Topic: The Derivatives and Its Applications

Derivative of f (x) as the gradient of the tangent to the graph of y=f (x ) at a point:

The process of finding the gradient of a curve at any point is called differentiation. The formula is called
dy
the derivative of y with respect to x and is denoted by .
dx
dy
=¿ Gradient of function
dx
For examples:

A curve has the equation y=x 2 +2 x . Find the gradient of tangent to the curve at (−3 , 3 ) .

Solution:
2
y=x +2 x

dy d ( x +2 x )
2
=
dx dx
dy
=2 x +2
dx
dy
Substitute x=−3 into ,
dx
dy
=2 (−3 ) +2
dx
( dydx ) x=−3
=−4

The gradient of tangent ¿−4

Derivative as rate of change:

dx
If two variables x and y both vary with another variable, say t , the rates of change with respect to t ,
dt
dy dy dx dy
and are related by = × (Chain Rule).
dt dx dt dt
For examples:

The radius of circle increases at a rate of 0.4 cm/s. Calculate the rate of increases in the area when the
radius is 4 cm.

Solution:

Let r cm and A cm2be the radius and the area of the circle respectively. It is given that the rate of
change of the radius is 0.4 cm/s.

dr
=0.4 cm/s
dt
2
A=π r
dA
=2 πr
dr
dA dA dr
= ×
dt dr dt
¿ 2 πr × 0.4
¿ 0.8 πr
When r =4 cm,

dA
=0.4 × π × 4
dt
dA
=1.6 π
dt
The rate of increase in the area is 1.6 π cm 2 /s .
 '
Use of standard notations f ( x ) , f ( x ) , ,
''
[ ( )]
dy d 2 y d dy
¿
dx d x 2 dx dx

' dy
f ( x )= =¿ First order derivative
dx

( )
2
'' d dy d y
(
f x=) = =¿ Second order derivative
dx dx d x 2

d x ( dx )
2 2
d y dy
≠ 2

For example:

Find f ( x )=3 x 3, find f ' ( x )and f '' ( x ).

Solution:

' dy
f ( x )=
dx

dy d ( 3 x )
3
=
dx dx
dy 2
=9 x
dx

f '' ( x )=
d dy
( )
dx dx

d ( 9 x2 )
¿
dx
¿ 18 x

Derivatives of x n, for any rational n , together with constant multiples, sums and differences
 n
dx n−1
=n x , where n is any rational number
dx
dkf ( x ) df (x)
=k
dx dx
n
d kx n−1
=k x ,
dx
d d d
dx
[ f ( x ) ± g ( x ) ]= f ( x ) ± g ( x )
dx dx
Derivatives of Trigonometry Function:

d n n−1
sin ( ax +b )=an sin ( ax +b ) cos ( ax+ b )
dx
d n n−1
cos ( ax+ b )=−an cos ( ax +b ) sin ( ax +b )
dx
d n n−1 2
tan ( ax+ b )=an tan ( ax +b ) sec ( ax +b )
dx
x
de x
=e
dx
d ln x 1
=
dx x
ax + b
de ax +b
=a e
dx

For examples:

1. Differentiate 4 x 8 with respect to x .

Solution:

d
( 4 x 8 )=4 ×8 x 8−1
dx
d
( 4 x 8 )=32 x 7
dx

4 1
2. Differentiate 4 x − 3
+2 x−1 with respect to x .
x
Solution:
d
dx (4 1
4 x − 3 + 2 x−1
x )
d
¿ ( 4 x 4−x−3 +2 x−1 )
dx
3 −4
¿ 16 x + 3 x +2
3 3
¿ 16 x + 4
+2
x

3. Differentiate sin3 ( 3 x−2 ) +cos x with respect to x .

Solution:

d
( sin 3 ( 3 x−2 ) +cos x )
dx
2
¿ 9 sin ( 3 x−2 ) cos ( 3 x−2 )−sin x

4. Differentiate tan
4
( 2x + π ) with respect to x.
Solution:

d
dx ( ( ))
tan
4 x
2
+π

¿ 4 tan3( x2 + π ) . 12 sec ( 2x + π)
2

¿ 2 tan ( + π ) sec ( + π )
3x 2 x
2 2

d
5. Evaluate ( sin3 x−cos π x 2 ).
dx
Solution:

d
( sin3 x−cos π x 2 )
dx
2 2
¿ 3 sin x cos x +sin π x .2 x
2 2
¿ 3 sin x cos x +2 x sin π x
 d −2 x−3
6. Evaluate (e + ln 3 x ).
dx
Solution:

d −2 x−3
(e + ln 3 x )
dx
−2 x−3 1
¿−2 e +3
3x
−2 x−3 1
¿−2 e +
x

Derivatives of products and quotients of functions

If u and v are function of x , then

d dv du
( uv )=u + v
dx dx dx
This is called product rule.

du dv
v −u
d u
()
dx v
=
dx
v
2
dx

This is called quotient rule.

