Differential calculus

27
Methods of differentiation
The gradient of the chord AB
27.1 The gradient of a curve
BC BD − CD f (x2 ) − f (x1 )
If a tangent is drawn at a point P on a curve, then the = = =
gradient of this tangent is said to be the gradient of AC ED (x2 − x1 )
the curve at P. In Fig. 27.1, the gradient of the curve
at P is equal to the gradient of the tangent PQ. For the curve f (x) = x 2 shown in Fig. 27.3.

Figure 27.1

For the curve shown in Fig. 27.2, let the points

A and B have co-ordinates (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ),
respectively. In functional notation, y1 = f (x1 ) and
y2 = f (x2 ) as shown. Figure 27.3

(i) the gradient of chord AB

f (3) − f (1) 9−1
= = =4
3−1 2
(ii) the gradient of chord AC
f (2) − f (1) 4−1
= = =3
2−1 1
(iii) the gradient of chord AD
f (1.5) − f (1) 2.25 − 1
= = = 2.5
1.5 − 1 0.5
(iv) if E is the point on the curve (1.1, f (1.1)) then
the gradient of chord AE
f (1.1) − f (1) 1.21 − 1
= = = 2.1
Figure 27.2 1.1 − 1 0.1
288 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

(v) if F is the point on the curve (1.01, f (1.01)) then the curve at A in Fig. 27.4 can either be written as
the gradient of chord AF ! "
δy f (x + δx) − f (x)
f (1.01) − f (1) 1.0201 − 1 limit or limit
δx→0 δx δx→0 δx
= = = 2.01
1.01 − 1 0.01
dy δy
Thus as point B moves closer and closer to point In Leibniz notation, = limit
dx δx→0 δx
A the gradient of the chord approaches nearer and
nearer to the value 2. This is called the limiting value In functional notation,
of the gradient of the chord AB and when B coin- ! "
" f (x + δx) − f (x)
cides with A the chord becomes the tangent to the f (x) = limit
curve. δx→0 δx
dy
is the same as f # (x) and is called the differential
dx
27.2 Differentiation from first coefficient or the derivative. The process of finding
principles the differential coefficient is called differentiation.

In Fig. 27.4, A and B are two points very close Problem 1. Differentiate from first principle
together on a curve, δx (delta x) and δy (delta y) rep-
f (x) = x 2 and determine the value of the gradient
resenting small increments in the x and y directions,
of the curve at x = 2.
respectively.
To ‘differentiate from first principles’ means ‘to find
f # (x)’ by using the expression
! "
f (x + δx) − f (x)
f # (x) = limit
δx→0 δx
f (x) = x 2
Substituting (x + δx) for x gives
f (x + δx) = (x + δx)2 = x 2 + 2xδx + δx 2 , hence
! 2 "
# (x + 2xδx + δx 2 ) − (x 2 )
f (x) = limit
δx→0 δx
! "
(2xδx + δx 2 )
= limit
δx→0 δx
= limit [2x + δx]
δx→0
Figure 27.4 As δx → 0, [2x + δx] → [2x + 0]. Thus f " (x) = 2x,
i.e. the differential coefficient of x 2 is 2x. At x = 2,
δy
Gradient of chord AB = ; however, the gradient of the curve, f # (x) = 2(2) = 4.
δx
δy = f (x + δx) − f (x).
27.3 Differentiation of common
δy f (x + δx) − f (x)
Hence = . functions
δx δx
δy From differentiation by first principles of a number
As δx approaches zero, approaches a limiting of examples such as in Problem 1 above, a general
δx rule for differentiating y = ax n emerges, where a and
value and the gradient of the chord approaches the n are constants.
gradient of the tangent at A.
When determining the gradient of a tangent to a dy
The rule is: if y = axn then = anxn−1
curve there are two notations used. The gradient of dx
 METHODS OF DIFFERENTIATION 289

