BASIC ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS

UNIT 4 : DIFFERENTIATION

INTRODUCTION
The Derivative is a core concept of Calculus and modern mathematics. Derivative

can be defined in two different ways. One is physical (as a rate of change) and

the other one is geometrical (as a slope of a curve). Historically, the primary

motivation for the study of ’differentiation’ was to solve a problem in mathematics

which is known as the tangent line problem for a given curve. This is to find the

slope of the straight line that is the tangent to the curve at a given point.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this unit are to:

1. Introduce the concept of differentiation.

2. Implement differentiation techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this unit, students should be able to:

1. Perform differentiation on various types of functions.

2. Solve various problems using differentiation techniques.

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4.1 INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIATION

The physical concept of the derivative

The main idea of the physical concept of the derivative is the concept of rate of change.

The derivative is the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a point in its domain.

This is the same as the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at that point.

One simple examples is velocity. It is given by

Average velocity = distance from A to B

time to get from A to B

If A and B are very close to each other, we get to what is called the instantaneous

velocity. If A and B are close to each other, then the time it takes to travel from A to B will

also be small. Assume that at time t=a, we are at A. If the time elapsed,

t = a + Δt

and to get to B is Δt, then we will be at B at time, t

If s is the distance from A to B, then the average velocity is

s
Average velocity =
t

The instantaneous velocity (at A) can be found when t is getting smaller and smaller.

Thus using the concept of limit,

s
Instantaneous velocity (at A) = lim
t →0 t

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If f(t) describes the position at time t, then s = f (a + t ) − f (a) . In this case,

f (a + t ) − f (a)
Instantaneous Velocity (at A) = lim
t →0 t

Example 4.1:

Consider a parabolic motion given by the function f(t) = t2. Obtain the instantaneous

velocity at t=a.

Solution 4.1:

f (a + t ) − f (a) f (a + t )2 − a2
lim = lim
t →0 t t →0 t

Since

(a + t )2 − a2 2at + t 2
= = 2a + t
t t

It can be concluded that the instantaneous velocity at t = a is 2a.

This concept of velocity may be extended to find the rate of change of any variable with

respect to any other variable. In general, if we have y = f(x), then the average rate of

change of y with respect to x from x = a to x = a + x , where x  0 , is

y f (a + x ) − f (a)
Average Rate = =
x x

The instantaneous rate of change of y with respect to x at x = a, is

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y f (a + x ) − f (a)
Instantaneous Velocity (at x = a ) = lim = lim
x →0 x x →0 x

If we write dx for x small, then we can use the notation

dy
Instantaneous Velocity (at x = a) = (a )
dx

The geometric concept of the derivative

Consider a function y = f(x) and its graph in Figure 4.1. Recall that the graph of a function

is a set of points (that is (x,f(x)) for x's from the domain of the function f).

Figure 4.1

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Fix a point on the graph, say (x0, f(x0)) as in Figure 4.2. A straight line "touching" the

graph at that point is called the tangent line at the point in question. The concept of

tangent may be viewed in a more general framework.

Figure 4.2

One way to find the tangent line is to consider the points (x,f(x)) on the graph, where x is

very close to x0. Then draw the straight-line joining both points (Figure 4.2):

Figure 4.3

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AS x gets closer and closer to x0, the line gets closer and closer to the tangent line.

Since all of these lines pass through the point (x0,f(x0)), their equations will be

determined by finding their slope: The slope of the line passing through the points

(x0,f(x0)) and (x,f(x)) (where x  xo ) is given by

f ( x ) − f ( xo )
m( x ) =
x − xo

The tangent itself will have a slope m, which is very close to m(x) when x itself is very

close to x0.

We now have

f ( x ) − f ( xo )
m = lim m( x ) = lim
x → xo x → xo x − xo

So the equation of the tangent line is

y − f ( xo ) = m( x − xo )

Notation. Writing "m" for the slope of the tangent line does not carry enough information;

we want to keep track of the function f(x) and the point x0 in our notation. The common

notation used is

m = f'(x0).

