FDIFICAC

Differential and Integral Calculus

Chapter 3
Applications of Derivatives
Table of Contents
3.1 Equations of Tangents and Normals ......................................................................................................... 1

3.2 Angle Between Two Curves...................................................................................................................... 2

3.3 Increasing and Decreasing Functions........................................................................................................ 4

3.4 Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function ......................................................................................... 5

3.5 Significance of the Second Derivative....................................................................................................... 7

3.6 Applications of Maxima and Minima........................................................................................................ 9

3.7 Related Rates ........................................................................................................................................ 11

3.8 Rectilinear Motion ................................................................................................................................. 13

3.9 L’hopital’s Rule ...................................................................................................................................... 15

After careful study of this chapter, students should be able to do the following:
1. Explain the concept of a tangent line to a curve and derive its equation using derivatives.
2. Compute the curvature of a curve at a given point and find the equation of the normal line.
3. Apply derivatives to solve geometric optimization problems.
4. Solve real-world problems using derivatives.
5. Apply the L’hopital’s rule.

3.1 Equations of Tangents and Normals

The line 𝑇 is the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑃! (𝑥! , 𝑦! ). The other line 𝑁 perpendicular to 𝑇 at 𝑃! is called
the normal to the curve.

If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is differentiable at 𝑥! , i.e., 𝑓(𝑥! ) exists, then:

1. The tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑃! (𝑥! , 𝑦! ) is the line through 𝑃! with slope 𝑓 " (𝑥! ).

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2. The normal to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) at 𝑃! (𝑥! , 𝑦! ) is the line through 𝑃! and perpendicular to the
tangent at 𝑃! .

The equation of the tangent is given by the point-slope form of the equation of a straight line:

𝑦 − 𝑦! = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥! ) where 𝑚 is the value of 𝑦 " at 𝑥 = 𝑥! or 𝑚 = 𝑓 " (𝑥! )

The equation of the normal is:

!
𝑦 − 𝑦! = − # (𝑥 − 𝑥! ) where 𝑚 is the value of 𝑦 " at 𝑥 = 𝑥! or 𝑚 = 𝑓 " (𝑥! )

Example 3.1. Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 $ at the point (2,8).

Solution:

𝑦 = 𝑥$

𝑦 " = 3𝑥 %

slope of the tangent

𝑚 = 𝑦 " (2,8) = 3(2)% = 12

equation of the tangent

𝑦 − 𝑦! = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥! )

𝑦 − 8 = 12(𝑥 − 2) →→→ 𝑦 − 8 = 12𝑥 − 24 →→→ 12𝑥 − 𝑦 − 16 = 0

equation of the normal

1 1
𝑦 − 𝑦! = − (𝑥 − 𝑥! ) →→→ 𝑦−8=− (𝑥 − 2)
𝑚 12

12(𝑦 − 8) = −(𝑥 − 2) →→→ 12𝑦 − 96 = −𝑥 + 2 →→→ 𝑥 + 12𝑦 − 98 = 0

3.2 Angle Between Two Curves

The angle between two curves at a point of intersection may be defined as the angle between their tangents
at this point of intersection. If the tangents are not perpendicular to each other, then such tangents form a pair
of acute angles and a pair of obtuse angles. The acute and obtuse angles are supplementary.

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The curves 𝑦 = 𝑓! (𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑓% (𝑥) intersect at point 𝑃& (𝑥& , 𝑦& ). Let 𝜃! and 𝜃% be the inclination of the
tangents 𝑇! and 𝑇% at 𝑃& respectively. Let 𝜙 be the angle between these tangents and as well the angle
between the curves. By inspection, 𝜃% = 𝜃! + 𝜙. Then, 𝜙 = 𝜃% − 𝜃! .

tan 𝜃% − tan 𝜃!
tan 𝜙 = tan(𝜃% − 𝜃! ) =
1 + tan 𝜃% tan 𝜃!

