18 Further In this chapter you

will learn:

differentiation • how to differentiate

composite functions
• how to differentiate

methods reciprocal trigonometric

functions: sec , csc x and cot x
• how to differentiate
products of functions
Introductory problem r
• how to differentiate
Given a cone of fixed slant height quotients of functions
12 cm, find the maximum volume
as apex angle θ varies. • how to differentiate
h
12 cm functions that are not in the
form y f ( x )
θ
• how to differentiate
exponential functions
In this chapter we will build on the techniques covered • how to differentiate inverse
in chapter 16 so that we can differentiate a wider range of trigonometric functions:
functions. Much of the work here will also be used in arcsin x , arccos andarctan x .
chapter 19 when we learn more integration techniques.

18A Differentiating composite

functions using the chain rule
We can already differentiate functions such as y ( x + x )
2

by expanding the brackets and differentiating term by term:

y ( x )2 + 2 ( x )(5x ) + (5x )2 = 9 4
+ 30 x 3 + 25 x 2
dy
∴ 9 x 2 + 50 x = 2 x (
= 36 x 3 + 90 + + )
dx
But what if the function is more complicated?
The same method would work, but it is clearly not practical to
expand, for example, y ( x + x + ) and then differentiate
7

each term. And what about functions such as y in3x or

y = e x ? While we can already differentiate y in x and y = e x ,
2

we have no rules so far to tell us what to do when the argument

is changed to 3x or x 2.

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 599

 The functions y ( x + x + ) , y sin3x and y = e x may not
7 2

seem related but do have something in common; they are all

composite functions:
• y ( x + x+ )7 is y u 7 where u ( x ) 3x 2 + 5x + 2
• y sin3x is y sin u where u ( x ) 3x
y = e x is y u h r u ( x ) x 2
2
•
There is a general rule for differentiating any composite function.
KEY POINT 18.1

The chain rule

If y g (u ) where u f (x ):
dy dy du
= ×
dx du dx

We will accept the chain rule without proof, as it is very

technical and requires differentiation from first principles. Let
us apply the chain rule to the three functions above.

Worked example 18.1

Differentiate these functions:

(a) y ( x + x+ )7 (b) y in (3x ) (c) y = e x
2

These are all composite functions (a) y u 7 where u = 3 2

+ 5x + 2
so use chain rule dy dy du
= ×
dx du dx
= 7u 6 × ( + )

Write the answer in terms of x = 7( + + )6 ( + )

(b) y sinu where u = 3x
dy dy du
= ×
dx du dx
= cosu × ( )

Write the answer in terms of x = 3 co ( )

(c) y = e where u = x 2
u

dy dy du = eu × (
= × )
dx du dx

= 2 xe x
2
Write the answer in terms of x
in the conventional form

600 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

Worked example 18.1(b) illustrates a special case of the chain
rule when the ‘inside’ function is of the form ax + b.

KEY POINT 18.2

d
f (ax b ) = af ′(ax + b)
dx

For example,
d d
( 4xx 1)7 4 7 ( 4 x 1)6 and dx (e3 x ) e3 2 x
dx
It is useful to remember this shortcut. In practice it is not
necessary to keep specifying the function u(x ) each time and
the chain rule calculation can be written down more directly as
can be seen in the example below, i.e. imagine brackets around
the inner function u and differentiate the outer function first,
as if the bracketed expression were a single argument, and then
multiply by the derivative of the bracketed expression.

Worked example 18.2

Differentiate these composite functions:

3
(a) y = e x 3 x (b) y =
2

x −5
3

dy
e( ) differentiates to e( ) and = ( x − ) e( x
2 3x)
(a)
dx
x 2 3x differentiates
to 2 3
1
First rewrite the square root as a (b) y = 3 ( − )− 2
power

3 − dy 3 3 9x2 3
( )− 2
1 3
3( ) differentiates to − ( ) 2
−
2 = − (x − )− 2 ( x )=− −
2 dx 2 2
and x 3 − 5 differentiates to 3x 2

Sometimes it is necessary to apply the chain rule more than once.

