Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation

Lesson 8.1
Derivatives of Implicit Functions
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

Explicit and Implicit Functions 3
Implicit Differentiation 4

Key Points 13

Check Your Understanding 14

Challenge Yourself 15

Bibliography 15

Key to Try It! 16

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
Lesson 8.1

Derivatives of Implicit Functions

Introduction
The graph shown in the picture is known as the Folium of Descartes. Descartes first
introduced it in 1638. The word folium is a Latin word for “leaf” since the graph looks like a
leaf. Descartes challenged Fermat to find the equation of the tangent line to this curve, which
is represented by the equation 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 − 3𝑎𝑥𝑦 = 0, at any arbitrary point. It was at that time
when Fermat had recently discovered a method in finding the equation of a tangent line. He
succeeded in finding the equation of the tangent line. But how did he solve it?

So far, we have differentiated functions of the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). Or we say that 𝑦 is explicitly
defined as a function of 𝑥. However, in the curve 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 − 3𝑎𝑥𝑦 = 0, it is not straightforward

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 1

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
to solve for 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥, so we cannot use the previous methods of differentiation. What
did Fermat do? He used a technique called implicit differentiation to find the derivative of
the equation without writing 𝑦 explicitly in terms of 𝑥. In this lesson, we will use this method
in finding the derivatives of these types of equations.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competency
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
Illustrate implicit differentiation
following:
(STEM_BC11D-IIIi-2).
● Differentiate explicit and implicit
functions.
● Use implicit differentiation in finding the
derivatives of implicit functions.

Warm Up
Differentiate in a Different Way 10 minutes
In this activity, you will discover two types of functions by differentiating 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥.

Materials
● pen
● paper

Procedure
𝑑𝑦
1. Find 𝑦 ′ or 𝑑𝑥 in each equation, if possible. (Hint: Express 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥.)

a. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6𝑦 − 10 = 0
b. 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥𝑦 − 11 = 0
c. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4
d. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 = 8

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Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
2. Answer the following guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. What equations can be expressed as 𝑦 as a function of 𝑥? What can be not?
2. Which equation has two derivatives? Why?
3. In the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 = 8, is it possible to differentiate 𝑦 with respect to 𝑥
using our previously discussed methods? Why do you say so?

Learn about It!

Explicit and Implicit Functions

In the previous lessons, you dealt with finding the derivatives of functions that are written in
explicit form. Examples of these functions are 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1 and 𝑦 = cos 2𝑥 + 3, where 𝑦 is
explicitly expressed in terms of 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Consider the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4. How will you solve ? To find using the previously
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

discussed methods of differentiation, you need to express 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥.

𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 = 4
𝑦 2 = 4 − 𝑥2
𝑦 = ±√ 4 − 𝑥 2

The function 𝑦 = ±√4 − 𝑥 2 is defined implicitly by the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4, which is its

implicit form.

An explicit function is a function defined by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). In other words, 𝑦 is

isolated on one side of the equation. On the other hand, an implicit function is a function
that is not written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). This means that 𝑦 can be found on either or both sides
of the equation together with 𝑥.

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 3

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation

Remember
Implicit functions like 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 is not a function in general since it
is an equation of a circle, and it fails the vertical line test. However,
it is defined by two explicit functions, 𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2 (the upper
semicircle) and 𝑦 = −√4 − 𝑥 2 (the lower semicircle). Both of these
functions are only defined in the domain [−2, 2]. In general, if
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) coincides with the graph of an equation in 𝑥 and 𝑦 that
defines a function 𝑓, then 𝑓 is an implicit function.

The equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 is an implicit function since 𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2 and

𝑦 = −√4 − 𝑥 2 coincides with the graph of this equation.

We can get the derivative of 𝑦 = ±√4 − 𝑥 2 with respect to 𝑥 by applying the chain rule. For
−𝑥 𝑥
𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2 , we have 𝑦 ′ = , and for 𝑦 = −√4 − 𝑥 2 , we have 𝑦 ′ = .
√4−𝑥 2 √4−𝑥 2

How will you differentiate an implicit function that

cannot be expressed in the form 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙)?