(or, if f (x) = axn then f ! (x) = anxn−1 ) and is true for (iv) If the gradient of y = sin x is further investi-
all real values of a and n. gated between B and D then the resulting graph
For example, if y = 4x 3 then a = 4 and n = 3, and dy
of is seen to be a cosine wave. Hence the
dx
dy rate of change of sin x is cos x,
= anx n−1 = (4)(3)x 3−1 = 12x 2
dx dy
i.e. if y = sin x then = cos x
If y = ax n and n = 0 then y = ax 0 and dx
dy
= (a)(0)x 0−1 = 0, By a similar construction to that shown in Fig. 27.5
dx it may be shown that:
i.e. the differential coefficient of a constant is zero.
Figure 27.5(a) shows a graph of y = sin x. The dy
gradient is continually changing as the curve moves if y = sin ax then = a cos ax
from 0 to A to B to C to D. The gradient, given dx
dy
by , may be plotted in a corresponding position If graphs of y = cos x, y = ex and y = ln x are plot-
dx ted and their gradients investigated, their differential
below y = sin x, as shown in Fig. 27.5(b).
coefficients may be determined in a similar manner
y to that shown for y = sin x. The rate of change of a
function is a measure of the derivative.
A
y = sin x
The standard derivatives summarized below
may be proved theoretically and are true for all real
+ values of x
B D
(a) dy
0 p /2 p 3p /2 2p x rad y or f (x) or f " (x)
dx
-
ax n anx n−1
sin ax a cos ax
C
cos ax −a sin ax
G
D¢ eax aeax
0¢ d
dy (sin x) = cos x 1
dx
dx ln ax
+ x
A¢ C¢
(b)
0 p /2 p 3p /2 2p x rad The differential coefficient of a sum or difference
-
is the sum or difference of the differential coeffi-
cients of the separate terms.

B¢ Thus, if f (x) = p(x) + q(x) − r(x),

(where f, p, q and r are functions),
then f " (x) = p" (x) + q" (x) − r " (x)
Figure 27.5
Differentiation of common functions is demon-
(i) At 0, the gradient is positive and is at its steepest. strated in the following worked problems.
Hence 0" is a maximum positive value.
(ii) Between 0 and A the gradient is positive but Problem 2. Find the differential coefficients of
is decreasing in value until at A the gradient is 12
zero, shown as A" . (a) y = 12x 3 (b) y = 3 .
x
(iii) Between A and B the gradient is negative but
is increasing in value until at B the gradient is at
its steepest negative value. Hence B" is a maxi- dy
If y = ax n then = anx n−1
mum negative value. dx
290 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

! "
(a) Since y = 12x 3 , a = 12 and n = 3 thus dy 4 − 4 −1 −20 − 7
dy Thus = (5) − x 3 = x 3
= (12)(3)x 3−1 = 36x2 dx 3 3
dx
−20 −20
12 = = √
(b) y = 3 is rewritten in the standard ax n form as 7 3
3 x7
x 3x 3
y = 12x −3 and in the general rule a = 12 and
n = − 3.
dy 36 Problem 5. Differentiate, with respect to x,
Thus = (12)(−3)x −3−1 = −36x −4 = − 4 1 1
dx x y = 5x 4 + 4x − + √ − 3.
2x 2 x

Problem 3. Differentiate (a) y = 6 (b) y = 6x. 1 1

y = 5x 4 + 4x − 2
+ √ − 3 is rewritten as
2x x
(a) y = 6 may be written as y = 6x 0 , i.e. in the
general rule a = 6 and n = 0. 1 1
y = 5x 4 + 4x − x −2 + x − 2 −3
2
dy
Hence = (6)(0)x 0−1 = 0 When differentiating a sum, each term is differenti-
dx ated in turn.
dy 1
In general, the differential coefficient of a Thus = (5)(4)x 4−1 + (4)(1)x 1−1 − (−2)x −2−1
constant is always zero. dx 2
! "
(b) Since y = 6x, in the general rule a = 6 and n = 1. 1 − 1 −1
+ (1) − x 2 −0
dy 2
Hence = (6)(1)x 1−1 = 6x 0 = 6 1 3
dx = 20x 3 + 4 + x −3 − x − 2
2
In general, the differential coefficient of kx, dy 1 1
where k is a constant, is always k. i.e. = 20x3 + 4 + 3 − √
dx x 2 x3

