Applications of Derivatives

As we have
discussed earlier that derivative is an important topic of calculus, similarly Applications of Derivatives also holds great
importance as it fetches many direct questions in the IT JEE. With a bit of practice it is very easy to master this topic
and there are some fixed patterns of questions asked from this topic. This section is the most scoring part of the JEE
Mathematics syllabus.

This chapter covers various important topics like:

Motion in Straight Line

Geometrical Meaning of Derivative at Point

Monotonicity

Concept of Local Maxima and Local Minima

Global Maxima and Minima

Rolle Theorem and Lagrange Mean Value Theorem

Solved Examples of Applications of Derivatives

We just give here an outline of some of the topics as they will be discussed in detail in the coming sections:

Geometrical Interpretation of derivative:

Let AB be the secant line passing through the points (x, f(x)) and (x +? x, f(x+?x)). If BA i.e. ?x approaches zero,
the secant approaches the tangent at (x, f(x)). Hence, when ?x approaches zero, the slope of the tangent is the limit
of the slope of the secant.

Hence, the derivative f'(x) can be interpreted as the slope of the tangent at point (x, y) on the graph of function y =
f(x). From this interpretation, we get the following results:
(i) When a function is increasing on some interval, it is obvious that the slope of the tangent is positive at every point
of that interval due to which its derivative is positive.

(ii) Similarly, in case a function is decreasing on some interval, the derivative is negative as the slope of the tangent is
negative at every point of the interval.

Rolle's Theorem. Let f be a function which is differentiable on the closed interval [a, b]. If f(a) = f(b) then there exists
a point c in (a, b) such that f '(c) = 0.

Mean Value Theorem. Let f be a function which is differentiable on the closed interval [a, b]. Then there exists a
point c in (a, b) such that

f'(c) = {f(b)-f(a)}/ (b-a)

Maxima and Minima:

There is a very slight difference between local maxima/minima and global maxima/minima. But it is very important to
note that because this topic fetches various questions in the JEE.

Local Maximum: A function f is said to have a local maximum (also termed as relative maximum) at x=a if

f(x) f(c) , for every x in some open interval around x=c.

Local Minimum: A function f is said to have a relative minimum or a local minimum around x=c if

f(x) f(c) , for every x in some open interval around x=a.

Global Maximum: A function f is said to have a global maximum (also termed as absolute maximum) at x=a if

f(x) f(c) , for every x in the domain under consideration

Global Minimum: A function f is said to have a absolute minimum or a global minimum around x=c if

f(x) f(c) , for every x in the whole domain under consideration.

Illustration:

Find the absolute extrema and relative extrema for the following functions.

f(x) = x3 on [-2,2].

Solution:

We first draw the graph of the function so that the picture becomes clear.

Substituting x=2 in the given function we get the function has absolute maximum of eight, while absolute minimum is
-8 and occurs at x=-2. It is clear that there is no relative extrema.
Monotonicity:

A function f defined on a subset of real numbers is said to be monotonic if it preserves the order. Mathematically, it is
written as

For all x and y, such that x y, if f(x) f(y), then the function f is said to be monotonically increasing, increasing or
non-decreasing.

Similarly, for xy, if f(x) f(y), then the function is monotonically decreasing, decreasing or non-increasing i.e. it
reverses the order.

You may refer the Past Papers to get an idea about the types of questions asked.

Illustration:

Consider the function f(x) = 2x3-3x2-12x+1.

Since f(x) is a polynomial function so it is continuous and differentiable everywhere. Hence, finding the derivative we
get

f(x)= 6x2-6x-12 =6(x-2)(x+1).

Hence, f(x) is increasing on the intervals (- , -1] and [2, ) and decreasing on the interval [-1,2].

This video will provide you further clarification

Solution: The given function is y = 2x2 log |x|.

x (-1/2, 0) (1/2, ), x (- , -1/2) (0, )

Here, y = 2x2 log x , x >0

2x2 log (-x) , x < 0

So this implies

dy/dx = 4x 1/x, x >0

= 4x 1/x, x < 0

Hence, dy/dx = 4x2 1/x, x R {0}

= (2x -1) (2x +1)/x

Therefore, it is increasing when x (-1/2, 0) (1/2, )

And decreasing when x (-, -1/2) (0, ).

