Test 3 Problem Bank Sections

3.10, 3.5-3.7, 4.6

Differentiation Rules to Remember!

d
• Derivative of a Constant: (c) = 0
dx
d n
• Power Rule: (x ) = nxn−1
dx
d
• Constant Multiple Rule: If c is a constant, then [cf (x)] = cf 0 (x)
dx
d
• Sum Rule: [f (x) + g(x)] = f 0 (x) + g 0 (x)
dx
d
• Product Rule: [f (x) · g(x)] = f 0 (x)g(x) + f (x)g 0 (x)
dx

f 0 (x)g(x) − f (x)g 0 (x)

 
d f (x)
• Quotient Rule: =
dx g(x) g(x)g(x)

d x
• Derivative of the Natural Exponential Function: (e ) = ex
dx

Derivatives of the six basic trigonometric functions.

d d d
(sin x) = cos x (cos x) = − sin x (tan x) = sec 2 x
dx dx dx
d d d
(csc x) = − csc x cot x (sec x) = sec x tan x (cot x) = − csc2 x
dx dx dx

The Chain Rule

If f (u) is differentiable at u, and u = g(x) is differentiable at x, then the derivative of the composite
function f ◦ g(x) = f (g(x)), with respect to x, is

d df df du
[f (g(x))] = f 0 (g(x)) · g 0 (x) OR = ·
dx dx du dx
Derivatives of Log and Exponential Functions If b > 0, then
d 1 d
• dx (logb x) = x ln b • dx (bx ) = bx ln b.

1
 ex
1. Let f (x) = and g(x) = x2 cos x.
x

(a) Find f 0 (x).

xex − ex
Solution. Using the quotient rule, we have f 0 (x) = .
x2
(b) Find g 0 (x).
Solution. Using the product rule, we have g 0 (x) = −x2 sin x + 2x cos x.

(c) Find (f · g)0 (x).

Solution. Using the product rule, we have

(f · g)0 (x) = f · g 0 (x) + f 0 · g(x)

ex xex − ex
= · 2x cos x + · (−x2 sin x)
x x2
= 2ex cos x − xex sin x + ex sin x.

ex
2. Let f (x) = and g(x) = x2 ex .
sin x

(a) Find f 0 (x).

(sin x − cos x)ex
Solution. Using the quotient rule, we have f 0 (x) = .
sin2 x
(b) Find g 0 (x).
Solution. Using the product rule, we have g 0 (x) = (x2 + 2x)ex .
0
(c) Find (g(x)ex ) .
0
Solution. Using the product rule, we have (g(x)ex ) = (g(x) + g 0 (x)) ex = 2x2 + 2x ex .

d √
3. Find dx ( 3 xex ).

1
d
x1/3 ex = x−2/3 ex + x1/3 ex .


Solution. By the Product Rule, dx 3

d
 √ 
4. Find dt (t + et )(3 − t) .
Solution. By the Product Rule,
 
dh i 1
(t + et )(3 − t1/2 ) = (1 + et )(3 − t1/2 ) + (t + et ) − t−1/2 .
dt 2

5. (a) What is the definition of the derivative of cos x at x = 0?

cos(0 + h) − cos(0) cos(h) − 1

Solution. The derivative of cos x at x = 0 is lim = lim .
h→0 h h→0 h

2
 (b) Can you evaluate the derivative in (a) just by thinking about the graph of cos x?

Solution. We’ve just seen that

cos(h) − 1
(cos x)0 |x=0 = lim
h→0 h
We can interpret this derivative as the slope of the tangent line to the graph of cos x at x = 0.
Here is the graph of cos x, with the tangent line in red:

−2π − 3π −π − π2 π π 3π 2π
2 2 2

-1

Since the red line is a horizontal line, the slope is zero! And so

cos(h) − 1
(cos x)0 |x=0 = lim = 0
h→0 h

6. Knowing the derivative of sin x, how could you find the derivative of cos x?
Solution. Observe that the graph of cos x can be obtained from the graph of sin x by a horizontal
shift to the left by π2 . So, the graph graph of (cos x)0 can be obtained from the graph of (sin x)0 by a
horizontal shift to the left by π2 . This is awesome! Since (sin x)0 = cos x, we simply need to shift the
graph of cos x to the left by π2 , in order to obtain the graph of (cos x)0 . Here is that graph:

−2π − 3π −π − π2 π π 3π 2π
2 2 2

-1

But we recognize this graph! This is the graph of − sin x. And so, we see that (cos x)0 = − sin x .

7. Find the derivatives of tan x and sec x. Do simplify your answers. (These are worth remembering!)

3
 sin x
Solution. We can use the Quotient Rule on tan x = to get
cos x
d (cos x)(cos x) − (sin x)(− sin x)
(tan x) =
dx (cos x)2
cos2 x + sin2 x
=
cos2 x
1
=
cos2 x
= sec2 x

1
Similarly, we can use the Quotient Rule on sec x = to get
cos x
d (cos x)0 − 1(− sin x)
(sec x) =
dx (cos x)2
sin x
=
cos2 x
This is traditionally rewritten as
1 sin x
= ·
cos x cos x
= sec x tan x

8. Find the derivatives of cot x and csc x. Do simplify your answers.

cos x
Solution. We can use the Quotient Rule on cot x = to get
sin x
d (− sin x)(sin x) − (cos x)(cos x)
(cot x) =
dx (sin x)2
−(cos2 x + sin2 x)
=
sin2 x
−1
=
sin2 x
= − csc2 x

1
Similarly, we can use the Quotient Rule on csc x = to get
sin x
d (sin x)0 − 1(cos x)
(csc x) =
dx (sin x)2
− cos x
=
sin2 x
This is traditionally rewritten as
− cos x 1
= ·
sin x sin x
= − cot x csc x

4
 9. Find the equation of the tangent line to the function f (x) = ex cos x at x = 0.

Solution. In order to find the equation of the tangent line, we need a point on the line, and the
slope of the line. Since we want the tangent line at x = 0, a point on the line is (0,f (0)). Now
f (0) = e0 cos(0) = 1 · 1 = 1. So (0,1) is a point on the line.
The slope of this line is simply f 0 (0). In order to find f 0 (0), let’s first compute f 0 (x):

(ex cos x)0 = ex cos x + ex · (− sin x) By the Product Rule

= ex (cos x − sin x)

So f 0 (0) = e0 (cos 0 − sin 0) = 1(1 − 0) = 1.

The equation of a line through (0,1) with slope 1 is y − 1 = x .

10. Differentiate the following functions. Hint: It may be easier to rewrite the function before differenti-
ating; be strategic!

