---
title: "Difference Rule — AP Calc Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The difference rule says the derivative of f(x) − g(x) is f′(x) − g′(x). It's how you differentiate polynomials term by term and split limits in AP Calc."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-calc/key-terms/difference-rule"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Calculus AB/BC"
---

# Difference Rule — AP Calc Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The difference rule is a derivative rule that allows us to find the derivative of a function by subtracting the derivatives of its individual terms.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.6 Derivative Rules: Constant, Sum, Difference, and Constant Multiple](/ap-calc/unit-2/derivative-rules-constant-sum-difference-constant-multiple/study-guide/0DS7QaXV5BZFYbNZySlm)
- [1.5 Determining Limits Using Algebraic Properties of Limits](/ap-calc/unit-1/determining-limits-using-algebraic-properties-limits/study-guide/HjStgVKViPGZj1CxYwEB)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Constant Multiple Rule](/ap-calc/key-terms/constant-multiple-rule): The constant multiple rule states that when we take the derivative of a constant multiplied by a function, we can simply multiply the constant by the derivative of the function.
- [Chain Rule](/ap-calc/key-terms/chain-rule): The chain rule is used to find the derivative of composite functions. It tells us how to differentiate functions within other functions.
- [Power Rule](/ap-calc/key-terms/power-rule): The power rule is used to find the derivative of functions raised to a power. It states that if we have a function raised to an exponent, we can bring down that exponent as a coefficient and decrease it by 1.