Illustration 2: The maximum value of

(cos 1). (cos 2). (cos n), under the restrictions 0 1, 2, , n /2

(cot 1). (cot 2). (cot n) = 1 is

1. 1/2n/2 2. 1/2n

3. 1/2n 4. 1

Solution: Given cot 1. cot 2.....cot n = 1

Then, cos 1/sin 1 . cos 2/sin 2 . cos 3/sin 3 .. cos n/sin n = 1.

Hence, cos 1. cos 2. cos n = k .. (1)

and sin 1. sin 2. sin n = k .. (2)

by multiplying equations (1) and (2) we get,

(cos 1. cos 2 cos n) x (sin 1. sin 2. sin n) = k2

Then k2 = 1/ 2.2.2.. n times . (2 sin 1. cos 1) (2 sin 2. cos 2) (2 sin 3. cos 3) (2 sin n. cos n)

Hence, k2 = 1/2n (sin 21).(sin 22).. (sin 2n)

1/2n sin 2i 1 for all 1 i n

Hence, k 1/2n/2. Hence the correct option is (1).

Illustration 3: If f(x) = xa log x and f(0) = 0, then the value of a for which the Rolles theorem can be applied in [0,1] is

1. -2 2. -1

3. 0 4.

Solution: In order to satisfy the Rolles Theorem, the function needs to be continuous in [0, 1].

So, lim x0+ f(x) = f(0)

lim x0+ log x/ x-a = 0.

lim x0+ (1/x)/-ax-a-1 = 0.

This clearly implies that a > 0.

Now, a > 0, f(x) is differential in (0, 1) and f (1) = 0 = f (0).

CONCEPT OF LOCAL MAXIMUM AND LOCAL MINIMUM

LOCAL MAXIMUM

at x=a if the value of

all neighbourhood of x=a.

+ h) where h > 0, then a is called the point of local

Fig. Local Maxima

LOCAL MINIMUM

A function f(x) is said to have a local minimum at x = a, if the value of the function at
x = a is less than the value of the function at the neighboring points of x = a.
Mathematically, f (a) < f (a h) and f (a) < f (a + h) where h > 0, then a is called the
point of local minimum.

A point of local maximum or a local minimum is also called a point of local extremum.

Fig. Local Minima

WORKING RULE TO DETERMINE THE POINTS OF LOCAL MAXIMA AND LOCAL MINIMA

1. First Derivative Test: If f'(a) = 0 and f'(x) changes its sign while passing through the point x = a, then

(i) f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a if f'(a0) > 0 and f'(a+0) < 0. It means that f'(x) should change its sign
from positive to negative e.g. f (x) = x2 has local maxima at x = 0.
(ii) f(x) would have local minimum at x = a if f'(a0) < 0 and f'(a+0) > 0 . It means that f'(x) should change its sign
from negative to positive. e.g. f (x) = x2 has local minima at x = 0.

(iii) If f(x) doesnt change its sign while passing through x = a, then f (x) would have neither a maximum nor minimum
at x = a. e.g. f (x) = x3 doesnt have any local maxima or minima at x = 0.

2. Second Derivative Test:

Step I: Let f(x) be a differentiable function on a given interval and let f be continuous at stationary point. Find f (x)
and solve the equation f (x) = 0 given let x = a, b, be solutions.

Step II: Case (i) : If f (a) < 0 then f(a) is maximum. (Refer to above figure)

Case (ii): If f (a) > 0 then f(a) is minimum. (Refer the above figure)

Note:

(i) If f(a) = 0 the second derivatives test fails in that case we have to go back to the first derivative test.

(ii) If f(a) = 0 and a is not a point of local maximum nor local minimum then a is a point of inflection.

3. nth Derivative Test: It is nothing but the general version of the second derivative test. It says that if,

f' (a) = f'(a) = f' (a) =. = f' (a) = 0 and fn+1 (a) 0 (all derivatives of the function up to order n vanishes and (n +
1)th order derivative does not vanish at x = a), then f (x) would have a local maximum or minimum at x = a iff n is odd
natural number and that x = a would be a point of local maxima if f n+1 (a) < 0 and would be a point of local minima if
fn+1 (a) > 0.

It is clear that the last two tests are basically the mathematical representation of the first derivative test. But that
shouldnt diminish the importance of these tests. Because at time its becomes very difficult to decide whether
f'(x) changes its sign or not while passing through point x = a, and the remaining tests may come handy in these type
of situations.

