P1 Chapter 12 :: Differentiation

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Last modified: 24th August 2017

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Chapter Overview
Those who have done either IGCSE Mathematics, IGCSE Further Mathematics or Additional
Mathematics would have encountered this content. Otherwise it will be completely new!

1:: Find the derivative of 2:: Find equations of tangents and normal
polynomials. to curves.
𝑑𝑦 The point 𝑃 3,9 lies on the curve 𝐶 with
If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥, find 𝑑𝑥
equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 . Determine the equation
of the tangent to 𝐶 at the point 𝑃.
3:: Identify increasing and
decreasing functions. 4:: Find and understand the second
Find the range of values for 𝑑2 𝑦
derivative or 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2
which 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 is
𝑑2 𝑦
increasing. If 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 determine
𝑑𝑥 2

5:: Find stationary points and 6:: Sketch a gradient function.

determine their nature.
Draw 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 and its gradient
Find the stationary points of function on the same axes.
𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 and state whether each
is a maximum or minimum point.
7:: Model real-life problems.
Gradient Function
At GCSE, you found
For a straight line, the the gradient of a 𝑚=6

gradient is constant: 𝑚 = −6 curve at a particular

point by drawing a
tangent.
𝑦 = 𝑥2
𝑚=3 𝑚 = −4
𝑚=4

𝑚 = −2 𝑚=2
𝑚=0

However, for a curve the

gradient varies. We can no
longer have a single value 𝒙 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
for the gradient; we ideally Gradient -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
want an expression in terms
of 𝒙 that gives us the
gradient for any value of 𝑥 By looking at the relationship between 𝑥 and the
(unsurprisingly known as the gradient at that point, can you come up with an
expression, in terms of 𝑥 for the gradient?
gradient function).
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝟐𝒙
Finding the Gradient Function
The question is then: Is there a method to work out the gradient function
without having to draw lots of tangents and hoping that we can spot the rule?

To approximate the gradient on the curve As the second point gets closer and closer,
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 when 𝑥 = 5, we could pick a point the gradient becomes a better
on the curve just slightly to the right, then approximation of the true gradient:
find the gradient between the two points:

𝑦 = 𝑥2
6,36
5.01,25.1001
11
1 0.01 0.1001

5,25 5,25

Δ𝑦 11 0.1001
𝑚= = = 11 𝑚= = 10.01 The actual gradient
Δ𝑥 1 0.01 when 𝑥 = 5 is 10, so
this approximation is
damn close!
Finding the Gradient Function
This gives us a numerical method to get the gradient at a particular 𝒙, but doesn’t
give us the gradient function in general. Let’s use exactly the same method, but keep
𝑥 general, and make the ‘small change’ (which was previously 0.01) ‘ℎ’:
𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐

As always, gradient is
𝑥 + ℎ, 𝑥 + ℎ 2 𝑥 + ℎ 2 − 𝑥2 change in 𝑦 over change
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = lim in 𝑥.
𝑥, 𝑥 2 ?
ℎ→0 ℎ
2𝑥ℎ + ℎ2
? = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim 2𝑥 + ℎ
The lim means “the limit of ℎ→0
the following expression as ℎ
tends towards 0”.
= 2𝑥 The ℎ disappears as ℎ
tends towards 0, i.e. we
1
For example, lim = 0, can effectively treat it
𝑥→∞ 𝑥
because as 𝑥 “tends towards” as 0 at this point.
infinity, the “limiting” value of And voila, we got the
the expression is 0. 2𝑥 we saw earlier!
Finding the Gradient Function

! The gradient function, or derivative, of the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is

𝑑𝑦
written as 𝑓′(𝑥) or 𝑑𝑥 .
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓 𝑥
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
The gradient function can be used to find the gradient of the
curve for any value of 𝑥.

Notation Note:
𝑑𝑦
We will soon see an easier/quicker way to Whether we use or 𝑓′(𝑥) for the
𝑑𝑥
differentiate expressions like 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 without gradient function depends on whether we
using ‘limits’. But this method, known as use 𝑦 = or 𝑓 𝑥 = to start with:
differentiating by first principles, is now in the A “Leibniz’s notation”
Level syllabus, and you could be tested on it!
𝑑𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥2 → = 2𝑥 “Lagrange’s
𝑑𝑥 notation”
Advanced Notation Note: 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥2 → 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥
Rather than ℎ for the small change in 𝑥, the
formal notation is 𝛿𝑥. So actually: There’s in fact a third way to indicate the gradient function,
𝑓 𝑥 + 𝛿𝑥 − 𝑓 𝑥 notation used by Newton: (but not used at A Level)
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim
𝛿𝑥→0 𝛿𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 → 𝑦ሶ = 2𝑥
So we in fact have 3 symbols for “change in”!
Δ𝑦
• Δ𝑥: any change in 𝑥 (as seen in Chp5: 𝑚 = ) So the estimated gradient using some point close by was
Δ𝑥
• 𝛿𝑥: a small change in 𝑥 𝛿𝑦
, but in the ‘limit’ as 𝛿𝑥 → 0,
𝛿𝑦 𝑑𝑦
→ 𝑑𝑥
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥
• 𝑑𝑥: an infinitesimally small change in 𝑥
Example
!
The point 𝐴 with coordinates 4,16 lies on the curve with equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 .
At point 𝐴 the curve has gradient 𝑔.
a) Show that 𝑔 = lim 8 + ℎ
ℎ→0
b) Deduce the value of 𝑔.

a
𝑓 4+ℎ −𝑓 4 Use the “differentiation by first
𝑔 = lim principles” formula.
ℎ→0 ℎ
4 + ℎ − 42
2
= lim Function is 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2
ℎ→0 ℎ
16 + 8ℎ + ℎ2 − 16
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
2
8ℎ + ℎ
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
= lim 8 + ℎ
ℎ→0
b As ℎ → 0, clearly the limiting
𝑔=8 value of 8 + ℎ is 8.
Test Your Understanding
Prove from first principles that the derivative of 𝑥 4 is 4𝑥 3 .

