Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The quotient rule is used to find the derivative of a function that can be expressed as the quotient (division) of two other functions. It states that the derivative of f(x)/g(x) is equal to [g(x)f'(x) - f(x)g'(x)] / [g(x)]^2.
Related terms
Product Rule for Derivatives: The product rule allows us to find the derivative when two functions are multiplied together.
Chain Rule for Derivatives: The chain rule enables us to find the derivative when functions are composed or nested within each other.
Power Rule for Derivatives: The power rule provides a shortcut for finding derivatives when dealing with functions raised to constant powers.