← Prev: Finding and Classifying Stationary Points Next: Practical Applications of Differentiation (Optimisation Problems) →

Differentiation From First Principles | Year 1 Pure | A Level Maths

Differentiation from first principles is the formal limit definition that underlies all the standard differentiation rules. In this lesson you will learn how to use the gradient expression lim h->0 (f(x + h) — f(x)) / h to derive the derivative for small positive integer powers of x, and how the same approach extends to sin x and cos x. The lesson covers both the delta-x and h notations and supports AO2 questions on rigorous mathematical argument.

Stage 1

Learning

Video lessons

Stage 2

Practice

Worksheets

Stage 4

Past paper revision

Past papers

A* questions

Stage 3

Topic revision

Exam questions by topic

Revision notes

Only follow this arrow when you have covered the whole curriculum.

Lesson Video On Differentiation From First Principles

Follow the lesson video carefully with a pen and paper. By the end of it you should be comfortable with this topic. If you want a blank copy of this lesson to follow along, scroll down to the PDF viewer below and select “Student Notes Template” and download using the link at the top of the PDF viewer.

Lesson Resources For Differentiation From First Principles

Here you will find all of the PDF resources for the lesson on Differentiation From First Principles. Please choose from the dropdown menu below. You are able to download worksheets and notes templates to help you follow the video lesson. Mark schemes and solutions are not downloadable.