DIFFERENTIATION

At the end of this section, students should be able to:

Ø use the concept of the derivative at a point 𝑥 = 𝑐 as the gradient of the tangent to the
graph at 𝑥 = 𝑐;
"#
Ø use the 𝑓 ! (𝑥) and "$ notation for the first derivative of 𝑓(𝑥);
"
Ø use 𝑥 % = 𝑛𝑥 %&' where 𝑛 is any real number;
"$
" "
Ø use "$ sin 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝑎𝑥 and "$ cos 𝑎𝑥 = −𝑎 sin 𝑎𝑥
Ø use simple rules of derivatives to find derivatives of sums and multiples of functions;
Ø calculate derivatives of polynomials and trigonometric functions;
Ø apply the chain rule in the differentiation of composite functions;
Ø differentiate products and quotients of simple polynomials and trigonometric functions;
Ø use the concept of the derivative as a rate of change;
Ø use the concept of stationary points;
Ø locate stationary points, maxima and minima, by considering sign changes of the
derivative;
Ø calculate the second derivative, 𝑓 !! (𝑥);
Ø interpret the significance of the sign of the second derivatives;
Ø use the sign of the second derivative to determine the nature of stationary points;
Ø obtain equations of tangents and normal to curves.

121 | P a g e
Differentiation focuses on the rate of change. How does a change in one quantity affect
another quantity? For example, how does changing the price of an item affect the number of
sales of that item? There are many applications of differentiation but we want to primarily
focus on the process of differentiation.

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE
!
is the differential operator which indicates that we are differentiating with respect to 𝑥.
!"
!#
means that we are differentiating 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥.
𝑑𝑥
!$
means that we are differentiating 𝐴 with respect to 𝑡.
𝑑𝑡
"#
Alternately, for functions of the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), "$ can be written as 𝑓 ! (𝑥) or 𝑦′.
𝑑
𝑎𝑥 % = 𝑛𝑎𝑥 %&'
𝑑𝑥
The basic form of differentiation involves the multiplication by the power, 𝑛, and then
reducing the power by 1.
"#
LESSON 1 Determine "$ for each of the following

1. 𝑦 = 𝑥( 3. 𝑦 = √𝑥 5. 𝑦= "
*
+$ !
2. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ) 4.
'
𝑦 = ($ !

SOLUTION
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥(
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 (&' = 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

2. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 )
𝑑𝑦
= 3(5)𝑥 )&' = 15𝑥 *
𝑑𝑥

3. Rewrite function using indices

'
𝑦 = √𝑥 = 𝑥 (
𝑑𝑦 1 '&' 1 &'
= 𝑥 (= 𝑥 (
𝑑𝑥 2 2
!# %
This can be optionally rewritten as
!"
= &√".

122
4. Rewrite so that the term with 𝑥 is NOT in the denominator.
1 1
𝑦= ,
= 𝑥 &,
2𝑥 2
NB: The 2 in the denominator remained since the power of 3 is only associated with the
𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 1 3
= −3 b c 𝑥 &,&' = − 𝑥 &*
𝑑𝑥 2 2
Rewrite using positive indices, if desired.
3
⟹−
2𝑥 *
5. Rewrite function so that term in 𝑥 is NOT in the denominator.
4 ,
𝑦= " = 4𝑥 &)
√𝑥 ,
𝑑𝑦 3 , 12 -
= − (4)𝑥 &)&' = − 𝑥 &)
𝑑𝑥 5 5
Rewrite using roots, if desired.
12
⟹− "
5√𝑥 -

DIFFERENTIATION WORKSHEET

"#
1. Determine "$ for each of the following.

(a) 𝑦 = 𝑥 . (i) 𝑦 = $ $&

'
(q) 𝑦 = !
'
+$ #
(b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 - !
(j) 𝑦 = 𝑥 # (r) 𝑦 = 10𝑥 &)
/
(c) 𝑦 = 𝑥 '
'
(k) 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! (s) 𝑦 = ($ !
(d) 𝑦 = 1
# (,$)# ×$ %
(e) 𝑦 = 𝑥 &* (l) 𝑦 = 𝑥 &" (t) 𝑦 = $
(f) 𝑦 = 𝑥 &. (m) 𝑦 = √𝑥
(
(g) 𝑦 = $ # (n) 𝑦 = √𝑥 ,
' !
(h) 𝑦 = $ $% (o) 𝑦 = √𝑥
(p) 𝑦 = %√𝑥

123 | P a g e
THE DERIVATIVES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
The table below shows the derivatives of two of the trigonometric functions. It is useful to
commit these to memory.

FUNCTION DERIVATIVE
sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥
cos 𝑥 − sin 𝑥
sin 𝑎𝑥 𝑎 cos 𝑎𝑥
cos 𝑎𝑥 −𝑎 sin 𝑎𝑥

PROPERTIES OF DERIVATIVES
𝑑 𝑑
[𝑐 𝑓(𝑥)] = 𝑐 p 𝑓(𝑥)q
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑓(𝑥) ± 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
"#
LESSON 1 Find "$ in each of the following cases.
1
1. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ) + 𝑥 (
2
2. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 , − √𝑥 + 2 sin 𝑥
12 2
3. 𝑦 = 7𝑥 * + −"
𝑥 √𝑥 (
4. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 3)( − 5 cos 𝑥
(2𝑥 − 3)(
5. 𝑦 =
𝑥
SOLUTION
Differentiate each term separately
'
1. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ) + ( 𝑥 (
𝑑𝑦
= 15𝑥 * + 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

'
2. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 , − 𝑥 # + 2 sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1 '
= 15𝑥 ( − 𝑥 &( + 2 cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 1
= 15𝑥 ( − + 2 cos 𝑥 Optional step
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

#
3. 𝑦 = 7𝑥 * + 12𝑥 &' − 2𝑥 &"
𝑑𝑦 4 .
= 28𝑥 , − 12𝑥 &( + 𝑥 &)
𝑑𝑥 5

124
 𝑑𝑦 12 4
= 28𝑥 , − ( + " Optional Step
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 5 √𝑥 .