(a) F (x) = e2x+5

Solution. By the Chain Rule,
!
d 2x + 5
e = e2x+5 · 2
dx

(b) Find the derivative of F (x) = esin x using the Chain Rule. Can you find it in any other way?
Solution. By the Chain Rule,
!
d
e sin x = esin x · cos x
dx

This is the only way for us to compute this derivative!

d h  √
3
i
(c) Find tan 1 + t .
dt
Solution.
!
√ √ √

d   d  
= sec2 1 + t ·
3 3 3
tan 1+ t 1+ t
dt dt
 √  1
= sec2 1 + t · t−2/3
3

d


(d) Find dx a3 + cos3 x , where a is a constant.
Solution. The first term, a3 , is a constant, so its derivative is 0. So,
d  3 3

a + cos x = 3(cos x)2 (− sin x) .
dx

5
(e) If h(x) = sin(7x2 + 3), find h0 (x).

Solution. We can decompose h(x) as f (g(x)) with g(x) = 7x2 + 3 and f (x) = sin x. Then,
g 0 (x) = 14x and f 0 (x) = cos x, so h0 (x) = f 0 (g(x))g 0 (x) = f 0 (7x2 + 3)g 0 (x) = cos(7x2 + 3) · 14x
by the Chain Rule.

Instead of writing out functions f and g, we’ll often write that we’re going to use the Chain Rule
simply by putting a red box around where we’re going to use the Chain Rule (the entire expression
sin(7x2 + 3) in this case) and then putting a blue box around the inner function g:
 
d 
sin 7x2 + 3 = cos 7x2 + 3 · 14x


dx

(f) If r(x) is an unknown function and j(x) = er(x) , find j 0 (x). (Your answer will involve r(x) and
r0 (x).)
 
d  r(x) 
Solution. e = er(x) · r0 (x).
dx

d dy
(g) If y is an unknown function of x, express dx (sin y) in terms of y and dx .
 
d   dy
Solution. sin y = cos (y) · . If this is confusing, you might find it helpful to think
dx dx
about it in different notation. Since y is an unknown function of x, we can write y = f (x) for
some unknown function f . Then,
 
d d 
(sin y) = sin f (x) = cos (f (x)) · f 0 (x) .
dx dx | {z } | {z }
y dy
dx

√
cos t dy
(h) If y = (tan 2)e , find dt .

Solution. Since tan 2 is a constant,

√
 
dy d  cos t 
= (tan 2) · e
dt dt
√
 
cos t d 1/2
= (tan 2)e · (cos t)
dt
√ 1
= (tan 2)e cos t · (cos t)−1/2 (− sin t)
2

(i) If g(x) = sec(x2 ex ), find g 0 (x).

Solution.
 
d 
d  2 
x2 e x = sec x2 ex tan x2 ex · x · ex


sec
dx dx
2 x 2 x

2 x
x e + ex · 2x



= sec x e tan x e
(Remember we use green boxes to indicate that we’re using the Product Rule.)

6
 t
(j) If f (t) = √ , find f 0 (t). (Can you rewrite f so that you don’t need to use the Quotient
5 3 1 + et
Rule?)
Solution. We can rewrite f (t) = 51 t(1 + et )−1/3 , so
 
1 d
− 1
f 0 (t) = · t · 1 + et 3
5 dt
   
1 d
1
− 1
= t· 1 + et − 3 + 1 + et 3
5 dt
   
1 1
4 d
t −3 t


1
t −3
= t − 1+e · 1+e + 1+e
5 3 dt
 
1 1
− 4
− 1
= − t 1 + et 3 et + 1 + et 3
5 3

2ex
(k) y =
x2 − 1
Solution. We’ll use the quotient rule:
(2ex )0 · (x2 − 1) − (x2 − 1)0 · (2ex )
y 0 (x) =
(x2 − 1)2
2ex (x2 − 1) − (2x)(2ex )
=
(x2 − 1)2

3 + 9 tan x
(l) y =
sec x
Solution. It is always a good strategy to simplify before you differentiate:
 
d 3 + 9 tan x
y0 =
dx sec x
 
d 3 9 tan x
= +
dx sec x sec x
d
= (3 cos x + 9 sin x)
dx
= −3 sin x + 9 cos x

(m) f (x) = π cos(12x)

Solution. By the Chain Rule, f 0 (x) = π[− sin(12x) · 12] = −12π sin(12x) .

(n) f (x) = x sin x3 , g(x) = x sin3 x, and h(x) = x(sin x)3 . (Are these the same or different?)

Solution. First, h(x) is the same as g(x). To differentiate f (x) and g(x), we start with the
Product Rule:
 
0 3

d 
3
f (x) = sin x + x · sin x
dx
= sin x3 + x · cos x3 · 3x2

7
 and
" #
d  3
g 0 (x) = h0 (x) = (sin x)3 + x · sin x
dx
= (sin x)3 + x · 3(sin x)2 cos x

(o) If f (x) = ex (x2 − x + 5)(sin x) + tan x, find f 0 (x).

Solution. Here there is a product of three terms instead of two. To deal with this, we can use
the product rule twice, as follows:
d  x 
f 0 (x) = e · x2 − x + 5 sin x + sec2 x


dx
d  2 
= ex · x − x + 5 · sin x + ex x2 − x + 5 sin x + sec2 x



 dx
= ex x2 − x + 5 cos x + (2x − 1) sin x + ex x2 − x + 5 sin x + sec2 x



If you’re having trouble with this, try watching this example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=uPCjqfT0Ixg#t=302)
 
d 2/3 (2t + sin 5)(t − 7)
(p) Find t √ .
dt t
Solution. We can first simplify the function we’re trying to differentiate:
(2t + sin 5)(t − 7)
t2/3 = t1/6 (2t + sin 5)(t − 7)
t1/2  
= t1/6 2t2 + (sin(5) − 14)t − 7 sin 5
= 2t13/6 + (sin(5) − 14)t7/6 − (7 sin 5)t1/6 .