Implicit Differentiation
There are times where an implicit function cannot be expressed as 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). Take the case of
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 = 8. It is difficult to express 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥. To find the derivative of 𝑦 with
respect to 𝑥, we will use another method of differentiation, the implicit differentiation.

Recall that the derivative of 𝑥 2 with respect to 𝑥 is 2𝑥. How about the derivative of 𝑦 2 with
𝑑𝑦
respect to 𝑥? Is it 2𝑦? The answer is no. Keep in mind that when we solve 𝑑𝑥 , the differentiation

taking place is with respect to 𝒙. Hence, when we differentiate with similar variables, we
𝒅 𝒅𝒙
differentiate as it is, since (𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟐𝒙 𝒅𝒙 = 𝟐𝒙. However, if we have different variables
𝒅𝒙

involved, we apply the chain rule.

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 4

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑
Note that 𝑦 is a function of 𝑥, say 𝑦 = 𝑢(𝑥). To solve (𝑦 2 ), we apply the chain rule, i.e.
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 2
(𝑦 2 ) = 𝑑𝑦 (𝑢(𝑥)) = 2𝑢(𝑥) ∙ 𝑢′ (𝑥).
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑦
(𝑦 2 ) = 2𝑦 2−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑦
𝑑𝑥

What is the derivative of 𝒙𝒚 with respect to 𝒙?

To find the derivative of 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 by implicit differentiation, first, differentiate both sides

𝑑𝑦
of the equation with respect to 𝒙. Write the derivative of 𝑦 as 𝑦 ′ or 𝑑𝑥 .

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

𝒅𝒚
Next, isolate 𝒅𝒙.

𝑑𝑦
2𝑦 = −2𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −2𝑥
=
𝑑𝑥 2𝑦
𝑑𝑦 𝑥
=−
𝑑𝑥 𝑦

Notice that the derivative contains 𝑦. In 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4, 𝑦 is explicitly defined as 𝑦 = ±√4 − 𝑥 2 .

And we get its derivative by applying the chain rule.

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 5

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
−𝑥
For 𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2 , we have 𝑦 ′ = .
√4−𝑥 2

−𝑥
𝑦′ =
√4 − 𝑥 2
−𝑥 𝑥
𝑦′ = or −
𝑦 𝑦

𝑥
For 𝑦 = −√4 − 𝑥 2 , we have 𝑦 ′ = .
√4−𝑥 2

𝑥
𝑦′ =
√4 − 𝑥 2
𝑥 𝑥
𝑦′ = or −
−𝑦 𝑦

Note that these derivatives, when 𝑦 is explicitly defined, agree with the result of implicit
differentiation.

Let’s Practice!

Example 1
𝑑𝑦
Find if 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 𝑥 = 𝑦.
𝑑𝑥

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

3𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 𝑥 = 𝑦
𝑑 𝑑
(3𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 𝑥) = (𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
(3𝑥 2 ) − (5𝑦 2 ) + (𝑥) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
6𝑥 − 10𝑦 +1 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 6

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
6𝑥 − 10𝑦 +1 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
−10𝑦 − = −6𝑥 − 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
(−10𝑦 − 1) = −6𝑥 − 1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −6𝑥 − 1
=
𝑑𝑥 −10𝑦 − 1
𝑑𝑦 −(6𝑥 + 1)
=
𝑑𝑥 −(10𝑦 + 1)
𝑑𝑦 6𝑥 + 1
=
𝑑𝑥 10𝑦 + 1

𝒅𝒚 𝟔𝒙+𝟏
Thus, 𝒅𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎𝒚+𝟏.

1 Try It!
𝑑𝑦
Find 𝑑𝑥 if 6𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 2 + 10𝑦 = 𝑥.

Example 2
Differentiate 𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 12 with respect to 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 12
𝑑 𝑑
(𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 5𝑦) = (12)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
(𝑦 3 ) + (3𝑦 2 ) − (4𝑥) + (5𝑦) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 −4+5 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 7

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 −4+5 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 +5 =4
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
(3𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 5) = 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 4
= 2
𝑑𝑥 3𝑦 + 6𝑦 + 5

𝒅𝒚 𝟒
Thus, the derivative of 𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 12 with respect to 𝑥 is 𝒅𝒙 = 𝟑𝒚𝟐 +𝟔𝒚+𝟓.

