Physics Wallah

Quotient Rule Formula, Definition,Rules Solved Example

The quotient rule formula for differentiation states that the derivative of a function f(x)= v(x)/ u(x),  formula is f ′ (x)= v(x)u ′ (x)−u(x)v ′ (x) / [v(x)] 2​ .
authorImageManoj Kumar6 Nov, 2023
Share

Share

Quotient Rule Formula

Quotient Rule Formula: The quotient rule in calculus is utilized to compute the derivative of a function that is expressed as the ratio or division of two differentiable functions. This rule is applicable when determining the derivative of a function written in the form f(x)/g(x), where both f(x) and g(x) are differentiable, and g(x) is not equal to zero. Derived from the product rule and the fundamental concept of derivative limits, the quotient rule is crucial in differentiation.

What is the Quotient Rule in calculus

The Quotient Rule is a method used to compute the derivative of a function presented as a quotient resulting from the division of two differentiable functions. In simple terms, this rule specifies that the derivative of a quotient is determined by the ratio of the numerator's derivative multiplied by the denominator, subtracting the product of the numerator and the derivative of the denominator, all divided by the square of the denominator. This means that if we have a function in the form f(x) = u(x)/v(x), we can determine its derivative using the Quotient Rule expressed as:

f'(x) = [u(x)/v(x)]' = [v(x) × u'(x) - u(x) × v'(x)] / [v(x)] 2

Quotient Rule Formula

Formula for the Quotient Rule The derivative of a quotient of two functions can be computed using the quotient rule derivative formula. This formula is represented as:

f'(x) = [u(x)/v(x)]' = [v(x) × u'(x) - u(x) × v'(x)] / [v(x)] 2

Where,

  • f(x) = The function in the form of u(x)/v(x) for which the derivative is being determined.
  • u(x) = A differentiable function representing the numerator of the function f(x).
  • u ′ (x) = Derivative of function u(x).
  • v(x) = A differentiable function representing the denominator of the given function f(x).
  • v ′ (x) = Derivative of the function v(x).

Deriving the Quotient Rule Formula

In the earlier section, we familiarized ourselves with the formula for obtaining derivatives of the quotient of two differentiable functions. Now, let's explore the derivation of the quotient rule formula. The proof for the quotient rule formula can be accomplished through various methods, including:

  • Utilizing derivative and limit properties
  • using implicit differentiation
  • Application of the chain rule

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Derivative and Limit Properties

Demonstration of Quotient Rule Formula via Derivative and Limit Properties To establish the quotient rule formula utilizing the derivative definition or limits, consider the function f(x)=u(x)/v(x).

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Derivative and Limit Properties

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Implicit Differentiation

Demonstration of Quotient Rule Formula Using Implicit Differentiation To establish the quotient rule formula via implicit differentiation, consider a differentiable function f(x)=u(x)/v(x), where u(x)=f(x)⋅v(x).

Applying the product rule, we get u ′ (x)=f ′ (x)⋅v(x)+f(x)⋅v ′ (x). Solving for f ′ (x), we obtain:

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Implicit Differentiation

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Chain Rule

Proof of Quotient Rule Formula Utilizing Chain Rule The derivation of the quotient rule formula in calculus involves using the chain rule formula. Suppose f(x) is a differentiable function, such that f(x)=u(x)/v(x).

f(x)=u(x)v −1 (x)

Using the product rule,

f ′ (x)=u ′ (x)v −1 (x)+u(x)⋅( d ​/dx (v −1 (x)))

Applying the power rule to compute the derivative in the second term, we obtain:

Quotient Rule Formula Proof Using Chain Rule

How to Utilize the Quotient Rule for Differentiation

To determine the derivative of a function in the form f(x)=u(x)/v(x), it's essential for both u(x) and v(x) to be differentiable functions.

Follow these steps to find the derivative of a differentiable function f(x)=u(x)/v(x) using the quotient rule:

Step 1: Record the values of u(x) and v(x).

Step 2: Calculate the values of u ′ (x) and v ′ (x), then apply the quotient rule formula, given as:

f'(x) = [u(x)/v(x)]' = [v(x) × u'(x) - u(x) × v'(x)] / [v(x)] 2

​Let's examine the following example provided below to gain a clearer understanding of the quotient rule.

Quotient Rule Formula Solved Example

Example: Find f ′ (x) for the function f(x)= 3x/ x 2 +2  ​ using the quotient rule. Solution: Given, f(x)= 3x/ x 2 +2  ​

Where: u(x)=3x

v(x)=(x 2 +2)

u ′ (x)=3

v ′ (x)=2x

Applying the quotient rule:  f ′ (x)= [v(x)u ′ (x)−u(x)v ′ (x)] ​ / [v(x)] 2

f ′ (x)=[ (x 2 +2)⋅3−3x⋅2x] ​/ (x 2 +2) 2

f ′ (x) = [3x 2 +6−6x 2 ​ ] / (x 2 +2) 2

f ′ (x)= −3x 2 +6 ​/ (x 2 +2) 2

Answer: The derivative of  Answer: The derivative of 3x/x 2 +2 ​ is −3x 2 +6 / (x 2 +2) 2 ​ .

Explore Now Online Course of Class 9 Neev Fastrack 2024 and Class 10 Udaan Fastrack 2024 to enhance your Maths knowledge. and build a strong foundation.

Related Links
U Substitution Formula Vertex Formula
Foil Formula Function Notation Formula

Quotient Rule Formula FAQs

What is the quotient rule in calculus?

The quotient rule is a method used to find the derivative of a function expressed as the ratio of two differentiable functions.

What is the quotient rule formula?

d/ dx ​ [ v(x) u(x) ​ ]= v(x)u ′ (x)−u(x)v ′ (x) / [v(x)] 2​

How is the quotient rule used in differentiation?

To differentiate f(x)=u(x)/v(x), identify u(x), v(x), u ′ (x), and v ′ (x), then apply the quotient rule formula: f ′ (x)=[u(x)/v(x)] ′ =[v(x)u ′ (x)−u(x)v ′ (x)]/[v(x)] 2 .

Can the quotient rule be used for any function?

The quotient rule is specifically applicable for functions expressed as a quotient of two differentiable functions, ensuring the denominator is non-zero.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.