BEngineering Mathematics 1 (MAT 2018) July 2020

Unit 2 Partial Differentiation

2.1 Differentiation (Review)

Given a function, 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), the derivative is a gradient function defined by the formula:

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim
ℎ →0 ℎ

The derivative is a rate of change and is useful for situations where the instantaneous rate of
change is required.

Applications of the derivative include:

- Critical points
- Intervals of increase and/ decrease
- Optimization
- Curve sketching
- Concavity
- Economics (marginal cost and revenue)

2.1.1 Finding the Derivative

The method of first principles using the limit definition of the derivative to obtain the derivative
of a function. It is a rather tedious process.

Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 4.

To find the derivative, using first principles, will involve the following steps:

Step 1 Deduce an expression for 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ)

𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) = 3(𝑥 + ℎ)2 − 7(𝑥 + ℎ) + 4 = 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥ℎ + 3ℎ2 − 7𝑥 − 7ℎ + 4

𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
Step 2 Substitute in the quotient , and simplify
ℎ

1
 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) − 𝑓(𝑥) 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥ℎ + 3ℎ2 − 7𝑥 − 7ℎ + 4 − (3𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 4)
=
ℎ ℎ
6𝑥ℎ + 3ℎ2 − 7ℎ ℎ(6𝑥 + 3ℎ − 7)
= = = 6𝑥 + 3ℎ − 7
ℎ ℎ
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
Step 3 Evaluate the limit, lim
ℎ →0 ℎ

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = lim (6𝑥 + 3ℎ − 7) = 6𝑥 − 7.

ℎ →0

Rules were developed to make the process of finding the derivative (Differentiation) easier and
efficient.

Note: To find the derivative using first principles of higher order polynomials, exponential,
trigonometric function would not be a task to look forward to, as this would also require prior
knowledge of trigonometry, limits, etc.

2.1.2 Basic Rules

Function, 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) Derivative, Examples

𝒚′ = 𝒇′(𝒙)
Constant function, 𝑦 = 𝑘 𝑑𝑦 If 𝑦 = 19, then
𝑑𝑦
=0
=0 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥
Power rule, 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑑𝑦 If 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 , then
𝑑𝑦
= 5𝑥 4
= 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥
3 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = = 3𝑥 −2 , then = −6𝑥 −3
𝑥2 𝑑𝑥
1 1
𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 4√𝑥 = 4𝑥 , then 2 = 2𝑥 −2
𝑑𝑥

Basic Trigonometric 𝑑𝑦
1) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑑𝑥
Functions: 𝑑𝑦 If 𝑦 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 4𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥,
2) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
1) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 then = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥
2) 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 3) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

3) 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

2
 Exponential functions: 1)
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑒𝑥 If 𝑦 = 4𝑒 𝑥 , then 𝑦′ = 4𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
1) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑥
If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 , then 𝑦′ = 3𝑥 𝑙𝑛3
2) = 𝑎 𝑙𝑛𝑎
𝑑𝑥
2) 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥
Logarithmic functions: 𝑑𝑦 1 6
1) = If 𝑦 = 6𝑙𝑛𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
1) 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑦 1 1
2) = If 𝑦 = log 5 𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥𝑙𝑛𝑎 𝑥𝑙𝑛5
2) 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥
Product rule: 𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣′ If 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 +
Given the product of two 𝑥 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
functions, 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣
Quotient rule: ′
𝑣𝑢′ − 𝑢𝑣′ If 𝑦 =
3𝑥
, then
𝑦 = 2−5𝑥
Given the quotient of two 𝑣2
(2−5𝑥)3−3𝑥(−5) 6−15𝑥+15𝑥
𝑢
𝑦′ = (2−5𝑥)2
= (2−5𝑥)2
=
functions, 𝑦 =
𝑣 6
(2−5𝑥)2

The Chain Rule is used to differentiate composite functions.

An example of a composite function:

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 5, then 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 5)4 is a composite function, in which
𝑢 = 3𝑥 + 5 is referred to as the inside function.

Generalisations (Short cuts) of the Chain Rule:

Function Short- cut Example

General Power Rules: 1) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑛𝑎(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛−1 If 𝑦 = 5(1 − 2𝑥)3 , then 𝑦 ′ = −30(1 − 2𝑥)2
1) 𝑦 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛 2) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑛[𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛−1 × 𝑓′(𝑥) If 𝑦 = (3 + 𝑥 2 )7 , then 𝑦 ′ = 7(3 + 𝑥 2 )6 (2𝑥)
2) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑛
12
Exponential/ Logarithmic: 1) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑒 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 If 𝑦 = 3ln (4𝑥 + 3), then 𝑦 ′ =
4𝑥+3
1) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 2) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) × 𝑓′(𝑥) If 𝑦 = 𝑒 2𝑥 − 𝑙𝑛(1 − 𝑥 2 ), then
𝑎
2) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) 3) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 2𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑒 2𝑥 + 1−𝑥 2
3) 𝑦 = ln(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑓′(𝑥)
4) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓(𝑥)