2 Try It!
Differentiate 𝑦 4 − 6𝑦 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 0 with respect to 𝑥.

Example 3
Find the derivative of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 = 5𝑥 2 𝑦 − 12𝑦 with respect to 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

𝑥 3 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 = 5𝑥 2 𝑦 − 12𝑦
𝑑 3 𝑑
(𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑥) = (5𝑥 2 𝑦 − 12𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 3 𝒅 𝑑 𝒅 𝑑
(𝑥 ) + (𝟑𝒙𝒚𝟐 ) − (4𝑥) = (𝟓𝒙𝟐 𝒚) − (12𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝒅 𝟐 𝒅 𝒅 𝒅 𝟐 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 + 𝟑 [𝒙 ∙ (𝒚 ) + 𝒚𝟐 ∙ (𝒙)] − 4 = 𝟓 [𝒙𝟐 ∙ (𝒚) + 𝒚 ∙ (𝒙 )] − 12
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 + 3 [𝑥 (2𝑦 ) + 𝑦 2 ] − 4 = 5 [𝑥 2 + 𝑦(2𝑥 )] − 12
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 − 4 = 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑥𝑦 − 12
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 8

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 − 4 = 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑥𝑦 − 12
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
6𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑥 2 + 12 = 10𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 + 4
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
(6𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑥 2 + 12) = 10𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 + 4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 10𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 + 4
=
𝑑𝑥 6𝑥𝑦 − 5𝑥 2 + 12

𝒅𝒚 𝟏𝟎𝒙𝒚−𝟑𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒚𝟐 +𝟒
Thus, the derivative of 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 = 5𝑥 2 𝑦 − 12𝑦 with respect to 𝑥 is 𝒅𝒙 = .
𝟔𝒙𝒚−𝟓𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟐

3 Try It!
Find the derivative of 𝑦 3 − 2𝑥𝑦 4 − 3𝑥𝑦 = 7𝑦 + 15𝑥 with respect to 𝑥.

Example 4
Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 6𝑥𝑦 + 5𝑥 − 𝑦 − 60 = 0 at (2, 3).

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 6𝑥𝑦 + 5𝑥 − 𝑦 − 60 = 0
𝑑
(4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 6𝑥𝑦 + 5𝑥 − 𝑦 − 60) = 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑 𝒅 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
(4𝑥 2 ) + (9𝑦 2 ) − (𝟔𝒙𝒚) + (5𝑥) − (𝑦) − (60) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝒅 𝒅 𝑑𝑦
8𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 𝟔 [𝒙 ∙ (𝒚) + 𝒚 ∙ (𝒙)] + 5 − −0=0
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
8𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6 (𝑥 + 𝑦) + 5 − =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
8𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 5 − =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

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Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
8𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 5 − =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − = −8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
(18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 1) = −8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 −8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5
=
𝑑𝑥 18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 1

Step 3: Find the slope of the tangent line.

𝑑𝑦
To find the slope of the tangent line at (2, 3), we evaluate 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑚 at the given

point.

𝑑𝑦 −8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5
=
𝑑𝑥 18𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 1
−8(2) + 6(3) − 5
𝑚=
18(3) − 6(2) − 1
−16 + 18 − 5
=
54 − 12 − 1
3
=−
41

Thus, the slope of the tangent line to the curve 4𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 − 6𝑥𝑦 + 5𝑥 − 𝑦 − 60 = 0 at (2, 3) is
𝟑
− 𝟒𝟏.

4 Try It!
Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve 3𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 7𝑦 − 4𝑥𝑦 = 27 at (−1, 2).

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 10

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
Example 5
Find the derivative of 4𝑥 + 2𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝑦 with respect to 𝑥.