Illustration 14: Find the local maximum and local minimum for the following function :

(i) f(x) = 2x3 21x + 36x 20

(ii) f(x) = x + 2sinx, 0 < x < 2

Solution : (i) f(x) = 2x3 21x2 + 36x 20

f'(x) = 3x2 12x + 9

For local max. and local min. f'(x) = 0; k3x2 12x + 9 = 0

or 3(x2 4x + 3) = 0 or x2 4x + 3 = 0
or (x1) (x3) = 0, x = 1, x = 3

f"(x) = 6x 12

at x = 1, f"(x) = 6 1 12 = 6 < 0 negative

at x = 3, f"(x) = 6 3 12 = 6 > 0 positive

at x = 1, f(x) has maximum,

f(1) = 1 6 + 9 + 7 = 11

at x =3, f(x) has minimum,

f(3) = 27 54 + 27 + 7 = 7

(ii) f(x) = 2x3 21x2 + 36x 20

f'(x) = 6x2 42x + 36 = 6 (x2 7x + 6)

= 6(x1)(x6)

For local max. and local min.

f'(x) = 0 => 6(x1) (x6) = 0

x = 16

f"(x) = 12x 42 = 6 (2x 7)

f"(1) = 6 (27) = 30 < 0

f"(6) = 6 (127) = 30 < 0

at x = 1 f (x) has local max and at x = 6 there is local min,

Local max value = f(1) = 2(1)3 21(1)2 + 36(1) 20

= 2 21 + 36 20 = 3

Local min value = f(6) = 2(216) 21(36) + 36(6) 20

= 432 756 + 216 20 = 128

(iii) f(x) = x + 2 sin x

For local max. and local min. f'(x) = 0

1 + 2 cos x = 0 or cos x = 1/2

= cos /3 = cos (2/ /3) = cos 5/3

x = /3, 5/3

f"(x) = 2sin x

f"(/3) = 2 sin /3 = 2(3/2) = 3 < 0

f"(5/3) = 2 sin 5/3 = 2(3/2) = 3 < 0

So at x = /3 the function has local max and its value is

= f(/3) = /3 + 2 sin /3

= /3 + 2 3/2 = /3 + /3

So at x = 5/3 the function has local min and its value is

= f(5/3) = 5/3 + 2 sin 5/3

= 5/3 2sin /3 = 5/3 2 3/2

= 5/3 3

Illustration 15: If f(x) = |4x x2 3| where x then find the points of local maxima and minima.

Solution: Clearly, x = 1, 3 are the points of local minima and x = 2 is a local maxima.

ROLLES THEOREM

It is one of the most fundamental theorem of Differential calculus and has far reaching consequences. It states that if
y = f (x) be a given function and satisfies,

(i) f (x) is continuous in [a , b]

(ii) f (x) is differentiable in (a , b )

(iii) f (a) = f (b)

Then f'(x) = 0 at least once for some x (a, b)

(2) Think! The conditions of Rolles theorem are necessary or sufficient or both? The answer is conditions are
only sufficient and necessary will be clear from the following examples:

(a) Let

Here condition (i) is violated

However f (x) = 0 if x = 1/2 (0, 1)

By defining f(0) = 0 and f(1) = 3 we can see that the result is true when (i) and (iii) are
violated.

(b) Let

Clearly (ii) does not hold in (0, 2) and even so f'(3/2) = 0

infact f (x) = 0 for 1 < x < 2

(3) If f(x) is any polynomial then between any pair of roots of f (x) = 0 lies a root of f (x) = 0

Illustration 17: If ax2 + bx + c = 0, a, b, c R. Find the condition that this equation would have at least one
root in (0, 1).

Solution: Let f(x) = ax2 + bx + c

Integrating both sides,

=> f(x) = ax3 / 3 + bx2 / 2 + cx + d

=> f(0) = d and f(1) = a/3 + b/2 + c + d

Since, Rolles theorem is applicable

=> f(0) = f(1) => d = a/3 + b/2 + c + d

=> 2a + 3b + 6c = 0

Hence required condition is 2a + 3b + 6c = 0

This theorem is in fact the general version of Rolles theorem. It says that if y = f(x) be a given function which is;

(i) Continuous in [a , b]

(ii) Differentiable in (a , b)

Then f'(x) = f(b)f(a)/ba. for a least once for some x (a, b)

Let A (a , f (a)) and B (b , f (b)). Slope of Chord AB = f(b)f(a)/ba

Illustration 18: If a, b, are two numbers with a < b, show that a real number c can be found between a and b
such the 3c2 = b2 + ab + a2.