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 601

 Worked example 18.3

Differentiate y = cos3 (ln 2x).

y = (cos(ln2 x))
3
Remember that s3A means
(cos A )
3

This is a composite of three

functions, so use chain rule
dy 1
= 3( ( x )) × ( − sin(ln 2 x)) ×
2
( )3 differentiates to 3( )
2
dx x
cos( ) differentiates to −sin( ) 3
1 1 = − cos2 (ln 2 x)sin(ln 2x
2 )
ln2x differentiates to 2 × = x
2x x

Now we can use the chain rule, we can add the derivatives of
y x, y x nd y t x (see Key point 18.3 on the
next page) to those of y sin x , y s x d y tan x already
established in chapter 16.

Worked example 18.4

Show that
d
dx
(
sec x ) x tan x

Express secx in terms of cosx y = sec x = ( )−1

dy
= −( x) (− x)
−2
This is a composite function, so apply
dx
chain rule
( )−1 differentiates to − ( )
−2 sin x
=
cos( ) differentiates to −sin( ) cos2 x

We want the answer to contain tan x, 1 sin x

=
sin x cos x cos x
which is
cos x = sec tan
ta x as required

The proofs for the other two reciprocal trigonometric functions

follow the same pattern, giving the following results.

602 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

KEY POINT 18.3

dyy
y= x ⇒ = sec x t n x
dx
dyy
y= x ⇒ = − csc x t x
dx
dyy
y= tx ⇒ = − csc2 x
dx

Exercise 18A
1. Differentiate the following using the chain rule:
(i) ( x 2 3x 1) (ii) ( x 3 + 1)
7 5
(a) 3x
2 3
(b) (i) e x 2 x (ii) e 4 −x
(c) (i) (2e 1) (ii) (2 5e x )
−3 −4

(d) (i) sin(3 2

1) (ii) cos( x 2 + 2 x )
(e) (i) cos3 x (ii) sin 4 x
(f) (i) ln( ) (ii) ln ( 4 x 2 1)
(i) ( 4 l x 1) (ii) ( ln x + 3)
4 −5
(g)

2. Differentiate the following using the short cut from

Key point 18.2:
(i) (2 3) (ii) ( 4 x 1)
5 8
(a)
(b) (i) (5 − x ) (ii) (1 − x )
−4 −7

(c) (i) cos (1 − 4 x ) (ii) cos(2 − x )

(d) (i) ln (5 2) (ii) ln( )
(e) (i) cot (3x ) (ii) csc (5x )
(f) (i) sec (2 x + 1) (ii) tan (1 − x )

3. Differentiate the following using the chain rule twice:

(a) (i) sec2 3x (ii) tan2 2x
2
(b) (i) esin2 3x (ii) e(ln2x )
(i) (1 2 )2 (ii) ( 4 3x + 1)
2 2
(c) 2
(d) (i) ln( cos 2x ) (ii) ln( c 5x )
cos
1
4. Find the equation of the normal to the curve y = at
the point where x = 2. 4 x 2
+ 1

5. Find the exact coordinates of stationary points on the curve

y = esin x for x ∈[ , 2π]. [5 marks]

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 603

 6. Given that f ( x ) = csc2 x :
(a) Find f ′ ( x ).
(b) Solve the equation f ′ ( x ) = 2 f x ) for − π < < π. [7 marks]
7. For what values of x does the function f x  ln(x 2 − 35)
have a gradient of 1? [5 marks]

8. (a) If a, b, p and q are positive with a < b find the

x-coordinate of the stationary point of the curve
y ( x − a ) ( x − b ) in the domain a < x < b.
p q

(b) Sketch the graph in the case when p = 2 and q = 3.

(c) By considering the graph or otherwise, determine a
condition involving p and/or q to determine when
this stationary point is a maximum. [10 marks]
9. A non-uniform chain hangs from two posts. Its height (h)
satisfies the equation
Many people think that 1
h = e x + 2 x for −1 ≤ x ≤ 2 .
a chain hangs as a e
parabola but it can be The left post is positioned at x = −1. The right post is
proved that it actually hangs positioned at x = 2.
in the shape of the curve in
(a) State, with reasons, which post is taller.
question 9, called a catenary. 1
To prove this requires a topic (b) Show that the minimum height occurs when x = ln 2.
called differential geometry.
3
(c) Find the exact value of the minimum
height of the chain. [8 marks]
10. (a) Solve the equation sin 2x sin x for 0 ≤ ≤ 2π.
(b) Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the
curve y in 2 x − sin x for 0 ≤ ≤ 2π.
(c) Hence sketch the curve y in 2 x − sin x . [8 marks]