Problem 4. Find the derivatives of Problem 6. Find the differential coefficients

√ 5 of (a) y = 3 sin 4x (b) f (t) = 2 cos 3t with respect
(a) y = 3 x (b) y = √
3 4
. to the variable.
x

dy
√ (a) When y = 3 sin 4x then = (3)(4 cos 4x)
(a) y = 3 x is rewritten in the standard differential dx
1 = 12 cos 4x
form as y = 3x 2 .
1 (b) When f (t) = 2 cos 3t then
In the general rule, a = 3 and n = f # (t) = (2)(−3 sin 3t) = −6 sin 3t
2
! "
dy 1 1 3 1
Thus = (3) x 2 −1 = x − 2 Problem 7. Determine the derivatives of
dx 2 2 2
(a) y = 3e5x (b) f (θ) = 3θ (c) y = 6 ln 2x.
e
3 3
= 1
= √
2 x
2x 2 dy
(a) When y = 3e5x then = (3)(5)e5x = 15e5x
5 5 4 dx
(b) y = √ = 4 = 5x − 3 in the standard differen- 2
3 4
x (b) f (θ) = 3θ = 2e−3θ , thus
x3 e
tial form. −6
In the general rule, a = 5 and n = − 43
#
f (θ) = (2)(−3)e−30 = −6e−3θ = 3θ
e
 METHODS OF DIFFERENTIATION 291
! " √
dy 1 6 √ 3 4
(c) When y = 6 ln 2x then =6 = 3. (a) 2 x (b) 3 x 5 (c) √
dx x x x
# $
1 √
3 2 2
(a) √ (b) 5 x (c) − √
Problem 8. Find the gradient of the curve x x3
y = 3x 4 − 2x 2 + 5x − 2 at the points (0, −2) and −3
(1, 4). 4. (a) √
3
(b) (x − 1)2 (c) 2 sin 3x
x
 
1
The gradient of a curve at a given point is given by (b) 2(x − 1) 
the corresponding value of the derivative. Thus, since  (a) √ 3 4
x
y = 3x 4 − 2x 2 + 5x − 2. (c) 6 cos 3x
dy 3
then the gradient = = 12x 3 − 4x + 5. 5. (a) −4 cos 2x (b) 2e6x (c) 5x
dx e
# $
At the point (0, −2), x = 0. 6x −15
(a) 8 sin 2x (b) 12e (c) 5x
Thus the gradient = 12(0)3 − 4(0) + 5 = 5. e
−x √
At the point (1, 4), x = 1. x
e −e 1− x
Thus the gradient = 12(1)3 − 4(1) + 5 = 13. 6. (a) 4 ln 9x (b) (c)
2 x
 
4 ex + e−x
Problem 9. Determine the co-ordinates of the  (a) x (b) 2 
 
point on the graph y = 3x 2 − 7x + 2 where the  −1 1 
gradient is −1. (c) 2 + √
x 2 x3
7. Find the gradient of the curve y = 2t 4 +
The gradient of the curve is given by the derivative. 3t 3 − t + 4 at the points (0, 4) and (1, 8).
dy [−1, 16]
When y = 3x 2 − 7x + 2 then
dx
= 6x − 7 G
8. Find the co-ordinates of the point on the
Since the gradient is −1 then 6x − 7 = −1, from graph y = 5x 2 − 3x + 1 where the gradient
which, x = 1 +, 1 3 -.
is 2. 2, 4
When x = 1, y = 3(1)2 − 7(1) + 2 = −2
2
Hence the gradient is −1 at the point (1, −2). 9. (a) Differentiate y = + 2 ln 2θ −
θ2
2
2 (cos 5θ + 3 sin 2θ) − 3θ
Now try the following exercise. e
dy π
(b) Evaluate in part (a) when θ = ,
Exercise 117 Further problems on differen- dθ 2
tiating common functions correct to 4 significant figures.
 −4 2 
In Problems 1 to 6 find the differential coeffi- (a) 3 + + 10 sin 5θ
cients of the given functions with respect to the  θ θ 
 6 
variable.  −12 cos 2θ + 3θ 
1 e
1. (a) 5x 5 (b) 2.4x 3.5 (c) (b) 22.30
x
# $ ds
1 10. Evaluate , correct to 3 significant figures,
(a) 25x 4 (b) 8.4x 2.5 (c) − 2 dt
x π
when t = given
# $ 6
−4 8 √
2. (a) 2 (b) 6 (c) 2x (a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 2 s = 3 sin t − 3 + t [3.29]
x x
292 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
! "
1 1
27.4 Differentiation of a product = 3x − 21 + ln 2x
2
! "
When y = uv, and u and v are both functions of x, dy 3 1
i.e. = √ 1 + ln 2x
dx x 2
dy dv du
then =u +v
dx dx dx
Problem 12. Differentiate y = x 3 cos 3x ln x.
This is known as the product rule.
Let u = x 3 cos 3x (i.e. a product) and v = ln x
Problem 10. Find the differential coefficient of
y = 3x 2 sin 2x. dy dv du
Then =u + v
dx dx dx