Helping Hand:
“Row 4” of Pascal’s
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓 𝑥 Triangle is:
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim 14641
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥+ℎ −𝑥4 4 You’re welcome.
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑥 + 4𝑥 3 ℎ + 6𝑥 2 ℎ2 + 4𝑥ℎ3 + ℎ4 − 𝑥 4
4
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
4𝑥 ℎ + 6𝑥 ℎ + 4𝑥ℎ3 + ℎ4
3 2 2
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ As ℎ → 0, any term involving a
= lim 4𝑥 + 6𝑥 ℎ + 4𝑥ℎ2 + ℎ3
3 2
multiplication by ℎ will become 0.
ℎ→0
= 4𝑥 3
Exercise 12B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 261-262

(Note that Exercise 12A was skipped in these slides)

Don’t forget the ‘Challenge’ question on Page 262!

 Just for your interest…
God, not another
Why couldn’t we just immediately make one of these…

𝑥+ℎ 2 −𝑥 2
ℎ equal to 0 in lim ?
ℎ→0 ℎ
0
is known as an indeterminate form.
0
If we just stick ℎ = 0 in straight away: Whereas we know what happens with
𝑥 + 0 2 − 𝑥2 0 1
lim = lim expressions like (i.e. its value tends towards
0
ℎ→0 0 ℎ→0 0
infinity), indeterminate forms are bad because
their values are ambiguous, and prevent 𝑙𝑖𝑚
Wait, uh oh… expressions from being evaluated.
0
Thankfully, when indeterminate forms appear in 𝑙𝑖𝑚
Consider for example: 0 divided by anything
0
expressions, there are variety of techniques to turn the usually gives 0, but anything divided by 0 is
expression into one that doesn’t have any indeterminate forms. usually infinity. We can see these conflict.

One simple technique, that worked in our example, is to

expand and simplify. This gave us lim 2𝑥 + ℎ and 2𝑥 + 0
ℎ→0
clearly is fine. Other techniques are more advanced. Can you guess some other indeterminate forms, i.e.
This is important when sketching harder functions: expressions whose value is ambiguous?
http://www.drfrostmaths.com/resources/resource.php?rid=163 𝟎 ∞
𝟎×∞ ∞−∞ 𝟎𝟎 𝟏∞ ∞𝟎
𝟎 ∞
ME-WOW!
Differentiating 𝑥 𝑛
Thankfully, there’s a quick way to differentiate terms of the form 𝑥 𝑛
(where 𝑛 is a constant) with having to use first principles every time:

𝑑𝑦
! If 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 then 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑛𝑎𝑥 𝑛−1 (where 𝑎, 𝑛 are constants)
i.e. multiply by the power and reduce the power by 1

Examples:

𝑑𝑦 Power is 5, so multiply by 5 then

𝑦= 𝑥5 → = 5𝑥 4 reduce power by 5.
𝑑𝑥
The power need not be an integer!
1
′
1 −1 𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥2 → 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 Remember to use 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 not
𝑑𝑥
2
Why would it be incorrect to say that 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙
𝑑𝑦 𝒅𝒚
differentiates to = 𝒙 𝟐𝒙−𝟏 ?
𝑦 = 2𝑥 6 → = 12𝑥 5 𝒅𝒙
𝑑𝑥 The rule only works when the base is 𝑥 and the
𝑥 power is a constant. Neither is true here! Note
𝑓 𝑥 = = 𝑥 −3 → 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = −3𝑥 −2 that 𝑥 𝑛 is “a power of 𝑥” whereas 2𝑥 is an
𝑥 4 exponential term (which you will encounter
more in Chp14), and therefore differentiate
𝑑𝑦 differently. You will learn how to differentiate
𝑦= 𝑥6 = 𝑥3 → = 3𝑥 2 exponential terms in Year 2.
𝑑𝑥
Test Your Understanding

𝒅𝒚
1 𝑦 = 𝑥7 → = 𝟕𝒙𝟔
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
2 𝑦 = 3𝑥 10 → = 𝟑𝟎𝒙𝟗
𝒅𝒙
1
𝑥2 −
3 𝒅𝒚 𝟑 −𝟓
3 𝑓 𝑥 = = 𝑥 2 → =− 𝒙 𝟐
𝑥2 𝒅𝒙 𝟐

𝑎
𝒅𝒚
4 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 → = 𝒂𝟐 𝒙𝒂−𝟏
𝒅𝒙

3 𝟐𝟏 𝟏
5 𝑓(𝑥) = 49𝑥 7 = 7𝑥 2 → 𝒇′(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
𝟐
Differentiating Multiple Terms

Differentiate 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3

First thing to note:

If 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑔 𝑥 then 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 + 𝑔′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 4
𝑑𝑥
i.e. differentiate each
𝑑𝑥
term individually in a
sum/subtraction.