18B Differentiating products using the

product rule
We now look at products of two functions. We can already
differentiate some products, such as y x 4 ( x − ), by
expanding and differentiating term by term. However, like
composite functions, this is tricky when the function becomes
more complicated, for example y x 4 ( x − ) , and expanding
9

is no help at all with functions such as y x 2 cos x or y x ln x.

604 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

Just as there is a rule for differentiating composite functions,
there is a rule for differentiating products.

KEY POINT 18.4

The product rule

If y u ( x ) v(x ) then:
dy dv du
=u +v
dx dx dx
If you are interested
in the proof, see Fill-
Let us apply the product rule to the first function in in proof 21 on the
the previous paragraph. CD-ROM.

Worked example 18.5

Differentiate y x 4 ( x − ).

This is a product so Let u = x 4 and v = 3 2

−5
use the product rule. exam hin
t
du dv
It doesn’t make any = 4 x 3, = 6x g the
dx dx After applyin
difference which you do
product rule
function is u( x ) and simplify the
not need to
which is v( x ) ression
resulting exp
uestion
unless the q .
dy du dv you to do so
Apply the product rule =v +u clearly tells
dx dx dx

=( )4 3
+ 4
× 6x

= 12 x 5 − 20
0x3 + 6x5
= 18 x 5 − 20
0x3

With a more complicated function, we may need the chain rule

as well as the product rule.

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 605

 Worked example 18.6

Differentiate y x4 ( x − )5 and factorise your answer.

This is a product so use the product Let u = x 4 and v = ( − )5
rule. It doesn’t make any difference du
which function is u( x ) and which = 4 x3
dx
is v( x )

v( x ) is a composite function, so use dv

= 5( x )4 ( x )
chain rule dx
= 30 x ( − )4
dy du dv
Now apply the product rule =v +u
dx dx dx
=( )5 4 3
+( ) × 30 x ( − )4

We are asked to factorise the =2 3

( − )4 ⎡⎣2 ( − ) + 155x 2 ⎤⎦
answer, so look for common =2 3
( − )4 ( − + )
factors
=2 3
( − ) (
4
− )

Exercise 18B
1. Use the product rule to differentiate the following:

(a) (i) y x 2 cos x (ii) y x −1 sin x

(b) (i) y x −2 ln x (ii) y x ln x
(c) (i) y = x 3 2 x + 1 (ii) y x −1 4 x
(d) (i) y 2x (ii) y x +1
t nx 3x

2. Find f ′ x ) and fully factorise your answer:

(a) (i) f ( x ) = ( x + )4 ( x − )5 (ii) f ( x ) = ( x )7 ( x + )4

(b) (i) f ( x ) = (2 x 1) (1 3x ) (ii) f ( x ) = (1 − x ) ( 4 x + 1)
4 3 5 2

3. Differentiate y (3x 2 − x + 2) e2 x giving your answer in the

form P ( x ) e2 x where P(x ) is a polynomial. [4 marks]

4. Given that f ( x ) = x 2 e3 x, find f ′′ ( x ) in the

b + c ) e3 x.
form (ax 2 + bx [4 marks]

606 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

 5. Find the x-coordinates of the stationary points on the curve
y ( x + )5 e −2 x. [5 marks]

6. Find the exact values of the x-coordinates of the stationary

points on the curve y (3x + 1) (3 − x ) .
5 3
[6 marks]

7. Given that y x sin2 x for x ∈[ , 2π] :

(a) show that the x-coordinates of the points of inflexion
satisfy cos 2 sin
si 2 x
(b) hence find the coordinates of the points of inflexion.
[6 marks]
8. Find the derivative of sin( xe x ) with respect to x . [5 marks]

9. (a) If f ( x ) = x ln x , find f ′ x ).
(b) Hence find ∫ ln x dx. [5 marks]