For examples:

1. Differentiate 8 x 3 ( 2 x−3 )2 with respect to x .

Solution:

d
( 8 x 3 ( 2 x−3 )2)
dx
d d
¿8 x
3
( 2 x−3 )2 + ( 2 x−3 )2 ( 8 x3 )
dx dx
3 2 2
¿ 8 x × 2 ( 2 x−3 ) ×2+ ( 2 x−3 ) ×24 x
3 2 2
¿ 32 x ( 2 x−3 ) +24 x (2 x−3 )

3 x 2 +1
2. Differentiate with respect to x .
√2 x−4
Solution:

( )
2
d 3 x +1
dx √ 2 x−4

( )
2
d 3 x +1
¿
dx √ 2 x −4

d
√2 x−4 ( 3 x 2+1 ) −( 3 x 2+1 ) d ( √ 2 x−4 )
dx dx
¿ 2
( √2 x−4 )
2
√2 x−4 ( 6 x )−( 3 x 2+ 1 )
2 √2 x−4
¿
2 x−4
2
(3 x + 1)
6 x √ 2 x −4−
¿
√ 2 x −4
2 x−4
2
6 x ( 2 x−4 )−(3 x +1)
¿ 3
2
( 2 x −4 )
2 2
12 x −24 x−3 x −1
¿ 3
( 2 x−4 ) 2
2
9 x −24 x−1
¿
√ ( 2 x−3 ) 3

Use of Chain rule:

To find the derivative of composite function,

dy dy du
= ×
dx du dx
This is also called the Chain rule.

For example:

√
4
Differentiate ( 2 x −3 )5 with respect to x .

Solution:

d 4
( √( 2 x−3 )5 )
dx
 5
d 4
¿ ( 2 x−3 )
dx
5
4
d ( 2 x−3 ) d ( 2 x−3 )
¿ ×
d ( 2 x−3 ) dx
5
5 4
−1
¿ ( 2 x −3 ) ×2
4
1
5 4
¿ ( 2 x−3 )
2

Increasing and decreasing functions:

The function y=f (x ) said to be increasing function if y increases as x increases.

For this function, gradient is positive,

dy
>0
dx
The function y=f (x ) said to be decreasing function if y decreases as x increases.

For this function, gradient is positive,

dy
<0
dx
For examples:

3 11 2
1. Find the set of values of x for which f ( x )=2 x − x +4 x+10 is an increasing function.
2
Solution:

3 11 2
f ( x )=2 x − x +4 x+10
2
' 2
f ( x )=6 x −11 x +4
Since f ( x ) is an increasing function,
'
f ( x ) >0
2
6 x −11 x +4 >0
( 2 x−1 ) (3 x−4 )> 0
 1 4
2 3

1 4
x< or x >
2 3

1 3 2
2. Find the set of values of x for which f ( x )= x −2 x +3 x+20 is a decreasing function.
3
Solution:

1 3 2
f ( x )= x −2 x +3 x+20
3
' 2
f ( x )=x −4 x+ 3
Since f ( x ) is a decreasing function,
'
f ( x ) <0
2
x −4 x+3< 0
( x−1 ) ( x−3 ) <0

13

1< x <3
Stationary points (maximum and minimum turning points and stationary points of inflexion):

dy
If a point ( x 0 , y 0 ) is a stationary point of the curve y=f (x ), then =0, when x=x 0, that is the
dx
gradient of the tangent at x=x 0 is zero.

A stationary point can be maximum point, a minimum point or a point of inflexion.

Determining the nature of stationary points

First derivative test:

Maximum point:
−¿¿ +¿¿
x x0 x
dy ¿0 0 ¿0
dx
Slope

Stationary point

Minimum point:
−¿¿ +¿¿
x x0 x
dy ¿0 0 ¿0
dx
Slope

Stationary point
Point of Inflexion:
−¿¿ +¿¿
x x0 x
dy ¿0 0 ¿0
dx
Slope

Or,
−¿¿ +¿¿
x x0 x
dy ¿0 0 ¿0
dx
Slope

For examples:

A curve has the equation y=5 ( 2 x−3 )2 . Find the coordinates of the stationary point and deduce the
nature of the stationary point.

Solution:

dy d
= ( 5 ( 2 x −3 ) )
2
dx dx
¿ 15 ( 2 x −3 ) × 2
¿ 30 ( 2 x −3 )
dy
Let =0,
dx
30 ( 2 x−3 )=0
3
x=
2
3
When x= , y=0
2
To find the nature of stationary point, performing the first derivates test,

Minimum point:
 1.4 1.5 1.6
dy ¿0 0 ¿0
dx
Slope

Stationary point

Hence, ( 32 , 0) is the minimum point.

Use of second derivative test to discriminate between maxima and minima:
2
d y
If 2
<0, the stationary point is a maximum point.
dx
2
d y
If 2
>0, the stationary point is a minimum point.
dx
2
d y
If 2
=0 , the stationary point can be a maximum point, a minimum point or a point of inflexion. Use
dx
the first derivative to determine the nature.

For examples:

2 3 1 2
Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the curve y= x + x −15 x+ 5 and determine the
3 2
nature of these stationary points.

