P2 Chapter 7 :: Differentiation

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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:: Identify increasing and

decreasing functions.
Find the range of values for 2:: Find stationary points and
which 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ! − 𝑥 is determine their nature.
increasing.
Find the stationary points of
𝑦 = 𝑥 ! − 𝑥 and state whether each
is a maximum or minimum point.

4:: Sketch a gradient function.

Draw 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! and its gradient
function on the same axes.

7:: Model real-life problems.

Pre requisite: Differentiating 𝑥 !
The differentiation of the form 𝑥 " (where 𝑛 is a constant)
#$
! If 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 " then #% = 𝑛𝑎𝑥 "&' (where 𝑎, 𝑛 are constants)
i.e. multiply by the power and reduce the power by 1

Examples:
𝑑𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥( → = 5𝑥 + Power is 5, so multiply by 5 then
𝑑𝑥
reduce power of x by 1.
' 1 &'
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥) → 𝑓, 𝑥 = 𝑥 )
2
𝑑𝑦 (
𝑦= 2𝑥 * → = 12𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 , &+
𝑓 𝑥 = + = 𝑥 &! → 𝑓 𝑥 = −3𝑥
𝑥
Test Your Understanding

𝒅𝒚
1 𝑦= 3𝑥 '- → = 𝟑𝟎𝒙𝟗
𝒅𝒙
'
𝑥) !
&)
𝒅𝒚 𝟑 &𝟓
2 𝑓 𝑥 = =𝑥 → = − 𝒙 𝟐
𝑥) 𝒅𝒙 𝟐

𝒅𝒚
3 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 . → = 𝒂𝟐 𝒙𝒂&𝟏
𝒅𝒙

5 𝟒𝟗 𝟓
4 𝑓(𝑥) = 49𝑥 5 = 7𝑥 ) → 𝒇′(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
𝟐

1 &
𝟏 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 &𝟑
5 𝑦= =𝒙 𝟐 → = − 𝒙 𝟐
𝑥 𝒅𝒙 𝟐
7.1: Increasing and Decreasing Functions
A function can also be increasing
and decreasing in certain intervals.

𝑦, < 0
2,3

𝑦, > 0 𝑦, > 0
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 for 𝑥 ≤ 2 2≤𝑥≤4 for 𝑥 ≥ 4
always at least 0.
𝑓 ! 𝑥 ≥ 0 for all 𝑥. We conclude that f(x) is increasing when f’(x)>0,
and decreasing when f’(x)<0
It would be ‘strictly increasing’
if 𝑓′ 𝑥 > 0 for all 𝑥, i.e. is not F(x) admit horizontal tangents at the points (2, 3)
allowed to go horizontal. and (4,-1), so the gradient at these points is zero
F’(x)=0.
Examples
Show that the function Find the interval on which the
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ! + 6𝑥 " + 21𝑥 + 2 is function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ! + 3𝑥 " − 9𝑥
increasing for all real values of 𝑥. is decreasing.

𝑓 , 𝑥 = 3𝑥 ) + 12𝑥 + 21 𝑓 , 𝑥 = 3𝑥 ) + 6𝑥 − 9

𝑓 , 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 ) + 4𝑥 + 7 = 3 𝑥 + 2 ) +9 𝑓, 𝑥 ≤ 0 𝑦
3𝑥 ) + 6𝑥 − 9 ≤ 0
𝑥 + 2 ) ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥,
𝑥 ) + 2𝑥 − 3 ≤ 0
∴ 3 𝑥 + 2 ) + 9 ≥ 0 for all real 𝑥
𝑥+3 𝑥−1 ≤0 𝑥
∴ 𝑓(𝑥) is an increasing function for all 𝑥. −3 1

To show a quadratic is always

−3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
positive So 𝑓(𝑥) is decreasing in the interval [−3,1]
1st way complete the square,
then indicate the squared
term is always at least 0.
2nd graph the quadratic
function to show that its
always above the x-axis
Test Your Understanding
Show that the function Find the interval on which the
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ! + 16𝑥 − 2 is function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 ! + 6𝑥 " − 135𝑥
increasing for all real values of 𝑥. is decreasing.
Exercise 7A
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 138