𝑦 = 4𝑥 = 4𝑥 1 𝑦 = 3 = 3𝑥 0
Therefore applying the usual rule: Therefore applying the usual rule:
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= 4𝑥 0 = 4 = 0𝑥 −1 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Alternatively, if you compare 𝑦 = 4𝑥 to Alternatively, if you sketch 𝑦 = 4, the line is
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, it’s clear that the gradient is horizontal, so the gradient is 0.
fixed and 𝑚 = 4.
Quickfire Questions

𝒅𝒚
1 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 → = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟑
𝒅𝒙
2 𝒅𝒚
𝑦 =4− 9𝑥 3 → = −𝟐𝟕𝒙𝟐
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
3 𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 1 → =𝟓
𝒅𝒙

𝒅𝒚
4 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 → =𝒂
(where 𝑎 is a constant) 𝒅𝒙

𝒅𝒚
5 𝑦 = 6𝑥 − 3 + 𝑝𝑥 2 → = 𝟔 + 𝟐𝒑𝒙
(where 𝑝 is a constant)
𝒅𝒙
Harder Example
Let 𝑓 𝑥 = 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3
1
a) Find the gradient of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 at the point 2 , 0
b) Find the coordinates of the point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 where the gradient is 8.
c) Find the gradient of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 at the points where the curve meets the line 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 5.

a 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 8𝑥 − 8
1 1 Remember that the ‘gradient function’ allows you
When 𝑓 ′ =8 −8−4 to find the gradient for a particular value of 𝑥.
2 2

b 8 = 8𝑥 − 8 This example is important!

Previously you used a value of 𝑥 to get the gradient 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 .
𝑥=2
This time we’re doing the opposite: using a known
𝑦 =4 2 2−8 2 +3=3 gradient 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 to get the value of 𝑥. We therefore
Point is 2,3 substitute 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 for 8.

Once you have your 𝑥, you need to work out 𝑦.

c First find point of intersection: Ensure you use the correct equation!
4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3 = 4𝑥 − 5
Solving, we obtain: 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = 2
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓 ′ 1 = 0
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓 ′ 2 = 8
Test Your Understanding
Let 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 2
a) Find the gradient of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 at the point 1, −1
b) Find the coordinates of the point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 where the gradient is 5.
c) Find the gradient of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 at the points where the curve meets the line 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥.

a 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4
When 𝑓 ′ 1 = 2 1 − 4 = −2

b 5 = 2𝑥 − 4
9
𝑥=
2
2
9 9 17
𝑦= −4 +2=
2 2 4
9 17
Point is ,
2 4

c 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 2 = 2 − 𝑥
Solving: 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 3
When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓 ′ 0 = −4
When 𝑥 = 3, 𝑓 ′ 3 = 2
Exercise 12D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 265-266

(Note that Exercise 12C was skipped in these slides)

Differentiating Harder Expressions
If your expression isn’t a sum of 𝑥 𝑛 terms, simply manipulate it until it is!

1. Turn roots into powers:

1 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 −𝟏
𝑦= 𝑥= 𝑥2 → = 𝒙 𝟐
𝒅𝒙 𝟐
1 1
−3 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 −𝟒
𝑦=3 =𝑥 → =− 𝒙 𝟑
𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝟑

2. Split up fractions. 𝑥2 + 3 𝑥2 + 3 3
−
1
𝑦= = 1 = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 2
𝑥
𝑥2
𝒅𝒚 𝟑 𝟏 𝟑 −𝟑
→ = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 𝟐
𝒅𝒙 𝟐 𝟐

3. Expand out brackets. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑥 − 3 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2

𝒅𝒚
→ = 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙
𝒅𝒙 NOT 3𝑥 −1 !!!

4. Beware of numbers in 1 1 𝒅𝒚 𝟏
denominators! 𝑦= = 𝑥 −1 → = − 𝒙−𝟐
3𝑥 3 𝒅𝒙 𝟑
Test Your Understanding
Differentiate the following.

1 −
𝟏 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 −𝟑
𝑦= =𝒙 𝟐 → =− 𝒙 𝟐
𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝟐

2 + 𝑥3 −𝟐 + 𝒙
𝒅𝒚
𝑦= = 𝟐𝒙 → = −𝟒𝒙−𝟑 + 𝟏
𝑥2 𝒅𝒙

1 + 2𝑥 𝟏 + 𝟐𝒙 𝟏 −𝟑 𝟐 −𝟏 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 −𝟓 𝟏 −𝟑
𝑦= = 𝟑 = 𝟑𝒙
𝟐+ 𝒙 𝟐 → =− 𝒙 𝟐− 𝒙 𝟐
3𝑥 𝑥 𝟑 𝒅𝒙 𝟐 𝟑
𝟑𝒙𝟐
Exercise 12E
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 267-268

Extension This just means “differentiate twice”. We’ll be looking at

the ‘second derivative’ later in this chapter.
[MAT 2013 1E]
𝑑2 4 5 𝑑 4
The expression 2𝑥 − 1 1−𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 2𝑥 + 1 3𝑥 2 − 2 2
𝑑𝑥 2
is a polynomial of degree:
A) 9
B) 8
C) 7
D) less than 7

Full expansion is not needed. The highest power term in the first polynomial
is 𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟒 × −𝒙 𝟓 = −𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟗 , differentiating twice to give −𝟏𝟔 × 𝟗 × 𝟖 𝟗 𝒙𝟕.
The highest power term in the second polynomial is 𝟏𝟔𝒙𝟒 × 𝟗𝒙𝟐 =
𝟏𝟔 × 𝟗 𝒙𝟖 , differentiating once to give 𝟏𝟔 × 𝟗 × 𝟖 𝒙𝟕 . These terms cancel
leaving a polynomial of order (at most) 6. The answer is (D).
Finding equations of tangents
Find the equation of the tangent to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 when 𝑥 = 3.
We want to use 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥1 for the tangent (as it is a straight line!).
Therefore we need:
(a) A point 𝑥1 , 𝑦1
(b) The gradient 𝑚.

