LESSON 26: Theoretical Applications of the Derivative

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
- Bruce Lee

O.M. “We know the mathematical giants credited with the founding of calculus – Sir Isaac
Newton and Gottfried Leibniz. We know and understand the theoretical foundations of the
derivative. We also know many different rules regarding differentiation techniques, including
differentiating from first principles. Now we must apply all these, to the process of solving
classic theoretical problems in calculus. Let us begin.”

26.1 TANGENTS AND NORMALS

Recall: A tangent is a line which intersects a curve at exactly one point.
A normal is a line, passing through the centre of a circle, which is perpendicular to the
tangent of that circle.

Example 1: The equation of a curve is given by y = 3x2 – 2x + 1

(i) Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point P(2, 9)
(ii) Find the normal to the curve at P.

Solution:
(i) Differentiate to obtain the gradient function(derivative) :
𝑑𝑦
= 6x – 2 //Several differentiation rules applied here.//
𝑑𝑥
Calculate gradient of the tangent at (2, 9):
𝑑𝑦
|x = 2 = 6(2) – 2 = 10
𝑑𝑥
Determine equation of tangent:
Using y – y1 = m (x – x1 ) , where m = 10 and (x1 , y1) = (2, 9) , we get,
y – 9 = 10 (x – 2)
⇒ y = 10x – 11
Hence, equation of the tangent at P (2, 9) is y = 10x – 11
 (ii) Since gradient of tangent at P (2, 9) is 10,
1
⇒ gradient of normal at P is − //By theory of perpendicular lines.//
10
1
Using y – y1 = m (x – x1 ) , where m = − and (x1 , y1) = (2, 9) , we get,
10
1
y–9=− (x – 2)
10
1 1
⇒y= − x +9
10 5
⇒ x + 10y = 92 //Multiply thru by 10 and transpose.//
Hence, equation of the normal at P (2, 9) is x + 10y = 92

26.2 STATIONARY POINTS

A stationary point (also called turning point) on a curve is a point where the gradient is zero.
Therefore, the tangent of a curve drawn at such a point is always a horizontal straight line.
The graphs below illustrate different types of turning points.

For Fig 1. We note the following:

• The sign of the gradient of the curve moves from positive (+) to negative (-)
• The gradient of the curve at point (a, f (a)) is 0.
• P (a, f(a)) is a maximum point.

For Fig 2. We note the following:

• The sign of the gradient of the curve moves from negative (- ) to positive (+)
• The gradient of the curve at point (a, f (a)) is 0.
• P (a, f(a)) is a minimum point.
 Fig 3(a). Point of inflexion (positive gradient)

Fig 3(b). Point of inflexion (negative gradient)

In Fig. 3(a), we note the following:

• The sign of the gradient of the curve is positive (+) throughout.
• The gradient of the curve at point (a, f (a)) is 0.
• P (a, f(a)) is a neither a maximum nor minimum point.

In Fig. 3(a), we note the following:

• The sign of the gradient of the curve is negative (-) throughout.
• The gradient of the curve at point (a, f (a)) is 0.
• P (a, f(a)) is a neither a maximum nor minimum point.
From the graphs above, we can collect the following facts:
• If a curve contains a minimum point, the sign of the gradient changes from negative to
positive.
• If a curve contains a maximum point, the sign of the gradient changes from positive to
negative.
• If a curve contains a point of inflexion, then the sign of the gradient does not change.

These facts form the basis of the derivative tests which are used to determine the nature of
stationary points.

26.3 DERIVATIVE TESTS FOR STATIONARY POINTS

First derivative test
This test is used to locate stationary points and determine their nature.

Example 2:
(a) Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve y = x2 – 4x + 7.
(b) Determine the nature of the stationary point.
Solution:
(a) y = x2 – 4x + 7. //By data. //
𝑑𝑦
= 2x – 4 //By differentiation. //
𝑑𝑥
At a stationary point, the gradient is 0, so we equate the derivative to 0
⇒ 2x – 4 = 0
⇒x=2
When x = 2, y = (2)2 – 4(2) + 7 //Note the equation of the curve is used to
determine the y-coordinate.//
= 4–8+7= 3
Hence, coordinates of the stationary point are (2, 3)

(b) //We can determine this using a table to analyze sign changes(if any) before and
after the stationary point, using the derivative.//
 Value of x Gradient Sign
𝑑𝑦 Because stationary
( = 2x – 4)
𝑑𝑥 point occurs at x = 2.
At stationary point,
1 2(1) – 4 = - 2 Negative
gradient is 0 and 0 is
2 2(2) – 4 = 0 N/A neither positive nor
3 2(3) – 4 = 2 Positive negative.

Based on the table above, the sign of the gradient changes from negative to positive.
⇒ the stationary point is a minimum point.

Second derivative test

This test is an alternative method for determining the nature of stationary points.

Example 3:
(a) Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve y = 5 + 12x – 3x2
(b) Determine the nature of the stationary point.

Solution:
(a) y = 5 + 12x – 3x2 //By data.//
𝑑𝑦
= 12 – 6x //By differentiation. //
𝑑𝑥
Let 12 – 6x = 0 //Because this is true at the stationary point. //
Then x = 2
When x = 2, y = 5 + 12(2) – 3(2)2 //Note the equation of the curve is used to
determine the y-coordinate.//
= 5 + 24 – 12 = 17
Hence, coordinates of the stationary point are (2, 17)

nd
𝑑2 𝑦
(b) Using the 2 derivative
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦
= 12 – 6x
𝑑𝑥
𝑑2 𝑦
=-6 ( < 0 , negative)
𝑑𝑥 2
 ⇒ there was a sign change from positive to negative.
⇒ the stationary point is a maximum point.

TAKE-AWAYS
• The derivative can be used to find the equation of tangents and normals.
• A stationary point (also called turning point) on a curve is a point where the gradient is
zero.
• If a curve contains a minimum point, the sign of the gradient changes from negative to
positive.
• If a curve contains a maximum point, the sign of the gradient changes from positive to
negative.
• If a curve contains a point of inflexion, then the sign of the gradient does not change.
• First derivative test : This test is used to locate stationary points and determine their
nature.
• Second derivative test : This test is an alternative method for determining the nature of
stationary points.