10. Find the exact coordinates of the minimum point of the curve
y= x x, 0 ≤ x ≤ π . [6 marks]

x (a + bx )
11. Given that f ( x ) = x 2 1 + x , show that f ′ ( x ) =
2 1+ x
where a and b are constants to be found. [6 marks]

12. (a) Write y x x in the form y = e f (x ) .

dy
(b) Hence or otherwise find .
dx
(c) Find the exact coordinates of the stationary points of the
curve y x x . [8 marks]

18C Differentiating quotients using the

quotient rule
A combination of the product rule and chain rule provides us
with a method for differentiating quotients such as:
x 2 4 x + 12
y=
( x − 3)2
We can express it as y ( x − x + ) ( x − 3) then using the
−2

product rule and taking

u (x − x+ ) and v ( x − 3)−2
du dv
⇒ = 2 x − 4 and = (− ) ( x − )−3
dx dx

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 607

 we have:
dy
= (x )−2 ( x − ) + ( x 2 − 4 x + 12) ( − )(
) ( x − )−3
dx
After tidying up the negative powers and fractions, this
simplifies to dy = −2 x − 132 .
dx ( x − )
This process is laborious, but it can be applied to a
u (x)
general function of the form to produce a new rule for
differentiating quotients. v (x)
The details are given in the Fill-in proof 22 on the CD-ROM,
but you only need to know how to use the result.
KEY POINT 18.5

The quotient rule

u (x )
If y = then
v( x )
dy v ddux u ddxv
=
dx v2

Worked example 18.7

x2 4 x + 12
Use the quotient rule to differentiate y = . Simplify your answer as far as possible.
( x − 3)2

u
y = , u = x 2 − 4 x + 12 , v = ( − )
2
This is a quotient.
v
Make sure to get u and v the
right way round
dy v ddxu u ddxv
=
dx v2

( − )2 ( − )−( − + ) 2(x − 3)
Use chain rule to differentiate v then =
2 2
substitute the appropriate values into ⎡⎣( − ) ⎤⎦
the quotient rule

( − ) (x − 3) − ( − + )2
Cancel a factor of (x − 3) =
( − )3
2 x 2 − 110
0 + 12 − 2 x 2 + 8 x − 24 −2 x − 12
= =
( − )3 ( − )3

608 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

In Section 16E we stated the result that the derivative of tan x
is sec2x. We can now use the quotient rule, together with the
derivatives of sin x and cos x, to prove this result.

Worked example 18.8

d
Prove that ( tan x ) 2
x.
dx

We know how to differentiate sin x

tan x = , u = sin x , v = cos x
sin x and cos x, so use them to cos x
express tan x

Use quotient rule dy v ddxu u ddxv

=
dx v2
cos x co i (
− in )
=
( )2

cos2 x + sin
i 2x
=
cos x
2

1
sin2 cos2 x = 1 = = sec2 x
cos2 x

The quotient rule, like the product rule, often leads to a long
expression. You do not need to simplify this expression unless
asked to do so. However, sometimes product and quotient rule
questions are also used to test your skill with fractions and
exponents, as in the following example.

Worked example 18.9

x x+c
Differentiate , giving your answer in the form where c, k , p ∈N.
x +1 k (x + )p

x 1
This is a quotient y= , u = x, v = x + 1 = ( + ) 2
x+1

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 609

 continued . . .

Use quotient rule dy v ddxu u ddxv

=
dx v2

dy ( x + ) 2 × × 21 ( x + )
1 − 12
=
( )
2
dx x

x
As we want a square root in the x+1−
2 x+1
answer, turn the fractional =
x+1
powers back into roots

2( + ) − x
Remove ‘fractions within fractions’ =
2( + ) x + 1
by multiplying top and bottom
by 2 x + 1

3 x+2
Notice that x x = x 2 x3 =
2 ( + )
3

Exercise 18C
1. Differentiate using the quotient rule:
x −1 x+2
(a) (i) y = (ii) y =
x +1 x −3
2x + 1 x2
(b) (i) y = (ii) y =
x x −1
1 − 2x 4 − x2
(c) (i) y = 2 (ii) y =
x +2 1+ x
ln3x ln2 x
(d) (i) y = (ii) y = 2
x x
sin x
2. Find the equation of the normal to the curve y = at the
π x
point where x = , giving your answer in the form y = mx + c
2
where m and c are exact. [7 marks]