Solution:

2 3 1 2
y= x + x −15 x+ 5
3 2
dy 2
=2 x + x−15
dx
For stationary points,

dy
=0
dx
2
2 x + x−15=0
( x +3 ) ( 2 x−5 )=0
 5
x=−3 or x=
2
When x=−3 ,

2 3 1 2
y= (−3 ) + (−3 ) −15 (−3 ) +5
3 2
73
y=
2
5
When x= ,
2

() () ()
3 2
2 5 1 5 5
y= + −15 +5
3 2 2 2 2
−455
y=
24

The stationary points are −3 , ( 73

2 ) (
and
5 455
2
,−
24 )
2
d y
2
=4 x+ 1
dx
When x=−3 ,
2
d y
2
=4 (−3 ) +1
dx
2
d y
2
=−11<0
dx

5
When x= ,
2

()
2
d y 5
2
=4 +1
dx 2
2
d y
2
=11> 0
dx

(
Hence, −3 ,
73
2 )
is a maximum point.
( 52 ,− 455
24 )
is a minimum point.

Apply differentiation to gradients, tangents and normal, connected rates of change and maxima and
minima problems:
The figure shows a curve y=f (x ), where l 1 is the tangent to the curve at the point ( x 1 , y 1 ). The
dy dy
gradient of the tangent to the curve at any point x is given by . If the value of at ( x 1 , y 1 ) is m , the
dx dx
equation of the tangent is given by

y− y 1=m ( x−x 1 )

The line l 2 is perpendicular to the tangent and is called the normal to the curve at ( x 1 , y 1 ). If m ≠0 , the
−1
gradient of l 2 is given by and its equation is given by,
m

−1
y− y 1=
m
( x−x 1 )

dx
If two variables x and y both vary with another variable, say t , the rates of change with respect to t ,
dt
dy dy dx dy
and are related by = × (Chain Rule).
dt dx dt dt
For examples:

1. Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the curve y=3 x 3−4 x 2+ 8 at the point where
x=2.
Solution:
3 2
y=3 x −4 x + 8
dy 2
=9 x −8 x
dx
When x=2,

dy 2
=9 ( 2 ) −8 ×3
dx
¿ 12
And,
3 2
y=3 ( 2 ) −4 ( 2 ) +8
¿ 16
The gradient of tangent at (2 , 16) is 12.

Equation of tangent,

y−16=12 ( x−2 )
y=12 x−8
−1
The gradient of normal at (2 , 16) is .
12
Equation of normal,

−1
y−16= ( x−2 )
12
−1 1
y−16= x+
12 6
12 y+ x=194

2. A manufacturer makes closed right circular cylinders each with a volume of 48 π cm3. The material for
the top and bottom of the cylinder costs 4 cents per cm2 while that for the sides of the container costs 2
cents per cm2. Find the dimensions of the container that the manufacturer must use so that the const
will be a minimum assuming there is no wastage when construction the tin.

Solution:

Let the radius and height of the cylinder be r cm and h cm repectively.

2
π r h=48 π
48
h= 2 (1)
r
Cost function

C=4 ( 2 π r 2 ) +2 ( 2 πrh )

C=4 ( 2 π r ) +2 2 πr 2
2

r( ( ))
48

2 192 π
C=8 π r +
r
dC 192 π
=16 πr − 2
dr r
For C to be minimum,

dC
=0
dr
192 π
16 πr− 2
=0
r
3
r =12

r =√ 12 cm
3

48
h= 2 cm
( √12 )
3

2
d C 384 π
2
=16 π + 3
dr r
For r =√
3
12 cm,
2
d C
2
>0
dr
48
Hence, C is a minimum when r =√ 12 cm and h=
3
2 cm.
( √12 )
3

Basic Level

1. Differentiate 3 x 2 ( x2 −2) with respect to x .

Solution:

d
( 3 x 2 (x 2−2))
dx
d 2
¿3 x
2
( x −2 ) + ( x 2−2 ) d ( 3 x 2 )
dx dx

¿ 3 x 2 ( 2 x )+ ( x2 −2 ) ( 6 x )
3 3
¿ 6 x +6 x −12 x
3
¿ 12 x −12 x
 1
2. Differentiate with respect to x .
x( x¿¿ 2−2)¿
Solution:

d
¿
dx
d
¿ ¿
dx

d ( x −1 ) −1
¿(x ¿¿ 2−2) −x d ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
dx
−1 1
(x ¿¿ 2−2)× − ×2 x
x
2
x
¿ 2
¿
( x¿ ¿2−2) ¿
2
2−x
2
−2
x
¿ 2
(x ¿¿ 2−2) ¿
2 2
2−x −2 x
¿ 2 2
x ( x ¿¿ 2−2) ¿
2
2−3 x
¿ 2 2
x ( x ¿¿ 2−2) ¿

1
+ 4 √ x+ x with respect to x .
4
3. Differentiate
√2 x
Solution:

d
dx ( √ 12 x +4 √ x + x ) 4

( )
−1 1
d 1 2 4
¿ x +4 x 2 + x
dx √ 2

√ ( ) ( )
−1 1
1 −1 −1 1 −1
¿ x 2
+ 4 x 2 + 4 x3
2 2 2
 −1
1
¿− 3
+ 2 x +4 x3
2

2 √2 x 2

1 2 3
¿− + +4 x
3
√x
2 √2 x 2

4. Find the coordinates of the point on the curve y=−2 x 2−5 at which the gradient is 4 .

Solution:
2
y=−2 x −5
dy
=−4 x
dx
dy
When =4 ,
dx
−4 x=4
x=−1
When x=−1,
2
y=−2 (−1 ) −5=−7