Solution: Consider the function f(x) = x3

It is continuous and differentiable in (a, b).

Hence by LMVT, there exist a point c such that a < c < b and f(c) = f'(c) = f(b)f(a)/ba

f'(x) = 3x2, we get 3c2 = b3a3/ba = b2 + ba + a2.

Objective Type Questions:

42. Total number of parallel tangents of f1(x) = x2 x + 1 and f2(x) = x3 x2 2x + 1 is equal to

(A) 2 (B) 3

(C) 4 (D) None of these

SOLUTION:

(D) f1 (x1) = 2x1 1, f2(x2) = 3x22 2x2 2 .

Let tangents drawn to the curves y = f1(x) and y = f2(x) at (x1, f(x1)) and (x2, f(x2)) are parallel, then 2x1 1 = 3x22 2x2
2, which is possible for infinite number of order pair (x1, x2).

43. The function 2tan3x 3tan2x + 12tanx + 3, x is

(A) Increasing

(B) Decreasing

(C) Increasing in (0, p/4) and decreasing in (p/4, p/2)

SOLUTION:

(A) Let f(x) = 2 tan3x 3tan2x + 12 tanx + 3

f'(x) = (6tan2x 6tanx + 12) sec2x

= 6sec2x (tan2x tanx + 2) > 0

Hence f(x) is always increasing.

44. Let f (x) = (4x2)2/3 , then f has a

(A) a local maxima at x = 0 (B) a local maxima at x = 2

(C) a local maxima at x = 2 (D) none of these

SOLUTION:

(A) f(x) = (4 x2)2/3

f'(x) = 4x / 3(4x2)1/3 = 4x / 3(x24)1/3

at x = 2 local minima

x=0 local maxima

x=2 local minima

45. Let f (x) = x3 6x2 + 9x + 18, then f (x) is strictly decreasing in

(A) (, 1] (B) [3, )

(C) (, 1] U [3, ) (D) [1, 3]

SOLUTION:

(D) f(x) = x3 6x2 + 9x + 18

f'(x) = 3x2 12x + 9

= 3(x2 4x + 3)

= 3(x 1)(x 3) 0
 x [1, 3]

46. The absolute minimum value of x4 x2 2x+ 5

(A) is equal to 5 (B) is equal to 3

(C) is equal to 7 (D) does not exist

SOLUTION:

(B) f(x) = x4 x2 2x + 5

f'(x) = 4x3 2x 2

= (x 1) (4x2 + 4x + 2)

Clearly at x = 1, we will set the minimum value which is 3.

47. Equation of the tangent to the curve y = e|x| at the point where it cuts the line x=1

(A) is ey + x =2 (B) is x + y = e

(C) is ex + y = 1 (D) does not exist

SOLUTION:

(A) y = e|x| cut the line x = 1 at (1, 1/e)

(dy/dx)(11,1/e) = 1/e

Tangent y = 1/e = 1/e (x 1)

=> ey + x = 2

48. Rolles theorem holds for the function x3 + bx2 + cx, 1 < x < 2 at the point 4/3, the value of b and c are;

(A) b = 8, c = - 5 (B) b = -5, c = 8

(C) b = 5, c = -8 (D) b = -5, c = -8.

SOLUTION:

(D) f'(4/3) = 0

=> 16 + 8b + 3c = 0
 Also f(1) = f(2)

=> 3b + c + 7 = 0

Hence b = 5, c = 8

49. The number of value of k for which the equation x3 3x + k = 0 has two different roots lying in the interval (0, 1)
are

(A) 3 (B) 2

(C) infinitely many (D) no value of k satisfies the requirement.

SOLUTION:

(C) Let f(x) = x3 3x + k

f'(x) = 3(x 1) (x + 1)

only are root may lie between 1 and 1

50. From mean value theorem: f(b) f(a) = (b a) f' (x1); a < x1 < b if f(x) = 1/x , then x1 =

(A) ab (B) a+b/2

(C) 2ab/q+b (D) ba/b+a

SOLUTION:

(A) Since f(x) = 1/x

f'(x1) = f(b) f(a) / b a

51. The minimum value of ax + by, where xy = r2, is (r, ab >0)

(A) 2r ab (B) 2abr

(C) 2r ab (D) None of these

SOLUTION:

(A) Let f(x) = ax + br2 / x

f (x) = a br2 / x = 0

x = b / a r

f (b / a r) = abr / a + br2 / br a = 2r ab

52. If a, b, c, d are four positive real numbers such that abcd =1, then minimum value of (1+ a) (1 + b) (1 + c) (1 + d)
is

(A) 8 (B) 12

(C) 16 (D) 20

SOLUTION:

(C) Applying AM GM

Multiplying all focus (1 + a) (1 + b)(1 + c)(1 + d) 16

53. A lamp of negligible height is placed on the ground l 1 metre away from a wall. A man l2 metre tall is walking at a
speed of l1/10 m/sec. from the lamp to the nearest point on the wall. When he is mid-way between the lamp and the
wall, the rate of change in the length of this shadow on the wall is

(A) 5l2 / 2 m/sec. (B) 2l2 / 5 m/sec.

(C) l2 / 2 m/sec. (D) l2 / 5 m/sec.

SOLUTION:

(B) Clearly h / l1 = l2 / l1 x
 => hl1 hx = l1l2 (Since h is decreasing put a ve sign)

at mid point x1 = l1/2, h = 2l2

=> dh/dt = 2l2/5

f (x) = 2ex + ae-x + 2a + 1> 0 clear a > 0

54. Let f (x) = . If f (x) has a local minima at x = 1, then

(A) a > 5 (B) a > 5

(C) a>0 (D) none of these

SOLUTION:

(A) f (x) =

Local minimum value of f (x) at x = 1, will be 5

i.e. 1 x + a 5 at x = 1 => a 5

55. Global minimum value of f (x) = x8 + x6 x4 2x3 x2 2x + 9 is

(A) 0 (B) 1
 (C) 5 (D) 9

SOLUTION:

(C) We will get the minimum value of f(x) at x = 1 which is 5

Monotonicity

Monotonicity is an important part of application of derivatives. The monotonicity of a function gives an idea about the
behaviour of the function. A function which is either completely non-increasing or completely non-decreasing is said to
be monotonic.

A function is said to be monotonic if it is either increasing or decreasing in its entire domain.

eg : f(x) = 2x + 3 is an increasing function while f(x) = -x3 is a decreasing function.

Increasing Function:

If x1 < x2 and f(x1) < f(x2) then the function is called increasing function or strictly increasing function.

Decreasing Function:

If x1 < x2 but f(x1) > f(x2) in the entire domain, then the function is said to be a decreasing function or strictly decreasing
function.
Functions which are increasing as well as decreasing in their domain are said to be non-monotonic functions.

Eg: f(x) = |x|

f(x) = sin x is non-monotonic but is increasing in the interval [0, /2].

A function is said to be monotonically increasing at x = a if f(x) satisfies:

f(a + h) > f(a) and

f(a - h) < f(a) , for a small positive h.

A function is said to be monotonically decreasing at x = a if f(x) satisfies:

f(a + h) < f(a) and

f(a h) > f(a) , for a small positive h.

Note: We can talk of monotonicity of f(x) at x = a only if x = a lies in the domain of f(x) without any restriction of
continuity or differentiability of f(x) at x = a.

For an increasing function in some interval

if x > 0 y > 0 or x < 0 y < 0, then f is said to be monotonic (strictly) increasing in that interval.

In other words, we can say that if dy/dx > 0 in some interval then y is said to be an increasing function in that interval.
Also, if the function f(x) is increasing in some interval, then dy/dx > 0 in that interval.

Similarly, if dy/dx < 0 in some inetrval then y is said to be an decreasing function in that interval. Also, if the function
f(x) is decreasing in some interval, then dy/dx < 0 in that interval.
 Points to Remember:

At some point, we may have dy/dx to be equal to zero, but f(x) may still be increasing at x = a. Such a
point is termed as the point of inflexion and these points indicate the change of concavity of the curve.

If f(x) is increasing for x > a and f is also increasing for x < a then f is also increasing at x = a provided f(x)
is continuous at x = a.

If the function f(x) is discontinuous at x = a, then it becomes possible to draw the graph wherein x = a is
the point of maxima.

If the function f is decreasing for x > a and it is also decreasing for x < a then f is also decreasing for x = a
provided f(x) is continuous at x = a.

If a function si not defined at a particular point like suppose f(a) is not defined then monotonicity cannot be
indicated at x = a.