Now we can differentiate this expression to get

d  13/6  13 7/6 7 1
2t + (sin(5) − 14)t7/6 − (7 sin 5)t1/6 = t + (sin(5) − 14)t1/6 − (7 sin 5)t−5/6
dt 3 6 6

√
θ cos(θ)
(q) If h(θ) = , find h0 (θ).
eθ + 1
Solution. We’ll start with the Quotient Rule:
 
d
(eθ + 1) dθ θ1/2 · cos θ − (θ1/2 cos θ)(eθ )
h0 (θ) =
(eθ + 1)2
(eθ + 1) θ1/2 (− sin θ) + 12 θ−1/2 cos θ − (θ1/2 cos θ)(eθ )


=
(eθ + 1)2

√
x−1
(r) f (x) = √
x+1

8
 Solution. We’ll start with the Quotient Rule:

(x1/2 − 1)0 (x1/2 + 1) − (x1/2 + 1)0 (x1/2 − 1)

f 0 (x) = √
( x + 1)2
1 −1/2 1/2
2x (x + 1) − 12 x−1/2 (x1/2 − 1)
= √
( x + 1)2
1
2 + 12 x−1/2 − 12 + 12 x−1/2
= √
( x + 1)2
x−1/2
= √
( x + 1)2
1
= √ √
x( x + 1)2

xπ tan x
(s) f (x) =
π
Solution. Note that we don’t need the quotient rule here because the denominator is a number,
and not a function! So we simply need the product rule in the numerator.
(xπ )0 (tan x) + xπ tan0 x
f 0 (x) =
π
πxπ−1 tan x + xπ sec2 x
=
π

Let’s look at a circle of radius 5 centered at the origin. Find the slope of the line tangent to this circle
at the point (4, −3).
dy
Solution. We are asked to find dx at the point (4, −3). Let’s do this using implicit differentiation, as
we discussed in class. We start with the equation of the circle,

x2 + y 2 = 25

Differentiate both sides with respect to x (we choose to differentiate with respect to x because we’re
dy
looking for dx ):

d d
x2 + y 2 =


(25)
dx dx

We need the Chain Rule when differentiating y 2 with respect to x:

dy
2x + 2y =0
dx

Once we’ve differentiated, we can plug in the point we’re interested in, x = 4 and y = −3:

dy
2(4) + 2(−3) =0
dx
dy
8−6 =0
dx

9
 dy
So, dx = 43 .

3 Let’s check whether our answer seems reasonable graphically. Here’s a sketch of the circle and the
tangent line at (4, −3):

−5 5

−5
11.

The tangent line definitely has positive slope, and it looks like the slope should be slightly greater than
1, which is consistent with our answer.

9
12. Find the equation for the tangent line to x3 + y 3 = xy, the folium of Descartes, at the point (1, 2).
2

−2 −1 1 2

−1

−2

Solution. Let’s start by finding the slope of the tangent line. We know that the slope is just the value
dy
of dx at the point (1, 2), so let’s use implicit differentiation to find this slope (that looks simpler than
trying to solve for y in terms of x).
We start with the equation for the curve:
9
x3 + y 3 = xy
2

Differentiate both sides with respect to x:

!
d d 9
x3 + y 3 =


· x · y
dx dx 2
 
2 2 dy 9 dy
3x + 3y = y+x
dx 2 dx

Plug in x = 1, y = 2:
 
dy 9 dy
3 + 12 = 2+
dx 2 dx

10
 dy
Solve for dx :
dy 9 dy
3 + 12 =9+
dx 2 dx
15 dy
=6
2 dx
dy 4
=
dx 5

4 4
So, the line has slope . Since (1, 2) is a point on the line, the equation of the line is y − 2 = (x − 1) .
5 5

13. Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve

e2x = sin(x2 + 2y) + 1.

at the point (0,0).

Solution. Let’s start by finding the slope of the tangent line. We know that the slope is just the value
dy
of dx at the point (0, 0), so let’s use implicit differentiation to find this slope.
We start with the equation for the curve:

e2x = sin(x2 + 2y) + 1

Differentiate both sides with respect to x:

! 
d d  
e 2x = sin x2 + 2y
dx dx
 
dy
2e2x = cos(x2 + 2y) · 2x + 2
dx

Plug in x = 0, y = 0:

dy
2=2
dx
dy
Solve for dx :
dy
=1
dx
So, the line has slope 1. Since (0, 0) is a point on the line, the equation of the line is y = x .

14. Evaluate the following derivatives.

d
 
(a) dx ln(7x2 + 1)
Solution. We should use the Chain Rule here because ln(7x2 + 1) is a composition of functions:
we can write it as f (g(x)) where g(x) = 7x2 + 1 and f (x) = ln x. Therefore,

d 
ln(7x2 + 1) = f 0 (g(x))g 0 (x)

dx

11
 Here, f 0 (x) = x1 , so this is equal to
1 0
= g (x)
g(x)
1
= · 14x
7x2 + 1

As before, instead of writing out functions f and g, we’ll often write that we’re going to use the
Chain Rule simply by putting a red box around where we’re going to use the Chain Rule (the
entire expression ln(7x2 + 1) in this case) and then putting a blue box around the inner function
g:
  
d 2 1
ln 7x + 1 = 2 · 14x
dx 7x + 1

d
 2 
(b) dx x log3 (2x + 1)
ln(2x+1)
Solution. We can use the change of base formula to rewrite log3 (2x + 1) = ln 3 , so
d  2  1 d  2 
x log3 (2x + 1) = x · ln (2x + 1)
dx ln 3 dx
  
1 d  
2
= x · ln 2x + 1 + 2x ln (2x + 1)
ln 3 dx
 
1 2 1
= x · · 2 + 2x ln (2x + 1)
ln 3 2x + 1

d
(c) dx [ln f (x)]

f 0 (x)
 
d  1
Solution. ln f (x) = · f 0 (x) = .
dx f (x) f (x)

12
25. Find the line tangent to the heart curve (x2 + y 2 − 1)3 − x2 y 3 = 0 at (−1, 1).

−1 1

−1

Solution. We start with the equation defining the curve.

(x2 + y 2 − 1)3 − x2 y 3 = 0

26
 Differentiate both sides with respect to x:
 
d
3 2 2 2 3 d
x +y −1 − x · y = 0
dx dx
     

2 d d
3 x2 + y 2 − 1 · x2 + y 2 − 1 − x2 · y 3 + 2x · y 3 = 0
dx dx
 
2 2 2 dy dy
3(x + y − 1) 2x + 2y − x2 · 3y 2 − 2xy 3 = 0
dx dx

Now, we can plug in x = −1, y = 1:

 
dy dy
3 −2 + 2 −3 +2=0
dx dx
dy
3 −4=0
dx
dy 4
=
dx 3

4
Therefore, the slope of the tangent line is 34 , so the equation of the line is y − 1 = (x + 1) . (From
3
the picture, we can see that the tangent line should indeed have positive slope.)

26. You are given the following information about three functions f , g, and h.

h(1) = 2 g(2) = 3 f 0 (3) = 6

h0 (1) = 4 g 0 (2) = 5

If r(x) = f (g(h(x))), do you have enough information to find r0 (1)? If so, compute it. If not, what
additional information do you need?
Solution. First, let’s find r0 (x):
 
0 d 
r (x) = fg (h(x))
dx
  
0 d
= f (g (h(x))) · g h(x)
dx
= f 0 (g(h(x))) · g 0 (h(x)) · h0 (x)

Plugging in x = 1,

r0 (1) = f 0 (g(h(1)))g 0 (h(1))h0 (1)

= f 0 (g(2))g 0 (2) · 4
= f 0 (3) · 5 · 4
=6·5·4
= 120

(So, we did have enough information to find r0 (1).)