610 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

3. Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the graph of
x2
y= . [5 marks]
2x − 1

x a
4. The graph of y = has gradient 1 at the point ( , 0) and
x+2
a ≠ −2. Find the value of a. [5 marks]

5. Find the exact coordinates of the stationary point on the curve

ln x
y= and determine its nature. [6 marks]
x

6. Find the range of values of x for which the function

x2
f (x) = is increasing. [6 marks]
1− x

x2 dy x (ax b )
7. Given that y = show that = , stating clearly
x +1 dx 2 ( x + ) p
the value of the constants a, b and p. [6 marks]

8. Show that if the curve y f (x ) has a maximum stationary

1
point at x a then the curve y = has a minimum
f (x)
stationary point at x a as long as f aa) ≠ 0. [7 marks]

18D Implicit differentiation

The functions we have differentiated so far have been of the form y
y f (x ), but we will also meet functions that are not expressed x2 + y 2 = 16
4
in this form. For example, the coordinates of a point on the circle (x, y)

shown in the diagram satisfy the equation x 2 y 2 = 16. Such

functions are said to be implicit (and those in the form y f (x ) 4 y

are said to be explicit).

4 x
−4 x
Rather than trying to rearrange the equation, we can just
differentiate the equation term by term with respect to x:
d 2 d d
( x ) + ( y 2 ) = (16)
dx dx dx −4
2
Note that care is needed when differentiating y as it is a
composite function. We will need the chain rule:
d ( y 2 ) d ( y 2 ) dy dy
= × = 2y
dx dy dx dx

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 611

 The chain rule will be needed when differentiating any terms
involving y.

KEY POINT 18.6

When differentiating implicitly, we need to use:

d d dy
dx
[ f yy)] =
dy
⎡⎣ f ( y )⎤⎦ ×
dx

dy
We can now find for the equation of the circle above.
dx
d 2 d d
( x ) + ( y 2 ) = (16)
dx dx dx
dyy
⇒ 2x + 2 y =0
dx
dyy
⇒ 2y = −2 x
dx
dy x
⇒ =−
dx y
dy
Notice that the expression for will often be in terms of both
dx
x and y. Sometimes implicit differentiation may also need the
product rule.

Worked example 18.10

dy
Find an expression for if ex + x sin y = cos 2y.
dx
Differentiate term by term, using d x d d
(e ) + ( x )= ( )
chain rule on all y terms dx dx dx

x sin y is a product, so use the

+ ⎛ x × cos y + sin y × 1⎞ = −2 sin
dy dy
⇒ x
s 2y
product rule and the chain ⎝ dx ⎠ dx
rule on all y terms

dy dy dy
⇒ + 2 sin
ys 2y = −e x − sin y
Group the terms involving dx dx
dx
dy
⇒( + ) = −ex − sin y
dx
dy −e − sin y
x
⇒ =
dx x cos y + 2 sin 2 y

612 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

If we are only interested in the gradient at a particular
point, or we are given the gradient and need to find the x-
and y-coordinates, we can substitute given values into the
differentiated equation without rearranging it.

Worked example 18.11

Find the coordinates of the turning points on the curve y3 + 3xy2 − x3 = 27.

d 3 d d d
Differentiate each term with ( y ) + (3xy 2 ) − ( x 3 ) = (27 )
dx dx dx dx
respect to x but notice that the
term 3xy 2 will
need the product rule

dy ⎛
+ y × ⎞ − 3x2 = 0
dy
Use the chain rule on all y terms ⇒ 3y 2 + 3 × 2y
dx ⎝ dx ⎠
dy dy
⇒ 3y 2 + 6x y + 3 y 2 − 3x2 = 0
dx dx
dy 3 x 2 − 3 y 2
⇒ =
dx 3 y 2 + 6xy

For stationary points, dy = 0

dy
We know the value of ⇒ 3 y 2 − 3x2 = 0 dx
dx
⇒( − )(
)( + )=0
⇒ y = x or
o y = −x

We have found a relationship When x = y:

between x and y at the x3 + 3xx2 − x3 = 27
stationary points, to actually ⇒ 3x3 = 27
3
find the points substitute back ⇒ x= 9
into the original function ∴ ( ) is a stationary point
When x = −y:

(–x) 3 + 3x(−x) 2 − x3 = 27
⇒ −x3 + 3x3 − x3 = 27
⇒x=3
∴ (3, −3) is a stationary point

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 613

 One application of implicit differentiation is to differentiate
exponential functions with a base other than e.