4. 𝑦 = 4𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 + 9 − 5 cos 𝑥 = 4𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 + 9𝑥 / + 5 cos 𝑥

𝑑𝑦
= 8𝑥 − 12 − 5(− sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
= 8𝑥 − 12 + 5 sin 𝑥

5. Rewrite function
4𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 + 9
𝑦=
𝑥
9
𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 12𝑥 / +
𝑥
𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 12𝑥 / + 9𝑥 &'
Now we can differentiate
𝑑𝑦
= 4 − 9𝑥 &(
𝑑𝑥
Optional step
𝑑𝑦 9
=4− (
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

"#
2. Find "$ in each of the following cases.

(a) 5𝑥 + 3 '3
(i) 𝑥 ( +
$
(b) 𝑥 , − 6𝑥 + 2 3
(j) 4𝑥 + $ #
, (
(c) 2𝑥 − 9𝑥 − 12𝑥 + 2
(.
(k) 10𝑥 + $ #
(d) 9𝑥 ( − 𝑥 *
(e) 6𝑥 , + √𝑥 − 3 %(" 4 )*" 5 )%
(l)
&" 5
'
(f) 𝑥 ) + )*
$# (m) + 8𝑥 (
$
,
(g) √𝑥 +
$ (n) (2𝑥 + 1)(5𝑥 − 7)
(
(h) 𝑥 + $ # (o) 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(1 − 5𝑥)

125 | P a g e
DIFFERENTIATION RULES

The Chain Rule

𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥)]% = 𝑛[𝑓(𝑥)]%&' 𝑓 ! (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
y𝑓z𝑔(𝑥){| = 𝑓 ! z𝑔(𝑥){𝑔! (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

LESSON 1 Differentiate each of the following.

'
1. 𝑦 = (3𝑥 + 5)) 2. 𝑦 = (4𝑥 + 𝑥 &) )! 3. 𝑦 = √𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 8
SOLUTION
1. 𝑦 = (3𝑥 + 5))
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 5 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 3
𝑑𝑦
= 5(3𝑥 + 5)* (3)
𝑑𝑥
= 15(3𝑥 + 5)*

'
2. 𝑦 = (4𝑥 + 𝑥 &) )!
𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 𝑥 &) ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 4 − 5𝑥 &3
𝑑𝑦 1 (
= (4𝑥 + 𝑥 &) )&, (4 − 5𝑥 &3 )
𝑑𝑥 3
𝑑𝑦 4 − 5𝑥 &3
= ! Optional Step
𝑑𝑥 3 }(4𝑥 + 𝑥 &) )(

3. 𝑦 = √𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 8
'
𝑦 = (𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 8)(
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 8 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 5
𝑑𝑦 1 ( '
= (𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 8)&( (2𝑥 + 5)
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 2𝑥 + 5
=
𝑑𝑥 2 √𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 8

LESSON 2 Differentiate
2
√5𝑥 − 7
SOLUTION
2
𝑦=
√5𝑥 − 7
'
= 2(5𝑥 − 7)&# Rewrite, applying the properties of indices.

126
𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥 − 7 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 5
!
"#
= −(5𝑥 − 7)&# (5) Differentiate, using the Chain Rule.
"$

𝑑𝑦 5
=−
𝑑𝑥 }(5𝑥 − 7),

LESSON 3 Determine the derivative of each of the following

1. 𝑦 = sin 2𝑥 2. 𝑦 = −3 sin(4𝑥 − 1) 3. 𝑦 = 5 cos(5𝑥)
SOLUTION
1. Compare sin 2𝑥 with 𝑓z𝑔(𝑥){ to see that 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 2
Substitute into
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑓 ! z𝑔(𝑥){𝑔! (𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= cos(2𝑥) × 2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 2 cos 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

2. 𝑦 = −3 sin(4𝑥 − 1)
𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 1 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 4
𝑑𝑦
= −3[cos(4𝑥 − 1) × 4]
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= −12 cos(4𝑥 − 1)
𝑑𝑥

3. 𝑦 = 5 cos(5𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = − sin 𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 5
𝑑𝑦
= 5[− sin(5𝑥) × 5]
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= −25 sin(5𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

127 | P a g e
3. Differentiate each of the following.
(a) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 6)* (j) 𝑦 = (3𝑥 ( + 1)*
(b) 𝑦 = (5 − 7𝑥)) (k) 𝑦 = (2 − 𝑥 ) )6
(c) 𝑦 = (2𝑥 − 9)) (l) 𝑦 = (1 − 𝑥 ( )'/
(d) 𝑦 = (4𝑥 ) − 2𝑥 + 5)* (m) 𝑦 = (𝑥 ( + 6𝑥 + 4))
(e) 𝑦 = (6𝑥 ( + 5). (n) 𝑦 = (3𝑥 ( − 6𝑥 + 1)&.
(f) 𝑦 = (1 − 2𝑥 ) ), (o) 𝑦 = √𝑥 ( − 4𝑥
(g) 𝑦 = (4𝑥 , − 1)* (p) 𝑦 = √4𝑥 ( + 9
!
( #
(h) 𝑦 = (3 + 𝑥 ) (q) 𝑦 = √1 − 5𝑥
,
(i) 𝑦 = (6𝑥 − 1)
4. Differentiate each of the following.
(a) 𝑦 = cos(2𝑥) (f) 𝑦 = 3 − cos(3𝑥 − 5)
(b) 𝑦 = sin 4𝑥 (g) 𝑦 = 6𝑥 &, + 2 cos 𝑥
(c) 𝑦 = 4 cos(3𝑥) (h) 𝑦 = −3 cos 𝑥 + 2√𝑥
(d) 𝑦 = sin 10𝑥 (i) 𝑦 = 25 + 4 sin 𝑥
(e) 𝑦 = 2 + cos(2𝑥 + 1) (j) 𝑦 = cos 6𝑥
5. Differentiate, with respect to, 𝑥,
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = sin( 𝑥 (d) 𝑓(𝑥) = cos( 𝑥
(b) 𝑓(𝑥) = sin( 3𝑥 (e) 𝑦 = (6 − sin 2𝑥),
(c) 𝑓(𝑥) = sin( (2𝑥 + 3) (f) 𝑦 = (4𝑥 − cos(3𝑥)))
' "#
6. Given that 𝑦 = , cos, 𝑥 − cos 𝑥, show that "$ = sin, 𝑥.
&'7√,,
7. Given that 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 + sin 2𝑥, show that for 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 0, cos 𝑥 = -
.