Coordinates is (−1 ,−7 )

5 dy
5. If y=3 t +4 + , find the value of where t=2.
4 t−9 dt
Solution:

dy 5
=3 t+ 4+
dt 4 t−9
dy −1
=3+5 × ×4
dt ( 4 t−9 )2
dy 20
=3−
dt ( 4 t−9 )2
When t=2,
( )
dy
dt t =2
=3−
20
( 4 ×2−9 )2

( dydt )
t =2
=3−
20
( 4 ×2−9 )2

( dydt )
t =2
=−17

6. Find the gradient of the curve y=4 x 2−7 x−2 at the point where the curve crosses the y−¿axis.

Solution:
2
y=4 x −7 x−2
dy
=8 x−7
dx
Since the gradient of the curve crosses the y−¿axis, x=0

dy
=8 x−7
dx
dy
∴ =−7
dx

9
7. The normal to the curve y=4 x− at x=4 intesects the y−¿axis at the point P. Calculate the y−¿
x
axis coordinates of P.

Solution:

When x=4,

9 55
y=4 × 4− =
4 4
9
y=4 x−
x
dy 9
=4 + 2
dx x
When x=4,
dy 9
=4 + 2
dx 4
dy 73
=
dx 16

16
Slope of normal ¿−
73
∆ y −16
=
∆ x 73
55
−y
4 −16
=
4−0 73
y=14.6 (3 sf)

8. A cube is expanding in such a way that its sides are changing at a rate of 5 cm/s. Find the rate of
change of the total surface area of the cube when its volume is 120 cm3.

Solution:

da
=5 cm/s
dt
Volume ¿ 120 cm3
3
a =120
1
3
a=( 120 )
2
S=6 a
dS da
=12 a
dt dt
 1
dS 3
=12 × ( 120 ) ×5
dt
dS
=296 cm/s (3 sf)
dt

9. Find the set of values of x for which f ( x )=5−3 x−5 x 2 is a decreasing function.

Solution:
2
f ( x )=5−3 x−5 x
'
f ( x )=−3−10 x
Since f ( x ) is a decreasing function,
'
f ( x ) <0
−3−10 x <0
−10 x< 3
3
x>
10

3
<x<∞
10

10. The sum of the two numbers x and y is 40 . Find the maximum value of its product P, where P=xy .

Solution:

x + y=40 (1)

P=xy =x (40−x)
2
P=40 x−x
dP
=40−2 x
dx
For maximum value,

40−2 x=0
x=20
 2
d P
2
=−2
dx
Hence, x=20 has maximum value,

20+ y =40
y=20
P=xy =20 ×20=400

Intermediate Level

1. Given that the gradient of the tangent to the curve y=a x3 −b x 2+5 at the point (3 , 5) is 9 , calculate
the values of the constants a and b .

Solution:
3 2
y=a x −b x +5
dy 2
=3 a x −2 bx
dx
Since the gradient of the tangent at (3 , 5) is 9 ,
2
3 a ( 3 ) −2b ( 3 )=9
9 a−2 b=3 (1)

Since (3 , 5) is a point on the curve,

3 2
5=a ( 3 ) −b ( 3 ) +5
5=27 a−9 b+5
1
a= b (2)
3
1
Substitute a= b into (1),
3

9 ( 13 b)−2 b=3
b=3
 1
a= ( 3 )
3
a=1
∴ a=1 and b=3

−a b
2. The gradient of the curve y= + at point (−2 , 4 ) is 3. Find the values of the constants a and b .
x x
2

Solution:

−a b
y= +
x x
2

dy 2 a b
= −
dx x3 x 2

Since the gradient of the tangent at (−2 , 4) is 3,

2a b
3= −
(−2 ) (−2 )2
3

−a b
3= −
4 4
a+ b=−12 (1)

Since (−2 , 4) is a point on the curve,

−a b
4= +
(−2 ) −2
2

a+ 2b=−16
a=−16−2 b (2)

Substitute a into (1),

−16−2 b+b=−12
−b=−12+16
b=−4
Substitute b into (2),

a=−16−2 (−4 ) (2)

a=−8
∴ a=−8 and b=−4

2
4x
3. Calculate the coordinates of the points on the curve y= for which the tangent is parallel to the
3 x+ 2
x−¿axis.
Solution:
2
4x
y=
3 x+ 2
d
(3 x +2 ) ( 4 x 2 )−4 x 2 d ( 3 x +2 )
dy dx dx
=
dx (3 x +2 ) 2

2
dy 8 x ( 3 x+2 )−12 x
=
dx (3 x +2 )2
Since, tangent is parallel to the x−¿ axis,

dy
=0
dx
2
8 x ( 3 x+ 2 )−12 x
=0
( 3 x +2 )2

8 x (3 x +2 )−12 x 2=0
2 2
24 x +16 x−12 x =0
2
12 x +16 x=0
x (12 x +16 )=0
−4
x=0 or x=
3
When x=0 ,

1
y=
2
 −4
When x=
3

( )
2
−4
4
3
y=
3(
3 )
−4
+2

−32
y=
9

Coordinates are 0 , ( 12 ) and ( −43 ,− 329 ).