3x 2 sin 2x is a product of two terms 3x 2 and sin 2x du

where = (x 3 )(−3 sin 3x) + (cos 3x)(3x 2 )
Let u = 3x 2 and v = sin 2x dx
Using the product rule:
dv 1
dy dv du and =
= u + v dx x
dx dx dx ! "
dy 1
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Hence 3
= (x cos 3x) + (ln x)[−3x 3 sin 3x
dy 2
dx x
gives: = (3x )(2 cos 2x) + (sin 2x)(6x)
dx + 3x 2 cos 3x]
dy = x 2 cos 3x + 3x 2 ln x(cos 3x − x sin 3x)
i.e. = 6x 2 cos 2x + 6x sin 2x
dx dy
= 6x(xcos 2x + sin 2x) i.e. = x2 {cos 3x + 3 ln x(cos 3x − x sin 3x)}
dx
Note that the differential coefficient of a product
is not obtained by merely differentiating each term
and multiplying the two answers together. The prod- Problem 13. Determine the rate of change of
uct rule formula must be used when differentiating voltage, given v = 5t sin 2t volts when t = 0.2 s.
products.
dv
Rate of change of voltage =
Problem 11. Find the √ rate of change of y with dt
respect to x given y = 3 x ln 2x. = (5t)(2 cos 2t) + ( sin 2t)(5)
= 10t cos 2t + 5 sin 2t
The rate of change of y with respect to x is given
dy dv
by When t = 0.2, = 10(0.2) cos 2(0.2)
dx dt
√ 1 + 5 sin 2(0.2)
y = 3 x ln 2x = 3x 2 ln 2x, which is a product.
1 = 2 cos 0.4 + 5 sin 0.4 (where cos 0.4
Let u = 3x 2 and v = ln 2x means the cosine of 0.4 radians)
dy dv du
Then = u + v dv
dx dx dx Hence = 2(0.92106) + 5(0.38942)
dt
! ↓ " !↓ " ↓ # ! " ↓ $
1 1 1 1
−1 = 1.8421 + 1.9471 = 3.7892
= 3x 2 + (ln 2x) 3 x2
x 2
! " i.e., the rate of change of voltage when t = 0.2 s is
1 3 −1
= 3x 2 −1 + ( ln 2x) x 2 3.79 volts/s, correct to 3 significant figures.
2
 METHODS OF DIFFERENTIATION 293

(Note that v is always the denominator and u the

Now try the following exercise. numerator)
du dv
Exercise 118 Further problems on differen- dy v dx − u dx
tiating products =
dx v2
In Problems 1 to 5 differentiate the given prod- du
ucts with respect to the variable. where = (4)(5) cos 5x = 20 cos 5x
dx
1. 2x 3 cos 3x [6x 2 ( cos 3x − x sin 3x)] dv
√ !√ " #$ and = (5)(4)x 3 = 20x 3
2. x 3 ln 3x x 1 + 23 ln 3x dx
dy (5x 4 )(20 cos 5x) − (4 sin 5x)(20x 3 )
3. e3t sin 4t [e3t (4 cos 4t + 3 sin 4t)] Hence =
% & '( dx (5x 4 )2
1 100x 4 cos 5x − 80x 3 sin 5x
4. e4θ ln 3θ e4θ + 4 ln 3θ =
θ 25x 8
5. et ln t cos t 20x 3 [5x cos 5x − 4 sin 5x]
% )& ' *( =
t 1 25x 8
e + ln t cos t − ln t sin t
t dy 4
i.e. = 5 (5x cos 5x − 4 sin 5x)
di dx 5x
6. Evaluate , correct to 4 significant figures,
dt Note that the differential coefficient is not obtained
when t = 0.1, and i = 15t sin 3t. by merely differentiating each term in turn and then
[8.732] dividing the numerator by the denominator. The quo-
dz tient formula must be used when differentiating
7. Evaluate , correct to 4 significant figures, quotients.
dt
when t = 0.5, given that z = 2e3t sin 2t. G
[32.31] Problem 15. Determine the differential coeffi-
cient of y = tan ax.