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

4𝑥 + 2𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝑦
𝑑 𝑑
(4𝑥 + 2𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦) = (2𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝒅 𝑑𝑦
(4𝑥) + (𝟐𝒙√𝒙 + 𝒚) = 2
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝒅 𝒅 𝑑𝑦
4 + 𝟐 [𝒙 ∙ (√𝒙 + 𝒚) + √𝒙 + 𝒚 ∙ (𝒙)] = 2
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
1 𝒅 𝑑𝑦
4 + 2 [𝑥 ∙ ∙ (𝒙 + 𝒚) + √𝑥 + 𝑦] = 2
2√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 𝒅𝒚 𝑑𝑦
4 +2[ (𝟏 + ) + √𝑥 + 𝑦] = 2
2√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝒅𝒙 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
4+2( + + √𝑥 + 𝑦) = 2
2√𝑥 + 𝑦 2√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
4+ + + 2√𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2
√𝑥 + 𝑦 √𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate 𝑑𝑥 .

𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
4+ + + 2 √𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2
√𝑥 + 𝑦 √𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑥
−2 =− − 2√𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4
√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑥𝑑𝑦 2√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 −𝑥 − 2(𝑥 + 𝑦) − 4√𝑥 + 𝑦
− =
√𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑑𝑦 𝑥 − 2√𝑥 + 𝑦 −𝑥 − 2(𝑥 + 𝑦 ) − 4√𝑥 + 𝑦
( )=
𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 √𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑑𝑦 −𝑥 − 2(𝑥 + 𝑦) − 4√𝑥 + 𝑦 √𝑥 + 𝑦
= ∙
𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑥 − 2 √𝑥 + 𝑦

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 11

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦 −𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 4√𝑥 + 𝑦
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 − 2√𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑑𝑦 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 4√𝑥 + 𝑦
=−
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 − 2√𝑥 + 𝑦

𝒅𝒚 𝟑𝒙+𝟐𝒚+𝟒√𝒙+𝒚
Thus, the derivative of 4𝑥 + 2𝑥 √𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝑦 with respect to 𝑥 is 𝒅𝒙 = − .
𝒙−𝟐√𝒙+𝒚

5 Try It!
Find the derivative of 2𝑦 − 3𝑥√𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4 with respect to 𝑥.

Example 6
𝑑𝑦
Given the equation 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = sin 2 (𝑥𝑦), find 𝑑𝑥 .

Solution
Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥.

2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = sin 2 (𝑥𝑦)

𝑑 𝑑
(2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ) = [sin 2 (𝑥𝑦)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑥+𝑦 𝑑 𝒅
2 [𝑥 ∙ (𝑒 ) + 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ∙ (𝑥)] = 2 sin(𝑥𝑦) ∙ [𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝒙𝒚)]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙
𝒅 𝒅
2 [𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ∙ (𝒙 + 𝒚) + 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ] = 2 sin(𝑥𝑦) 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝒙𝒚) ∙ (𝒙𝒚)
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚 𝒅 𝒅
2 [𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 (𝟏 + ) + 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ] = 2 sin(𝑥𝑦) cos(𝑥𝑦) ∙ [𝒙 ∙ (𝒚) + 𝒚 ∙ (𝒙)]
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝑑𝑦 𝒅𝒚
2 [𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 (1 + ) + 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ] = 2 sin(𝑥𝑦) cos(𝑥𝑦) (𝒙 + 𝒚)
𝑑𝑥 𝒅𝒙
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2 (𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 ) = sin(2𝑥𝑦) (𝑥 + 𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 2𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = 𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦) + 𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 12

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation
𝑑𝑦
Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 + 2𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = 𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦) + 𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦) = 𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 2𝑒 𝑥+𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
[2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦)] = 𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 2𝑒 𝑥+𝑦
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦) − 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 2𝑒 𝑥+𝑦
=
𝑑𝑥 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 − 𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦)

𝒅𝒚 𝒚 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝒙𝒚)−𝟐𝒙𝒆𝒙+𝒚 −𝟐𝒆𝒙+𝒚
Thus, the derivative of 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = sin 2 (𝑥𝑦) with respect to 𝑥 is 𝒅𝒙 = .
𝟐𝒙𝒆𝒙+𝒚 −𝒙 𝐬𝐢𝐧(𝟐𝒙𝒚)

6 Try It!
𝑑𝑦
Given the equation 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = sin2 (𝑥𝑦), find 𝑑𝑥 .

Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● An explicit function is a function defined by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). In other words,