𝒅𝒚
Gradient function: = 𝟐𝒙
𝒅𝒙

Gradient when 𝑥 = 3: 𝒎=𝟔

𝑦-value when 𝑥 = 3: 𝒚=𝟗

So equation of tangent:
(3, ? ) 𝒚−𝟗=𝟔 𝒙−𝟑
Finding equations of normals
Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 when 𝑥 = 3.

The normal to a
curve is the line
perpendicular to
the tangent.
Equation of tangent (from earlier):
𝒚 − 𝟗 = 𝟔(𝒙 − 𝟑)

Therefore equation of normal:

𝟏
𝒚−𝟗=− 𝒙−𝟑
𝟔
(3,9)

Fro Exam Tip: A very common error is for students to

accidentally forget whether the question is asking for
the tangent or for the normal.
Test Your Understanding
Find the equation of the normal to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 when 𝑥 = 9.

When 𝑥 = 9, 𝑦 = 9 + 3 9 = 18

1
𝑦=𝑥+ 3𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 3 −1
∴ =1+ 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥 2
3 −1 3 Fro Tip: I like to use 𝑚 𝑇 and 𝑚𝑁 to make
𝑚𝑇 = 1 + 9 2 = clear to the examiner (and myself) what
2 2
2 gradient I’ve found.
∴ 𝑚𝑁 = −
3
2
Equation of normal: 𝑦 − 18 = − 3 𝑥 − 9
 Exercise 12F
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 269-270 The ‘difference of two cubes’:
𝑎3 − 𝑏 3 = 𝑎 − 𝑏 𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 2
will help for both of these.

Extension
2 [STEP I 2012 Q4]
1
The curve 𝐶 has equation 𝑥𝑦 = .
1 [STEP I 2005 Q2] 2
The point 𝑃 has coordinates 𝑝2 , 2𝑝 and the point 𝑄 The tangents to 𝐶 at the distinct
1 1
has coordinates 𝑞 2 , 2𝑞 , where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are non- points 𝑃 𝑝, and 𝑄 𝑞, , where
2𝑝 2𝑞
zero and 𝑝 ≠ 𝑞. The curve 𝐶 is given by 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥. 𝑝 and 𝑞 are positive, intersect at 𝑇 and
The point 𝑅 is the intersection of the tangent to 𝐶 at the normal to 𝐶 at these points
𝑃 and the tangent to 𝐶 at 𝑄. Show that 𝑅 has intersect at 𝑁. Show that 𝑇 is the
coordinates 𝑝𝑞, 𝑝 + 𝑞 . point
2𝑝𝑞 1
The point 𝑆 is the intersection of the normal to 𝐶 at ,
𝑝+𝑞 𝑝+𝑞
𝑃 and the normal to 𝐶 at 𝑄. If 𝑝 and 𝑞 are such that 1
1,0 lies on the line 𝑃𝑄, show that 𝑆 has In the case 𝑝𝑞 = , find the
2
coordinates 𝑝2 + 𝑞 2 + 1, 𝑝 + 𝑞 , and that the coordinates of 𝑁. Show (in this case)
quadrilateral 𝑃𝑆𝑄𝑅 is a rectangle. that 𝑇 and 𝑁 lie on the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 and
are such that the product of their
Solutions on next slide. distances from the origin is constant.
Solutions to Extension Question 1
This is using something called ‘implicit
differentiation’ (Year 2), but you could
easily do:
1
𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 → 𝑦 = 2𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 −
1 1 2
=𝑥 2= =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑦
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
A function can also be increasing
and decreasing in certain intervals.

2,3

What do you think

it means for a
function to be an 4, −1
‘increasing
function’?

! An increasing function Increasing Decreasing for Increasing

is one whose gradient is
always at least 0.
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 ≥ 0 for all 𝑥.
It would be ‘strictly increasing’
if 𝑓 𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥, i.e. is not
allowed to go horizontal.
for 𝑥 ≤ 2 2≤𝑥≤4 for 𝑥 ≥ 4
We could also write “𝑓 𝑥 is
decreasing in the interval [2,4]”
[𝒂, 𝒃] represents all the real numbers
between 𝒂 and 𝒃 inclusive, i.e:
𝑎, 𝑏 = 𝑥 ∶ 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏
Examples
Show that the function Find the interval on which the
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 21𝑥 + 2 is function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥
increasing for all real values of 𝑥. is decreasing.