sin ax
27.5 Differentiation of a quotient y = tan ax = . Differentiation of tan ax is thus
cos ax
u treated as a quotient with u = sin ax and v = cos ax
When y = , and u and v are both functions of x
v
du dv
dy v dx − u dx
du dv =
dx v2
dy v dx − u dx
then = (cos ax)(a cos ax) − (sin ax)(−a sin ax)
dx v2 =
(cos ax)2
This is known as the quotient rule. a cos2 ax + a sin2 ax a(cos2 ax + sin2 ax)
= =
( cos ax)2 cos2 ax
Problem 14. Find the differential coefficient of a
4 sin 5x = , since cos2 ax + sin2 ax = 1
y= . cos2 ax
5x 4 (see Chapter 16)
dy 1
4 sin 5x Hence = a sec2 ax since sec2 ax =
is a quotient. Let u = 4 sin 5x and v = 5x 4 dx cos2 ax
5x 4 (see Chapter 12).
294 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

Let y = 5x and v = 2x 2 + 4
Problem 16. Find the derivative of y = sec ax.
du dv
dy v −u (2x 2 + 4)(5) − (5x)(4x)
1 = dx 2 dx =
y = sec ax = (i.e. a quotient). Let u = 1 and dx v (2x 2 + 4)2
cos ax
v = cos ax
10x 2 + 20 − 20x 2 20 − 10x 2
du dv = =
dy v −u (2x 2 + 4)2 (2x 2 + 4)2
= dx 2 dx # √ $
dx v √ 3 √
At the point 3, , x = 3,
(cos ax)(0) − (1)(−a sin ax) 2
= √
(cos ax)2 dy 20 − 10( 3)2
hence the gradient = = √
! "! " dx [2( 3)2 + 4]2
a sin ax 1 sin ax
= =a 20 − 30 1
cos2 ax cos ax cos ax = =−
dy 100 10
i.e. = a sec ax tan ax
dx Now try the following exercise.

te2t Exercise 119 Further problems on differen-

Problem 17. Differentiate y = tiating quotients
2 cos t
In Problems 1 to 5, differentiate the quotients
te2t with respect to the variable.
The function is a quotient, whose numerator % &
2 cos t 2 cos 3x −6
is a product. 1. (x sin 3x + cos 3x)
x3 x4
Let u = te2t and v = 2 cos t then
% &
du dv 2x 2(1 − x 2 )
= (t)(2e2t ) + (e2t )(1) and = −2 sin t 2. 2
dt dt x +1 (x 2 + 1)2
du dv √ ' √ (
3 θ3 3 θ(3 sin 2θ − 4θ cos 2θ)
dy v dx − u dx 3.
Hence = 2 sin 2θ 4 sin2 2θ
dx v2
 1 
(2 cos t)[2te2t + e2t ] − (te2t )(−2 sin t) 1 − ln 2t
= ln 2t  
(2 cos t)2 4. √  √2 
t t 3
4te2t cos t + 2e2t cos t + 2te2t sin t
= % &
4 cos2 t 2xe4x 2e4x
5. {(1 + 4x) sin x − x cos x}
2e2t [2t cos t + cos t + t sin t] sin x sin2 x
=
4 cos2 t 2x
6. Find the gradient of the curve y = at
dy e2t x2 −5
i.e. = (2t cos t + cos t + t sin t) the point (2, −4). [−18]
dx 2 cos2 t
dy
7. Evaluate at x = 2.5, correct to 3 significant
Problem 18. Determine the #gradient of the dx
√ $ 2x 2 + 3
5x √ 3 figures, given y = .
curve y = 2 at the point 3, . ln 2x
2x + 4 2 [3.82]
 METHODS OF DIFFERENTIATION 295