3
 4) 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥)
Trigonometric: 1) 𝑦 ′ = acos (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑑
(3𝑐𝑜𝑠(2𝑥 + 11)) = −2𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑥 + 11)
1) 𝑦 = sin(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 2) 𝑦 ′ = −asin (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑑𝑥
𝑑
2) 𝑦 = cos (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 3) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) (5𝑠𝑖𝑛(3𝑥 2 )) = 30𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠(3𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥
3) 𝑦 = tan (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 4) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑓(𝑥)
4) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓(𝑥) 5) 𝑦 ′ = −𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓(𝑥)
5) 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑓(𝑥) 6) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓′(𝑥)𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑓(𝑥)
6) 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑓(𝑥)

Prepared by Terry-Ann Russell (tarussell@utech.edu.jm) July 4, 2020

Note: The module Engineering Mathematics 1B (MAT 1059) Revision notes have been copied
below. They consist of worked examples for those students who need a refresher.

4
Engineering Mathematics 1B (MAT 1059) Revision I (April 28, 2020)

Calculus Limits

Introduction

Calculus is the branch of mathematics that studies change. We live in a dynamic world, filled with change.

In engineering, it is important to monitor, measure and analyse variables, physical quantities and systems that
are dynamic.

Some engineers directly use calculus in their daily practice and some use computer programs based on calculus
that simplify engineering design.

The two main branches of calculus - differentiation and integration – are useful in the practice of engineering in
optimization and summation.

Applications of calculus in engineering:

> Fluid mechanics in civil engineering

> Structural analysis in structural engineering
> Frictional forces and cooling systems in mechanical engineering
> Thrust in aerospace engineering

Many physics models use some form of calculus.

The limit is the basic concept that is used to describe and analyse such change.

Systems, and variables, may be modelled mathematically using equations/ formulae and graphs. Simplified
mathematical models are easier to analyse than raw data. Predictions and forecasts may be made using such
models, within a margin of error.

The LIMIT of a function describes the behavior of the function when the independent variable is near to, but
does not necessarily equal, a specific x-value.

As x → a, f ( x) → L is expressed as lim f ( x) = L in limit notation.

x →a

5
Example 1 Consider the following graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 (in following diagram)

Remarks As the x-value approaches 1, the y-value approaches – 2 (from either side – left / right)
In summary, 𝐴𝑠 𝑥 → 1, (𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2) → −2.
This is expressed in limit notation as lim(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2) = −2.
𝑥→1

2; x  1
Example 2 The following graph shows a piecewise function, h( x) =  .
 x; x  1

Evaluate the limit, lim ℎ(𝑥), if it exists.

𝑥→1

Remarks The behaviour of the function on the left of 𝑥 = 1 and the right of 𝑥 = 1 is observed.

The Left Hand Limit (LHL) is a one-sided limit; where lim− ℎ(𝑥) = lim− 2 = 2
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

The Right Hand Limit (RHL) is a one-sided limit; where lim+ ℎ(𝑥) = lim+ 𝑥 = 1
𝑥→1 𝑥→1

If the limit exists, it is a unique value. In other words, the LHL must equal the RHL for the limit

to exist. In this example, the limit, lim ℎ(𝑥), does not exist.
𝑥→1

6
One- Sided Limits
The limit, lim f ( x) = L , exists if and only if both one-sided limits exist and are equal, that is lim f ( x) =
x →a x →a −

lim f ( x) . If the one-sided limits are not equal or do not exist then the limit, lim f ( x) = L , does not exist.
x →a + x →a

lim f ( x) is used to denote the left limit. Similarly, lim f ( x) denotes the right limit.
x →a − x →a +

Limit Laws/ Rules

- Useful for evaluating limits, without the use of graphs or tables, etc
- It is not always practical to draw graphs and evaluate limits of functions.
1) If k is a constant, then lim k = k . For example, lim (5) = 5
x →a 𝑥→ 7

2) If f(x) is a polynomial, sine, cosine, exponential or logarithmic function, then the limit is evaluated by
substitution
lim
x →a
f ( x) = f (a)

Examples: lim 𝑥 3 − 7 = 27 − 7 = 20 lim 4𝑒 5𝑥 = 4𝑒 0 = 4(1) = 4

𝑥→3 𝑥→0

𝜋
lim ln(2𝑥 − 5) = 𝑙𝑛1 = 0 lim𝜋 3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 2 ) = 3(1) = 3
𝑥→3 𝑥→
2

3) If k is a scalar and the limits, lim f ( x) and lim g ( x) , exist, then:

x→a x→a

i. limkf ( x)  g ( x) = k lim f ( x)  lim g ( x) (sum/ difference)

x →a x →a x →a

x →a

ii. lim f ( x) g ( x) = lim f ( x)  lim g ( x)
x →a
 x →a
 (product)

 f ( x)  lim f ( x)
iii. lim  = x→a
 lim g ( x) ; provided lim
x →a
g ( x)  0 (quotient)
x→a
 g ( x )  x→a

