Derivatives · Basic Rules

Sum/Difference Rule

ddx[f(x)±g(x)]=f(x)±g(x)\frac{d}{dx}[f(x) \pm g(x)] = f'(x) \pm g'(x)

The derivative of a sum or difference is the sum or difference of the derivatives.

  • 0 variables
  • 2 worked examples
  • 24 in Derivatives

Worked examples

Find d/dx[x³ + 4x].
  1. d/dx[x³] + d/dx[4x] = 3x² + 4

Answer: 3x² + 4

1 more worked examplePremium

Find d/dx[x² - sin x].

Step-by-step solution locked.

Unlock the full working. CalcRef Premium opens the step-by-step solution above, and 141 worked solutions across the whole library - the intermediate lines, not just the answer. The formula statement, its conditions, its variables and the first worked example stay free on every page.

See all 24 Derivatives formulas on one printable sheet - the same statements and conditions as these pages, typeset and laid out for paper.

Practice

Quiz yourself on Derivatives

Sum/Difference Rule is one of 24 Derivatives formulas in CalcRef, out of 136 in the library. Today's free round is 10 mixed multiple-choice questions drawn from the same dataset as this page, refreshed every day and replayable as often as you like - no account needed.