In this case, the equation of the tangent line becomes

y - f(x0) = f'(x0) (x-x0)

where

f (x) − f (xo )
f ' ( x o ) = lim
x → xo x − xo

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Sometimes it is more convenient to compute limits when the variable approaches 0. One

way to do that is to make a translation along the x-axis. If we set h=x-x0, we get

f (x) − f (xo ) f ( x o + h) − f ( x o )
f ' ( x o ) = lim = lim
x → xo x − xo h →0 h

4.1.1 LIMITS

For a function f(x), its derivative at x=a is defined by

f ( x ) − f (a) f (a + h) − f (a)
f ' (a) = lim = lim
x →a x −a h→0 h

Example 4.2 :

Let us start with the function f(x) = x2. We have

f (a + h) − f (a) (a + h)2 − a2 2ah + h 2

= = = 2a + h
h h h

So
f (a + h) − f (a)
lim = 2a
h→0 h

which means f '(x) = 2x.

Example 4.3 :

Consider the function f(x)=1/x for x  0 . We have

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1 1
−
f (a + h ) − f (a ) a + h a a − (a + h ) −h
= = =
h h ha(a + h) ha(a + h)

Consequently,

f (a + h) − f (a) −1 1
lim = lim =− 2
h →0 h h→0 a(a + h ) a

1
which means f '(x) = −
x2

4.1.2 DIFFERENTIATION FROM FIRST PRINCIPLE

This section will cover various differentiation rules and techniques.

The derivative of a constant is as follows:

Given a function f(x) =c,

f ( x + h) − f ( x ) c −c
f ' ( x ) = lim = lim = lim 0 = 0
h→0 h h→0 h h→0

So, the derivative of a constant function is as follows:

d
[c ] = 0
dx

4.1.3 DIFFERENTIATION OF POLYNOMIALS

The basic formula for differentiation is as follows:

d n
dx
( )
x = nx n −1

An expansion of this is:

d
dx
( )
ax n = anxn −1

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The differentiation formula is also valid for negative exponents:

'
d  1 nx n −1 − n −1
 n  = − 2n = −nx
dx  x  x

The following rules can be applied in the differentiation of:

(f + g )' (a ) = f ' (a ) + g ' (a )

(cf )' (a ) = cf ' (a )

Combined with the formula (xn)' = n xn-1, we see that every polynomial function has a

derivative at any point.

Example 4.4 :

For P(x) = 1 - 2x + 3x4 - 5x6, we have

P’(x) = 1x0 – 2x + 3x4 – 5x6

P’(x) = 1(0) x0-1 – 2(1)x1-1 + 3(4)x4-1 – 5(6)x6-1

P’(x) = 0 – 2x0 + 12x4 – 30x6

P ' ( x ) = −2 + 12x 3 − 30x 5

4.1.4 SECOND ORDER DERIVATIVES

The derivative of a polynomial function is also a polynomial function. So we can take

another derivative and generate a new function. This function is called the second

derivative. This can go on and the following functions are called higher derivatives. The

common notations used for them are as follows:

f '(x) f ''(x) f '''(x) f 4 ( x ) ... f ( n ) ( x )

y' y'' y''' y ( 4 ) ... y ( n )
dy d 2y d 3y d 4y d ny
...
dx dx 2 dx 3 dx 4 dx n

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Example 4.5:

d 2y
Obtain for the equation y = 2x4 + 4x3 +6x.
dx 2

Solution 4.5:

dy 3 2
= 8x + 12x + 6
dx
d 2y
2
= 24x2 + 24x
dx

4.1.5 THE PRODUCT RULE

The derivative of the product of two functions is the first function times the derivative of

the second plus the second times the derivative of the first.

(fg )(a ) = f ' (a )g (a ) + f (a )g ' (a )

or
d
(u.v ) = u dv + v du
dx dx dx

Example 4.6 :

dy
Given y = (3x2 – 2) (x2 + 5x + 2). Obtain .
dx

Solution 4.6:

du
Let u = (3x 2 - 2), = 6x
dx

dv
v = x 2 + 5x + 2, = 2x + 5
dx

dy dv dv
=u +v
dx dx dx

dy
= (3x 2 - 2) (2x + 5) + (x2 + 5x + 2) (6x)
dx
= 6x 3 + 15 x 2 - 4x - 10 + 6x 3 + 30 x 2 + 12x
= 12 x3 + 45x 2 + 8x - 10

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4.1.6 THE QUOTIENT RULE

The derivative of the quotient of two functions is the denominator times the derivative of

the numerator minus the numerator times the derivative of the denominator, all divided

by the denominator squared.