Let 𝑚! and 𝑚% be the slopes of 𝑇! and 𝑇% respectively. Then 𝑚! = tan 𝜃! and 𝑚% = tan 𝜃% . Then,

𝑚% − 𝑚!
tan 𝜙 = = =
1 + 𝑚% 𝑚!

where the values of 𝑚! and 𝑚% are given by the derivatives of the functions at 𝑃& (𝑥& , 𝑦& ).

𝑑
𝑚! = [𝑓 (𝑥)] at 𝑃&
𝑑𝑥 !

𝑑
𝑚% = [𝑓 (𝑥)] at 𝑃&
𝑑𝑥 %

Example 3.2. Find the acute angle of intersection between the curves 𝑥 % = 8𝑦 and 𝑥𝑦 = 8.

Solution:

point of intersection

solve the two equations simultaneously:

𝑥 % = 8𝑦
8
𝑥𝑦 = 8 →→→ 𝑦=
𝑥

8 64
𝑥% = 8 A B →→→ 𝑥% = →→→ 𝑥 $ = 64
𝑥 𝑥

𝑥=4
' '
when 𝑥 = 4, 𝑦 = = = 2
( )

Therefore, the point of intersection is at 𝑃(4,2)

curve 𝑥 % = 8𝑦

differentiating implicitly with respect to 𝑥,

2𝑥 𝑥
2𝑥 = 8𝑦 " →→→ 𝑦" = =
8 4
𝑥 4
𝑚! = 𝑦 " (4,2) = = =1
4 4

curve 𝑥𝑦 = 8

differentiating implicitly with respect to 𝑥,

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𝑦
𝑥𝑦 " + 𝑦 = 0 →→→ 𝑦" = −
𝑥

𝑦 2 1
𝑚% = 𝑦 " (4,2) = − =− =−
𝑥 4 2

angle between the two curves

1
𝑚% − 𝑚! −2 − 1
tan 𝜙 = = ==C C = |−3| = 3
1 + 𝑚% 𝑚! 1
1 + D− 2E (1)

𝜙 = 71.57°

3.3 Increasing and Decreasing Functions

The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be increasing if the value of 𝑦 increases as the value of 𝑥 increases. The
function is increasing at the intervals [𝑎, 𝑏], [𝑐, 𝑑], [𝑑, 𝑒].

The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is said to be decreasing if the value of 𝑦 decreases as the value of 𝑥 increases. the
function is decreasing at the interval [𝑏, 𝑐].

The point where the tangent is horizontal or where 𝑓 " (𝑥) = 0 is called a critical point and the value of the
abscissa of this point is called a critical value or critical number. The function is said to be stationary at a critical
point. Points 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 are critical points. The point at which the tangent is vertical or where 𝑓 " (𝑥) does not
exist is also called critical point.

Let 𝐼 = [𝑎, 𝑏] be any interval where 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is continuous and which does not contain any critical value of
𝑓(𝑥).

1. If 𝑓 " (𝑥) > 0 for all 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏, then 𝑓(𝑥) is increasing in the interval 𝐼.

2. If 𝑓 " (𝑥) < 0 for all 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏, then 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing in the interval 𝐼.

Example 3.3. Find the interval where the function defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 $ − 6𝑥 % + 9𝑥 − 3 is (a) increasing and
(b) decreasing.

Solution:

Determine the critical number(s):

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Differential and Integral Calculus
𝑓 " (𝑥) = 3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9

The critical numbers are where the derivative equals zero

𝑓 " (𝑥) = 0

3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9 = 0 →→→ 𝑥 % − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0

(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) = 0

Therefore, 𝑥 − 1 = 0 →→→ 𝑥=1

or
𝑥−3=0 →→→ 𝑥=3

The critical numbers are 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥=3

For the interval (−∞, 1]

trial value = 0

𝑓 " (0) = 3(0)% − 12(0) + 9 = 9

since 𝑓 " is positive, then the function is increasing at the interval (−∞, 1]