8. Differentiate √5𝑥 ( − 4, with respect to 𝑥.

The Product Rule

In many instances you may be required to determine the product of two functions. Here are
two scenarios: (1) (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 ( − 7) and (2) (𝑥 ( − 4), (𝑥 + 6)) . In the first scenario you would
easily expand and remove brackets and then differentiate. However, in the second scenario,
the removal of brackets, due to the powers, poses a challenge. In such cases we utilise the
PRODUCT RULE.
𝑑
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 ! (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
In plain terms
𝑑𝑦
= derivative of the first term × second term + first term × derivative of the second term
𝑑𝑥

128
LESSON 1 Find the derivative of the following functions
1. (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 6) 4. (𝑥 ( + 3𝑥 + 5) sin 𝑥
2. (𝑥 , + 7𝑥 − 1)(5𝑥 + 2) 5. cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥
3. 𝑥 √𝑥 + 3
SOLUTION
1. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 6)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 5 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 1
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 6 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 1
Substitute expressions into
𝑑
𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 ! (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔′(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 1(𝑥 − 6) + (𝑥 + 5)(1)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 − 1
𝑑𝑥

2. 𝑦 = (𝑥 , + 7𝑥 − 1)(5𝑥 + 2)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 , + 7𝑥 − 1 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 3𝑥 ( + 7
𝑔(𝑥) = 5𝑥 + 2 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 5
𝑑𝑦
= (3𝑥 ( + 7)(5𝑥 + 2) + (𝑥 , + 7𝑥 − 1)(5)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= (3𝑥 ( + 7)(5𝑥 + 2) + 5(𝑥 , + 7𝑥 − 1)
𝑑𝑥

3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 √𝑥 + 3
'
𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 3)(
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 1
' 1 '
𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)( ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)&( By the CHAIN RULE
2
𝑑𝑦 ' 1 '
= 1(𝑥 + 3)( + 𝑥 p (𝑥 + 3)&( (1)q
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 ' 𝑥 '
= (𝑥 + 3)( + (𝑥 + 3)&(
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 ' 𝑥
= (𝑥 + 3)&( •(𝑥 + 3) + €
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 ' 2(𝑥 + 3) + 𝑥
= (𝑥 + 3)&( • ‚
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 ' 3𝑥 + 6
= (𝑥 + 3)&( b c
𝑑𝑥 2

129 | P a g e
4. 𝑦 = (𝑥 ( + 3𝑥 + 5) sin 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ( + 3𝑥 + 5 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3
𝑔(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= (2𝑥 + 3) sin 𝑥 + (𝑥 ( + 3𝑥 + 5) cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

5. 𝑦 = cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = − sin 𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= (− sin 𝑥) sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= cos( 𝑥 − sin( 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

LESSON 2 Differentiate 𝑦 = −2(𝑥 + 3) cos 𝑥

SOLUTION
𝑦 = −2(𝑥 + 3) cos 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 3 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 1
𝑔(𝑥) = cos 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = − sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= −2[1(cos 𝑥) + (𝑥 + 3)(− sin 𝑥)]
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= −2[cos 𝑥 − (𝑥 + 3) sin 𝑥]
𝑑𝑥

9. Use the product rule to differentiate the following functions with respect to 𝑥.
(a) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4) (l) (2 − 𝑥)3 (5 + 2𝑥)*
(b) (3𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 5) (m) (3 + 5𝑥)( (4 − 7𝑥).
(c) (6 + 𝑥)(5 − 𝑥) (n) 𝑥 , √7 − 2𝑥
(d) (3 − 2𝑥)(7 + 3𝑥) (o) (2𝑥 − 1)√𝑥 + 3
(e) 𝑥 ( (𝑥 + 3)* (p) (1 − 3𝑥)√2𝑥 + 5
* (3𝑥 ,
(f) 𝑥 − 1)
(q) √𝑥(5𝑥 − 4),
( (2𝑥 (
(g) 3𝑥 + 5)
(r) (3𝑥 + 5)( √𝑥 − 2
, (4𝑥 ( ,
(h) 𝑥 − 1)
(s) √2𝑥 − 3√4𝑥 + 1
( (𝑥
(i) (𝑥 + 2) − 5),
(t) √6 + 𝑥√3 − 2𝑥
(j) (2𝑥 − 1), (𝑥 + 4)(
(u) }(𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 1)
(k) (5𝑥 + 2)* (4𝑥 − 3),
10. Differentiate
(a) 𝑥 ( cos 3𝑥 (c) 𝑥 ( sin 2𝑥
(b) 𝑥 sin 𝑥 (d) 2𝑥 cos 𝑥

130
 (e) (2𝑥 + 3)( sin 𝑥 (h) √2𝑥 + 6 sin 2𝑥
'
(f) (4𝑥 − 9) sin 𝑥
# (i) (4𝑥 , + 5)&( sin 𝑥

(g) (5𝑥 ( + 1), cos 𝑥 (j) (1 − 7𝑥 ( ), cos 3𝑥

"#
11. Show that, if 𝑦 = sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 then "$ = 2 cos( 𝑥 − 1.

The Quotient Rule

The QUOTIENT RULE is quite essential when determining derivatives. This is applied when
there is a function divided by a function.

𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 ! (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔! (𝑥)

„ …=
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)](
In plain terms
𝑑𝑦 derivative of the numerator × denominator − numerator × derivative of the deniminator
=
𝑑𝑥 (denominator)"

LESSON 1 Find the derivatives of the following functions

&" 4 /01 "
1. 3.
*+" &)23/ "

("+*)5 "5
2. 4.
(").)5 /01 "

SOLUTION
($ !
1. 𝑦 = *&$

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 , ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 6𝑥 (
𝑔(𝑥) = 4 − 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = −1
Substitute expressions into
𝑑 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 ! (𝑥)𝑔(𝑥) − 𝑓(𝑥)𝑔! (𝑥)
„ …=
𝑑𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) [𝑔(𝑥)](
𝑑𝑦 6𝑥 ( (4 − 𝑥) − 2𝑥 , (−1)
=
𝑑𝑥 (4 − 𝑥)(
24𝑥 ( − 6𝑥 , + 2𝑥 ,
=
(4 − 𝑥)(
24𝑥 ( − 4𝑥 ,
=
(4 − 𝑥)(
4𝑥 ( (6 − 𝑥)
=
(4 − 𝑥)(
NB: There is also the option of using the properties of indices to rewrite expressions and
therefore utilise the product rule usually in conjunction with the chain rule instead of the
quotient rule.

131 | P a g e
This example could have been rewritten in the following way
2𝑥 ,
𝑦= = 2𝑥 , (4 − 𝑥)&'
4−𝑥
This new form would now allow the use of the product and chain rule.
Feel free to try it for yourself.

($&*)#
2. 𝑦 = ($7,)#

𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4)( ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 2(𝑥 − 4)(1) By the CHAIN RULE

𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)( ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = 2(𝑥 + 3)(1) By the CHAIN RULE
( ( [2(𝑥
𝑑𝑦 [2(𝑥 − 4)](𝑥 + 3) − (𝑥 − 4) + 3)]
=
𝑑𝑥 [(𝑥 + 3)( ](
2(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3)( − 2(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4)(
=
(𝑥 + 3)*
2(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3)[(𝑥 + 3) − (𝑥 − 4)]
=
(𝑥 + 3)*
2(𝑥 − 4)(7)
=
(𝑥 + 3),
14(𝑥 − 4)
=
(𝑥 + 3),

9:; $
3. 𝑦 = (7<=9 $

𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥

𝑔(𝑥) = 2 + cos 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = − sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 cos 𝑥 (2 + cos 𝑥) − sin 𝑥 (− sin 𝑥)
=
𝑑𝑥 (2 + cos 𝑥)(
2 cos 𝑥 + cos( 𝑥 + sin( 𝑥
=
(2 + cos 𝑥)(
2 cos 𝑥 + 1
=
(2 + cos 𝑥)(

$#
4. 𝑦=
9:; $

𝑥(
𝑦=
sin 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 ( ⟹ 𝑓 ! (𝑥) = 2𝑥
𝑔(𝑥) = sin 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑔! (𝑥) = cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 2𝑥 sin 𝑥 − 𝑥 ( cos 𝑥
=
𝑑𝑥 (sin 𝑥)(
𝑥(2 sin 𝑥 − 𝑥 cos 𝑥)
=
sin( 𝑥

132
12. Use the quotient rule to differentiate the given function with respect to 𝑥

" *"). >

(a) (h) 5" 5 +*6
"+& &"+% (o)
√"
"). "5
(b) (i) √"
"+% "). (p)
&"+%
.+"
(c) "5
*)" (j) .+√"
"+* (q)
*"+. (&)")5
(d) "4
")& (k) 4)&√"
&"+. (r)
&"+4 (4+*")4
(e) ">
")* (l) ?
.+" 5." 5 )&6
4" (s)
(f) (."+&)5 √&"+%
")&
(m)
%)." √" (&+.")5
(g) (t)
&+4" (4")%)4 √%+" 5
(n)
√"

13. Find the value of 𝑘 for which

𝑑 2𝑥 + 3 𝑘
b c=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 − 4 (𝑥 − 4)(
13. Differentiate each of the following
9:; ($ 9:; $ 9:; $
(a) $#
(e) ($7'
(i) <=9 $
$# ,$&( <=9 $
(b) (f) (j)
9:; ($ <=9(,$&() 9:; $
$ !
(c) @,$ # 7.A
<=9 $ (g)
9:; $
$ ! 7' <=9 $
(d) (h)
<=9 $ ()$ # 7,)!

133 | P a g e
THE SECOND DERIVATIVE
The second derivative is the derivative of the first derivative. Therefore, to determine the
second derivative the initial step is to determine the first derivative and then differentiate
this derivative.
Here is the notation for the second derivative.
Function First Second
Derivative Derivative
𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑( 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 (
𝑦 𝑦′ 𝑦′′
! (𝑥) !! (𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) 𝑓 𝑓

LESSON 1 Determine the second derivative for each of the following.

1. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 * − $ + 3
( 2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 cos( 𝑥

SOLUTION
(
(a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 * − $ + 3

𝑦 = 3𝑥 * − 2𝑥 &' + 3

Determine the first derivative

𝑑𝑦
= 12𝑥 , + 2𝑥 &(
𝑑𝑥

Differentiate the first derivative to determine the second derivative.

𝑑( 𝑦 4
= 36𝑥 ( − 4𝑥 &, = 36𝑥 ( − ,
𝑑𝑥 ( 𝑥

(b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 cos 4𝑥

𝑓′(𝑥) = 3[− sin 4𝑥 × 4] By the Chain Rule
! (𝑥)
𝑓 = −12 sin 4𝑥
𝑓 !! (𝑥) = −12[cos 4𝑥 × 4] By the Chain Rule
= −48 cos 4𝑥
NB: When differentiating cosine and sine you need to be very mindful that
𝑑
cos 𝑥 = − sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

134
 "##
14. For each of the following, determine "$ #
! 3
(a) 𝑦 = 6𝑥 # (e) 𝑦 = $ # + 2𝑥
'
(b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 ) + $ # (f) 𝑦 = 4√𝑥 + 𝑥
) ' (g) 𝑓(𝑥) = cos 2𝑥
(c) 𝑦 = $ # − *$ + 𝑥
*
(h) 𝑓(𝑥) = sin 3𝑥
(d) 𝑦 = − 3𝑥 + 2
$

APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION
GRADIENTS AND DIFFERENTIATION
!#
When you find , we get a formula for the gradient of the tangent to the curve any
𝑑𝑥
point, 𝑥. If you want to find the gradient at a specific point we then substitute the 𝑥 value of
that point.