Solve: 1(a and e), 2f, 3 and 4

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 ! + 6𝑥 " − 135𝑥

𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 " + 12𝑥 − 135 When 𝑥 = 5
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑦 = 5! + 6 5) − 135 5 = −400 → 5, −400
=0
𝑑𝑥
When 𝑥 = −9
𝑥 ) + 4𝑥 − 45 = 0 𝑦 = −9 ! + 6 −9 ) − 135 −9 = 972 → (−9,972)
𝑥+9 𝑥−5 =0
𝑥 = −9 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
Stationary/Turning Points
Find the coordinates of the turning points of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ! + 3𝑥 " − 12𝑥 + 4

• Find f’(x)
• Solve f’(x) = 0
• Find the corresponding
value of f(x)
More Examples
Find the least value of
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 " − 4𝑥 + 9

Method 1: Differentiation Method 2: Completing the square

𝑓 , 𝑥 = 2𝑥 − 4 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−2 )− 2) + 9
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥−2 )+5

Solve 𝑓 , 𝑥 = 0
So, 𝑥 = 2 𝑥−2 )
≥ 0 for all real values of x
𝑥−2 ) − 2) + 5 ≥ 5 for all real values of x
𝑓 2 = 2) − 4 2 + 9 = 5
Therefore the minimum value of 𝑓(𝑥) is 5,
So 5 is the minimum value. and this occurs when
𝑥 = 2.

Fro Note: Method 2 is only applicable for

quadratic functions. For others,
differentiation must be used.
Exercise 7B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 142

Exercise1a: Find the least value of • Find f’(x)

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 " − 12𝑥 + 8 • Solve f’(x) = 0
• Find the corresponding
value of f(x)

Exercise2a: Find the greatest value of

𝑓 𝑥 = 10 − 5𝑥 "
More Examples

Find the turning point of

𝑦 = 𝑥−𝑥

' '
𝑦= 𝑥) −𝑥 When 𝑥 = ,
+

1 1 1
𝑑𝑦 1 &' 𝑦= − =
= 𝑥 )−1=0 4 4 4
𝑑𝑥 2
1 &'
𝑥 )=1 ' '
2 So turning point is ,
+ +
'
&) 1
𝑥 =2 → =2
𝑥
1 1
𝑥= → 𝑥=
2 4
Stationary point could be a 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
convex (the same terms
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 ≠0
! 𝑥
in the example on the right. 𝑓

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 Method 1 known as 1st
and just after point. derivative test

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: 1st derivative test (Look at gradient just before and just after point).

Example 2 page 140: Find the stationary point on the curve with equation
𝑦 = 𝑥 # − 32𝑥, and determine whether it is a local maximum, a local
minimum or a point of inflection.
𝑑𝑦
= 4𝑥 ! − 32
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
=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.

Exercise 7B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 143
Exercise 5 page 143: By considering the gradient on either sides of the
stationary point on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! − 3𝑥 " + 3𝑥, show that this point is a
point of inflection. Sketch the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! − 3𝑥 " + 3𝑥
How do we tell what type of stationary point?
Exercise 3 page 143: Find the coordinates of the points where the gradient is
zero on the curve with the given given equations. Establish whether these
points are local maximum points , minimum points or points of inflection.
3c) 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! − 𝑥 ) − 𝑥 + 1
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 𝑑) 𝑦
decreasing. ∴ )<0
𝑑𝑥
Method 2: Using the second derivative
0
gradient

+ve -ve -ve +ve

gradient gradient gradient gradient

Gradient
0
At a maximum point, we can see At a minimum point, we can see
that as 𝑥 increases, the gradient that as 𝑥 increases, the gradient
is decreasing from a positive is increasing from a negative
value to a negative value. value to a positive value.
𝑑) 𝑦 𝑑) 𝑦
∴ )<0 ∴ )>0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Thus at a stationary point 𝑥 = 𝑎: Thus at a stationary point 𝑥 = 𝑎:

If 𝑓 ,, 𝑎 < 0 the point is a local maximum If 𝑓 ,, 𝑎 > 0 the point is a local minimum.
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.
The stationary point of 𝑦 = 𝑥 # − 32𝑥 Steps in applying the 2nd derivative test
is 2, −48 . Use the second derivative • Find #%
#$

to classify this stationary point. #$

• find x for which =0
#%
𝑑𝑦 #!$
= 4𝑥 ! − 32 • Find
𝑑𝑥 #% !
#!$
! • Find at the turning points
4𝑥 − 32 = 0 #% !
#!$
𝑥=2 (replace in #% !
the values of x that
#$
)
𝑑 𝑦 makes = 0)
#%
)
= 12𝑥 ) • Draw your conclusion:
𝑑𝑥
#!$
#!$ if ! > 0 then the stationary point is a
) #%
When 𝑥 = 2, = 12 2 >0
#% ! minimum point.
#!$
Therefore the stationary point is a minimum if ! < 0 then the stationary point is a
#%
point. maximum point.
Test Your Understanding
Edexcel C2 May 2013 Q9
Exercise 7B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 143
Solve using the second derivative test
Exercise 3: Find the coordinates of the points where the gradient is zero on
the curve with the given given equations. Establish whether these points are
local maximum points , minimum points or points of inflection.