For the interval [1,3]

trial value = 2

𝑓 " (2) = 3(2)% − 12(2) + 9 = −3

since 𝑓 " is negative, then the function is decreasing at the interval [1,3]

For the interval [3, +∞)

trial value = 4

𝑓 " (4) = 3(4)% − 12(4) + 9 = 9

since 𝑓 " is positive, then the function is increasing at the interval [3, +∞)

3.4 Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function

First-Derivative Test (FDT)

1. The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is a maximum for 𝑥 = 𝑎 if

𝑦 " > 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑎

𝑦 " = 0 for 𝑥 = 𝑎

𝑦 " < 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑎

2. The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is a minimum for 𝑥 = 𝑎 if

𝑦 " < 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑎

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𝑦 " = 0 for 𝑥 = 𝑎

𝑦 " > 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑎

Example 3.4. Given: 𝑦 = 𝑥 $ − 6𝑥 % + 9𝑥 − 3

Find: (a) the values of 𝑥 for which the function is a maximum or a minimum,

(b) the maximum or minimum value of the function and

(c) the maximum or minimum point of the curve.

Solution:

Determine the critical number(s):

𝑦 " = 3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9

The critical numbers are where the derivative equals zero

𝑦" = 0

3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9 = 0 →→→ 𝑥 % − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0

(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) = 0

Therefore, 𝑥 − 1 = 0 →→→ 𝑥=1

or
𝑥−3=0 →→→ 𝑥=3

The critical numbers are 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥=3

a. Values of 𝑥 where 𝑦 is a maximum or minimum

check if 𝑥 = 1 is a maximum or minimum value using FDT:

when 𝑥 < 1, 𝑦 " (0) = 3(0)% − 12(0) + 9 = 9 (𝑦 " is positive)

when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 " (1) = 0

when 𝑥 > 1, 𝑦 " (2) = 3(2)% − 12(2) + 9 = −3 (𝑦 " is negative)

Therefore, 𝑦 is maximum when 𝑥 = 1

check if 𝑥 = 3 is a maximum or minimum value using FDT:

when 𝑥 < 3, 𝑦 " (2) = 3(2)% − 12(2) + 9 = −3 (𝑦 " is negative)

when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦 " (3) = 0

when 𝑥 > 1, 𝑦 " (4) = 3(4)% − 12(4) + 9 = 9 (𝑦 " is positive)

Therefore, 𝑦 is minimum when 𝑥 = 3

b. Maximum or minimum value of 𝑦

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when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑦(1) = (1)$ − 6(1)% + 9(1) − 3 = 1

𝑦 = 1 is the maximum value of the function

when 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦(3) = (3)$ − 6(3)% + 9(3) − 3 = −3

𝑦 = −3 is the minimum value of the function

c. Maximum or minimum point of the curve

max point (1,1)

min point (3, −3)

3.5 Significance of the Second Derivative

V! W
The second derivative ( ! or 𝑦 "" ) measures the rate of change of the slope of the curve.
VX

1. The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is concave upward if 𝑦 "" > 0 and concave downward if 𝑦 "" < 0.

2. The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is concave downward at a maximum point and concave upward at a minimum
point.

Second Derivative Test (SDT)

1. The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is a maximum at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if 𝑓 " (𝑎) = 0 and 𝑓 "" (𝑎) < 0.

2. The function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is a minimum at 𝑥 = 𝑎 if 𝑓 " (𝑎) = 0 and 𝑓 "" (𝑎) > 0.

Note: If 𝑓 "" (𝑎) = 0 or if 𝑓 "" (𝑎) does not exist, then SDT fails, the FDT can be used instead.

Point of Inflection Test (PIT)

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> <
1. If 𝑓 "" (𝑎) = 0 and if 𝑓(𝑥) 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑎 and 𝑓(𝑥) 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑎, then 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection
< >
at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

2. If 𝑓 "" (𝑎) = 0 and if 𝑓 """ (𝑎) ≠ 0, then 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

Example 3.5.1. Find the value of 𝑥 for which the function 𝑦 = 𝑥 $ − 6𝑥 % + 9𝑥 − 3 is a maximum or a
minimum.

