Applications of Differentiation

Thursday, 11 November 2021 11:46 pm

The derivative is a powerful tool in the solution of many problems in science, engineering, geometry, and
economics. Among these problems which you will find out not only useful but also quite interesting are those
situations which call for maximizing or minimizing a function.

Some applications which will be discussed are the following:

1. Tangents and Normals
2. Maximum and Minimum Points
3. Maxima and Minima Problems
4. Related Rates/Time Rates

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Tangents and Normals
Friday, 12 November 2021 12:05 am

Supplementary Materials:
1. Lecture: CHAPTER 9 - Lectures.pdf
2. Exercise: CHAPTER 9.1 - Exercises.pdf
3. Video for Example No. 1. : Instantaneous Rate of Change, Errors, Tangents and Normals | Differential Calculus

If the functions ( ) has a finite derivative ′( ) at = , the curve = ( ) has a tangent at ( , ) whose
slope is
= tan = ′( )

If = 0, the curve has a horizontal tangent of equation = at , as at A, C, and D of Figure 4.1. Otherwise,
the equation of the tangent is
− = ( − )

If ( ) is continuous at = but lim ( ) = ∞ , the curve has a vertical tangent of equation = , as at B

→
and E of Figure 4.1.

The normal to a curve at one of its points is the line that passes through the point and is perpendicular to the
tangent at the point. The equation of the normal at ( , ) is
= if the tangent is horizontal
= if the tangent is vertical
1
− =− ( − )

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 = if the tangent is horizontal
= if the tangent is vertical
1
− =− ( − )

EXAMPLES:

1. Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the curve + −4 + = −1 at (−1,1).

2. Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the curve = ! − " at origin.

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3. At what point on the y-axis will the normal line at = 1 of the function ( ) = √ intersect?

)
4. Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the curve cos( +2 )+ = 1 at origin.

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Maximum and Minimum Points
Thursday, 2 December 2021 8:57 pm

Supplementary Materials:

CHAPTER 9.2 - Lectures.pdf

CHAPTER 9.2 - Exercises.pdf

You Tube Videos: Finding Local Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function - Relative Extrema
The Organic Chemistry Tutor

Objective.
After completing this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Apply differentiation in solving worded problems.
2. Familiarize themselves in the method of finding maximum and minimum values.
3. Realize the importance of differentiation in solving problems in the real world.

MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUES

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 *
= =0
*
If = 0 and " is negative (i.e. " < 0), the point is a maximum point (concave downward).
If = 0 and " is positive (i.e. " > 0), the point is a minimum point (concave upward).
Points of Inflection. A point of inflection is a point at which the curve changes from concave upward to
concave downward or vice versa (see point E from the figure). At these points the tangent changes its rotation
from clockwise to counterclockwise or vice versa.
At points of inflection, the second derivative of y is zero (y" = 0).

Example:
In the given functions, find
• All Critical Points
• all intervals for which is increasing and decreasing.
• all relative extrema
• Inflection Points.
• all intervals at which the graph is concave upward/downward.

@
A. =− +3 −2
!
B. = −4 @

@
3
C. = −
2
@
D. =2 −3 − 36 + 14

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