4. A rectangular box has a square base of side x cm. If the sum of one side of the square and the height
is 20 cm, express the volume of the box in terms of x . Use this expression to determine the maximum
volume of the box.

Solution:

h is the height of a rectangle,

x +h=20
h=20−x
Volume of the box V =x 2 h

¿ x 2 ( 20−x )
2 3
¿ 20 x −x

To find the maximum value of volume,

dV d 2 3
= (20 x −x )
dx dx
dV 2
=40 x−3 x
dx
For maximum value,

dV
=0
dx
2
40 x−3 x =0
 40
x=
3
2
d V
2
=40−6 x
dx
40
At x= ,
3
2
d V 40
2
=40−6 × < 0
dx 3

( ) ( )
2 3
40 40
Hence, Maximum volume of the box ¿ 20 −
3 3
3
¿ 1185.19 cm (2 dp)

5. There are 50 spherical marbles each of radius x cm and 70 spherical marbles each of radius y cm. If x
and y vary such that x + y=30 , find the value of x and y that will make the sum of the volumes a
minimum.

Solution:

x + y=30
y=30−x
The sum of the volumes 50 spherical marbles each of radius x cm and 70 spherical marbles each of
4
π ( 50 x +70 y )
3 3
radius y cm V =
3
4
V = π ( 50 x + 70 (30−x ) )
3 3
3
dV 4
= π ( 150 x −210 ( 30−x ) )
2 2
dx 3
2
d V 4
2
= π ( 300 x+ 420 ( 30−x ) )
dx 3
For maximum value,

dV
=0
dx
4
π ( 150 x −210 (30−x ) )=0
2 2
3
 2 2
150 x −210 ( 30−x ) =0
2 2
5 x −7 ( 30−x ) =0
2 2
5 x −6300+ 420 x−7 x =0
2
−2 x + 420 x−6300=0
∴ x=16.258 or 193.74

2
d V 4
2
= π ( 300 x+ 420 ( 30−x ) )
dx 3

When x=16.258 ,
2
d V 4
2
= π ( 300 ×16.258+ 420 ( 30−16.258 ) ) > 0
dx 3
Hence, at x=16.258 total volume is maximum.

y=30−16.258
y=13.742
∴ x=16.3 and y=13.7 (3 sf)

dy dy
6. Given that y= ( 4 x−3 )( x +1 )−1, find and the values of x for which =28.
dx dx
Solution:
−1
y= ( 4 x−3 )( x +1 )
( 4 x−3 )
y=
( x+1 )
d ( 4 x−3 ) d ( x +1 )
( x +1 ) −( 4 x−3 )
dy dx dx
=
dx ( x +1 ) 2

4 ( x +1 )−( 4 x−3 )
¿
( x+1 )2
 7
¿
( x+1 )2
Also,

dy
=28
dx
7
=28
( x+1 )2
1
( x +1 )2=
4
1
x +1=±
2
−1 −3
∴ x= or
2 2

7
7. The line x +3 y=5 meets the curve xy + y + =0 at the points P and Q . Calculate the gradient of the
3
curve at P and at Q .

Solution:

x +3 y=5
5−x
y=
3
5−x 5−x 7
x× + + =0
3 3 3
2
5 x−x + 5−x +7=0
2
−x + 4 x +12=0
2
x −4 x−12=0
( x−6 )( x +2 )=0
x=6 and x=−2

5−6 5−(−2 )
y= and y=
3 3
 −1 7
y= and y=
3 3

Hence point P 6 ,−( 1

3 ) 7
and Q −2 , ,
3 ( )
7
xy + y + =0
3
7
y ( x+1 )+ =0
3
−7
y=
3 ( x+ 1 )
dy 7
=
dx 3 ( x +1 )2

At point P ,

dy 7 1
= =
dx 3 ( 6+ 1 ) 21
2

At point Q ,

dy 7 7
= =
dx 3 (−2+1 ) 3
2

2 x−7
8. Find the values of x for which the gradient of the curve y= 2 is zero, giving your answers
x +2
correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution:

2 x−7
y= 2
x +2
( ) ( 2 )
( x 2 +2 ) d 2 x−7 − ( 2 x−7 ) d x + 2
dy dx dx
= 2
dx ( x +2 )
2
 2 ( x 2 +2 )−2 x ( 2 x−7 )
0= 2
( x 2+2 )
2 2
0=2 x + 4−4 x +14 x
2
0=−2 x +14 x + 4
2
2 x −14 x−4=0

14 ± √ 22 −4 ( 2 )(−4 )
x=
2 (2)

7+ √ 57 7− √57
x= or
2 2

9. A farmer has 600 m of fencing and wishes to make an enclosure of three equal rectangular sheep
pens, using a hedge as one of its sides as shown in the figure. Find the value of x and of y that will make
the total area enclosed a maximum.