Activity 1 Evaluate the following limits, if they exist:

a) lim 12 (Ans.12) 4−3𝑥 1

𝑥→3 d) lim (7𝑥+12) (Ans. 3 )
𝑥→ 0
b) lim 3𝑥 − 5𝑥 2 (Ans. - 26) e) lim 7𝑒 2+𝑥 (Ans. 7)
𝑥→ −2 𝑥→−2
c) lim (3𝑥)(𝑥 2 − 12) (Ans.777) f) lim(𝑥 3 ) 𝑒 3𝑥 (Ans. 𝑒 3 )
𝑥→ 7 𝑥→1

2𝑥−4
Example 3 Evaluate the limit, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2, if it exists.
𝑥→2
7
 2𝑥−4 0
Solution 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2 = 0; which is an indeterminate form.
𝑥→2

One approach is the Factor/ Cancel approach (applies to rational functions)

2𝑥−4 2(𝑥−2) 2
𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2 = lim (𝑥−1)(𝑥−2) = lim 𝑥−1 = 2
𝑥→2 𝑥→2 𝑥→2

3𝑥 2 −7𝑥−6 (3𝑥+2)(𝑥−3) 11
Activity 2 Evaluate the limit, lim (𝑥 2 −8𝑥+15), if it exists. (Ans. lim = − 2)
𝑥→3 𝑥→3 (𝑥−3)(𝑥−5)

Limits at Infinity
Function, f(x) lim f ( x) lim f ( x)
x→ + x → −

Natural exponent, e x Zero Undefined

Reciprocal natural exponent, e − x or Undefined Zero
1
ex
k ; k is a constant and n  1 Zero Zero
xn
f ( x) 1) Zero – if the higher degree polynomial is
Rational function, ; where f(x) and in the denominator.
g ( x)
2) Undefined – if the higher degree
g(x) are polynomials
polynomial is in the numerator.
3) Ratio of the coefficients of the highest
terms – if the numerator and denominator
are the same degree.

Example 4 Evaluate the following limits, if they exist:

a) lim 7𝑒 𝑥 (Ans. undefined)

𝑥→∞

b) lim 3𝑒 −4𝑥 (Ans. zero)

𝑥→∞
5
c) lim (𝑥) (Ans. zero)
𝑥→∞
9
d) lim (− 𝑥 5 ) (Ans. zero)
𝑥→∞
5𝑥+4−8𝑥 4
e) lim ( ) (Ans. - 4 )
𝑥→∞ 2𝑥 4 −3

3𝑥+7𝑥 5
f) lim ( ) (Ans. undefined)
𝑥→−∞ 5𝑥−7

Continuity at a Point
8
A function is continuous at a point, x = a , if ALL THREE of the following conditions are satisfied:
1) The function is defined at the point, i.e. f (a) exists and is a real number.
2) The limit exists, i.e. lim f ( x ) exists and is a real number. This might involve finding the one-sided
x→ a

limits in the case of a piecewise function.

3) The first two parts are equal, i.e. lim f ( x) = f (a ) .
x→a

Note: Polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions are continuous everywhere (for all real x-values)

P( x)
Note: A rational function, f ( x) = , has point(s) of discontinuity when Q( x) = 0 .
Q( x )
Example 5 Determine the point(s) of discontinuity, if they exist, of the following rational functions:
5 3
a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥−3 (Ans. 𝑥 = 2 )
12 1
b) 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥−3)(2𝑥+1) (Ans. 𝑥 = − 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3)
9𝑥−4
c) ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−9 (Ans. 𝑥 = −3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3 )

Sample Multiple Choice Questions (Limits)

1. lim 18 = 4. Given that the limit, lim (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑝) = 12, the
𝑥→3 𝑥→4

a) 0 value of p is
a) – 36
b) 3
b) – 9
c) 6 c) 4
d) 18 d) 9
2−𝑥
4 5. The limit, lim (𝑥 3 −7), is
𝑥 →2
2. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑒 = 𝑥
𝑥→∞ a) –1
a) 0 b) 0
c) 1
b) 1
d) Infinity
c) 4 9
6. lim (4𝑒 𝑥 −1) =
𝑥→0
d) ∞ a) 0
6𝑥 3 +20𝑥 b)
9
3. 𝑙𝑖𝑚 ( )= 4
𝑥→1 3𝑥 3 −2𝑥 2
c) 3
a) 0 d) 4
b) 2
c) 26
d) Undefined 3𝑥−6
7. The limit, lim (𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2), is
𝑥 →2

9
 a) –1
b) –3
c) 3
d) Does not exist
12𝑥 2 −3𝑥+7
8. lim ( )=
𝑥→∞ 4𝑥+𝑥 2 −3
a) 0
b) 3
c) 12
d) Infinity
𝑥−1
9. The rational function, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2−4, has point(s)
of discontinuity at x-values:
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2 and – 2
d) 4

10. The limit, lim 𝑓(𝑥), in the following figure,

𝑥 → −1

, is
a) –2
b) 0
c) 1
d) Does not exist

10
Solutions

1.D 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.B 6.C 7.C 8.C 9.C 10.D

Prepared by Terry-Ann Russell (tarussell@utech.edu.jm) April 29, 2020

ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 1B (MAT 1059) Revision II (April 29, 2020)