Solution:

𝑦 = 𝑥 $ − 6𝑥 % + 9𝑥 − 3

𝑦 " = 3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9

𝑦 "" = 6𝑥 − 12

The critical numbers are where the derivative equals zero

𝑦" = 0

3𝑥 % − 12𝑥 + 9 = 0 →→→ 𝑥 % − 4𝑥 + 3 = 0

(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) = 0

Therefore, 𝑥 − 1 = 0 →→→ 𝑥=1

or
𝑥−3=0 →→→ 𝑥=3

The critical numbers are 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥=3

when 𝑥 = 1,

𝑦 "" (1) = 6(1) − 12 = −6 (𝑦 "" is negative)

therefore the function is a maximum when 𝑥 = 1

when 𝑥 = 3,

𝑦 "" (3) = 6(3) − 12 = 6 (𝑦 "" is positive)

therefore the function is a minimum when 𝑥 = 3

Example 3.5.2. Find the values of 𝑥 for which the curve of 𝑦 = 𝑥 ) − 4𝑥 $ has points of inflection.

Solution:

𝑦 = 𝑥 ) − 4𝑥 $

𝑦 " = 4𝑥 $ − 12𝑥 %

𝑦 "" = 12𝑥 % − 24𝑥

possible points of inflection: values of 𝑥 when 𝑦 "" = 0

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12𝑥 % − 24𝑥 = 0 →→→ 12𝑥(𝑥 − 2) = 0

12𝑥 = 0 →→→ 𝑥=0

𝑥−2=0 →→→ 𝑥=2

Point of Inflection Test

> <
1. If 𝑓 "" (𝑎) = 0 and if 𝑓(𝑥) 0 for 𝑥 < 𝑎 and 𝑓(𝑥) 0 for 𝑥 > 𝑎, then 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection
< >
at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

For 𝑥 = 0 : when 𝑥 < 0, 𝑦 "" (−1) = 12(−1)% − 24(−1) = 36 > 0

when 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦 "" (1) = 12(1)% − 24(1) = −12 < 0

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0

For 𝑥 = 2 : when 𝑥 < 2, 𝑦 "" (1) = 12(1)% − 24(1) = −12 < 0

when 𝑥 > 2, 𝑦 "" (3) = 12(3)% − 24(3) = 36 > 0

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 2

2. If 𝑓 "" (𝑎) = 0 and if 𝑓 """ (𝑎) ≠ 0, then 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 𝑎.

𝑦 """ = 24𝑥 − 24

For 𝑥 = 0 : 𝑦 """ (0) = 24(0) − 24 = −24 ≠ 0

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 0

For 𝑥 = 2 : 𝑦 """ (2) = 24(2) − 24 = 24 ≠ 0

Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) has a point of inflection at 𝑥 = 2

3.6 Applications of Maxima and Minima

The methods of determining the maximum or minimum value of a function have a wide variety of applications
in science, engineering, geometry, economics, and other disciplines concerned with maxima and minima. The
following are the suggested steps in solving maxima-minima problems:

1. Draw a figure whenever necessary and denote the variable quantities by 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧, etc.

2. Identify the quantity to be maximized or minimized and express it in terms of other variable
quantities. If possible, express this quantity in terms of one independent variable.

3. Find the first derivative of the function and set it to zero. The roots of the resulting equation are the
critical numbers which will give the desired maximum or minimum value of the function. (Note: The
critical number which gives a maximum or a minimum value may be verified by SDT. However, in
practice, the desired value can be selected at once by inspection.)

Example 3.6.1. A long strip of tin 30 cm wide is to be made into a gutter with rectangular cross section by
turning up equal widths along the edges. Find the depth of the gutter which yields the greatest carrying
capacity.