Solution:

According to the question,

4 x+3 y =600
4
y=200− x
3
Area of the enclosed A=x ×3 y

4
(
A=x 200− x
3 )
4 2
A=200 x− x
3
dA 8
=200− x
dx 3
 2
d A −8
2
=
dx 3
For the maximum value of x ,

8
200− x=0
3
x=75
4
y=200− ( 75 )
3
y=100
∴ x=75 and y=100

10. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y=x 2−2 x +4 at the point where x=4. The tangent
at another point A on the curve is perpendicular to the tangent at x=4. Calculate the x−¿ coordinate
of A .

Solution:
2
y=x −2 x +4
dy
=2 x −2
dx
At x=4,

dy
=2 ( 4 )−2=6
dx
−1
Slope of tangent at another point A=
6
dy
=2 x −2
dx
−1
=2 x−2
6
11
2 x=
6
11
∴ x=
12
11. The curve y=a x3 −b x 2−c passes through the points (−4 , 2 ) and ( 0 , 6 ) . If the tangent to the curve
at the point x=1 is parallel to the x−¿ axis, find the values of a , b and c .

Solution:
3 2
y=a x −b x −c
Passes through the point (−4 , 2 ),
3 2
2=a (−4 ) −b (−4 ) −c
−64 a−16 b−c=2 (1)

Passes through the point ( 0 , 6 ) ,

3 2
6=a ( 0 ) −b ( 0 ) −c
c=6
3 2
y=a x −b x −c
dy 2
=3 a x −2 bx
dx
The tangent to the curve at the point x=1 is parallel to the x−¿ axis,
2
3 a ( 1 ) −2 b ( 1 )=0
3 a−2 b=0
2
a= b (2)
3
Substitute a and c into (1),

−64 ( 23 b)−16 b−6=2

−128
b−16 b=8
3
−3
b=
22
Substitute b into (2),

a= ( )
2 −3
3 22
 −1
a=
11

12. Variables x and y are connected by the equation 4 xy=145. If y is increasing at a rate of 4 units
per second, find the rate of change of x at the instant when y=20 units.

Solution:

4 xy=145
145
x=
4y
dx d 145
=
dt dt 4 y ( )
dx −145 dy
=
dt 4 y dt
2

dx −145
= ×4
dt 4 ( 20 )2

dx −29
∴ = units per second
dt 80

13. The height, h cm of a cone remains constant while the radius of the base is increasing at a rate of 8
cm/s. What is the rate of the change of the volume of the cone when the base radius is 50 cm.

Solution:

1 2
Volume of the cone V = π r h
3
2
dV 1 d r
= πh
dt 3 dt

dV 2 dr
= πhr
dt 3 dt
 dr
When =8 cm/s and r =50 cm
dt
dV 2
= πh× 50 ×8
dt 3
dV 800
= πh
dt 3

14. The profit function, P ( x ), of a manufacturing company producing x articles, can be modelled by the
function P ( x )=x 3−2 x2 −4 x−8. Find the range of values of x for which the profit is decreasing.

Solution:
3 2
P ( x )=x −2 x −4 x−8

P' ( x )=3 x 2−4 x−8

Since f ( x ) is a decreasing function,
'
P ( x ) <0
2
3 x −4 x −4 <0
( 3 x+ 2 )( x−2 )< 0

−2
2
3

−2
< x <2
3
 2
3x
15. The curve y= 2 has one stationary point.
2 x −1
dy −6 x
i) Show that dx = 2.
( 2 x 2−1 )
ii) Find the coordinates of the turning point and determine the nature of this turning point.

Solution:

i)
2
3x
y= 2
2 x −1

( 2) ( 2 )
( 2 x 2−1 ) d 3 x −( 3 x 2 ) d 2 x −1
dy dx dx
= 2
dx ( 2 x −1 )
2

6 x ( 2 x 2−1 )−3 x 2 ( 4 x )
¿ 2
( 2 x 2−1 )
3 3
12 x −6 x−12 x
¿ 2
( 2 x 2−1 )
−6 x
¿ 2
( 2 x 2−1 )

ii)

For turning points,

dy
=0
dx
−6 x
2
=0
( 2 x 2−1 )
x=0
2
3x
y= 2
2 x −1
When x=0 ,

y=0
dy −6 x
=
dx ( 2 x 2−1 )2
2
d ( 2 x −1 )
2
2 d (−6 x )
( 2 x2 −1 ) − (−6 x )
d2 y dx dx
2
= 4
dx ( 2 x 2−1 )
2
d 2 y −6 ( 2 x −1 ) +48 x ( 2 x −1 )
2 2 2

2
= 4
dx ( 2 x 2−1 )
When x=0 ,
2
d y −6 ( 2 ( 0 ) −1 ) + 48 ( 0 ) ( 2 ( 0 ) −1 )
2 2 2 2

=
d x2 ( 2 ( 0 )2−1 )
4

2
d y
2
=−6 <0
dx
Hence, turning point ( 0 , 0 ) is maximum point on the curve.

Advanced Level

1. The normal to the curve y=2 x 2 +kx +1 at the point (−1 , 2 ) is parallel to the line −x +3 y=10. Find
the value of k . Calculate the coordinates of the point where this normal meets the curve again.