27. Here are graphs of two functions, f (x) and g(x). If F (x) = f (g(x)), what is F 0 (1)?

27
 f (x) g(x)
4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1 −1

−2 −2

−3 −3

−4 −4

Solution. By the Chain Rule, F 0 (1) = f 0 (g(1))g 0 (1). From the graph of g, we see that g(1) = −2 and
g 0 (1) = −1. Therefore, F 0 (1) = −f 0 (−2). From the graph of f , we see that f 0 (−2) = −3, so F 0 (1) is
equal to 3 .

9
28. Look again at the folium of Descartes, x3 + y 3 = xy. Find all points on the curve where the tangent
2
line is horizontal.

−2 −1 1 2

−1

−2

dy
Solution. We are looking for the points on the curve where dx = 0. Starting from the equation for
the curve, we can implicitly differentiate with respect to x:
 
d d 9
x3 + y 3 =


· x · y
dx dx 2
 
dy 9 dy
3x2 + 3y 2 = y+x
dx 2 dx
dy
We want points where dx = 0:

9
3x2 + 3y 2 · 0 =(y + x · 0)
2
9
3x2 = y
2
2 2
x =y
3
So, we need y = 32 x2 . However, we also need to have points that are actually on the curve, so we also

28
 want x3 + y 3 = 29 xy. Plugging the former equation into the latter,
 3  
2 2 9 2 2
x3 + x = x x
3 2 3
8
x3 + x6 = 3x3
27
8 6
x − 2x3 = 0
27 
8 3
x3 x −2 =0
27

So, either x = 0 or x3 = 27 3
4 , which happens when x = 3 4 . Looking at the picture of the curve, we see
√

that the point with x = 0 does not have a tangent line at all, but there is a point with a horizontal
 2
3 2 3 3
tangent line, which must be the point with x = √3 . The corresponding y-value is 3
4
√
3
4
= √ 3 . So,
2
 
3 3
the only point on the curve with a horizontal tangent line is √
3
,√ .
4 32

29. Mel is designing a triathlon course, which will have three legs in the following order: biking, swimming,
and running. She decides to make a course in the shape of a right triangle, with the hypotenuse as a 3
kilometer swim. Two possibilities are shown below.
√
Mel knows the average triathlete swims at 2 km/hr, runs at 12 km/hr and bikes at 12 3 km/hr. In
order to make her triathlon a real challenge, she wants to maximize the time it takes for an average
triathlete to complete the course.
Find the ideal triathlon course for Mel by saying how long the biking and running legs should be.

θ
sw
im
run

(3
km

swim
)

θ (3 k
run

m)

start bike start bike

and and
finish finish

Solution. We start by identifying our goal.

Goal: Maximize time for the average athlete to complete the course.
Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (time for the average athlete to
complete the course).

We can start by breaking this down into the 3 legs:

time for course = biking time + swimming time + running time

29
 distance distance
We are given rates for each activity. Since rate = , time is :
time rate

distance to bike distance to swim distance to run

= + +
average biking speed average swimming speed average running speed

It’s convenient to introduce some variables here. Let b = distance to bike and r = distance to run.

b 3 r
= √ + + (1)
12 3 2 12

We need to express both b and r in terms of θ, so let’s use some trigonometry. From the right triangle,
we can see that sin θ = 3b and cos θ = 3r , so b = 3 sin θ and r = 3 cos θ:

3 sin θ 3 3 cos θ
= √ + +
12 3 2 12
sin θ 3 cos θ
= √ + +
4 3 2 4

(2)

Now, maximize! We want the critical points, so we should first find the derivative of T (θ):

cos θ sin θ
T 0 (θ) = √ −
4 3 4

We set this equal to 0 to find the critical points:

cos θ sin θ
0= √ −
4 3 4
√
Multiplying both sides by 4 3,
√
0 = cos θ − 3 sin θ
√
3 sin θ = cos θ

In this sort of equation, a good strategy is to first find tan θ:

1
tan θ = √
3
(2) We could also have done this another way: Let’s go back to line (1) in #29, where we had found
b 3 r
time for course = √ + +
12 3 2 12

We simply need to write r√ in terms of b. Since r and b are sides of a right triangle with hypotenuse 3, the Pythagorean Theorem
says r2 + b2 = 32 , so r = 9 − b2 . Plugging this in gives
√
b 3 9 − b2
= √ + +
12 3 2 12

30
 Since θ is an angle in a right triangle, it must be in 0, π2 , and the only angle in this interval with

tan θ = √13 is

π
θ=
6
But wait, we’re not done yet! We’ve found a critical point, but we still need to check whether it’s the
absolute maximum.
Let’s use the Second Derivative Test to check whether our critical point is really an absolute maxi-
mum.(3) (After all, it’s pretty easy to compute T 00 (θ).)

sin θ cos θ
T 00 (θ) = − √ −
4 3 4
π
π sin cos π6
T 00 = − √6 −
6 4 3 4
√
1/2 3/2
=− √ −
4 3 4
<0
π
This means that T has a local maximum at θ = 6; since this is the only critical point in the domain
π
(0, π2 ), θ = gives the absolute maximum.
6

30. Traditional Chinese fans are often shaped like circular sectors.(4) Marvin wants to buy a large decorative
fan of perimeter 60 cm to hang on his wall, so he commissions a fan designer to design such a fan for
him. Marvin will pay 10 cents per square cm for the fan’s surface, and he would like the top curved
edge of the fan is to be lined with gold thread costing 15 cents per cm. If the fan designer would like to
maximize her revenue, what dimensions should she make the fan?
Solution. We start by identifying our goal.
Goal: Maximize revenue.
Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (revenue). To do this, we’ll need to
define some variables.
Define variables: Let M be the designer’s revenue, r be the radius of the fan, and θ be
the inner angle of the sector.

r
θ

(3) You can also use the First Derivative Test, but it’s slightly trickier because we don’t know any “easy” angles in our domain
π
that are less than π6 .