LESSON 1 Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 ( at the point (3, 9).
SOLUTION
Differentiate
𝑦 = 𝑥(
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
!#
Substitute value of 𝑥 into
!"
when 𝑥 = 3
𝑑𝑦
= 2(3) = 6
𝑑𝑥

LESSON 2 The gradient of the curve 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 12 is 23 at the point 𝑃.

(i) Calculate the coordinates of 𝑃.
The curve cuts the 𝑥 – axis at 𝑄 and 𝑅.
(ii) Find the gradient of the curve at 𝑄 and 𝑅.
SOLUTION
(i) Differentiate
𝑦 = 3𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 12
𝑑𝑦
= 6𝑥 + 5
𝑑𝑥
Use the fact that the gradient at 𝑃 is 23

135 | P a g e
 𝑑𝑦
= 23
𝑑𝑥
6𝑥 + 5 = 23
⟹𝑥=3
Substitute the value of 𝑥 into the original equation to determine the value of 𝑦
𝑦 = 3𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 12
𝑦 = 3(3)( + 5(3) − 12
= 30
𝑃(3, 30)
(ii) Determine the 𝑥 values which corresponds to 𝑄 and 𝑅 by using the fact that graphs cross
the 𝑥 – axis when 𝑦 = 0
𝑦 = 3𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 12
3𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 − 12 = 0
(3𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3) = 0
4
𝑥= 𝑥 = −3
3
𝑑𝑦
Determine the corresponding values for
!"
*
When 𝑥 = ,
𝑑𝑦 4
= 6 b c + 5 = 13
𝑑𝑥 3
When 𝑥 = −3
𝑑𝑦
= 6(−3) + 5 = −13
𝑑𝑥

3
LESSON 3 Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + $ at the point (3, 11).

SOLUTION
Differentiate to obtain an expression for the gradient of the tangent
6
𝑦 = 3𝑥 +
𝑥
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 6𝑥 &'
𝑑𝑦
= 3 − 6𝑥 &(
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 6
=3− (
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
Substitute the value of 𝑥 into the derivative
When 𝑥 = 3
𝑑𝑦 6
=3− (
𝑑𝑥 3

136
𝑑𝑦 7
=
𝑑𝑥 3
Evaluate the gradient of the normal
,
Gradient of normal is − .

Determine the equation of the normal

,
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 using 𝑚 = − . and (3, 11)
3
11 = − (3) + 𝑐
7
86
=𝑐
7
3 86
𝑦=− 𝑥+ → 7𝑦 + 3𝑥 = 86
7 7
NB: If you were required to determine the equation of the tangent instead you would have
. .
used , as the gradient. Therefore, the equation of the tangent for this question is 𝑦 = , 𝑥 + 4.

LESSON 4 If the gradient of the point (3, 16) on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ( + 𝑏𝑥 + 13 is 7, find
𝑎 and 𝑏.
SOLUTION
From the point (3, 16) we know that on the curve 𝑥 = 3 when 𝑦 = 16. We will
substitute these values into the original equation of the curve to obtain an equation
in 𝑎 and 𝑏.
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ( + 𝑏𝑥 + 13
16 = 𝑎(3)( + 𝑏(3) + 13
3 = 9𝑎 + 3𝑏
1 = 3𝑎 + 𝑏 (1)
Since we need to determine the values of 2 unknowns a pair of simultaneous
equations is needed. To obtain the second equation we will use the fact that at
(3, 16) the gradient is 7.
Differentiate
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ( + 𝑏𝑥 + 13
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
𝑑𝑥
Compare with
𝑑𝑦
=7
𝑑𝑥
2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 7
Substitute the value of 𝑥 into the derivative

137 | P a g e
when 𝑥 = 3
2𝑎(3) + 𝑏 = 7
6𝑎 + 𝑏 = 7 (2)
Solve (1) and (2) simultaneously
3𝑎 + 𝑏 = 1
6𝑎 + 𝑏 = 7
𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −5

15. Find the gradients of the following curves at the indicated point.
(a) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ( 𝑥=3
"
(b) 𝑦 = 𝑥 # 𝑥=4
(c) 𝑦 = 8√𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑥=9
3
(d) 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 𝑥=4
√$

(e) 𝑦 = 𝑥 ( − 6𝑥 − 2 𝑥 = −5
16. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 ( − 7 at the point where 𝑥 = 3.
17. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 6√𝑥 at the point where 𝑥 = 16.
' 6
18. Find the coordinates of the points on the curve 𝑦 = , 𝑥 , + $ at which the tangent is

parallel to the line 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 3.

19. Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 4𝑥 ( + 7 at the point (2, −1).
20. A curve has equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 ( + 𝑥.
(i) Find the gradient of the curve at the point for which 𝑥 = 2.
(ii) Find the equation of the normal at the point for which 𝑥 = 2.
3
21. Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = $ # − 5 at the point on the curve where

𝑥 = 2.
($7*
22. Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = at the point where 𝑥 = 4.
$&(

23. The equation of a curve is 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 8. Find the equation of the normal to the curve at
the point where the curve crosses the 𝑥 – axis.
B
24. The curve 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 ( + $ passes through point 𝑃(1, 1)and has a gradient of 5 at 𝑃.
Find
i. the values of the constants ℎ and 𝑘
'
ii. the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point where 𝑥 = (.
'
25. Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = 8𝑥 * + 4 at the point where 𝑥 = (.