3c) 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! − 𝑥 ) − 𝑥 + 1
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!

%
[Textbook] By first finding the stationary points, sketch the graph of 𝑦 = + 27𝑥 !
&
𝑦
𝑦 = 𝑥 &' + 27𝑥 !
𝑑𝑦
= −𝑥 &) + 81𝑥 ) = 0
𝑑𝑥
1 1 4
− ) + 81𝑥 ) = 0 → 81𝑥 ) = )
𝑥 ? Turning Points 𝑥
1 1
81𝑥 + = 1 → 𝑥 = 𝑜𝑟 −
3 3
1 ? Graph
𝟏 𝟏 𝑥
, 𝟒 , − , −𝟒 1
𝟑 𝟑 −
3 3
As 𝑥 → ∞, 𝒚 → ∞
As 𝑥? →
As−∞,𝑥 𝒚→ ∞,
→ −∞ 𝑥 → −∞ −4

'
𝑥 not defined at 0 (due to % term)
? Vertical Asymptotes
Exercise 7B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 143

Solve exercises 7 page 143

Exercise 1 page 148
Exercise 4 and 6 page 149
Sketching Gradient Functions
The new A Level 𝑦
specification specifically
The gradient of
mentions being able to

𝑓 𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 is
sketch 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑥). negative, but

𝑦=
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
𝑓′(𝑥 )
graphs. 𝑦=
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
the gradient of each section
negative, but 𝑦 positive: initially
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.
Keep in mind
1) Over the interval where The graph of f’(x) is above the x-axis
1) f’(x) > 0
the graph of f(x) is increasing

2) Over the interval where 2) f’(x) < 0 The graph of f’(x) is below the x-axis
the graph of f(x) is
decreasing

3) If f(x) admits a turning 3) f’(x) = 0 The graph of f’(x) intersects

point at x = a(Maximum or the x-axis at x = a
minimum point)

4) If f(x) admits a point of 4) f’(x) touches the x-axis This case is specific
More general the point of
inflection at x = b means it is tangent to the inflection of f(x) is a turning point
x-axis at x=b. for f’(x).

5) If f(x) has a vertical 5) f’(x) has a vertical asymptote x = c

asymptote x = c

6) Has a horizontal
6) f’(x) has a horizontal asymptote y = 0
asymptote y = d
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 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 1: For each graph given, sketch the graph of the corresponding gradient
function on a separate set of axes. Show the coordinates of any points where the curve
cuts or meets the x-axis, and give the equations of any asymptotes.
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 145
Exercise 7C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 149
Solve numbers: 6, 7 and 8 page 149
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’
#$
Up to now we’ve had 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥, where 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 𝑐𝑚5 /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.

Example 8 page 146: 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
𝒙 metres. Two of the opposite vertical faces are squares.
a) Show that the volume, V m3, of the tank is given by
"
𝒙 𝑉 = 18𝑥 − 𝑥 ,.
,
𝒚

b) Given that 𝑥 can vary, use differentiation to find

the maximum or minimum value of 𝑉.
Test Your Understanding
Edexcel C2 May 2011 Q8
Exercise 7D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 148
Exercise 7: A closed cylinder has total area equal to 600 π.
a) Show that the volume, V cm3, of this cylinder is given by the formula
𝑉 = 300𝜋𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 ! , where r cm is the radius of the cylinder.
b) Find the maximum volume of such a cylinder.
Exercise 7D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 148
Exercise 9: A shape consist of a rectangular base with a semi-circular
top, as shown.
a) Given that the perimeter of the shape is 40 cm, show that its area,
67 ! w
Acm2, is given by the formula 𝐴 = 40𝑟 − 2𝑟 )
− , where r is the
)
radius of the semicircle.
b) Hence find the maximum value for the area of the shape
Exercise 7D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 148
Exercise 7D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 150

Solve numbers 12, 13 and 14