Using the function of a function rule,

27.6 Function of a function
dy dy du
It is often easier to make a substitution before = × = (6u5 )(12t 2 − 3)
dx du dx
differentiating.
Rewriting u as (4t 3 − 3t) gives:

dy dy du dy
If y is a function of x then = × = 6(4t 3 − 3t)5 (12t 2 − 3)
dx du dx dt
= 18(4t 2 − 1)(4t 3 − 3t)5
This is known as the ‘function of a function’ rule
(or sometimes the chain rule).
Problem 21.! Determine the differential coeffi-
For example, if y = (3x − 1)9 then, by making
the substitution u = (3x − 1), y = u9 , which is of the cient of y = (3x 2 + 4x − 1).
‘standard’ form.
dy du ! 1
Hence = 9u8 and =3 y = (3x 2 + 4x − 1) = (3x 2 + 4x − 1) 2
du dx
1
dy dy du Let u = 3x 2 + 4x − 1 then y = u 2
Then = × = (9u8 )(3) = 27u8
dx du dx du dy 1 − 1 1
Hence = 6x + 4 and = u 2= √
dy dx du 2 2 u
Rewriting u as (3x − 1) gives: = 27(3x − 1)8
dx
Using the function of a function rule,
Since y is a function of u, and u is a function of x, " #
then y is a function of a function of x. dy dy du 1 3x + 2
= × = √ (6x + 4) = √
dx du dx 2 u u
Problem 19. Differentiate y = 3 cos(5x 2 + 2). dy 3x + 2
i.e. =! G
dx (3x2 + 4x − 1)
Let u = 5x 2 + 2 then y = 3 cos u
du dy Problem 22. Differentiate y = 3 tan4 3x.
Hence = 10x and = −3 sin u.
dx du
Using the function of a function rule, Let u = tan 3x then y = 3u4
du
dy dy du Hence = 3 sec2 3x, (from Problem 15), and
= × = (−3 sin u)(10x) = −30x sin u dx
dx du dx dy
= 12u3
Rewriting u as 5x 2 + 2 gives: du
dy dy du
dy Then = × = (12u3 )(3 sec2 3x)
= −30x sin(5x2 + 2) dx du dx
dx
= 12( tan 3x)3 (3 sec2 3x)
dy
Problem 20. Find the derivative of i.e. = 36 tan3 3x sec2 3x
y = (4t 3 − 3t)6 . dx

Let u = 4t 3 − 3t, then y = u6 Problem 23. Find the differential coefficient of

2
du dy y= 3
Hence = 12t 2 − 3 and = 6u5 (2t − 5)4
dt du
296 DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

2 By successive differentiation further higher deriv-

y= = 2(2t 3 − 5)−4 . Let u = (2t 3 − 5),
(2t 3 − 5)4 d3 y d4 y
then y = 2u−4 atives such as 3 and 4 may be obtained.
dx dx
du dy −8 dy d2 y
Hence = 6t 2 and = −8u−5 = 5 Thus if y = 3x 4 , = 12x 3 , 2 = 36x 2 ,
dt du u dx dx
! "
dy dy du −8 d3 y d4 y d5 y
Then = × = (6t 2 ) = 72x, = 72 and = 0.
dt du dt u5 dx 3 dx 4 dx 5
−48t 2
=
(2t 3 − 5)5 Problem 24. If f (x) = 2x 5 − 4x 3 + 3x − 5, find
f ## (x).
Now try the following exercise.