138
INCREASING AND DECREASING FUNCTIONS

The above graph shows the path of a tennis ball after it is dropped. Below are some of the
observations from the graph.
1. The height of the ball decreases after it is released. Therefore, for 𝑥 < 𝑎 the graph is
decreasing
2. The height of the ball then increases to the point 𝐵 as indicated on the graph.
Therefore, for 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑏 the graph is increasing.
3. Between the points 𝑥 = 𝑏 and 𝑥 = 𝑐 the ball’s height is again decreasing. Thus, for
this section the graph is decreasing.
4. Finally, after the point 𝐶, that is for 𝑥 > 𝑐, the graph is increasing as the height of the
ball is increasing.
5. At the points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 the ball instantaneously stops as it changes direction from
decreasing to increasing and vice versa.
The points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 due to their nature are called stationary points since the ball stops at
these points. Alternatively, they are also referred to as turning points as the ball’s direction
turns from decreasing to increasing and from increasing to decreasing.

The points 𝐴 and 𝐶 look like the bottom of a valley and as such are termed minimum points,
or minima. It should be noted that to the left of these points the graph is decreasing and
increasing to the right.
The point 𝐶, on the other hand, appears to be the top of a hill, and as a result is termed a
maximum point, or maxima. In contrast to the points 𝐴 and 𝐶, to the left of 𝐵 the graph is
increasing and decreasing to the right.
We can conclude that:
𝑑𝑦
>0 ⟹ indicates that the graph is increasing
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
=0 ⟹ indicates a stationary point
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
<0 ⟹ indicates that the graph is decreasing
𝑑𝑥
139 | P a g e
LESSON 1 For 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 6𝑥 ( − 15𝑥 + 1 determine the stationary points and their
nature.
SOLUTION
Determine the first derivative
𝑦 = 𝑥 − 6𝑥 ( − 15𝑥 + 1
,

𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 − 15
𝑑𝑥
Determine the 𝑥 values of the stationary points by using the fact that at stationary
"#
points "$ = 0
3𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 − 15 = 0
𝑥 ( − 4𝑥 − 5 = 0
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 1) = 0
𝑥 = 5 and 𝑥 = −1
Use the original equation to determine the corresponding 𝑦 values and hence the
coordinates of the stationary points
when 𝑥 = 5 when 𝑥 = −1
𝑦 = 5, − 6(5)( − 15(5) + 1 𝑦 = (−1), − 6(−1)( − 15(−1) + 1
= −99 =9
(5, −99) (−1, 9)

To determine the nature of the stationary points we examine the sign of the derivative on
either side of each stationary point.

Therefore, (−1, 9) is a maximum point and (5, −99) is a minimum point.

140
THE SECOND DERIVATIVE TEST
Alternately, the Second Derivative Test can be used to determine the nature of stationary
points.
NATURE OF STATIONARY
POINT
(
𝑑 𝑦 MINIMUM POINT
>0
𝑑𝑥 ( (LOCAL MINIMA)
𝑑( 𝑦 MAXIMUM POINT
<0
𝑑𝑥 ( (LOCAL MAXIMA)
Hence for the LESSON above
𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 ( − 12𝑥 − 15
𝑑𝑥
𝑑( 𝑦
= 6𝑥 − 12
𝑑𝑥 (
when 𝑥 = 5
𝑑( 𝑦
= 6(5) − 12 = 18 ⟹ minimum point
𝑑𝑥 (
when 𝑥 = −1
𝑑( 𝑦
= 6(−1) − 12 = −18 ⟹ maximum point
𝑑𝑥 (
And these results coincide with the results for the sign change method used previously.

26. Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the curve 𝑦 = 2𝑥 , + 5𝑥 ( − 4𝑥.
Determine the nature of the stationary points.
27. A curve has equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 6𝑥 ( + 12. Find the coordinates of the turning points of
this curve and their nature.
3
28. Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ( − $ − 2.
28. A cubic curve has equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 3𝑥 ( + 1.
Find the coordinates of the stationary points on this curve. Determine the nature of
these stationary points.
29. Differentiate 𝑥 , − 6𝑥 ( − 15𝑥 + 50.
Hence find the stationary points on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 6𝑥 ( − 15𝑥 + 50 and determine
their nature.
' "#
30. (i) Given that 𝑦 = 𝑥 , − 9𝑥, find .
, "$
'
(ii) Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the curve 𝑦 = , 𝑥 , − 9𝑥.

141 | P a g e
 (iii) Determine whether each stationary point is a maximum point of a minimum point.
31. The equation of a curve is 𝑦 = 9𝑥 ( − 𝑥 * .
"# "##
(i) Find "$ and "$ # .

(ii) Hence show that the origin is a minimum point on the curve. Find the coordinates of
the maximum points.
32. (i) Solve the equation 𝑥 * − 10𝑥 ( + 25 = 0.
( (/ "#
(ii) Given that 𝑦 = 𝑥 ) − 𝑥 , + 50𝑥 + 3, find .
) , "$
( (/
(iii) Hence find the number of stationary points on the curve 𝑦 = ) 𝑥 ) − ,
𝑥 , + 50𝑥 + 3.

OPTIMISATION
Optimisation is useful in determining the greatest or least value(s) which a function can
take. We will be using stationary values to determine the
maximum or minimum volume or surface area of objects.
LESSON 1 A rectangular garden 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 is to be laid out as
shown in the diagram. The garden consists of a rectangular lawn
𝑇𝑈𝑉𝑊 surrounded by flower beds. The lawn has an area of
240 m( . The flower beds are 3 m wide along the sides 𝑈𝑉 and 𝑇𝑊.
Given that the distance 𝑇𝑊 is 𝑥 m, show that the total area, 𝐴 m( ,
of the garden 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 is given by
1440
𝐴 = 10𝑥 + 300 +
𝑥
"C
Given that 𝑥 varies, find an expression for "$ . Hence, determine

the dimensions of the garden for which 𝐴 is a minimum.