0, 2
(4) A sector is like a “pie slice” out of a circular pie, like the shaded part of the circle below:

31
 Formula for thing we’re trying to maximize:

M = revenue from surface + revenue from curved edge

= (10 cents / cm2 )(area of fan) + (15 cents / cm)(length of curved edge)

When working with sectors, comparing similar aspects is useful. Here we observe that an
angle of θ gives the area of the sector, while an angle of 2π would give you the area of the
circle = πr2 . So
θ area of sector
=
2π πr2
θ θ 2
And so the sector has area 2π · πr2 = 2r , and similarly the curved edge has length
θ
2π · 2πr = θr:

θ
= 10 · r2 + 15 · θr
2
= 5θr2 + 15θr
Next, we want to express M as a function of just one variable. To do this, we must relate r and θ
somehow, by using something else we’re told in the problem. We’re told that the perimeter of the fan
must be 60, and this perimeter is 2r + length of curved edge. We figured out already that the length
of the curved edge is θr, so

2r + θr = 60

It looks slightly easier to solve for θ:

θr = 60 − 2r
60 − 2r
θ=
r
Plugging this into our formula for M gives M in terms of just r:
   
60 − 2r 2 60 − 2r
M (r) = 5 r + 15 r
r r
= 5(60 − 2r)r + 15(60 − 2r)
= (60 − 2r)(5r + 15)
= −2(r − 30) · 5(r + 3)
= −10(r − 30)(r + 3)

Now, maximize! Normally, we’d find the critical points of M (r), but we can do something simpler here:
M (r) is a quadratic function with roots at r = 30, −3. So, its graph is a parabola passing through
(30, 0) and (−3, 0). We can see that this parabola opens downward, so its graph looks like this:

32
 −3 30

27
Therefore, its absolute maximum is half-way between the two roots, at r = 2 . Earlier, we found that
θ = 60−2r
r , so the ideal θ is 60−27 66 22
27/2 = 27 = 9 .

27 22
So, the designer should make a fan with a radius of 2 cm and an inner angle of 9 radians .

33
31. Here’s the problem we’d like to solve.

Sarah has a new puppy and she wants to maximize her outdoor time, so she builds her a
fenced in play area. She has 40 feet of fencing, and she wants to fence off a rectangular area
next to her house. The house will be one side of the play area, so that side needs no fencing.
In order for the puppy to have adequate space, the area needs to be at least 5 feet long and
5 feet wide. What is the largest area she could have? Is there a smallest area she could have
if she wants to use all 40 feet of fencing?

(a) What’s the goal? (That is, what are we trying to maximize or minimize?)
 Solution. We want to maximize area of the play pen. It is super important to articulate the
goal of the problem. It sets the tone for everything to follow. A lot of times students mess up
at this step, and that derails the whole problem! So please take a breath, and think through this
carefully before proceeding on any optimization problem.

(b) To help make sense of the problem. Draw a picture. Introduce some useful variables.

Solution. Here’s a picture and some variables that might be useful!

l House

(c) Express the thing we’re trying to maximize or minimize as a function of one variable. What’s the
domain of this function?
Solution. Once we have a goal that is clearly articulated and we have a understanding of what
the problem is asking, we can formulate a strategy. Because we want to optimize area we should
try and find a single variable function for the area of the play area. Once we have a single variable
function we can use the Closed Interval Test.
A = wl
Note that we start off with area the function of two variables, but in order to make use of the
calculus we have learned we need a function of one variable. We have 40 feet of fencing available
so there is a relationship between the variables
40 = 2w + l
40 − 2w = l
So we can find area as a function of w,
A(w) = w(40 − 2w)
What is the domain of this function? From the problem statement we know that 5 ≤ w. Since
there is only so much fencing, there is an upper bound to w too. That upper bound happens
when l is at its lower bound:
40 = 2w + 5
w = 17.5
So, our new goal is to optimize A(w) = w(40 − 2w) on the domain [5,17.5]

(d) Finish the problem by actually maximizing / minimizing the function you found in (c) on its
domain.
Solution. The critical points are the points where endpoints A0 (w) = 40 − 4w = 0 or w = 10.
There are no points where A0 (w) does not exist. We also need to consider the end points w = 17.5
and w = 5. To determine the maximum area we can now use the Closed Interval Test.
 w 5 10 17.5
A(w) 150 200 87.5

This shows the maximum area of 200 ft2 occurs when w = 10. We can also see that the minimum
area of 87.5 ft2 occurs when w = 17.5.

(e) Finally, go back and make sure you actually answered the question!
Solution. Done and dusted!

32. Walter is planning to buy a custom-made jewelry box for his mother’s next birthday. The box will have
a square base. The sides and bottom will be made out of mahogany, which costs 30 cents per square
inch. The top will be made out of maple, which costs 50 cents per square inch. Walter has $60 to
spend on the present and wants to get a box with the largest volume possible. What dimensions should
his box be?
Solution. We start by identifying our goal.
Goal: Maximize volume.
Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (volume of the box). To do this, we’ll
need to define some variables.
Define variables: This box has a square base; let s be the length of the sides of the
square and h be the height of the box. Let V be the volume of the box.
Formula for thing we’re trying to maximize:

V = s2 h.

(This is the area of the base times the height.)

Next, we want to express V as a function of just one variable. To do this, we need to relate s and h
using something we know.
We are told that the cost of the box is $60. Let’s work in cents:

6000 = cost of box (in cents)

= cost of top + cost of bottom + 4(cost of each side)

The top costs 50 cents per square inch, while all other sides cost 30 cents per square inch:

= (50)(area of top) + (30)(area of bottom) + 4(30)(area of each side)

= 50s2 + 30s2 + 4(30)sh
= 80s2 + 120sh

Now, we can solve this equation for h:

6000 = 80s2 + 120sh

 Divide both sides by 40 to make the numbers simpler:

150 = 2s2 + 3sh

150 − 2s2 = 3sh
150 − 2s2
=h
3s
50 2s
− =h
s 3
Plugging this into our volume formula gives

2s3
 
2 50 2s
V =s − = 50s −
s 3 3

Now, maximize! We want the critical points, so we should first find the derivative of V (s), which is
V 0 (s) = 50 − 2s2 . So, the critical points are where
50 − 2s2 = 0 (V 0 (s) is never undefined)
50 = 2s2
25 = s2
5=s
(s must be positive because it represents a length.)
But wait, we’re not done yet! We’ve found a critical point, but we still need to check that it’s the
absolute maximum.
Let’s use the Second Derivative Test: V 00 (s) = −4s, so V 00 (5) = −20 < 0. Therefore, 5 is a local
maximum. Since it’s the only critical point in our domain, it must be an absolute maximum as well.
50 2s
So, s = 5 is an absolute maximum. Since we found that h = − , the height when s = 5 is
s 3
50 2 · 5 20 20
− = . So, the dimensions for the box should be 5 inches × 5 inches × inches .
5 3 3 3

33. Piedmont Park is renovating the grounds. They want to include a beautiful fountain surrounded by a
walking path. The fountain will be in the shape of a rectangle. There will be a walking path in the
park to enjoy the fountain. The path will follow two opposite sides of the fountain and two semi-circles
on the other sides the rectangle. If the track around the fountain is going to be 440 yards long, what
dimensions would maximize the area the fountain?
Solution. We start by identifying our goal.
Goal: Maximize the area of the fountain.
Next it is helpful to draw a picture, and introduce some variables.

r
 Define variables: Let r be the radius of the semicircles and w be the width of the
rectangular portion of the track. Let A be the area of the rectangle (the thing we’re
trying to maximize).
Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (perimeter).
Formula for thing we’re trying to maximize: A = 2rw
Next, we want to express A as a function of just one variable. To do this, we must relate r and w
somehow, by using something else we’re told in the problem. We’re told that the track must be 440
yards long. In terms of r and w, the length of the track is 2πr + 2w, so

2πr + 2w = 440
2w = 440 − 2πr
w = 220 − πr (1)

Plugging this into our formula for A, we get A in terms of just r:

A(r) = 2r (220 − πr) .