Solution:

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Let 𝑥 = depth of the gutter

𝑦 = base of the rectangular cross section

𝐴 = area of the rectangular cross section

maximize 𝐴:

𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦 but 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 30 →→→ 𝑦 = 30 − 2𝑥

𝐴 = 𝑥(30 − 2𝑥) = 30𝑥 − 2𝑥 %

for maximum 𝐴,

𝑑𝐴 𝑑
=0 →→→ (30𝑥 − 2𝑥 % ) = 30 − 4𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

30 − 4𝑥 = 0 →→→ 𝑥 = 7.5 cm

Example 3.6.2. A closed cylindrical tank is to be made with a fixed volume. Find the relative dimensions of the
tank which will require the least amount of material in making it.

Solution:

Let 𝐴 = total surface area of the tank

𝑉 = fixed volume of the tank

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 % ℎ

note: 𝑉 is constant

𝑉
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 % ℎ →→→ ℎ=
𝜋𝑟 %

minimize 𝐴:

𝑉
𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 % + 2𝜋𝑟ℎ →→→ 𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 % + 2𝜋𝑟 A % B
𝜋𝑟

2𝑉
𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 % +
𝑟

for maximum 𝐴,

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𝑑𝐴 𝑑 2𝑉 𝑑
=0 →→→ A2𝜋𝑟 % + B = 0 →→→ (2𝜋𝑟 % + 2𝑉𝑟 *! ) = 0
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑑𝑟

2𝑉
4𝜋𝑟 − 2𝑉𝑟 *% = 4𝜋𝑟 − =0
𝑟%

4𝜋𝑟 $ − 2𝑉
=0 →→→ 4𝜋𝑟 $ − 2𝑉 = 0 →→→ 𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑟 $
𝑟%

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 % ℎ and 𝑉 = 2𝜋𝑟 $

𝜋𝑟 % ℎ = 2𝜋𝑟 $ →→→ ℎ = 2𝑟

3.7 Related Rates

!" !"
If 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), then is the rate of change of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥. Similarly, if 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑡), then is the rate of
!# !$
!"
change of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑡. If 𝑡 denotes the time, then referred to as the time rate of change of 𝑦. Also,
!$
!#
is the time rate of change of 𝑥.
!$

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
= ∙
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡
!"
To find of the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), get the derivative of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥 and then multiply the result by
!$
!#
!$
∙

In solving time rate problems, it is important to observe that all quantities which change with respect to time
must be denoted by letters. Do not substitute the numerical values of such variable until after differentiation
with respect to the time 𝑡 is done.

Example 3.7.1. Water is poured into a conical tank 6 m across the top and 8 m deep at the rate of
10 m$ ⁄min. How fast is the water level rising when the water in the tank is 5 m deep?

Solution:

𝑟 = radius of the water surface

ℎ = depth of the water

𝑉 = volume of the water

Given:

𝑑𝑉
= 10 m$ ⁄min
𝑑𝑡

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Required:

𝑑ℎ
=? when ℎ = 5 m
𝑑𝑡

Volume of a cone:

1
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 % ℎ
3

by ratio and proportion,

𝑟 3 3ℎ
= →→→ 𝑟=
ℎ 8 8

1 3ℎ % 1 9ℎ% 9𝜋ℎ$
𝑉 = 𝜋A B ℎ = 𝜋j kℎ =
3 8 3 64 3(64)

3𝜋ℎ$
𝑉=
64

𝑑𝑉 3𝜋 𝑑ℎ 9𝜋ℎ% 𝑑ℎ
= l3ℎ% m =
𝑑𝑡 64 𝑑𝑡 64 𝑑𝑡

when ℎ = 5,

9𝜋(5)% 𝑑ℎ 𝑑ℎ 10(64)
10 = →→→ =
64 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 9𝜋(25)

𝑑ℎ 128
=
𝑑𝑡 45𝜋

Example 3.7.2. A ship 𝐴 is 20 km west of another ship 𝐵. If 𝐴 sails east at 10 km⁄hr and at the same time 𝐵
!
sails north at 30 km⁄hr, find the rate of change of the distance between them at the end of % hr.