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥
𝑓′ 𝑥 =3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 21
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 9
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 7
𝑓′ 𝑥 ≤ 0
=3 𝑥+2 2+9
3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 9 ≤ 0
𝑥 + 2 2 ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥,
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3 ≤ 0
∴ 3 𝑥 + 2 2 + 9 ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥
𝑥+3 𝑥−1 ≤0
∴ 𝑓(𝑥) is an increasing function for
−3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
all 𝑥.
So 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing in the
interval [−3,1]

Fro Tip: To show a quadratic is

always positive, complete the
square, then indicate the
squared term is always at
least 0.
Test Your Understanding
Show that the function Find the interval on which the
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 − 2 is function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 − 135𝑥
increasing for all real values of 𝑥. is decreasing.

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 + 16 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 135
𝑥 2 ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥 𝑓′ 𝑥 ≤ 0
∴ 3𝑥 2 + 16 ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥. ∴ 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 135 ≤ 0
Therefore 𝑓(𝑥) is an increasing 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 45 ≤ 0
function for all real 𝑥. 𝑥+9 𝑥−5 ≤0
−9 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5

So 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing in the

interval [−9,5]
Exercise 12G
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 271
Second Order Derivatives
When you differentiate once, the expression you get is known as the first derivative.
Unsurprisingly, when we differentiate a second time, the resulting expression is
known as the second derivative. And so on…

Original Function First Derivative Second Derivative

𝑑𝑦 𝑑2𝑦
= 4𝑥 3 = 12𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑦 = 𝑥4
𝑦′ = 4𝑥 3 𝑦′′ = 12𝑥 2

𝑦ሶ = 4𝑥 3 𝑦ሷ = 12𝑥 2

Lagrange’s
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥4 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 4𝑥 3 𝑓′′ 𝑥 = 12𝑥 2

𝑑3 𝑦
You can similarly have the third derivative (𝑑𝑥 3),
although this is no longer in the A
Level syllabus. We’ll see why might use the second derivative soon…
Just for your interest…
𝑑2 𝑦
How does the notation work?
𝑑𝑥 2
Why are the squareds where they are?
𝑑
Suppose that 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 1. The 𝑑𝑥 (… ) notation is quite handy,
𝑑𝑦
Then when we write 𝑑𝑥 , we’re because it behaves as a function and
𝑑 𝑥 3 +1 allows us to write the original
effectively doing 𝑑𝑥 (by
expression and the derivative within
substitution), although this would a single equation:
typically be written: 𝑑 3
𝑑 3 𝑥 + 1 = 3𝑥 2
𝑥 +1 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Therefore, if we wanted to differentiate 𝑦 twice, we’d do:

𝑑 𝑑
𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑2
= 2 𝑦
ME-WOW! 𝑑𝑥
𝑑2𝑦
= 2
𝑑𝑥
Examples
4 𝑑2𝑦 1
If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 5 + , find . If 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 + , find 𝑓′′(𝑥).
𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 2 2 𝑥

𝑦 = 3𝑥 5 + 4𝑥 −2
1 1 −1
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 2
+ 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑦 2
= 15𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 −3 ′
3 − 1 1 −3
𝑑𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 2
2
𝑑2𝑦 2 4
2 = 60𝑥 3 + 24𝑥 −4 ′′
3 − 3 3 −5
𝑑𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =− 𝑥 2+ 𝑥 2
4 8
This could also be written as:
24
60𝑥 3 + 4
𝑥
Test Your Understanding
𝑥 𝑑2𝑦
If 𝑦 = 5𝑥 3 − , find .
3 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2

1 1
𝑦= 5𝑥 3
− 𝑥2
3
𝑑𝑦 2
1 −1
= 15𝑥 − 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥 6
2
𝑑 𝑦 1 −3
2 = 30𝑥 + 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥 12

(Note: For time reasons, I’m skipping Exercise 12H on Page 272)
Also note an error on this page: “When you differentiate with respect to 𝑥, you treat any other letters as constants.”
This is emphatically not true – it depends on whether the letter is a variable or a constant.
The statement however is true of ‘partial differentiation’ (which is not in the A Level syllabus). In fact in Year 2, you will learn that 𝑥𝑦,
𝑑𝑦
when differentiated with respect to 𝑥, gives 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑦, not to just 𝑦. What the textbook means is “When you differentiate with respect
to 𝑥, you treat any letters, defined to be constants, as numbers.” So 𝑎𝑥 would differentiate to 𝑎, just as 3𝑥 differentiates to 3, but ONLY
if you were told that 𝑎 is a constant! If 𝑎 was in fact a variable, we need to use something called the product rule (Year 2 content).
Stationary/Turning Points

A stationary point is where the gradient is 0, i.e. 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0.

Local maximum 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0

Fro Note: It’s called a ‘local’ maximum

because it’s the function’s largest
output within the vicinity. Functions
may also have a ‘global’ maximum, i.e.
the maximum output across the entire
function. This particular function
doesn’t have a global maximum
because the output keeps increasing up
Local minimum 𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0 to infinity. It similarly has no global
minimum, as with all cubics.