A function f(x) is termed to be monotonically increasing for all such interval (a, b) where f(x) 0 , where
equality will hold only for discrete values of x i.e. f;(x) does not identically become zero for x (a,b) or any sub-
interval.

The function f(x) is said to be monotonically decreasing for all such interval (a, b) where f(x) 0 and
again the equality may hold only for discrete values of x.

Example: Prove that f(x) = x sin x is an increasing function.

Solution: f(x) = x sin x

So, f(x) = 1- cos x

Now, f(x) > 0 everywhere except at x = 0, 2, 4 etc. but since all of these points are discrete and do not form an
interval, hence, we can conclude that f(x) is monotonically increasing for x R.
A function f(x) is said to be non-decreasing in the domain, if for every x1, x2 D, x1 > x2 and f(x1) f(x2). In other words,
it means that the value of the function f(x) would never decrease with an increase in the value of x.

Similarly, f(x) is said to be non-increasing in a domain if for every x 1, x2 D*, x1 > x2 and f(x1) f(x2). In other words, it
means that the value of the function f(x) would never increase with an increase in the value of x.

If a function is monotonic at x = a it cannot have extremum point at x = a and conversely i.e. a point on the curve
cannot simultaneously be an extremum as well as monotonic point.

If f is increasing then nothing definite can be said about the function f(x) as to whether it is increasing or decreasing.

Case 1: If a function y = f(x) is strictly increasing in the closed interval [a,b] then f(a) is the least value and f(b) is the
greatest value.

Case 2: If f(x) is decreasing in [a,b] then f(b) is the least and f(a) is the greatest value of f(x) in [a,b].

Case 3: If (x) is non-monotonic in [a,b] and is continuous then the greatest and least value of f(x) in [a,b] are those
where f(x) = 0 or f(x) does not exist or at the extreme values.

Let us now discuss some examples based on this concept:

Example 1: Find the set of values of x for which ln(1 + x) > x/(1 + x)

Solution: The given function is f(x) = ln(1 + x) x/(1 + x)

= ln(1 + x) + 1/(1 + x) 1

Domain: x > -1

f(x) = 1/(1 +x) 1/(1 + x)2 = x/(1 + x)2

f(x) 0 x 0.

This means that f(x) is increasing

and f(x) 0 x 0.
This means that f(x) is decreasing.

and f(0) = 0

Therefore, f(x) > f(0) x Df {0}

Therefore, f(x) > 0 x (-1, 0) (0,).

Example 2: Show that the equation x5 3x 1 = 0 has a unique root in [1,2].

Solution: Consider the function x5 - 3x 1 = 0, x [1,2].

and f(x) = 5x4 3 > 0 x [1,2].

So, f(x) is strictly increasing in [1,2].

Also, we have f(1) = 1 - 3 - 1 = -3.

f(2) = 32 6 1 = 25

From the shape of the curve, we can see that the curve y = f(x) will cut the x-axis exactly once in [1,2].

So, f(x) will vanish exactly once in [1,2].

Example 3: Prove that x/(1 + x) < ln(1 + x) < x x > 0.

Solution: Consider the function f(x) = ln(1 + x) - x/(1 + x), x > 0.

then, f(x) = x/(1 + x) x/(1 + x)2 = x/(1 + x)2 > 0 x > 0

So, f(x) is strictly increasing in (0, )

So, f(x) > f(0+) = 0

i.e. ln(1 + x) > x/(1 + x) which proves the first inequality.

now, consider the function g(x) = x ln(1 + x), x > 0

then g(x) = 1 1/(1+x)

= x/(1 + x) > 0 x > 0

This means g(x) > g(0+) = 0

So, x > ln(1+x) which proves the second part of inequality.

Example 4: Find the intervals in which the function f (x) = 2x2 ln |x| is

(i) decreasing (ii) increasing

Solution: f (x) = 2x2 ln |x|

f'(x) = 4x 1/|x|.|x|/x f' (x) = 4x21/x

for increasing function f (x), f' (x) > 0

4x21/x > 0

x (1/2, 0) U (1/2, )

for decreasing function f (x), f' (x) < 0

4x2 1/x < 0

x (, 1/2) U (0, 1/2)

Geometrical Meaning of Derivative at Point

The derivative [f'(x) or dy/dx] of the function y = f(x) at the point P(x, y) (when exists) is equal to the slope (or gradient)
of the tangent line to the curve y = f(x) at P(x, y).