Note: These are the modified lecture notes on Rules of Differentiation

dy
Intro Ques: Find the coordinates of the points on the curve y = 4 x 2 + x − 2 at which the gradient is 17.
dx

𝑑𝑦
Solution: = 8𝑥 + 1 = 17 → 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 4(2)2 + 2 − 2 = 16. Coordinates (2, 16)
𝑑𝑥

Differentiation (Rules & standard derivatives)

Function, 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) Derivative, 𝒚′ = 𝒇′(𝒙) Examples

Constant function, 𝑦 = 𝑘 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
=0 If 𝑦 = 19, then 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥
Power rule, 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 , then 𝑑𝑥 = 5𝑥 4
= 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥
3 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 −2 , then 𝑑𝑥 = −6𝑥 −3
1 1
𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 4√𝑥 = 4𝑥 2 , then 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥 −2

Basic Trigonometric Functions: 𝑑𝑦

4) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑑𝑥
4) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑦 If 𝑦 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 4𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥,
5) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
5) 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 then 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑦
6) 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 6) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Exponential functions: 3)
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑒𝑥 If 𝑦 = 4𝑒 𝑥 , then 𝑦′ = 4𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
3) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 , then 𝑦′ = 3𝑥 𝑙𝑛3
4) = 𝑎 𝑥 𝑙𝑛𝑎
𝑑𝑥
4) 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥
Logarithmic functions: 𝑑𝑦 1 6
3) =𝑥 If 𝑦 = 6𝑙𝑛𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
3) 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑦 1 1
4) = 𝑥𝑙𝑛𝑎 If 𝑦 = log 5 𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 𝑥𝑙𝑛5
𝑑𝑥
4) 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥
Product rule: 𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣′ If 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

11
 Given the product of two
functions, 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣
Quotient rule: 𝑣𝑢′ − 𝑢𝑣′ 3𝑥
If 𝑦 = 2−5𝑥, then
𝑦′ =
Given the quotient of two 𝑣2
(2−5𝑥)3−3𝑥(−5) 6−15𝑥+15𝑥 6
𝑢
𝑦′ = (2−5𝑥)2
= (2−5𝑥)2
= (2−5𝑥)2
functions, 𝑦 = 𝑣

Example 1 (with solutions)

𝑑𝑦
Determine the derivative, , of the following:
𝑑𝑥

a) 𝑦 = −3, so 𝑦 ′ = 0
b) 𝑦 = 5𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 5
2 2
c) 𝑦 = 3 𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = 3

d) 𝑦 = 7 − 2𝑥, then 𝑦 ′ = −2
3𝑥−7 3 7 3 3
e) 𝑦 = = 7 𝑥 − 7 = 7 𝑥 − 1, 𝑠𝑜 𝑦 ′ = 7
7

Example 2 (with solutions)

Find the derivative of the following:

1) 𝑦 = 9𝑥 + 14𝑥 2 →→→ 𝑦 ′ = 9 + 28𝑥

2) 𝑦 = 7 − 3𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 →→→ 𝑦 ′ = −12𝑥 3
1
3) 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 𝑥 −1 →→→ 𝑦 ′ = 1 − 𝑥 −2
1 6 6
3 3 3 1
4) 𝑦 = 5 𝑥10 − 7( √𝑥) = 5 𝑥10 − 7𝑥 7 →→→ 𝑦 ′ = 10 (5) 𝑥 9 − 7 (7)𝑥 −7 = 6𝑥 9 − 𝑥 −7
7

Example 3

𝑑𝑦
Find the derivative 𝑑𝑥 , of the following:

a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 4 e) 𝑦 = 4𝑙𝑛𝑥
b) 𝑦 = 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 f) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
c) 𝑦 = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 g) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 5 𝑙𝑛𝑥
d) 𝑦 = 2𝑒 𝑥 h) 𝑦 = 3𝑥−1
4𝑥

12
Solution (Example 3)

𝑑𝑦
a) If 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 4, then 𝑑𝑥 = 2(3)𝑥 2−1 = 6𝑥
𝑑𝑦
b) If 𝑦 = 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, then 𝑑𝑥 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 (since the derivative of sine is cosine)
𝑑𝑦
c) If 𝑦 = 3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥, then 𝑑𝑥 = −3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 (since the derivative of cosine is negative sine)
𝑑𝑦
d) The derivative of 𝑒 𝑥 is simply 𝑒 𝑥 , so if 𝑦 = 2𝑒 𝑥 , then 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1 4
e) If 𝑦 = 4𝑙𝑛𝑥, then 𝑑𝑥 = 4 × 𝑥 = 𝑥 (check the table above)

f) In this question 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is product of two functions, 𝑥 2 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥.