𝑠 = distance between the ships

𝑥 = distance travelled by ship 𝐴

𝑦 = distance travelled by ship 𝐵

Given:

𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
= 10 km⁄hr = 30 km⁄hr
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

Required:

12 Chapter 3 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Applications of Derivatives
 FDIFICAC
Differential and Integral Calculus
𝑑𝑠
=?
𝑑𝑡
! !
from Physics, 𝑥 = 𝑣+( 𝑡 + % 𝑎( 𝑡 % and 𝑦 = 𝑣+, 𝑡 + % 𝑎, 𝑡 %

-( -,
𝑣+( = = 10 km⁄hr 𝑣+, = = 30 km⁄hr 𝑎( = 𝑎, = 0 (constant velocity)
-. -.

!
when 𝑡 = % hr

𝑑𝑥 1 𝑑𝑦 1
𝑥= × 𝑡 = 10 A B = 5 km y= × 𝑡 = 30 A B = 15 km
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡 2

𝑠 % = (20 − 𝑥)% + 𝑦 % →→→ 𝑠 % = 400 − 40𝑥 + 𝑥 % + 𝑦 %

applying implicit differentiation with respect to 𝑡,

𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
2𝑠 = 0 − 40 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑦
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
! -( -,
at 𝑡 = % hr, 𝑥 = 5, 𝑦 = 15, -. = 10, -. = 30, and 𝑠 = t(20 − 5)% + 15% = 15√2

𝑑𝑠
2v15√2w = −40(10) + 2(5)(10) + 2(15)(30)
𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑠
= 10√2 𝑘𝑚⁄ℎ𝑟
𝑑𝑡

3.8 Rectilinear Motion

A body which moves in a straight line is said to be moving in rectilinear motion. If the moving body is small in
comparison to the distance it covers, then it is customarily referred to as a particle.

Let 𝑠 be the directed distance of a particle 𝑃 from a fixed point 𝑂 on a coordinate line. If the motion of 𝑃 along
the line is given by the equation 𝑠 = 𝑓(𝑡), then the velocity 𝑣 and the acceleration 𝑎 are defined as follows:

∆𝑠 𝑑𝑠
𝑣 = lim =
∆.→& ∆𝑡 𝑑𝑡

∆𝑣 𝑑𝑣
𝑎 = lim =
∆.→& ∆𝑡 𝑑𝑡

The velocity is the time rate of change of the distance while the acceleration is the time rate of change of the
velocity. The absolute value of the velocity is called the speed of the particle.

The sign of the velocity determines the direction of motion of a particle 𝑃 relative to its starting point.

a. If 𝑣 > 0, the particle 𝑃 is moving to the right.

b. If 𝑣 < 0, the particle 𝑃 is moving to the left.

The sign of acceleration determines whether the velocity increase with time.

13 Chapter 3 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Applications of Derivatives
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Differential and Integral Calculus
a. If 𝑎 > 0, the velocity 𝑣 is increasing.

b. If 𝑎 < 0, the velocity 𝑣 is decreasing.

Example 3.8.1. A particle moves along a straight line so that after 𝑡 seconds its displacement 𝑠 in meters from
a fixed reference point 𝑂 on the line is given by 𝑠 = −4𝑡 $ + 30𝑡 % − 48𝑡 + 12. Determine:

a. The velocity of the particle when 𝑡 = 3 s.

b. The acceleration of the particle when 𝑡 = 3 s.
c. The displacement during the interval from 𝑡 = 2 s to 𝑡 = 5 s.

