In principle, derivatives are calculated by studying the limit of secant lines like we did earlier in this chapter. However, in practice (and in Geogebra), derivatives are calculated using a set of rules that are so easy to use, a monkey could do it. In fact, we're going to call these rules the [b]Monkey Rules[sup]1[/sup][/b] for this exact reason. Almost everyone who uses calculus in their work uses them. [br][br]The Monkey Rules have advantages and disadvantages. The obvious advantage is that they are a [i]very fast[/i] way to mindlessly calculate a derivative without working out any limits or considering secant and tangent lines. The disadvantage is that they are [i]mindless[/i]. [br][br]If you're not interested in the algebra of calculus, you can skip the Monkey Rules, and move ahead to the [url=https://www.geogebra.org/m/x39ys4d7#material/wxafdatb]applications of the derivative[/url], and more or less be ok. You'll just have to rely on Geogebra to calculate derivatives for you with code like [code]derivative(f)[/code]. So, for instance, later in the book, if I ever write "use the Monkey Rules to calculate the derivative of ___", if you skip these sections, you will have to use Geogebra to perform the check. [br][br]Also, if earlier in the book you chose to skip the activities about the [url=https://www.geogebra.org/m/x39ys4d7#material/wrafy53s]Atomic Functions[/url], you are [i]not[/i] prepared to study the Monkey Rules.[br][br]For those of you still with me, in the next activity we'll study the "0th" of 8 Monkey Rules.[br][br][br][br][sup][b]1[/b] [/sup]I do not claim to have invented the term "Monkey Rules". My high school teacher used this term, and I've heard from many other people that their instructors also used this term.