Now, maximize! Ordinarily, we would find the critical points of A(r) and proceed from there. However,
there’s an easier way in this case: A(r) is a quadratic function,

and it’s easy to graph it from its factored
form: if we factor π out, we see that A(r) = 2πr 220 π − r , so the graph of A is a downward-opening
parabola with roots at r = 0 and r = 220 π :

220
π

110
The absolute maximum of this parabola occurs half-way between the roots, or at r = π ; from equation
110
(1), the corresponding value of w is 110. So, the track should have semicircles of radius π yards
and straight sides of length 110 yards .

34. For the holidays, Paul plans to give his friends gift boxes of his homemade caramel popcorn. He would
like to send each friend a box containing 240 cubic inches of popcorn, and he is trying to minimize the
cost of each box. Each box will be 6 inches tall and made out of holiday-themed paperboard costing 5
cents per square inch. In addition, Paul plans to wrap a bright red ribbon around each box as shown
(the ribbon is the dark black line in the picture). If the ribbon costs 45 cents per inch, what dimensions
should the box be to minimize Paul’s costs?

Solution. We start by identifying our goal.

Goal: Minimize the total cost.

Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (perimeter). To do this, we’ll need to
define some variables. First, we can break the total cost down a bit:
total cost = cost of paperboard + cost of ribbon

We’re given the cost per square inch of paperboard and the cost per inch of ribbon:

= (cost per square inch of paperboard)(area of paperboard)

+ (cost per inch of ribbon)(length of ribbon)
= (5 cents/square inch)(area of paperboard) + (45 cents/inch)(length of ribbon)
So, we can see that it would be useful to have variables for the dimension of the box.

Define variables: Let C be the total cost of the box. Let w and ` be the width and
length of the box, as shown:

`
w

Then, the total area of paperboard for the box is 2(w` + 6w + 6`), and the total length of the ribbon
is 2` + 12. Plugging this into our formula for cost, we get:
Formula for thing we’re trying to maximize: C = 5 · 2(w` + 6w + 6`) + 45(2` + 12) =
10w` + 60w + 150` + 540
Next, we want to express C as a function of just one variable. To do this, we must relate w and `
somehow, by using something else we’re told in the problem. We’re told that the box is to have a
volume of 240 cubic inches, so 6w` = 240, which means ` = 40
w . Plugging this into our formula for C
gives C in terms of just w:
 
40 40
C(w) = 10w + 60w + 150 · + 540
w w
6000
= 940 + 60w +
w
Now, minimize! We want the critical
points, so we should first find the derivative of C(w), which is
C 0 (w) = 60 − 6000w−2 = 60 1 − 100
w2 . This is undefined when w = 0; let’s figure out when it’s 0:

100
1=
w2
w2 = 100
w = ±10
Since we have multiple critical points, let’s take a moment to think about our domain; since w represents
the width of the box, it must be positive. The only critical point on the domain (0, ∞) is w = 10.
But wait, we’re not done yet! We’ve found a critical point, but we still need to determine whether it’s
the absolute minimum. Let’s use the Second Derivative Test here: C 00 (w) = 12,000w−3 , so C 00 (10) > 0.
Since w = 10 is the only critical point on (0, ∞), this shows that w = 10 must be the absolute minimum
on (0, ∞). So, Paul should make a box with w = 10 and ` = 4 . (Remember that we found earlier
that ` = 40
w .)

21
35. You have a wire of length 2 m, which you can bend either into a square or a circle. You also have
the option to cut the wire into two pieces, then bend one piece into a square and the other piece into a
circle. If you want to maximize the total area enclosed, what should you do? (That is, should you cut
the wire? How much wire should be devoted to each shape?)
Solution. We start by identifying our goal.
Goal: Maximize total area.

Next, we write a formula for the thing we’re trying to maximize (total area). To do this, we’ll need to
define some variables.
Define variables: Let A be the total area, r be the radius of the circle, and s be the side
length of the square.
Here, A is just the area of the circle plus the area of the square, which gives:

Formula for thing we’re trying to maximize: A = πr2 + s2 .

Next, we want to express A as a function of just one variable. To do this, we must relate r and s
somehow, by using something else we’re told in the problem. The key here is that the wire has length
2 m. The length of wire used for the circle is 2πr, while the length of wire used for the square is 4s.
So, 2πr + 4s = 2. If we solve this for s, we get s = 2−2πr
4 = 1−πr
2 . Plugging this into our formula for
A, we get A in terms of just r:
 2
2 1 − πr
A(r) = πr + .
2

Now, maximize! We want the critical points, so we should find the derivative of A(r). To do that, we
first need to expand our formula for A:

1 − 2πr + π 2 r2 π2
 
2 π 1
A(r) = πr + = π+ r2 − r + ,
4 4 2 4
 2

so A0 (r) = 2π + π2 r − π2 . This is never undefined, and it’s 0 when

π2
 
π
2π + r=
2 2
π/2
r= 2
2π + π2
π
=
4π + π 2
1
=
4+π
But wait, we’re not done yet! We’ve found a critical point, but we still need to determine whether it’s
the absolute maximum. Notice that A(r) is a quadratic, and its graph is an upward opening parabola
with only one place where A0 (r) = 0. That point is its absolute minimum.
To figure out where the absolute maximum of A occurs, we therefore need to think about the domain.
The smallest possible value of r is 0 (if we use all of the wire for the square). The largest possible
value of r occurs if we use all of the wire for the circle; in this case, 2πr = 2, so r = π1 . Thus, we want
to maximize A(r) on 0, π1 . Since the absolute maximum does not occur at the critical point, it must
 occur at one of the endpoints; to decide which, we simply see which gives the highest value of A:
1
A(0) =
  4
1 1
A =
π π

Of these, A π1 is greater, so the absolute maximum happens when r = 1

π. That is, we should
use all of the wire to form a circle .

36. You need to make a poster for your English 1101 class. Your professor insists that your poster has to
be 200 square inches and will have 1 inch margins on the sides, a 3 inch margin on the bottom and a
1 inch margin on the top. What dimensions will give the largest printed area?
Solution.