Worked example 18.12

d x
Show that (5 ) 5x ln 5.
dx

Let y = 5 x
Take ln of both sides to ‘remove’
Then ln y = x ln 5
the power

We can differentiate implicitly d d

⇒ ( )= ( x ln )
dx dx

1 dy
Remember that lna is a constant ⇒ = ln 5
y dx
dy
⇒ = y ln 5 = 5 x ln 5
dx

We can use this procedure, and a similar one for y lo x (using

t
exam hin the change of base rule), to derive the following general results:
ese results
Although th
the KEY POINT 18.7
are given in
o o klet, you
Formula b
ed to d x
could be ask
.
(a ) a x ln a
prove them dx
d 1
( log a x ) =
dx x ln a

Exercise 18D
1. Find the gradient of each curve at the given point:

(a) (i) x 2 y2 7 at ( , 1) (ii) 2 x 3 y3 6 at ( , 2)

(b) (i) cos x + sini y = 0 at ( , π)
sin
π π
(ii) tan x tanttan y = 2 at ⎛ , ⎞
⎝ 4 4⎠
(c) (i) x 2 xxyy y 2 20 at ( , 2)
(ii) 3 2
y2 3 y = 21 at ( , 3)
x
(d) (i) x y
ye x = 2e at ( , 1) (ii) x ln y − = 2 at ( , 1)
y

614 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

 dy
2. Find in terms of x and y:
dx
(a) (i) 3x 2 y3 15 (ii) x 4 y2 20
(b) (i) xy 2 − 4x
4x2 y 6 (ii) y 2 x =7
xy

x+y y2
(c) (i) = 2y (ii) =1
x y xy + 1
(d) (i) x y
4 ln y = x 2 (ii) 3x i y 2 cos y = in x

3. Find the coordinates of stationary points on the curves given by

these implicit equations:
(i) −x 2 + xxyy + y 2 = 13 (ii) 2 x 2 xxy y2 28

4. Find the exact value of the gradient at the given point:

(a) (i) y = 3x at 1, 3 ( ) (ii) y = 5x at 2, 25( )

x x
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
(b) (i) y = when x = −2 (ii) y = when x = −1
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 3⎠
1
(c) (i) y = 23 x when x = −1 (ii) y = 42 x when x =
4
(d) (i) y = 33− x when x = 2 (ii) y = 51− x when x = 2

5. (a) On Fill-in proof 18 ‘Differentiating logarithmic functions

graphically’ on the CD-ROM we constructed an argument
d 1
which suggested that (ln x ) = . Use the fact that ln x
dx x
x
is the inverse function of e and implicit differentiation to
prove this result.
d 1
(b) Show that ( log a x ) = .
dx x ln a
(c) Differentiate lnkx and ln x n using chain rule. What do you
notice? Why is this the case? [6 marks]

6. Find the gradient of the curve with equation

x2 xxyy y 2 1 = 0 at the point (1, 2). [6 marks]

7. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve with equation

4 x 2 3xy y 2 = 25 at the point (2, −3). [6 marks]

8. A curve has implicit equation x 2 y ln y . Find an expression for

dy
in terms of x and y. [6 marks]
dx
© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 615
 9. Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve
given by e x ye x = 2e2. [6 marks]
10. The line L is tangent to the curve C which has the equation
y 2 x 3 when x = 4 and y > 0.
(a) By rearranging the curve into the form y f (x ) or
otherwise, sketch C.
(b) Find the equation of L.
(c) Show that L meets C again at the point P with an
x-coordinate which satisfies the equation
x 3 9 x 2 24 x 1166 0.
(d) Find the coordinates of the point P. [10 marks]

18E Differentiating inverse

trigonometric functions
Implicit differentiation can also be used to find the
derivatives of the inverse trigonometric functions
y r in x , y r x nd y r t n x.