Whenever we are required to find the derivative of the product of two functions, the product rule is
applied as follows:
Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 and 𝑣 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣
The derivative of each will be required 𝑂𝑅 𝑢′ = 2𝑥 and 𝑑𝑥 𝑂𝑅 𝑣 ′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑑𝑥

The product rule is

Given the product of two functions, 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣; in which u and v are functions of the independent variable,
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
usually x, the derivative is found using the formula = 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑣 𝑑𝑥 𝑂𝑅 𝑦 ′ = 𝑢𝑣 ′ + 𝑣𝑢′
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
In this question = (𝑥 2 )(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥) + (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)(2𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑑𝑥

g) This question also requires the application of the product rule

Let 𝑢 = 3𝑥 5 and 𝑣 = 𝑙𝑛𝑥
1
Then 𝑢′ = 15𝑥 4 and 𝑣 ′ = 𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1
Applying the product rule, gives = (3𝑥 5 ) ( ) + (𝑙𝑛𝑥)(15𝑥 4 ) = 3𝑥 4 + 15𝑥 4 𝑙𝑛𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
4𝑥
h) Given 𝑦 = 3𝑥−1, the quotient rule is applicable.
𝑢
The quotient rule is used when 𝑦 = 𝑣 ; provided v is not the zero function.

The quotient rule formula is

𝑣𝑢′ − 𝑢𝑣′
𝑦′ =
𝑣2
Let 𝑢 = 4𝑥 → 𝑢′ = 4 and 𝑣 = 3𝑥 − 1 → 𝑣′ = 3
𝑑𝑦 (3𝑥−1)(4)−(4𝑥)(3) 12𝑥−4−12𝑥 −4
Then 𝑑𝑥 = = = (3𝑥−1)2
(3𝑥−1)2 (3𝑥−1)2

13
Exercise 1 Find the derivative(s) of the following:

a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 7 𝑙𝑛𝑥 3
c) 𝑦 = (9 √𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 e) 𝑦 = 3𝑥 −4 𝑒 𝑥
3𝑥−2
b) 𝑦 = d) 𝑦 = 6𝑒 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 f) 𝑦 = 9𝑒 𝑥 𝑙𝑛𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

Solution (Exercise 1)

1
a) Apply product rule: 𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣 ′ = 21𝑥 6 𝑙𝑛𝑥 + 3𝑥 7 (𝑥) = 21𝑥 6 𝑙𝑛𝑥 + 3𝑥 6

b) Apply quotient rule:

𝑣𝑢′ −𝑢𝑣′ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥(3)−(3𝑥−2)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑦′ = =
𝑣2 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)2

c) Apply product rule:

2 1
𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣 ′ = 3𝑥 −3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 9𝑥 3 (−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)
d) Apply product rule:
𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣 ′ = 6𝑒 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 6𝑒 𝑥 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
e) Apply product rule:
𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣 ′ = −12𝑥 −5 𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝑥 −4 𝑒 𝑥
f) Apply product rule:
1
𝑦 ′ = 𝑢′ 𝑣 + 𝑢𝑣 ′ = 9𝑒 𝑥 𝑙𝑛𝑥 + 9𝑒 𝑥 ( )
𝑥

The Chain Rule is used to differentiate composite functions.

An example of a composite function:

Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 5, then 𝑓𝑔(𝑥) = (3𝑥 + 5)4 is a composite function, in which 𝑢 = 3𝑥 + 5 is
referred to as the inside function.

Table 1 showing composite functions and their respective inside function.

Composite Function, y Inside function, u

a) y = (9 x − 7 )
5 𝑢 = 9𝑥 − 7

b) y = 13(7 − 2 x ) 𝑢 = 7 − 2𝑥
4

c) y = x 2 + 6 𝑢 = 𝑥2 + 6

3 𝑢 = 2𝑥 − 1
d) y =
2x − 1

14
 7 𝑢 = 2𝑥 + 5
e) y =
(2 x + 5)3
4 𝑢 = 4 − 3𝑥
f) y=
3
(4 − 3x )2
g) y = 3e 7 x+8 𝑢 = 7𝑥 + 8

h) y = ln (2x + 9) 𝑢 = 2𝑥 + 9

i) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛(3𝑥 − 4) 𝑢 = 3𝑥 − 4
j) 𝑦 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥 2 ) 𝑢 = 𝑥2

Exercise 2 For each of the following, identify the inside function:

a) 𝑦 = 4(3 − 𝑥 2 )9 c) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛(7𝑥 − 4) e) 𝑦 = 5𝑙𝑛(3𝑥 + 1)

b) 𝑦 = 3
9
d) 𝑦 = 2𝑒 9−2𝑥 f) 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝑥
√(2𝑥−5)

Solution (Exercise 2)

a) 𝑢 = 3 − 𝑥 2 c) 𝑢 = 7𝑥 − 4 e) 𝑢 = 3𝑥 + 1
b) 𝑢 = 2𝑥 − 5 d) 𝑢 = 9 − 2𝑥 f) 𝑢 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

Example 4 (with solution)

Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 4(3𝑥 + 7)10 , using the chain rule.