Exercise 120 Further problems on the func- f (x) = 2x 5 − 4x 3 + 3x − 5

tion of a function
f # (x) = 10x 4 − 12x 2 + 3
In Problems 1 to 8, find the differential coeffi-
cients with respect to the variable. f "" (x) = 40x 3 − 24x = 4x(10x2 − 6)
1. (2x 3 − 5x)5 [5(6x 2 − 5)(2x 3 − 5x)4 ]
2. 2 sin (3θ − 2) [6 cos (3θ − 2)] Problem 25. If y = cos x − sin x, evaluate x, in
π d2 y
3. 2 cos5 α [−10 cos4 α sin α] the range 0 ≤ x ≤ , when 2 is zero.
# $ 2 dx
1 5(2 − 3x 2 )
4.
(x 3 − 2x + 1)5 (x 3 − 2x + 1)6 dy
Since y = cos x − sin x, = −sin x − cos x and
dx
5. 5e2t+1 [10e2t+1 ] d2 y
= −cos x + sin x.
6. 2 cot (5t 2 + 3) [−20t cosec2 (5t 2 + 3)] dx 2
7. 6 tan (3y + 1) [18 sec2 (3y + 1)] d2 y
When is zero, −cos x + sin x = 0,
dx 2
8. 2etan θ [2 sec2 θ etan θ ] sin x
% π& i.e. sin x = cos x or = 1.
9. Differentiate θ sin θ − with respect to θ, cos x
3 π
and evaluate, correct to 3 significant figures, Hence tan x = 1 and x = arctan1 = 45◦ or rads
π 4
when θ = [1.86] π
2 in the range 0 ≤ x ≤
2

Problem 26. Given y = 2xe−3x show that

27.7 Successive differentiation
d2 y dy
When a function y = f (x) is differentiated with 2
+ 6 + 9y = 0.
dx dx
respect to x the differential coefficient is written as
dy
or f # (x). If the expression is differentiated again, y = 2xe−3x (i.e. a product)
dx
the second differential coefficient is obtained and dy
d2 y Hence = (2x)(−3e−3x ) + (e−3x )(2)
is written as 2 (pronounced dee two y by dee x dx
dx
squared) or f ## (x) (pronounced f double-dash x). = −6xe−3x + 2e−3x
 METHODS OF DIFFERENTIATION 297

d2 y
= [(−6x)(−3e−3x ) + (e−3x )(−6)]
dx 2 Now try the following exercise.
+ (−6e−3x )
Exercise 121 Further problems on succes-
= 18xe−3x − 6e−3x − 6e−3x sive differentiation
d2 y 1. If y = 3x 4 + 2x 3 − 3x + 2 find
i.e. = 18xe−3x − 12e−3x
dx 2 d2 y d3 y
(a) 2 (b) 3
d2 y dy dx dx
Substituting values into + 6 + 9y gives: [(a) 36x 2 + 12x (b) 72x + 12]
dx 2 dx
2 2 1 3 √
2. (a) Given f (t) = t − 3 + − t+1
(18xe−3x − 12e−3x ) + 6(−6xe−3x + 2e−3x ) 5 t t
determine f ## (t)
+ 9(2xe−3x ) = 18xe−3x − 12e−3x − 36xe−3x
(b) Evaluate f ## (t) when t = 1
+ 12e−3x + 18xe−3x =0  4 12 6 1 
(a) − 5 + 3 + √
 5 t t 4 t3 
d2 y dy
Thus when y = 2xe−3x , 2
+ 6 + 9y = 0 (b) −4.95
dx dx
In Problems 3 and 4, find the second differ-
ential coefficient with respect to the variable.
d2 y 3. (a) 3 sin 2t% + cos t (b) 2 ln 4θ &
Problem 27. Evaluate 2 when θ = 0 given −2
dθ (a) −(12 sin 2t + cos t) (b) 2
y = 4 sec 2θ. θ
4. (a) 2 cos2 x (b) (2x − 3)4
Since y = 4 sec 2θ, [(a) 4( sin2 x − cos2 x) (b) 48(2x − 3)2 ] G
5. Evaluate f ## (θ) when θ = 0 given
dy f (θ) = 2 sec 3θ [18]
then = (4)(2) sec 2θ tan 2θ (from Problem 16)
dθ
= 8 sec 2θ tan 2θ (i.e. a product) 6. Show that the differential equation
d2 y d2 y dy
= (8 sec 2θ)(2 sec2 2θ) − 4 + 4y = 0 is satisfied
dθ 2 dx 2 dx
+ (tan 2θ)[(8)(2) sec 2θ tan 2θ] when y = xe2x
= 16 sec3 2θ + 16 sec 2θ tan2 2θ 7. Show that, if P and Q are constants and
d2 y y = P cos(ln t) + Q sin(ln t), then
When θ = 0, 2 = 16 sec3 0 + 16 sec 0 tan2 0
dθ d2 y dy
t2 +t +y =0
= 16(1) + 16(1)(0) = 16. dt 2 dt