Find the coordinates of the turning points of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 − 135𝑥

𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 135 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 45 = 0
𝑥+9 𝑥−5 =0
𝑥 = −9 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
When 𝑥 = 5, 𝑦 = 53 + 6 52 − 135 5 = −400 → 5, −400
3 2
When 𝑥 = −9, 𝑦 = −9 + 6 −9 − 135 −9 = 972 → (−9,972)
More Examples
Find the least value of Find the turning point of
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 9 𝑦 = 𝑥−𝑥
1
Method 1: Differentiation 𝑦= 𝑥2
−𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1 −1
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 = 𝑥 2−1=0
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑥=2 1 −1
𝑓 2 = 22 − 4 2 + 9 = 5 𝑥 2=1
2
So 5 is the minimum value. 1
−2 1
𝑥 =2 → =2
𝑥
1 1
Method 2: Completing the square 𝑥= → 𝑥=
2 4
1
When 𝑥 = 4,
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−2 2+5
Therefore the minimum value of 1 1 1
𝑓(𝑥) is 5, and this occurs when 𝑦= − =
4 4 4
𝑥 = 2. 1 1
So turning point is ,
4 4

Fro Note: Method 2 is only applicable for

quadratic functions. For others,
differentiation must be used.
Points of Inflection
There’s a third type of stationary point (that we’ve encountered previously):

A point of inflection is where

the curve changes from convex
concave (or vice versa).
𝑓′ 𝑥 = 0

Technically we could label
these either way round
depending on where we view
the curve from. What’s
important is that the
concavity changes.
concave
(the same terms
convex used in optics!)
i.e. the line curves in one
direction before the point of
inflection, then curves in the
other direction after.

Fro Side Note: Not all points of inflection are stationary points, as can be seen
in the example on the right.
A point of inflection which is a stationary point is known as a saddle point.
How do we tell what type of stationary point?
Method 1: Look at gradient just before
and just after point.

Local Maximum
Gradient Gradient at Gradient
just before maximum just after

+ve 0 +ve

Point of Inflection
Local Minimum Gradient Gradient at Gradient
just before p.o.i just after
Gradient Gradient at Gradient
just before minimum just after

+ve 0 +ve
-ve 0 +ve
How do we tell what type of stationary point?
Method 1: Look at gradient just before
and just after point.

Find the stationary point on the curve with equation

𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 32𝑥, and determine whether it is a local maximum, a local
minimum or a point of inflection.

𝑑𝑦
= 4𝑥 3 − 32 = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑥 = 2 ∴ 𝑦 = −48
Stationary point is 2, −48

Strategy: Find the gradient for values just before and after 𝑥 = 2. Let’s try 𝑥 = 1.9 and 𝑥 = 2.1.

𝒙 = 𝟏. 𝟗 𝒙=𝟐 𝒙 = 𝟐. 𝟏
Gradient −4.56 0 5.04
Shape

Looking at the shape, we can see that 2, −48 is a minimum.

Method 2: Using the second derivative
The method of substituting values of 𝑥 just before and after is a bit cumbersome.
It also has the potential for problems: what if two different types of stationary points
are really close together?

0
Recall the gradient gives a
gradient
measure of the rate of change
of 𝑦, i.e. how much the 𝑦 value
changes as 𝑥 changes. +ve -ve
gradient gradient
Thus by differentiating the
gradient function, the second
derivative tells us the rate at
what the gradient is changing.

Thus if the second derivative is At a maximum point, we can see

positive, the gradient is that as 𝑥 increases, the gradient
increasing. is decreasing from a positive
If the second derivative is value to a negative value.
negative, the gradient is 𝑑2𝑦
decreasing. ∴ 2<0
𝑑𝑥
Method 2: Using the second derivative
! At a stationary point 𝑥 = 𝑎:
• If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑎 > 0 the point is a local minimum.
• If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑎 < 0 the point is a local maximum.
• If 𝑓 ′′ 𝑎 = 0 it could be any type of point, so resort to Method 1.
I will eventually do a ‘Just for your
The stationary point of 𝑦 = 𝑥4
− 32𝑥 is Interest…’ thingy on why we can’t
classify the point when 𝑓 ′′ 𝑥 = 0,
2, −48 . Use the second derivative to classify and how we could use the third
this stationary point. derivative!

𝑑𝑦
= 4𝑥 3 − 32
𝑑𝑥
𝑑2𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
2 Find 𝑑𝑥 2 for the 𝑥 at the
= 12𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2 stationary point.
𝑑2 𝑦 2
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑑𝑥 2 = 12 2 > 0
Therefore the stationary point is a minimum point.
Test Your Understanding
Edexcel C2 May 2013 Q9
Sketching Graphs
All the way back in Chapter 4, we used features such as intercepts with the
axes, and behaviour when 𝑥 → ∞ and 𝑥 → −∞ in order to sketch graphs.
Now we can also find stationary/turning points!

1
[Textbook] By first finding the stationary points, sketch the graph of 𝑦 = + 27𝑥 3
𝑥

𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥 −1 + 27𝑥 3
𝑑𝑦
= −𝑥 −2 + 81𝑥 2 = 0
𝑑𝑥
1 1 4
− 2 + 81𝑥 2 = 0 → 81𝑥 2 = 2
𝑥 𝑥
1 1
81𝑥 4 = 1 → 𝑥 = 𝑜𝑟 −
3 3
𝟏 𝟏 𝑥
, 𝟒 , − , −𝟒 1 1
𝟑 𝟑 −
3 3
As 𝑥 → ∞, 𝒚 → ∞
As 𝑥 → −∞, 𝒚 → −∞ −4