Slope of tangent to the curve y = f(x) at the point (x, y) is m = tan = [dy/dx](x,y)
EQUATION OF TANGENT

The equation of tangent to the curve

y = f(x) at the point P(x1, y1) is given by y y1 = [dy/dx](x,y) (x x1)

Notes:

(i) If dy/dx = 0 then the tangent to curve y = f(x) at the point (x, y) is parallel to the x-axis.

(ii) If dy/dx > , dx/dy = 0, then the tangent to the curve y = f(x) at the point (x, y) is parallel to the y-axis.

(iii) If dy/dx = tan > 0, then the tangent to the curve y = f(x) at the point (x, y) makes an acute angle with positive x-
axis and vice versa.

EQUATION OF NORMAL

The normal to the curve at the point P(x1, y1) is a line perpendicular to the tangent at the point P(x 1, y1) and passing
through it. The angle between a tangent and a normal at a point is always 90 0. The equation of the normal to the
curve y=f(x) at a given point P(x1, y1)is given by(x - x1) + (y - y1) [dy/dx](x1,y1) = 0.

EQUATION OF TANGENT AND NORMAL IF EQUATION OF THE CURVE IS GIVEN IN PARAMETRIC FORM

If the equation of the curve is in the parametric form x = f(t) and y = g(t), then the equations of the tangent and the
normal are

y g(t) = g'(t)/f'(t)(xf(t)) and f'(t)[xf(t)] + g'(t) [yg(t)] = 0 and respectively

Illustration 9: If at each point of the curve y = x 3 ax2 + x + 1 the tangents is inclined at an acute angle with
the positive direction of the x-axis, then find the interval in which a lies.

Key concept: since the tangent is always inclined at an acute angle with the x-axis, hence and the use the
concept of quadratic equation that ax2 + bx + c > 0 for all x R if a > 0 and D < 0
Solution: y = x3 ax2 + x + 1 and the tangent is inclined at an acute angle with the positive direction of x-axis,

=> dx/dy > 0 3x2 2ax + 1 >0, for all x R

=> (2a)2 4 (3)(1) < 0 => 4(a2 3)< 0 => (a 3) (a + 3) < 0

3 < a < 3

Illustration 10: The tangent to the curve y = x x 3 at a point P meets the curve again at Q. Prove that one
point of trisection of PQ lies on y-axis. Find the locus of the other point of trisection.

Solution: For y = x x3, dy/dx = 1 3x2

Hence the equation of the tangent at the point P(x1, y1) is;

y y1= (1 3x12)(x x1)

It meets the curve again at Q (x2, y2)

Hence, (x2 x23) (x1 x13) = (1 3x12)(x2 x1)

=> (x2 x1)[1- (x22 + x1x2 + x12)] = (x2 x1)(1 3x12)

=> 1 x22 x1x2 x12 = 0

or

Since x1 x2, we have x2 = - 2x1

Q is (-2x1, - 2x1 + 8x13)

If L1(, ) is the point of trisection of PQ then = 2x1 2x1 / 3 = 0. Hence L1lies on the y-axis. If L 2(h, k) is the other
point of trisection, then h = x1 4x1 /3 = x1 and k = y14x1 + 16x13/3

i.e. k = y1 4x1 + 16x13/ 3 = x1 + 5x13

k = h - 5h3

locus of (h, k) is y = x 5x3.

ANGLE OF INTERSECTION OF TWO CURVES

Let C1: y= f(x) and C2: y = g(x) be two curves. If two curves intersect at point P (x 1, y1). Then the angle of intersection
of two curves is defined as the angles between the tangents at their intersection. And is given by tan = f'(x ) g'(x)
1

/ 1 + f'(x )g'(x )
1 1
Note:

(i) If the curves touch at P, then = 0 so that f (x1) = g (x1)

(ii) If the angle = 90 (c/2, right angle) i.e. Two tangents are perpendicular to each other then the curves are said to
o

cut orthogonally, then f (x1). g (x1) =- 1.

Illustration 11: If the curves x2-4y2+c=0 and y2 = 4x intersect orthogonally then find the range of c.

Solution: Curves will intersect if x2 16 x + c = 0 has real roots. Thus c 64.

For x2 4y2 + c = 0, dy/dx = x/4y

For y2 = 4x, dy/dx = 2/y

If curves intersect orthogonally then x/4y.2/y = 1 => x = 2y2 = 8x

=> x = 0 => y = 0. But if y = 0, slope of both curves undefined.