SOLUTION
Determine the area of 𝑇𝑈𝑉𝑊
Let 𝑦 be the length of 𝑉𝑊.
𝑥𝑦 = 240
240
𝑦=
𝑥
Determine an expression for the area of 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆
Length of 𝑄𝑅 = 6 + 𝑥
Length of 𝑄𝑃 = 10 + 𝑦
Area = (6 + 𝑥)(10 + 𝑦)
Substitute information from the equations from the area of 𝑇𝑈𝑉𝑊
AREA = 60 + 10𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦

142
 240
= 60 + 240 + 10𝑥 + 6 b c
𝑥
1440
𝐴 = 300 + 10𝑥 +
𝑥
Differentiate
𝑑𝐴 1440
= 10 − (
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
"C
𝐴 will be minimised at a stationary point i.e. when "$ = 0
1440
0 = 10 −
𝑥(
Solve for 𝑥
1440
10 =
𝑥(
𝑥 = ±12
Since 𝑥 cannot be negative 𝑥 = 12
DIMENSIONS
Length of 𝑄𝑅 = 6 + 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑄𝑅 = 6 + 12 = 18 cm
Length of 𝑃𝑄 = 10 + 𝑦
240
⟹ 𝑃𝑄 = 10 +
𝑥
240
⟹ 𝑃𝑄 = 10 +
12
⟹ 𝑃𝑄 = 30 cm

33. The volume 𝑉 cm, of a box, of height 𝑥 cm, is given by

𝑉 = 4𝑥(5 − 𝑥)( , 0<𝑥<5
"D
(a) Find "$ .

(b) Hence find the maximum volume of the box.

(c) Justify that the volume that you found in part (b) is a maximum.
34. The diagram shows a solid cuboid with square base of side 𝑥 cm and height ℎ cm. its
volume is 120 cm, .
(i) Find ℎ in terms of 𝑥. Hence show that the surface area, 𝐴 cm( , of
the cuboid is given by
480
𝐴 = 2𝑥 ( +
𝑥
"C "#C
(ii) Find "$ and "$ #

(iii) Hence find the value of 𝑥 which gives the minimum surface area. Find also the value
of the surface area in this case.

143 | P a g e
35. The diagram shows a solid brick in the shape of a cuboid measuring
2𝑥 cm by 𝑥 cm and 𝑦 cm. The total surface area of the brick is 600 cm( .
(a) Show that the volume, 𝑉 cm, , of the brick is given by
4𝑥 ,
𝑉 = 200𝑥 −
3
(b) Determine the maximum value of 𝑉, giving your answer to the
nearest cm, .
(c) Justify that the value of 𝑉 you have found is a maximum.
36. The diagram shows an open – topped water tank, in the shape of a cuboid, which is made
of sheet metal. The base of the tank is a rectangle 𝑥 metres by
𝑦 metres. The height of the tank is 𝑥 metres.
The capacity of the tank is 100 m, .
(a) Show that the area 𝐴 m( of the sheet metal used to make
the tank is given by
300
𝐴= + 2𝑥 (
𝑥
(b) Find the value of 𝑥 for which 𝐴 is stationary.
(c) Prove that this value of 𝑥 gives a minimum value of 𝐴.
(d) Calculate the minimum area of sheet metal needed to make the tank.
37. (i) The standard formulae for the volume 𝑉 and total surface area 𝐴 of a solid cylinder
of radius 𝑟 and height ℎ are
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 ( ℎ and 𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 ( + 2𝜋𝑟ℎ
Use these to show that, for a cylinder with 𝐴 = 200,
𝑉 = 100𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 ,
"D "#D
(ii) Find "E and "E # .

(iii) Find the value of 𝑟 that gives a maximum value for 𝑉 and hence find the maximum
value, giving your answers correct to 3 significant figures.
38. A solid right circular cylinder has radius 𝑟 cm and height ℎ cm.
The total surface area of the cylinder is 800 cm( .
(a) Show that the volume, 𝑉 cm, , of the cylinder is given by
𝑉 = 400𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 ,
(b) Find the maximum value of 𝑉, to the nearest cm, .

144
 (c) Justify that the value of 𝑉 you have found is a maximum.
39. The diagram shows a flowerbed. Its shape is a quarter of a circle
of radius 𝑥 metres with two equal rectangles attached to it along
its radii. Each rectangle has length equal to 𝑥 metres and width
equal to 𝑦 metres.
Given that the area of the flowerbed is 4 m( ,
(a) show that
16 − 𝜋𝑥 (
𝑦=
8𝑥
(b) Hence show that the perimeter 𝑃 metres of the flowerbed is given by the equation
8
𝑃= + 2𝑥
𝑥
(c) Determine the minimum value of 𝑃.
(d) Find the width of each rectangle when the perimeter is a minimum. Give your
answer to the nearest centimetre.
40. A manufacturer produces pain relieving tablets. Each tablet is in the
shape of a solid circular cylinder with base radius 𝑥 mm and height ℎ
mm, as shown in the diagram.
Given that the volume of each tablet has to be 60 mm, .
(a) express ℎ in terms of 𝑥,
'(/
(b) show that the surface area, 𝐴 mm( , of a tablet is given by 𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑥 ( + $
.

The manufacturer needs to minimise the surface area 𝐴 mm( , of a tablet.

(c) Find the value of 𝑥 for which 𝐴 is a minimum.
(d) Calculate the minimum value of 𝐴, giving your answer to the nearest integer.
(e) Show that this value of 𝐴 is a minimum.