Step 1 Identify the inside function, 𝑢 = 3𝑥 + 7

Step 2 Express the original, in terms of u, 𝑦 = 4𝑢7

Step 3 Find the derivatives:

𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑦
=3 = 28𝑢6
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑢

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑢
Step 4 Apply the chain rule: = × = 84𝑢6 = 84(3𝑥 + 7)6
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑥

Example 5

Find the derivative of the functions in Table 1

15
Solution (Example 5)

a) y = (9 x − 7 ) ; Let u = 9 x − 7 , then y = u 5 .
5

= 45u 4 = 45(9 x − 7)4 .

du dy dy
= 9 and = 5u 4 .
dx du dx

b) y = 13(7 − 2 x ) ; Let u = 7 − 2 x and y = 13u 4

4

= −104u 3 = −104(7 − 2 x )3
du dy dy
= −2 and = 52u 3 . Then
dx du dx
1
c) y = x + 6 ; 2
Let u = x + 6 and y = u =
2
u2

( )
1 1 1 1
du dy 1 − 2 dy 1 − − − x
= 2 x and = u . Then = (2 x)  u 2 = xu 2 = x x 2 + 6 2 OR
dx du 2 dx 2 x2 + 6
3 3
d) y = ; Let u = 2 x − 1 and y = = 3u −1
2x − 1 u
−6
= 2  −3u −2 = −6u −2 = −6(2 x − 1)−2 OR
du dy dy
= 2 and = −3u −2 . Then
dx du dx (2 x − 1) 2
7 7
e) y = ; Let u = 2 x + 5 and y = = 7u −3
(2 x + 5) 3
u 3

du dy dy − 42
= 2 and = −21u −4 . Then = 2  −21u −4 = −42u −4 = −42(2 x + 5) −4 OR
dx du dx (2 x + 5) 4
2
4 4 4 −
f) y= ; Let u = 4 − 3x and y = = = 4u 3

(4 − 3x )2 3 2
3
u2
u3
5 5 5 5
du dy 8 − dy 8 − − − 8
= −3 and = − u 3 . Then = −3  − u 3 = 8u 3 = 8(4 − 3x) 3 OR
dx du 3 dx 3 3
(4 − 3x) 5

g) y = 3e 7 x+8 ; Let u = 7 x + 8 and y = 3e u

du dy dy
= 7 and = 3e u . Then = 21e u = 21e 7 x+8
dx du dx
h) y = ln (2x + 9) ; Let u = 2 x + 9 and y = ln u
du dy 1 dy 2
= 2 and = . Then =
dx du u dx 2 x + 9
i) 𝑦 = sin (3𝑥 − 4); Let 𝑢 = 3𝑥 − 4 and 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑢
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
=3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = cos 𝑢 Then 𝑑𝑥 = 3 cos 𝑢 = 3cos (3𝑥 − 4)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑢

16
 j) 𝑦 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥 2 ) Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑢
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= 2𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = −4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑢 Then 𝑑𝑥 = 2𝑥(−4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑢) = −8𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑢

Generalisations (Short cuts) of the Chain Rule:

Function Short- cut Example

General Power Rules: 3) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑛𝑎(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛−1 If 𝑦 = 5(1 − 2𝑥)3 , then 𝑦 ′ = −30(1 − 2𝑥)2
3) 𝑦 = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)𝑛 4) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑛[𝑓(𝑥)]𝑛−1 × 𝑓′(𝑥) If 𝑦 = (3 + 𝑥 2 )7 , then 𝑦 ′ = 7(3 + 𝑥 2 )6 (2𝑥)
4) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)𝑛
12
Exponential/ Logarithmic: 5) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑒 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 If 𝑦 = 3ln (4𝑥 + 3), then 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥+3
5) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 6) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) × 𝑓′(𝑥) If 𝑦 = 𝑒 2𝑥 − 𝑙𝑛(1 − 𝑥 2 ), then
𝑎
6) 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) 7) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑥+𝑏 2𝑥
𝑦 ′ = 2𝑒 2𝑥 + 1−𝑥 2
7) 𝑦 = ln(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑓′(𝑥)
8) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓(𝑥)
8) 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥)
Trigonometric: 7) 𝑦 ′ = acos (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑑
(3𝑐𝑜𝑠(2𝑥 + 11)) = −2𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑥 + 11)
7) 𝑦 = sin(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 8) 𝑦 ′ = −asin (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 𝑑𝑥
𝑑
8) 𝑦 = cos (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 9) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) (5𝑠𝑖𝑛(3𝑥 2 )) = 30𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠(3𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥
9) 𝑦 = tan (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) 10) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑓(𝑥)
10) 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓(𝑥) 11) 𝑦 ′ = −𝑓 ′ (𝑥)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑓(𝑥)
11) 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑓(𝑥) 12) 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓′(𝑥)𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑓(𝑥)
12) 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑓(𝑥)