𝑦 is isolated on one side of the equation.
● An implicit function is a function that is not written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). This means
that 𝑦 can be found on either or both sides of the equation together with 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦
● Implicit differentiation is used to find if 𝑦 is an implicitly defined function of 𝑥.
𝑑𝑥

○ Step 1: Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to 𝑥. Use chain
rule in differentiating 𝑦.
𝑑𝑦
○ Step 2: Isolate .
𝑑𝑥

___________________________________________________________________________________________

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 13

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation

Check Your Understanding

A. Find the derivative of the following equations with respect to 𝑥.

1. 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦 2 − 𝑦 = 12
2. 4𝑥 2 − 10𝑦 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 = 0
3. 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 7𝑦 − 10 = 0
4. 3𝑥𝑦 + 5𝑥 3 𝑦 − 4𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 12𝑦 = 8
5. 13𝑥 2 − 14𝑦 2 = 7𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 3 + 9𝑥
6. 𝑦 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑥
7. 2𝑥+𝑦 − 3𝑦 = 23𝑥
8. 2𝑦 √𝑥𝑦 = 10√𝑦
9. 𝑦√𝑥 = 𝑥 √𝑦
10. (𝑥 2 + 𝑦)4 = 8𝑥𝑒 𝑦
11. 𝑒 2𝑦 = sin(𝑥 − 𝑦)
12. 𝑦 2 cos 𝑥 2 = sin 𝑦
13. tan(𝑥 + 2𝑦) = √tan 𝑦
14. sin 𝑒 𝑥 − cos 𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑦
15. 𝑒 sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 cos 𝑥 = sin(𝑥 + 𝑦)

B. Find the slope of the line tangent to the following curves at the given
points.

1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑦 at (1, 1)
2. 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 21 at (2, −1)
3. 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 26 = 0 at (−1, −3)
4. (𝑥 − 4)2 + 7(𝑦 − 2)2 − 8𝑥𝑦 − 128 = 0 at (−3, 3)
5. 𝑥 3 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 3 − 2𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 2 = 0 at (−1, 2)

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 14

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following.

1. Find the value of the constant 𝑎 if the slope of the line tangent to
2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑎𝑦 3 + 4𝑎𝑥𝑦 − 6 = 0 at (−1, 4) is 3.
𝑑𝑦
2. If 2𝑧 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑧𝑦 and 2𝑧 3 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑧 = 5, find 𝑑𝑥 . Write your answer in expanded form.
𝑑𝑧
3. If cos 𝑦 − sin 𝑧 = 𝑦𝑧 and sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑦, find . Write your answer in expanded form.
𝑑𝑥
𝑘
4. A line tangent to 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 2𝑥𝑦 at (1, 2 ) has a slope of −1. Find the value of 𝑘.

5. Find a point on the line tangent to 𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 + 5𝑥𝑦 + 90 = 0 at (6, −3), that is nearest
to the point (0, 1).

Bibliography
Edwards, C.H., and David E. Penney. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed. Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008.

Larson, Ron H., and Bruce H. Edwards. Essential Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008.

Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. New York: HarperCollins College Publ., 1997.

Smith, Robert T., and Roland B. Milton. Calculus. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Tan, Soo T. Applied Calculus for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences: A Brief Approach.
Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2012.

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 15

Unit 8: Implicit Differentiation

Key to Try It!

𝑑𝑦 4𝑥+1
1. = 12𝑦+10
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 3𝑥−5
2. =
𝑑𝑥 2𝑦3 −9𝑦2 −1
𝑑𝑦 2𝑦4 +3𝑦+15
3. = 3𝑦2 −8𝑥𝑦3 −3𝑥−7
𝑑𝑥
6
4. 23
𝑑𝑦 2√𝑥−3𝑦+9𝑥−18𝑦
5. =
𝑑𝑥 4√𝑥−3𝑦+9𝑥

𝑦 sin(2𝑥𝑦)−2(𝑥+1)𝑒 𝑥+𝑦
6. 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 −𝑥 sin(2𝑥𝑦)

8.1. Derivatives of Implicit Functions 16