Worked example 18.13

dy
If y arcsin x , find in terms of x.
dx

We know how to differentiate sin, y = arcsin x ⇒ i y = x

so express x in terms of y

dy
Differentiate each term with respect ⇒ y =1
dx
to x, remembering the chain rule
dy 1
⇒ =
dx cos y

1 1
We want the answer in terms of x, = =
1 − sin2 y 1 − x2
so we need to change cos to sin

We can establish the results for the inverse cos and tan functions
similarly giving:

616 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

KEY POINT 18.8
dyy 1
y r in x =
dx 1 − x2
dyy −1
y arccos x =
dx 1 − x2
dyy 1
y arctan x =
dx 1 + x 2

Worked example 18.14

Differentiate:
(a) y r t n 4x (b) y r s x −3

dy 1
Multiply the standard result by 4, the (a) = ×4
dx 1 + (4 x)2
derivative of 4x (using chain rule)
4
=
1 + 16 x 2

(b) dy −1 1 1
× (x − ) 2
−
Again using the chain rule multiply =
dx
( )
2 2
1 1 1− x−
−
by ( x − 3) 2 , the derivative of −1 1
2 = ×
x −3 1−( − ) 2 −3
−1
=
2 ( − )(
)( − )

Exercise 18E
dy
1. Find for each of the following:
dx
(a) (i) y r (3 x ) (ii) y r (2 x )
⎛ x⎞ ⎛ 2x ⎞
(b) (i) y = arctan (ii) y = arctan
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 5⎠
(c) (i) y x arcsin x (ii) y x 2 arccos x
(d) (i) y t (x + ) (ii) y arcsin( x )

2. Find the exact value of the gradient of the graph of

⎛ x⎞ 1
y = arccos at the point where x = . [5 marks]
⎝ 2⎠ 3

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 617

 ⎛ 3x ⎞ dy 3
3. Given that y = arcsin , show that = .
⎝ 2⎠ dx 4 − 9 x 2 [5 marks]

dy
4. Given that x r t n y = 1, find an expression for . [5 marks]
dx
d
5. (a) Find (x ar in x ). [5 marks]
dx
(b) Hence find ∫ arcsin x dx. [6 marks]

6. Show that the graph of y arcsin(x ) has no points of

inflexion. [6 marks]

Summary

• The chain rule is used to differentiate composite functions.

dy dy du
If y f (u ) where u g(x ), then = × .
dx du dx
• The product rule is used to differentiate two functions multiplied together.
dy dv du
If y u ( x ) v(x ), then =u +v .
dx dx dx
• The quotient rule is used to differentiate one function divided by another.
u (x ) dy v ddux u ddxv
If y = , then = .
v( x ) dx v2
• The derivatives of the reciprocal trigonometric functions are:
d d d
(sec x ) x tan x (csc x ) x cot x (cot x ) c 2
x
dx dx dx
• The derivative of an exponential function is:
d x
(a ) a x ln a
dx
• The derivative of a log function is:
d 1
( log a x ) =
dx x ln a
• The derivatives of the inverse trigonometric functions are:

d 1 d −1 d 1
(arcsin x ) = (arccos x ) = (arctan x ) =
dx 1 − x2 dx 1 − x2 dx 1 + x2
• In an implicit equation, differentiate each term separately noting that for functions of y the
chain rule needs to be used:
d d dy
dx
[ y ]=
f y)
dy
⎡⎣ f ( y )⎤⎦ ×
dx

618 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

Introductory problem revisited

Given a cone of fixed slant height 12 cm, find the maximum volume as apex angle θ
varies.