Solution:

displacement function:

𝑠 = −4𝑡 $ + 30𝑡 % − 48𝑡 + 12

velocity function:

𝑑𝑠
𝑣= = −12𝑡 % + 60𝑡 − 48
𝑑𝑡

acceleration function:

𝑑𝑣
𝑎= = −24𝑡 + 60
𝑑𝑡

a. velocity of the particle when 𝑡 = 3 s

𝑣 = −12𝑡 % + 60𝑡 − 48 = −12(3)% + 60(3) − 48 = 24 m⁄s

b. acceleration of the particle when 𝑡 = 3 s

𝑎 = −24𝑡 + 60 = −24(3) + 60 = −12 m⁄s%

c. displacement during the interval from 𝑡 = 2 s to 𝑡 = 5 s

when 𝑡 = 2 s, 𝑠% = −4𝑡 $ + 30𝑡 % − 48𝑡 + 12 = −4(2)$ + 30(2)% − 48(2) + 12 = 4 m

when 𝑡 = 5 s, 𝑠1 = −4𝑡 $ + 30𝑡 % − 48𝑡 + 12 = −4(5)$ + 30(5)% − 48(5) + 12 = 22 m

𝑑 = 𝑠1 − 𝑠% = 22 − 4 = 18 m

Example 3.8.2. A body is thrown vertically upward from the ground with an initial velocity of 29.26 m⁄s. Find
the maximum height attained by the body.

Solution:

!
From Physics, 𝑦2 = 𝑦+ + 𝑣,+ 𝑡 + 𝑎, 𝑡 % 𝑦+ = 0 𝑣,+ = 29.26 m⁄s 𝑎, = −𝑔 = −9.81 m⁄s%
%

let ℎ = maximum height attained by the body

1
𝑦2 = ℎ = 0 + 29.26𝑡 + (−9.81)𝑡 % = 29.26𝑡 − 4.905𝑡 %
2

velocity function:

14 Chapter 3 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Applications of Derivatives
 FDIFICAC
Differential and Integral Calculus
𝑑ℎ
𝑣= = 29.26 − 9.81𝑡
𝑑𝑡

at the maximum height, 𝑣 = 0, then

29.26 − 9.81𝑡 = 0 →→→ 𝑡 = 2.98 s

therefore, ℎ = 29.26𝑡 − 4.905𝑡 % = 29.26(2.98) − 4.905(2.98)% = 42.76 m

3.9 L’hopital’s Rule

%(#) ) *
The L’hopital’s Rule (LHR) states that to evaluate the limit of the fraction that takes the form or at 𝑥 =
((#) ) *
% 3 (#)
𝑎, differentiate the numerator and denominator separately and then take the limit of the new fraction . In
(3 (#)
) *
case, this new fraction assumes again the form or , the process may be repeated, that is, reapply LHR.
) *

If lim 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, then

(→4 (→4

lim 𝑓(𝑥) lim 𝑓 " (𝑥)

(→4
= (→4 "
lim 𝑔(𝑥) lim 𝑔 (𝑥)
(→4 (→4

provided the latter limit exists.

((6$)! *8
Example 3.9.1. Evaluate lim ∙
(→& %(

Solution:

(𝑥 + 3)% − 9 (0 + 3)% − 9 0
lim = = (indeterminate form)
(→& 2𝑥 2(0) 0

applying LHR:

(𝑥 + 3)% − 9 2(𝑥 + 3) 2(0 + 3) 2(3) 6

lim = lim = = = =3
(→& 2𝑥 (→& 2 2 2 2
( " *'
Example 3.9.2. Evaluate lim ∙
(→% ( ! *)

Solution:

𝑥 $ − 8 2$ − 8 8 − 8 0
lim = % = = (indeterminate form)
(→% 𝑥 % − 4 2 −4 4−4 0

applying LHR:

𝑥$ − 8 3𝑥 % 3(2)% 3(4) 12
lim = lim = = = =4
(→% 𝑥 % − 4 (→% 2𝑥 2(2) 4 3

15 Chapter 3 MARLON T. ACOBA, MSCE, M.ASEP

Applications of Derivatives