145 | P a g e
RATE OF CHANGE

In the diagram shown the length of the square is increasing by 1 cm every second.
Mathematically speaking, we say that the rate of change of length is 1 cms&' .
Letting 𝑥 represent the length of the square and t represent time we have
𝑑𝑥
= 1 cms&'
𝑑𝑡
"C
Additionally, we may want to know the rate of change of the area (𝐴) of the square i.e "F .
Let's learn how to do this.

change in 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
The rate of change of 𝑥 = =
change in time 𝑑𝑡

LESSON 1 The length of the side of a square is increasing at the rate of 5 cms&' . Find
the rate of increase of the area when the length is 6 cm.
SOLUTION
Use mathematical notation to state what you know and what the question requires
you to determine
Let 𝑥 represent the length of a side of the square
Let 𝐴 represent the area of the square such that
𝐴 = 𝑥(
Since the rate of increase of the length of the side, 𝑥, is 5, we know that
𝑑𝑥
=5
𝑑𝑡
"C
We are required to find when 𝑥 = 6
"F

Differentiate
(
𝐴=𝑥
𝑑𝐴
= 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
Use the equation

146
 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑥
= ×
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡

Substitute known information

𝑑𝐴
= 2𝑥(5) = 10𝑥
𝑑𝑡
When 𝑥 = 6
𝑑𝐴
= 10(6) = 60 cms&(
𝑑𝑥

G
LESSON 2 A sector of a circle of radius 𝑟 has an angle of 3 radians. Given that 𝑟 is

increasing at a constant rate of 5 cms&' , calculate, correct to two decimal places, the rate of
increase, when 𝑟 = 6 cm, of
(i) the area of the sector,
(ii) the perimeter of the sector.
SOLUTION
State what you know and what you are required to find out
G
Let 𝜃 = 3

𝑑𝑟
=5
𝑑𝑡
𝑟=6
1
𝐴 = 𝑟(𝜃 where 𝐴 represents the area of the sector
2
𝑃 = 𝑟 + 𝑟 + 𝑟𝜃 where 𝑃 represents the perimeter of the sector (2 radii and the arc
length)
= 2𝑟 + 𝑟𝜃
"C "H
For part (i) we are trying to find "F and "F for part (ii)

(i) Differentiate
1
𝐴 = 𝑟(𝜃
2
𝑑𝐴
= 𝑟𝜃
𝑑𝑟
Apply the equation
𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑟
= ×
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
= 𝑟𝜃 × 5
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴 𝜋
=6 ¡×5
𝑑𝑡 6

147 | P a g e
 𝑑𝐴
= 5𝜋
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
≈ 15.71 cms&(
𝑑𝑡

(ii) Differentiate
𝑃 = 2𝑟 + 𝑟𝜃
𝑑𝑃
=2+𝜃
𝑑𝑟
Use the equation
𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑟
= ×
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑃
= (2 + 𝜃) × 5
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑃 𝜋
= 2+ ¡×5
𝑑𝑡 6
𝑑𝑃
≈ 10.62 cms&'
𝑑𝑡

LESSON 3 A spherical balloon is released from rest and expands as it rises. After rising
for 𝑡 seconds its radius is 𝑟 cm, and its surface area is 𝐴 cm( , where 𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 ( . The initial
radius of the balloon is 16 cm. Given that the rate of increase of the radius is constant and
has value 0.8 cms&' , find the rate of increase of 𝐴 when 𝑡 = 5.
SOLUTION
State what you know and what are trying to find out
𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 (
When 𝑡 = 0 (when it is initially released) 𝑟 = 16 cm
𝑑𝑟
= 0.8
𝑑𝑡
"C
We are trying to determine when 𝑡 = 5
"F

Differentiate
𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 (
𝑑𝐴
= 8𝜋𝑟
𝑑𝑟
Use the equation
𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑟
= ×
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
= 8𝜋𝑟 × 0.8
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
= 0.64𝜋𝑟
𝑑𝑟

148
 Determine the value of 𝑟 when 𝑡 = 5
To determine 𝑟 we use the fact that the initial value for 𝑟 is 16 cm and 𝑟 increases 0.8 cms&'
(𝑟 increases by 0.8 cm every second) Therefore, when 𝑡 = 5 (5 seconds after release)
𝑟 = 16 + (0.8)5 = 20 cm
Substitute value for 𝑟
𝑑𝐴
= 0.64𝜋(20) = 128𝜋 cm( s&'
𝑑𝑡

41. The area of a circular stain is growing at a rate of 1 mm( per second. Find the rate of
increase of its radius at an instant when its radius is 2 mm.

42. At time 𝑡 seconds the length of the side of a cube is 𝑥 cm, the
surface area of the cube is 𝑆 cm( . The surface area of the cube is
increasing at a constant rate of 8 cm( s–' .
Determine the rate of increase of the length of the side of the
cube.
43. The diagram shows a right circular cylindrical metal rod which is expanding as it is
heated. After 𝑡 seconds the radius of the rod is 𝑥 cm
and the length of the rod is 5𝑥 cm. The cross –
sectional area of the rod is increasing at the
constant rate of 0.032 cm( 𝑠 &' .
(a) Find the rate of increase of the radius
when the radius of the rod is 2 cm, giving your
answer to 3 significant figures.

(b) Find the rate of increase of the volume of the rod when 𝑥 = 2.
44. The diagram below shows a garden pond.
The volume 𝑉 m, of water in the pond when the
depth is ℎ metres is given by
1
𝑉 = 𝜋ℎ( (3 − ℎ)
3
"D
(i) Find "J .

Water is poured into the pond at the rate of 0.02 m,

"J
(ii) Find the value of "F when ℎ = 0.4.
45. The diagram below shows a cone. The angle between the axis
and the slant edge is 30°. Water is poured into the cone at a
constant rate of 2 cm, per second. At time 𝑡 seconds, the
radius of the water surface is 𝑟 cm and the volume of water in
the cone is 𝑉 cm, .

"D
(i) Write down the value of .
"F
√, "D
(ii) Show that 𝑉 = ,
𝜋𝑟 , and find "E .
[You may assume that the volume of a cone of height
'
ℎ and radius 𝑟 is , 𝜋𝑟 ( ℎ]

149 | P a g e
 "E
(iii) Use the results of parts (i) and (ii) to find the value of "F when 𝑟 = 2.
46. Water flows into a bowl at a constant rate of 10 cm, 𝑠 &' .

When the depth of the water is ℎ cm, the volume of water is 𝑉 cm, , where 𝑉 = 𝜋ℎ( .

Find the rate at which the depth is increasing at the instant when the depth is 5 cm.

150