1
𝑥 not defined at 0 (due to 𝑥 term)
 Exercise 12I
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 276
Extension 3 [MAT 2001 1E] The maximum gradient of the curve
1
1 [MAT 2014 1C] The cubic 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 2 in the range 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2
5
3 2
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 − 𝑘 + 1 𝑥 + 2 − 𝑘 𝑥 − 𝑘 occurs when:
has a turning point, that is a minimum, A) 𝑥 = 0
1
when 𝑥 = 1 precisely for B) 𝑥 = 1 −
3 Hint: When two curves
A) 𝑘 > 0 C) 𝑥 = 1 +
1 touch, their 𝑦 values
3
B) 0 < 𝑘 < 1 1 must match, but what
1 D) 𝑥 = 2 else must also match?
C) 𝑘 > 2 5

D) 𝑘 < 3
4 [STEP I 2007 Q8] A curve is given by:
E) all values of 𝑘 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 − 6𝑎𝑥 2 + 12𝑎 + 12 𝑥 − (8𝑎 + 16)
where 𝑎 is a real number. Show that this curve
[MAT 2004 1B] The smallest value of touches the curve with equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 at
2
the function: 2,8 . Determine the coordinates of any other
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 3 point of intersection of the two curves.
In the range 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 is what? (i) Sketch on the same axes these two curves
when 𝑎 = 2.
(ii) … when 𝑎 = 1 (iii) when 𝑎 = −2
 Solutions to Extension Questions
1 [MAT 2014 1C] The cubic 2 [MAT 2004 1B] The smallest value of
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥 3 − 𝑘 + 1 𝑥 2 + 2 − 𝑘 𝑥 − 𝑘 the function:
has a turning point, that is a minimum, 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 3 − 9𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 3
when 𝑥 = 1 precisely for In the range 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 is what?
A) 𝑘 > 0
B) 0 < 𝑘 < 1 𝒇′ 𝒙 = 𝟔𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐 = 𝟎
1
C) 𝑘 > 2 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟎
D) 𝑘 < 3 𝒙−𝟏 𝒙−𝟐 =𝟎
E) all values of 𝑘 𝒙=𝟏 → 𝒇 𝟏 =𝟖
𝒙=𝟐 → 𝒇 𝟐 =𝟕
𝒅𝒚 At start of range: 𝒇 𝟎 = 𝟑
= 𝟑𝒌𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐 𝒌 + 𝟏 𝒙 + (𝟐 − 𝒌)
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
When 𝒙 = 𝟏, = 𝟑𝒌 − 𝟐𝒌 − 𝟐 + 𝟐 − 𝒌 ≡ 𝟎 (1,8)
𝒅𝒙
Therefore there is a turning point for all values of (2,7)
𝒌. However, this must be a minimum. (0,3)
𝒅𝟐 𝒚
= 𝟔𝒌𝒙 − 𝟐(𝒌 + 𝟏) Therefore answer is 3.
𝒅𝒙𝟐
𝒅𝟐 𝒚
When 𝒙 = 𝟏, 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒌 − 𝟐
𝒅𝒙
𝟏
If minimum: 𝟒𝒌 − 𝟐 > 𝟎 → 𝒌 >
𝟐
Solutions to Extension Questions
3 [MAT 2001 1E] The maximum gradient of the
curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 2 in the range
1
0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 occurs when:
5
A) 𝑥 = 0
1
B) 𝑥 = 1 −
3
1
C) 𝑥 =1+
3
1
D) 𝑥 = 2
5
𝒅𝒚
Gradient: = 𝟒𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙
𝒅𝒙
So find max value of 𝟒𝒙𝟑 − 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙
𝒅𝟐 𝒚
𝟐
= 𝟏𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝟒𝒙 + 𝟖 = 𝟎
𝒅𝒙
𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟎
𝟏
𝒙=𝟏±
𝟑
Due to the shape of a cubic, we have the a local
𝟏
maximum gradient at 𝒙 = 𝟏 −
𝟑
𝟏
and a local minimum at 𝒙 = 𝟏 +
𝟑
𝟏
In range 𝟎 ≤ 𝒙 ≤ 𝟐 , answer must either be 𝒙 = 𝟏 +
𝟓
𝟏 𝟏
or 𝒙 = 𝟐 . Substituting these into 𝒚 yields a higher
𝟑 𝟓
value for the latter, so answer is (D).
 Solutions to Extension Questions
4 [STEP I 2007 Q8] A curve is
given by:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 3 − 6𝑎𝑥 2
+ 12𝑎 + 12 𝑥 − (8𝑎 + 16)
where 𝑎 is a real number.
Show that this curve touches
the curve with equation 𝑦 =
𝑥 3 at 2,8 . Determine the
coordinates of any other point
of intersection of the two
curves.
(i) Sketch on the same axes
these two curves when 𝑎 = 2.
(ii) … when 𝑎 = 1
(iii) … when 𝑎 = −2
Sketching Gradient Functions
The new A Level 𝑦
specification specifically
The gradient of
mentions being able to 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 is
sketch 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥). negative, but
increasing.
The gradient at the
If you know the function turning point is 0. The gradient
of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 is
𝑓′(𝑥) explicitly (e.g.
positive, and
because you differentiated increasing.
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)), you can use
your knowledge of
sketching straight
line/quadratic/cubic 𝑥
graphs.
But in other cases you
won’t be given the
function explicitly, but just
the sketch. Click to Sketch Click to Sketch Click to Sketch
𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥)
A Harder One
Gradient is
Fro Tip: Mentally describe
Gradient is
positive: initially the gradient of each section
negative, but 𝑦 increases but of the curve, starting your
increasing. Gradient is
positive: initially then decreases. mental sentence with “The
increases but gradient is…” and using
then decreases. terms like “positive”, “but
increasing”, “but not
Gradient
changing”, etc.
Gradient is 0.
is 0.
Gradient is negative. Initially
Gradient is 0, decreases but then tends towards 0.
but positive
before and after.
𝑦=𝑓 𝑥

𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥)

> > > > > > >

Fro Pro Tip: The gradient is momentarily not changing so Again, on 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) this is a point of inflection so the
the gradient of the gradient is 0. We get a turning point in gradient function has a turning point. It is also a stationary
𝑦 = 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 whenever the curve has a point of inflection. point, so 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 0. i.e. The 𝑓′(𝑥) curve touches the 𝑥-axis.
Test Your Understanding

Gradient is
negative, but
increasing. Gradient is positive;
initially increases
but then decreases. 𝑦=𝑓 𝑥

Gradient is 0.
𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥)
𝑥
Gradient is positive, but
tending towards 0.

Solution
>
 Exercise 12J
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 278
Extension
(Official solution)
If 𝒇(𝒙) is an even function
1 [MAT 2015 1B]
then 𝒇′ 𝒙 will be an odd
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥+𝑎 𝑛
function, and vice versa. 𝒇(𝒙)
where 𝑎 is a real number and 𝑛 is a
and 𝒇′ 𝒙 will cross the 𝒙-axis
positive whole number, and 𝑛 ≥ 2. If
at −𝒂, 𝟎 and will have one
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥) are plotted on
further intersection when 𝒚
the same axes, the number of
and 𝒙 are greater than 0.
intersections between 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓 ′ 𝑥
will:
The answer is (b).
A) always be odd
B) always be even Recall that:
C) depend on 𝑎 but not 𝑛 Odd function: 𝑓 −𝑥 = −𝑓 𝑥
D) depend on 𝑛 but not 𝑎 Even function: 𝑓 −𝑥 = 𝑓(𝑥)
E) depend on both 𝑎 and 𝑛.
Optimisation Problems/Modelling
We have a sheet of A4 paper,
which we want to fold into a
cuboid. What height should we
choose for the cuboid in order to
maximise the volume?
ℎ

These are examples of optimisation

problems: we’re trying to
maximise/minimise some quantity
by choosing an appropriate value of
a variable that we can control.

We have 50m of
𝑥 fencing, and want to
make a bear pen of the
following shape, such
𝑦 that the area is
maximised. What
should we choose 𝑥
and 𝑦 to be?
‘Rate of change’
𝑑𝑦
Up to now we’ve had 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥, where 𝑑𝑥 means “the rate at which 𝑦
changes with respect to 𝑥”.

But we can use similar gradient function notation for other physical quantities.

A sewage container fills at a Real Life

rate of 20 cm3 per second. Maths!

How could we use

appropriate notation to
represent this?

𝑑𝑉
= 20 𝑐𝑚3 /𝑠
𝑑𝑡
“The rate at which the volume 𝑉
changes with respect to time 𝑡.”
Example Optimisation Problem
Optimisation problems in an exam usually follow the following pattern:
• There are 2 variables involved (you may have to introduce one yourself), typically lengths.
• There are expressions for two different physical quantities:
• One is a constraint, e.g. “the surface area is 20cm2”.
• The other we wish to maximise/minimise, e.g. “we wish to maximise the volume”.
• We use the constraint to eliminate one of the variables in the latter equation, so that it is then just in
terms of one variable, and we can then use differentiation to find the turning point.

[Textbook] A large tank in the shape of a cuboid is to be

made from 54m2 of sheet metal. The tank has a horizontal
base and no top. The height of the tank is 𝑥 metres. Two of
𝒙 the opposite vertical faces are squares.
a) Show that the volume, V m3, of the tank is given by
2
𝒙 𝑉 = 18𝑥 − 𝑥 3 .
3
𝒚
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑦 = 54 These are the two equations
𝑉 = 𝑥 2𝑦 mentioned in the guidance: one
for surface area and one volume.
We need to introduce a second But we want 𝑉 just in terms of 𝑥:
variable ourselves so that we 54 − 2𝑥 2 2
54 − 2𝑥 2
can find expressions for the
𝑦= → 𝑉=𝑥
3𝑥 3𝑥
surface area and volume. 2 4
54𝑥 − 2𝑥 2
𝑉= = 18𝑥 − 𝑥 3
3𝑥 3 Once we have the
b) Given that 𝑥 can vary, use differentiation to find 𝑑𝑉 ‘optimal’ value of 𝑥, we
= 18 − 2𝑥 2 = 0 ∴ 𝑥 = 3 sub it back into 𝑉 to get
the maximum or minimum value of 𝑉. 𝑑𝑡 the best possible
2 3 volume.
𝑉 = 18 3 − 3 = 36
3
Test Your Understanding
Edexcel C2 May 2011 Q8
Exercise 12K
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 281
Extension
1 [STEP I 2006 Q2] A small goat is tethered by a rope to a point at ground
level on a side of a square barn which stands in a large horizontal field
of grass. The sides of the barn are of length 2𝑎 and the rope is of length
4𝑎. Let 𝐴 be the area of the grass that the goat can graze.
Prove that 𝐴 ≤ 14𝜋𝑎2 and determine the minimum value of 𝐴.