Exercise 3 Using appropriate rule(s), find the derivative of the following:

a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑒 3𝑥
b) 𝑦 = 4𝑥 4 ln (1 − 4𝑥 4 )
c) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥 2 )
sin (2𝑥)
d) 𝑦 = tan 𝑥

e) 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 (4𝑥 − 5)4
𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑥 2 )
f) 𝑦 = 3𝑥

g) 𝑦 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛(3𝑥) − 𝑙𝑛(2𝑥) + 2𝑒 4𝑥
h) 𝑦 = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛5 (4𝑥)
17
Solution (Exercise 3)

a) 𝑦 ′ = 3𝑒 3𝑥 + 9𝑥𝑒 3𝑥
−16𝑥 3
b) 𝑦 ′ = 16𝑥 3 ln(1 − 4𝑥 4 ) + 4𝑥 4 (1−4𝑥 4 )

c) 𝑦 ′ = 2𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑥 2 ) + 𝑥 2 (−2𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑥 2 ))
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥(2cos (2𝑥))−sin (2𝑥)𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
d) 𝑦 ′ = (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥)2

e) 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 (4𝑥 − 5)4 + 𝑥 4 16(4𝑥 − 5)3

3𝑥(4𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠(2𝑥 2 )−3𝑠𝑖𝑛(2𝑥 2 )
f) 𝑦′ =
(3𝑥)2
2
g) 𝑦′ = 3𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (3𝑥) − 2𝑥 + 8𝑒 4𝑥

h) 𝑦 = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛5 (4𝑥) = 3[sin (4𝑥)]5 , 𝑦′ = 15[sin(4𝑥)]4 4cos (4𝑥)

Prepared by T-A Russell (tarussell@utech.edu.jm) February 11, 2020

Revised April 29, 2020

Engineering Mathematics 1B (MAT 1059) Revision III (April 29, 2020)

Higher – Order derivatives

𝑑𝑦
Example 1 Let 𝑦 = 5𝑥 7 , then the first derivative is 𝑑𝑥 = 35𝑥 6

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑3 𝑦
The second derivative is 𝑑𝑥 2 = 210𝑥 5 and the third derivative is 𝑑𝑥 3 = 1050𝑥 4

𝑑𝑛 𝑦
In general, 𝑑𝑥 𝑛 represents the n-th derivative, obtained by differentiating y n times.

Exercise 1 (with solutions) Find the first and second derivatives for the following:

Function First Derivative Second Derivative

a) 𝑦 = 5sin (2𝑥) 𝑦 ′ = 10cos (2𝑥)
b) 𝑦 = (3𝑥 + 7)4 𝑦 ′ = 12(3𝑥 + 7)3
2 2
c) 𝑦 = 4𝑒 𝑥 𝑦 ′ = 8𝑥𝑒 𝑥
d) 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(4 − 𝑥 2 ) −2𝑥
𝑦′ =
4 − 𝑥2
𝑦 ′′ = −20sin (2𝑥)
𝑦 ′ ′ = 108(3𝑥 + 7)2
2 2
𝑦 ′′ = 8𝑒 𝑥 + 8𝑥2𝑥𝑒 𝑥
(4 − 𝑥 2 )(−2) − (−2𝑥)(−2𝑥)
𝑦 ′′ =
(4 − 𝑥 2 )2

18
Differentiating Logarithmic functions

Recall: (Rules of log)

𝑙𝑛[𝑓(𝑥)𝑔(𝑥)] = 𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑙𝑛𝑔(𝑥) 𝑙𝑛𝑒 = 1

𝑓(𝑥) 𝑙𝑛1 = 0
𝑙𝑛 ( ) = 𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑙𝑛𝑔(𝑥)
𝑔(𝑥)
𝑙𝑛𝑒 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑙𝑛(𝑓(𝑥))𝑛 = 𝑛𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑦 𝑓′(𝑥)
The derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛𝑓(𝑥) is = (Chain rule).
𝑑𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)

𝑑𝑦
Example 2 Given 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛[(4𝑥 − 3)5 (1 + 3𝑥 2 )3 ], find an expression for 𝑑𝑥

Solution Apply log rules to simplify the function (to avoid using multiple chain and product rules).

𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛[(4𝑥 − 3)5 (1 + 3𝑥 2 )3 ] = 𝑙𝑛(4𝑥 − 3)5 + 𝑙𝑛(1 + 3𝑥 2 )3 = 5 ln(4𝑥 − 3) + 3𝑙𝑛(1 + 3𝑥 2 )

𝑑𝑦 4 6𝑥 20 18𝑥
= 5( ) + 3( 2
)= +
𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 − 3 1 + 3𝑥 4𝑥 − 3 1 + 3𝑥 2

Stationary points and Curve Sketching

Example 3 Given 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 1, find the coordinates of the stationary points and sketch the graph.