First we need to write an expression for the volume of the cone. Then we can differentiate
dV
with respect to θ and solve = 0 to find the value of θ at which the maximum occurs.
dθ
1 2
V πr h r
3
Using the right-angled triangle highlighted in the diagram:
r = 12sinθ
h = 12cosθ
h
Therefore, substituting into the formula for V we have: 12 cm

1 123
V = π( )2 ( )= πsin2 θ cosθ
3 3 θ
dV
For stationary points, = 0.
dθ
dV 123
= π [( θ θ) θ θ (− θ )]
dθ 3
123
= π[ − ]= 0
3
⇒2 i θ 2
− 3θ = 0
⇒ i θ= or 2
θ − sin2 θ = 0
sinθ = 0 has no valid solutions, since for a cone, 0 θ 90°.
2 2θ 2
θ 0 ⇒ 2 tan2 θ = 2
⇒ t θ = 2 (tanθ = − 2 has no solutions 0 θ 90°)

Therefore the maximum volume occurs when tanθ = 2 , which

2 1
means sinθ = and cosθ = .
3 3
123
Therefore, substituting into V = πsin2 θ cosθ :
3
2
123 ⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ 123 2 3π
Vmax = π = = 43 2 3π = 128 3π
3 ⎜⎝ 3 ⎟⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ 33

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 619

 Mixed examination practice 18

Short questions
dy
1. Find for each of the following:
dx
(a) y x 2 arcsin x
y
(b) x 4 y2 [7 marks]
2. Differentiate f ( x ) = arccos ( − x ). [4 marks]

3. Find the exact value of the gradient of the curve with equation
1 1
y= when x = . [5 marks]
4 − x2 2
4. Find the equation of the normal to the curve with equation
4 2 y 2 3 y 3 = 56 at the point (–5, 2). [7 marks]

d2 y
5. Given that y arctan(x ) find . [5 marks]
dx 2

2
6. Find the gradient of the curve with equation 4 i x y y 5
⎛ π π⎞
at the point ⎝ , ⎠ . [6 marks]
6 3
2
7. The graph of y xe − kx has a stationary point when x = .
Find the value of k. 5 [4 marks]

a
8. A curve has equation f ( x ) = , a ≠ , b, c > 0.
b + e − cx
ac 2 e − cx ( e − cx − b )
(a) Show that f ′′ ( x ) = .
(b + e − cx )3
(b) Find the coordinates of the point on the curve where f ′′ ( x ) = 0.
(c) Show that this is a point of inflexion. [8 marks]
(© IB Organization 2003)

9. Find the coordinates of stationary points on the curve with equation

(y − 2)2 ex = 4x. [7 marks]

620 Topic 6: Calculus © Cambridge University Press 2012

 Long questions
x2
1. A curve has equation y = .
1 − 2x
(a) Write down the equation of the vertical asymptote of the curve.
(b) Use differentiation to find the coordinates of stationary points on the
curve.
(c) Determine the nature of the stationary points.
x2
(d) Sketch the graph of y = . [15 marks]
1 − 2x
x2
2. The function f is defined by f ( x ) = , for x > 0.
2x
2x x 2 l 2
(a) (i) Show that f ′ ( x ) = .
2x
(ii) Obtain an expression for f ″ x ), simplifying your answer as far as
possible.
(b) (i) Find the exact value of x satisfying the equation f ′ ( x ) = 0.
(ii) Show that this value gives a maximum value for f x) x.
(c) Find the x-coordinates of the two points of inflexion on the graph of f.
[12 marks]
(© IB Organization 2003)
1
3. Let f ( x ) = arccos( 1 − 9 x 2 ) for 0 < x < .
3 3
(a) Show that f ′ ( x ) = .
1 − 9x 2
1
(b) Show that f ″ ( x ) > 0 for all x ∈] , [.
3
1
(c) Let g ( x ) = arccos(kx ). If g ′ ( x ) = − pf ′(x ) for 0 < x < , find
the values of p and k. 3 [12 marks]

4. A curve is given by the implicit equation x 2 xxyy y 2 = 12.

(a) Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the curve.
d2 y
(b) Show that at the stationary points, ( x 2 y ) 2 = 2 .
dx
(c) Hence determine the nature of the stationary points. [16 marks]

5. If f ( x ) = sec x , 0 ≤ x ≤ π the inverse function is f ( x ) = arcsec x.

(a) Write down the domain of arcsec x.
(b) Sketch the graph of y arcsec x.
(c) Show that the derivative of sec x is sec x tan x.
(d) Find the derivative of arcsec x with respect to x, justifying
carefully the sign of your answer. [12 marks]

© Cambridge University Press 2012 18 Further differentiation methods 621