Differentiation of ex and ax

differentiation_8
Maths Differentiation Logo

Differentiation Formulas

The formulas for differentiation equations are provided below. It is important to remember these formulas for quick calculation.

differentiation_formulas_1

Maths Differentiation Logo

Weightage of Differentiation

The introduction of this topic has already been given in Class 11. In Class 12, this chapter carries 10-15 marks. This topic is a very important part of your board's syllabus. Apart from that, if you are thinking of pursuing engineering, then your differentiation should be very strong.

Maths Differentiation Logo

Illustrated Examples on Differentiation

1. Differentiate the function with respect to x: sin(x2+5)

Solution.

Let y= sin(x2+5)

Differentiating both sides with respect to x

differentiation_9

2. Find dy/dx of: 2x + 3y = sin x

Solution.

On differentiating with respect to x,

differentiation_10

3. Find dy/dx of: xy + y2= tan x + y

Solution.

On differentiating with respect to x,

differentiation_11
Maths Differentiation Logo

FAQs on Differentiation

Q: Is every continuous function derivable?

A: No, a continuous function may or may not be derivable.

Q: What is the differentiation of 0?

A: Differentiation of 0 is 0 as f(x) = 0 is a constant function.

Q: What is the differentiation of logex?

A: The differentiation of log ex= 1 / x.

Q: Is every derivable function continuous?

A: Yes, a derivable function is always continuous.

Q: Is the differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions possible?

A: Yes, the differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions is possible.

Explore exams which ask questions on Maths Differentiation

Select your preferred stream

qna

Maths Differentiation Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...