Solution (Example 3)

To find the stationary points, solve 𝑦 ′ = 0

6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 = 0

6𝑥(𝑥 + 1) = 0

𝑥 = 0, −1

Coordinates of Stationary points are (0, 1) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 (−1, 2)

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The Sketch

Implicit Differentiation

Functions are typically written with the dependent variable (usually y) as the subject of the equation. This form
is referred to as EXPLICIT form. In the IMPLICIT form the subject of the equation is not the dependent
𝑑𝑦
variable. To obtain the derivative, 𝑑𝑥 , there are two (2) approaches:

1) Make y the subject, then differentiate. (not always possible or feasible)

For example 3𝑥 − 5𝑦 − 10 = 0, 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 3 − 14𝑥𝑦 + 4 = 0
2) Implicit differentiation
𝑑 𝑑𝑦
In general, (𝑔(𝑦)) = 𝑔′(𝑦) ×
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4 (with solutions) Differentiate the following, with respect to x:

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑 8 𝑑𝑦
a) (4𝑦 3 ) = 12𝑦 2 f) (8𝑙𝑛𝑦) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑦 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
b) (4𝑥 − 7𝑦 5 ) = 4 − 35𝑦 4 g) (4𝑒 𝑦 ) = 4𝑒 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
c) (2𝑦 −5 ) = −10𝑦 −6 h) (3𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦) = 3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
d) (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦 i) (4𝑥 2 𝑦 4 ) = 8𝑥𝑦 4 + 4𝑥 2 4𝑦 3
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑 dy
e) (3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦) = −3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 j) (𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝑦 2 )) = −2ysin(𝑦 2 ) dx
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

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 dy
Example 5 (with solutions) Using implicit differentiation, find an expression for .
dx

a) 13𝑥 5 + 7𝑦 3 − 3 = 4𝑥
𝑑𝑦
65𝑥 4 + 21𝑦 2 =4
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 4 − 65𝑥 4
=
𝑑𝑥 21𝑦 2
b) 15𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 3 𝑦 4 = 20 sin(4𝑦)

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
30𝑥 + 6𝑥 2 𝑦 4 + 2𝑥 3 4𝑦 3 = 80cos (4𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 30𝑥 + 6𝑥 2 𝑦 4
=
𝑑𝑥 80𝑐𝑜𝑠(4𝑦) − 8𝑥 3 𝑦 3

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 Differentiate the function x y − 2 x + y = 1 implicitly and find the gradient of the
2 3
Exercise 2
curve at the point (2, 1)

Solution (Exercise 2)

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 2 − 2𝑥𝑦
2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 2 − 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 0 →→ = 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 + 3𝑦 2

2−2(2)(1) 2
At (2, 1), gradient equals = −7
22 +3(1)2

Logarithmic Differentiation is applicable when:

Case 1 A function has multiple products/ quotient/ roots/ powers, etc and therefore will require the
application of multiple rules

(4𝑥−5)3 (1−2𝑥)7
Example 6 (with solutions) Find the derivative of 𝑦 =
√𝑥

Step 1 Take natural log, on both sides, and simplify

(4𝑥−5)3 (1−2𝑥)7
𝑦 = ln [ ]
√𝑥

𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛[(4𝑥 − 5)3 (1 − 2𝑥)7 ] − 𝑙𝑛√𝑥

1
𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(4𝑥 − 5)3 + 𝑙𝑛(1 − 2𝑥)7 − 𝑙𝑛𝑥 2

1
𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 3 ln(4𝑥 − 5) + 7 ln(1 − 2𝑥) − 𝑙𝑛𝑥
2

Step 2 Differentiate both sides, with respect to x

1
𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 3 ln(4𝑥 − 5) + 7 ln(1 − 2𝑥) − 2 𝑙𝑛𝑥

1 𝑑𝑦 4 −2 1 1
= 3( ) + 7( )− ( )
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 − 5 1 − 2𝑥 2 𝑥

1 𝑑𝑦 12 14 1
=( )−( )−( )
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 − 5 1 − 2𝑥 2𝑥

𝑑𝑦
Step 3 Make 𝑑𝑥 the subject of the equation

1 𝑑𝑦 12 14 1
= (4𝑥−5) − (1−2𝑥) − (2𝑥)
𝑦 𝑑𝑥

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 𝑑𝑦 12 14 1
= 𝑦 [( )−( ) − ( )]
𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 − 5 1 − 2𝑥 2𝑥

𝑑𝑦 (4𝑥 − 5)3 (1 − 2𝑥)7 12 14 1

= [( )−( ) − ( )]
𝑑𝑥 √𝑥 4𝑥 − 5 1 − 2𝑥 2𝑥

Case 2 When the exponent is a function of the independent variable; 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑔(𝑥)

Example 7 (with solutions)

Find the derivative of 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 3)𝑥

𝑑
Note The general power rule, 𝑑𝑥 [(𝑓(𝑥)𝑛 ] = 𝑛𝑓′(𝑥)(𝑓(𝑥))𝑛−1 , is applicable when the power is a real number.

𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 3)𝑥
Step 1 𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛(2𝑥 + 3)𝑥
𝑙𝑛𝑦 = 𝑥𝑙𝑛(2𝑥 + 3)

1 𝑑𝑦 2
Step 2 = 1 ln(2𝑥 + 3) + 𝑥 (2𝑥+3)
𝑦 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 2𝑥
Step 3 = 𝑦 [ln(2𝑥 + 3) + 2𝑥+3]
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 2𝑥
= (2𝑥 + 3)𝑥 [ln(2𝑥 + 3) + ]
𝑑𝑥 2𝑥 + 3

Prepared by T-A Russell (tarussell@utech.edu.jm) February 19, 2020

Revised April 29, 2020

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