Solution:
2
y=2 x +kx +1
dy
=4 x + k
dx
1
Slope of normal ¿−
4 x +k
At point (−1 , 2 ),

1
Slope of normal ¿−
−4+ k
Given line,

−x +3 y=10
 1 10
y= x +
3 3
Normal of the curve parallel to the line,

−1 1
=
−4 +k 3
−3=−4 +k
∴ k=1
Equation of normal,

1
y−2= ( x+ 1 )
3
1 7
y= x +
3 3
Curve y=2 x 2 +kx +1

So,

1 7 2
x + =2 x + x +1
3 3
2 2 4
2 x + x− =0
3 3
2
3 x + x −2=0
( x +1 ) (3 x−2 )=0
2
x=−1 and
3
1 7
y= x +
3 3

y= ()
1 2 7
+
3 3 3
23
y=
9

Hence, another point ( 23 , 239 )

2. The equation of a curve is
3 2
y=4 x +14 x −20 x−12
Find

(i) the gradient of the tangent at the point (−2 ,−3 ).

(ii) the x−¿ coordinate of the point at which the tangent of the curve is parallel to the tangent at
(−2 ,−3 ).
Solution:

(i)
3 2
y=4 x +14 x −20 x−12
dy 2
=12 x +28 x−20
dx
At the point (−2 ,−3 ),

dy 2
=12 (−2 ) +28 (−2 )−20
dx
¿−28
(ii)

dy 2
=12 x +28 x−20
dx
Tangent at (−2 ,−3 ) ¿−28
2
12 x +28 x−20=−28
2
12 x +28 x +8=0
( x +2 ) (3 x +1 )=0
−1
x=−2 and x=
3
−1
Hence, the x−¿ coordinate is
3

3. A viscous liquid is poured onto a flat surface. It forms a circular patch which grows at a steady rate of
8 cm2/s. Find, in terms of π ,
(i) the radius of the patch 25 seconds after pouring has commenced,

(ii) the rate of increase of the radius at this instant.

Solution:

(i)

dA
=8 cm2/s
dt
After 25 seconds,

A=8 ×25=200
2
π r =200

r=
√ 200
π

r =10
√ 2 cm
π

(ii)

We know,
2
A=π r
2
dA dr
=π
dt dt
dA dr
=2 πr
dt dt

8=2 π 10 ( √ π2 ) drdt
dr √2 π
= cm/s
dt 5

1 1 1
4. An important formula used in the study of light in Physics is = + , where f is the focal length of
f u v
the lens, u is the object distance and v is the image distance from the axis of the lens. For a particular
 1 1 1
lens, we have = + . Given that u is increasing at a rate 1.4 cm/s, calculate the rate of the change
30 u v
of v when u=40 cm.

Solution:

1 1 1
= +
30 u v
When u=40,

1 1 1
= +
30 40 v
1 1 1
= −
v 30 40
v=120 cm
1 1 1
= +
30 u v
Differentiating with respect to t ,

d 1
( ) () ()
=
d 1 d 1
+
dt 30 dt u dt v
−1 du 1 dv
0= − 2
u dt v dt
2

1 du −1 dv
= 2
u dt v dt
2

du
=1.4 cm/s and u=40
dt
1 −1 dv
× 1.4=
120 dt
2 2
40
dv
=−12.6 cm/s
dt

5. The curve y=a x3 +5 x 2 +24 x−b has a stationary point at ( 3 ,−4 ).

(i) Find the value of a and b .

(ii) Find the coordinates of the other stationary point.

(iii) Determine the nature of these two turning points.

Solution:

(i)
3 2
y=a x +5 x +24 x−b
dy 2
=3 a x +10 x +24
dx
At stationary point (3 ,−4),

dy
=0
dx
2
3 a ( 3 ) +10 ( 3 ) +24=0
a=−2
3 2
y=a x +5 x +24 x−b
3 2
−4=−2 ( 3 ) +5 ( 3 ) +24 (3 )−b
b=67

(ii)
3 2
y=−2 x +5 x +24 x−67
dy 2
=−6 x + 10 x +24
dx
At stationary point,

dy
=0
dx
2
−6 x +10 x +24=0
2
3 x −5 x−12=0
( x−3 )( 3 x+ 4 )=0
−4
x=3 ,
3
−4
When x= ,
3
 ( ) ( ) ( )
3 2
−4 −4 −4
y=−2 +5 +24 −67
3 3 3
2305
¿−
27

Hence, another stationary point ( −43 ,− 2305

27 )
.

(iii)

dy 2
=−6 x + 10 x +24
dx
2
d y
2
=−12 x+ 10
dx
When x=3
2
d y
2
=−12 ( 3 ) +10< 0
dx
Maximum point ( 3 ,−4 )

−4
When x=
3

( )
2
d y −4
2
=−12 +10> 0
dx 3

Minimum point (
27 )
−4 2305
,−
3

6. A vessel is in the shape of a right circular cone. The radius of the top is 10 cm and the height is 50 cm.
Water is poured into the vessel at a rate of 30 cm3 /¿s.
Calculate the rate at which the water level is rising when the water level is 15 cm from the vertex,

Solution:

dV
=30 cm3 /¿s
dt
R=10cm
H=50 cm
r R
=
h H
R
r= h
H
1 2
Volume of cone V = π r h
3

( )
2
1 R
V= π h h
3 H

2
1 R 3
V= π 2 h
3 H
2
dV 1 R 2 dh
= π 3h ×
dt 3 H 2 dt
2
1 10 2 dh
30= π × 2 3 ( 15 ) ×
3 50 dt
2
dh 30 ×3 ×50
= cm/s
dt π ×10 2 × 3× 152
dh 10
= cm/s
dt 3 π
7. A wire of length 130 cm is bent to form the perimeter of a frame ABCEDEF ,where ABF and CDE
are equilateral triangles of side x cm and BC=EF= y cm.