(a) Goal: Maximize the area of the printed area.

(b) Understand the problem: Below are some sketches of possible poster sizes with the margins drawn.
On the first picture, we have labeled the dimensions of the poster with x and y.
x

(c) Find a formula for the thing you are trying to maximize: The area of the printed region is

A = (x − 2)(y − 4)

(d) Get it down to a function of one variable: We want to find a single variable function. To accomplish
this we realize that since the poster has to have an area of 200 square inches there is a relationship
between the two variables.
xy = 200
200
x=
y
We can use this to find the area of the printed region as a function of one variable
200
A=( − 2)(y − 4)
y
800
A = 200 − 2y − +8
y
(e) Now maximize! We want to find a single variable function for the area of the printed area. The
domain of this function is [2, 50]. Now we find the critical points.
800
A0 = −2 +
y2
800
0 = −2 +
y2
2y 2 = 800
y 2 = 400
y = 20
To determine the nature of this critical point, we can make use of the second derivative test
1600
A00 = −
y3

A00 (20) < 20

This means that at y = 20 we have a local maximum. Since there is only one critical point and
the function is continuous on this domain, this local max is also a global maximum. If y = 20,
then x = 200
20 = 10.
37. Two cars are approaching an intersection. A red car, approaching from the north, is traveling 20 feet
per second and is currently 60 feet from the intersection. A blue car, approaching from the west, is
traveling 30 feet per second and is currently 80 feet from the intersection. At this moment, is the
distance between the two cars increasing or decreasing? How quickly?
Solution. Intuitively, since both cars are heading toward the intersection, they are getting closer to
each other, so the distance between the two cars should be decreasing.
At the moment described in the problem, the situation looks like this (the red and blue car are
represented by dots; the intersection is the +):

20 ft/s

60

30 ft/s

80
 Snapshot

However, the most important picture to draw is the “generic” one that shows how the situation could
look at an arbitrary time. Here’s a generic picture for this situation. We’ve labeled some variables in it:
x for the blue car’s distance from the intersection and y for the red car’s distance from the intersection.

Generic

Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.

dx
What we know: = −30 (the distance x is decreasing at a rate of 30 ft/s) and
dt
dy
= −20.
dt
What we want to know: Oops! We don’t yet have a variable for this. We are asked
how quickly the distance between the two cars is decreasing, so let’s go back and give a
variable name, z, to the distance between the two cars. Then, here is our new picture,
dz
and we’re looking for .
dt

z
y

x
dx dy
Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rates we know about are dt and dt , and the
rate we want to know is dz
dt , we try to relate x, y, and z.

We see a right triangle in our picture, so we can use the Pythagorean theorem to relate the lengths of
its sides:
Equation relating our variables: x2 + y 2 = z 2
dz
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should differ-
entiate it with respect to t.

12
 Now, we differentiate the relating equation with respect to t, using implicit differentiation:
d 2 d
(x + y 2 ) = (z 2 )
dt dt
dx dy dz
2x + 2y = 2z (1)
dt dt dt

Since we care about what happens at a specific moment, we can plug in our “snapshot” information.
dx dy
At the moment we are interested in, x = 80, y = 60, = −30, = −20, and z = 100 by the
dt dt
Pythagorean Theorem. Plugging this all in to the previous equation gives
dz
2(80)(−30) + 2(60)(−20) = 2(100) ,
dt
dz
so = −36. In words, the distance between the cars is
dt

decreasing at an instantaneous rate of 36 ft/s .

38. An oil tank in the shape of an inverted cone has height 10 m and radius 6 m. When the oil is 5 m
deep, the tank is leaking oil from the tip at a rate of 2 m3 per day. How quickly is the height of the oil
in the tank decreasing at this moment?
Note: The volume of a cone of radius r and height h is 13 πr2 h.

Solution. As usual, let’s start by drawing two pictures, a generic picture that applies at any time,
and a “snapshot” showing the situation at the time we care about. We’ll also label some variables in
the generic picture (the things labeled in red are changing).

6m 6m

r
10 m 10 m

h 5m

Generic Snapshot

Note that the radius and height of the tank are constant, but the radius and height of the oil change
as oil leaks out, so we assign variables to those.
Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.
What we know: If we let V represent the volume of oil (in cubic m) at time t (where
t is measured in days), then dV
dt = −2. (This rate is negative because the volume is
decreasing.)
dh
What we want to know: dt
 dV
Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rate we know is dt and the rate we want to
know is dh
dt , we try to relate V to h.

First, the volume V of oil is the volume of a cone with radius r and height h, so V = 13 πr2 h. We’d like
to get V in terms of just h, so we need to express r in terms of h. Here, the key is similar triangles:

6m

r
10 m

6 r 3h
From the similar triangles shown in blue, we get = , so r = . Plugging this into our equation
10 h 5
for V , we get
 2
1 3h 3π 3
Equation relating our variables: V = π h= h
3 5 25
dh
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should
differentiate with respect to t.
 
d d 3π 3
(V ) = h
dt dt 25
dV 9π 2 dh
= h
dt 25 dt
dV
At the moment we’re interested in, dt = −2 and h = 5:

9π dh
−2 = (25)
25 dt
dh 2
So, = − . So, at the time we’re interested in, the height of oil is
dt 9π

2
decreasing at 9π m/day

39. At noon, you are running to get to class and notice a friend 100 feet west of you, also running to class.
If you are running south at a constant rate of 450 ft/min (approximately 5 mph) and your friend is
running north at a constant rate of 350 ft/min (approximately 4 mph), how fast is the distance between
you and your friend changing at 12:02 pm?
Solution. As usual, let’s start by drawing two pictures, a generic picture that applies at any time,
and a “snapshot” showing the situation at the time we care about. We’ll also label some variables in
the generic picture.

Between noon and 12:02, you run (450 ft/min)(2 min) = 900 ft, and your friend runs (350 ft/min)(2
min) = 700 ft.
 friend at 12:02
friend at 12:02

700

friend at noon you at noon

friend at noon you at noon
100 z y

900

you at 12:02
you at 12:02 100
Snapshot (12:02) Generic

In the generic picture, we’ve let z be the distance (in feet) between you and your friend and y be the
“vertical” (north-south) distance (in feet) between you and your friend.
Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.
dy
What we know: dt = 450 + 350 = 800 ft/min
dz
What we want to know: dt

Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rates we know is dy dt and the rate we want to
know is dz
dt , we try to relate y and z. Using our generic picture, we see that we can relate our variables
using the Pythagorean Theorem:
Equation relating our variables: y 2 + 1002 = z 2
dz
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should differ-
entiate with respect to t.
d 2 d 2

y + 1002 =


z
dt dt
dy dz
2y = 2z
dt dt

We can simplify this a bit by dividing through by 2:

dy dz
y =z
dt dt

Now, we plug in the snapshot information and rate we know. To get z at the snapshot moment, we can
use the Pythagorean Theorem (or the relation y 2 + 1002 = z 2 that we got from using the Pythagorean
Theorem earlier):
p dz
1600(800) = 16002 + 1002
dt

dz 12800 12800
So, = √ ; that is, the distance between you and your friend is increasing at √ ft/min at
dt 257 257
12:02.

15
40. During a night run, an observer is standing 80 feet away from a long, straight fence when she notices
a runner running along it, getting closer to her. She points her flashlight at him and keeps it on him
as he runs.
When the distance between her and the runner is 100 feet, he is running at 9 feet per second. At
this moment, at what rate is she turning the flashlight to keep him illuminated? Include units in your
answer.

Solution. As usual, let’s start by drawing two pictures, a generic picture that applies at any time,
and a “snapshot” showing the situation at the time we care about. We’ll also label some variables in
the generic picture.

Snapshot Generic
runner x runner
fence fence

80 80
100
θ

observer observer

Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.

What we know: dx dt = −9 (negative because the man is getting closer to the observer,
so the distance x is decreasing)
dθ
What we want to know: dt
dx
Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rate we know is dt and the rate we want to
know is dθ
dt , we try to relate x and θ.
x
Equation relating our variables: tan θ = 80
dθ
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should differ-
entiate with respect to t.
d d x
(tan θ) =
dt dt 80
2 dθ 1 dx
sec θ =
dt 80 dt
80 4
Now, we plug in our snapshot information. In our snapshot, we can see that cos θ = 100 = 5, so
sec θ = 45 :

25 dθ 1
= (−9)
16 dt 80
dθ 9 16
=− ·
dt 80 25
9
=−
125

9
So, the observer must turn the flashlight at radians per second .
125
41. As you’re riding up an elevator, you spot a duck on the ground, waddling straight towards the base of
the elevator. The elevator is rising at a speed of 10 feet per second, and the duck is moving at 5 feet
per second towards the base of the elevator. As you pass the eighth floor, 100 feet up from the level of
the river, the duck is 200 feet away from the base of the elevator. At this instant, at what rate is the
distance between you and the duck changing?
Solution. As usual, let’s start by drawing two pictures, a generic picture that applies at any time,
and a “snapshot” showing the situation at the time we care about. We’ll also label some variables in
the generic picture.

Snapshot Generic
you you

z
100 y

duck duck
200 x

Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.

dy
What we know: dx dt = −5 (negative because x is decreasing) and dt = 10 (positive
because y is increasing)
dz
What we want to know: dt

dx dy
Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rates we know about are dt and dt , and the
rate we want to know is dz
dt , we try to relate x, y, and z.

Equation relating our variables: x2 + y 2 = z 2

dz
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should differ-
entiate with respect to t.
d 2 d 2

x + y2 =


z
dt dt
dx dy dz
2x + 2y = 2z
dt dt dt
Let’s divide by 2 to simplify the equation a little:

dx dy dz
x +y =z
dt dt dt
Plug in the snapshot information:
p dz
200 (−5) + 100(10) = 2002 + 1002
dt
dz
Solving, dt = 0 ft/s .

42. Kelly is flying a kite; the kite is 100 ft above the ground and moving horizontally away from Kelly. At
precisely 1 pm, Kelly has let out 300 ft of string, and the amount of string let out is increasing at a
rate of 5 ft/s. If Kelly is standing still, at what rate is the angle between the string and the vertical
increasing at 1 pm? (You may assume that the string is stretched taut so that it is a straight line.)
 Solution. As usual, let’s start by drawing two pictures, a generic picture that applies at any time,
and a “snapshot” showing the situation at the time we care about. We’ll also label some variables in
the generic picture.

Snapshot Generic
kite kite

100 100
300 s
θ
Kelly Kelly

Note that, since the kite flies horizontally, it is always 100 ft above the ground; that’s why we can label
the height as 100 in the generic picture.

Next, we figure out what we know and what we want to know.

ds
What we know: dt = 5 (positive because the amount of string is increasing)
dθ
What we want to know: dt
ds
Now, we try to relate variables. In this case, since the rate we know is dt and the rate we want to
know is dθ
dt , we try to relate s and θ.
100
Equation relating our variables: cos θ = s
dθ
Once we have our relating equation, we differentiate it. Since we are looking for dt , we should differ-
entiate with respect to t.
d d
100s−1


(cos θ) =
dt dt
dθ ds
− sin θ = −100s−2
dt dt

We plug in our snapshot information. By the Pythagorean Theorem, the width of the triangle in our
√ √ √ √
snapshot is 100 8 = 200 2, so sin θ = 200
300
2
= 2 2
3 in our snapshot:
√
2 2 dθ 100
− =− ·5
3 dt 3002
dθ 3 500
= √ ·
dt 2 2 3002
1
= √ radians per second
120 2

43. A 13-ft ladder is leaning against a house when its base starts to slide away. By the time the base is 12
ft from the house, the base is moving at a rate of 5 ft/sec.

(a) How fast is the top of the ladder sliding down the wall then?

(b) At what rate is the area of the triangle formed by the ladder, wall and ground changing then?
 (c) At what rate is the angle between the ladder and the ground changing then?

Solution. Caveat: We really want you to follow the problem solving framework that has been set up
in the previous problems as you work through these. This solution is a sketch, and you should work
to fill in the details you would need in order to get full credit on this problem!

a) Denote the base of the triangle by x, and the height of the triangle by y. We have x2 + y 2 = 132 .
dy
Taking derivative with respect to time yields 2x dx
dt + 2y dt = 0. At the moment we are interested in,
√
we know that dt = 5, x = 12 and y = 13 − 12 = 5, so 2 · 12 · 5 + 2 · 5 dy
dx 2 2 dy
dt = 0. So dt = −12 ft/sec.
dx dy
dt y+x dt
b) Denote the area of the triangle by A. We have A = xy dA
2 . So dt = 2 . Plugging in everything
5·5+12·(−12)
we know from the previous part, dAdt = 2 = −59.5 ft2 /sec.

c) Denote the angle by θ. We will use the equation tan θ = xy . After applying d 2 dθ
dt , we have sec (θ) dt =
dy dx
dt x− dt y 122 −12∗12−5∗5
x2 . At the moment we are interested in, we have cos(θ) = 12
13 .
So =dθ
dt 132 122 = −169
=132
−1 rad
sec .(Side note: The angle must be measured is radians for this computation to work! If we used
degrees instead of radians, we would have to change our trig derivative rule to [tan θ]0 = 180
π
sec2 (θ).)