(i) Express y in terms of x .

(ii) Show that the total area of ABCDEF , Z cm2, is given by Z= ( √23 −2) x +65 x
2
.

(iii) Find the value of x for which Z will be a maximum, leaving your answer in the form a+ b √ 3 , where
a and b are constants.
Solution:

(i)

AB+ BC +CD+ DE + EF + FA=130

x + y + x+ x+ y+ x =130
2 y +4 x=130
y=65−2 x
(ii)

Area of ABF and CDE , equilateral triangles of side x cm,

¿2×
√3 × x 2 cm2
4

¿
√3 × x 2 cm2
2
Area of BCEF ,

¿ xy
Total area,

Z=xy +
√3 × x 2
2
¿ x (65−2 x )+ √ × x2
3
2

¿ ( √23 −2) x +65 x

2

(iii)

Z= ( √23 −2) x +65 x

2

=2 ( √ −2) x+ 65
dZ 3
dx 2

d2 Z
dx
2
2(
=2 √ −2 <0
3
)
For maximum value of x ,

2 ( √23 −2) x +65=0

x=20+5 √ 3
Where a=20 and b=5.

8. A man is at a point A along a straight road APB. He is to travel along AP, then along PQ, to reach a
point Q which is out in a field. Given that AB=100 m and BQ=45 m, if he can run from A to P at a
speed of 10 m/s and at 8 m/s from P to Q , find the distance AP so that he will be able to reach Q in
the shortest time.

Solution:

Let AP=x ,

BP=100−x
PQ=√ ( 100−x ) +45 2
2

Time taken from P to Q

PQ AP
T= + '
v v

T=
√( 100−x ) + 45 +
2 2
x
8 10
dT −1 2 ( 100−x ) 1
= × +
dx 8 2 √ ( 100−x ) +45 10
2 2

For minimum time,

dT
=0
dx
−1 2 ( 100−x ) 1
× + =0
8 2 √ ( 100−x )2+ 452 10

( 100−x ) 4
=
√( 100−x ) + 452 5
2

2 2
25 ( 100−x ) =16 (100−x ) + 32400
2
9 ( 100−x ) =32400

( 100−x )2 =3600
100−x=60
x=40 m

9. A cylinder is placed inside a sphere of radius 12 cm. If the height of the cylinder is 4 x cm, assuming
that the curved edges of the cylinder touch the surface of the sphere, show that the volume of the
cylinder is 4 πx ( 144−x 2 ) cm3. Find the value of x for which there is a maximum volume. Hence, find
the maximum volume of the cylinder corrected to 2 decimal places.
Solution:

Using Pythagoras’ Theorem,

√
Radius of cylinder R= 122− ( 2 x )2=√ 144−4 x 2

Volume of cylinder V =π R2 H

2 2
¿ π ( √ 144−4 x ) 4x

¿ 4 πx ( 144−4 x2 ) (shown)
3
V =576 πx−16 π x
dV 2
=576 π−48 π x
dx
2
d V
2
=−96 πx
dx

For maximum value,

2
576 π−48 π x =0
2
x =12
x=± 2 √ 3

For x=2 √ 3,
2
d V
2
=−96 π × 2 √ 3<0
dx
Hence, maximum value of x ¿ 2 √ 3

Maximum volume ¿ 4 π × 2 √ 3 ( 144−4 ( 2 √ 3 ) )

2

¿ 4178.99 cm3 (2 dp)

10. A right circular cone of base radius r cm and height h cm fits exactly into a sphere of internal radius
12 cm.
(i) Express r in terms of h .

2 1 3
(ii) If the volume of the cone is V cm3, show that V =8 π h − π h .
3
(iii) Find the maximum volume of cone in terms of π .

Solution:

(i)

From the figure,

Using Pythagoras’ Theorem,
2 2 2
12 =( h−12 ) +r
2 2 2
r =12 −( h−12 )
2 2
r =144−h + 24 h−144

r =√ 24 h−h2

(ii)

1 2
Volume of cone V = π r h
3
1 2 2
¿ π ( √ 24 h−h ) h
3
1
¿ πh ( 24 h−h )
2
3
2 1 3
¿ 8 π h − π h (shown)
3

(iii)

2 1 3
V =8 π h − π h
3
dV 2
=16 πh−π h
dh
2
d V
2
=16 π−2 πh
dh

For stationary value,

dV
=0
dh
2
16 πh−π h =0
h ( 16−h )=0
h=0 and 16
When h=16 cm,
 2
d V
2
=16 π−2 π ( 16 ) <0
dh
Hence, Volume will maximum when h=16 cm

2 1 3 2048
Maximum volume ¿ 8 π (16 ) − π ( 16 ) = π cm3
3 3