'
f  g (a )f ' (a ) − f (a )g ' (a )
  (a ) =
g  g 2 (a )

or

d  u  du
 = = 3x2
dx  v  dx

Example 4.7:

x3 dy
Given y = . Obtain .
1− x4 dx

Solution 4.7:

du
Let u = x 3 = 3x 2
dx

dv
v = 1- x 4 = - 4x 3
dx

du dv
v -u
dy dx dx
=
dx v 2

(1 - x 4 ) (3x 2 ) - (x 3 ) (- 4x 3 )
=
(1 - x 4 ) 2

3x 2 - 3x 6 + 4x 6
=
(1 - x 4 ) 2

3x 2 + x 6
=
(1 - x 4 ) 2

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4.1.7 THE CHAIN RULE

There are two versions of chain rule. The first is as follows:

If g is differentiable at x and f is differentiable at g(x), then the composition f  g is

differentiable at x.

y = f (g ( x )) and u = g (x )

Then y = f(u) and,

dy dy du
= x
dx du dx

Example 4.8 :

dy
Find , if y = cos (x3)
dx

Solution 4.8:

Let u = x3 and express y as y = cos u.

dy dy du
= x
dx du dx
d d
= [cosu ]. [ x 3 ]
du dx
= ( − sin u ).(3 x 2 )

= ( − sin( x 3 )).( 3 x 2 ) = −3 x 2 sin( x 3 )

The alternative version of the chain rule is as follows:

d
f (g( x )) = (f  g )' ( x ) = f ' (g( x ))g ' ( x )
dx

Example 4.9 :

Differentiate y = (3 x + 1)2

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Solution 4.9 :

The outer layer is ``the square'' and the inner layer is (3x+1). Differentiate ``the square''

first, leaving (3x+1) unchanged. Then differentiate (3x+1). )

d d
(3 x + 1)2 = 2(3 x + 1)2−1 (3 x + 1)
dx dx
= 2(3 x + 1)(3)

= 6(3 x + 1)

EXERCISE 4.1

dy
1. Obtain for the following functions:
dx

4 3
a. y= -
x x2

(2 + x )(3 + x 2 )
b. y=
x

c. y = ( x 2 − 3)( x 2 − x − 6)

4 x +1
d. y =
x 2 −2

e. y = 3( x 2 − 1) 4

5
f. y=
2( x + 4) 3
2

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4.2 DIFFERENTIATION OF OTHER FUNCTIONS

In this section we will explore how other functions are differentiated. Functions included

in this section are Trigonometric Functions, Logarithmic Functions, and Exponential

Functions.

4.2.1 DERIVATIVES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

The following are the derivatives of common trigonometric functions:

sin' x = cos x cos' x = - sin x

tan' x = sec 2 x cot' x = - csc 2 x

sec' x = sec x tan x csc' x = - csc x cot x

Example 4.10:

Find the derivative, using the definition, of function f given by

f(x) = sin x

Solution 4.10:

• We first calculate the quotient difference

[ f (x + h) – f(x) ] / h = [ sin (x + h) - sin x ] / h

• Use the trigonometric formula to transform a difference of sin (x + h) - sin x

into a product.

[ sin (x + h) - sin x ] / h = 2 cos [ (2 x + h)/2 ] sin (h/2) / h

• Rewrite the above quotient difference as follows.

[ f (x + h) – f(x) ] / h = cos [ (2 x + h)/2 ] sin (h/2) / [ h / 2 ]

• As h -->0, sin (h/2) / [ h / 2 ]-->1 and cos [ (2 x + h)/2 ] --> cos (2x /2) = cos x.
Hence the derivative of sin x is cos x

f '(x) = cos x

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Example 4.11:

Compute the derivative of f(x) = cos (5x3 -2).

Solution 4.11:

Using Trigonometric function differentiation and chain rule:

du
Let u = 5x 3 - 2 , = 15x 2
dx

dy
So, y = cos u , = - sin u
du

dy du dy
= x
dx dx du

dy
= (15x 2 ) ( - sin u)
dx

= - 15x 2 (sin u) , replace u = 5x 3 - 2

= - 15 x 2 sin (5x 3 - 2)

Example 4.12:

Compute the derivative of f(x) = sec (7x2 -3).

Solution 4.12:

Using Trigonometric function differentiation and chain rule:

du
Let u = 7x 2 - 3 , = 14x
dx

dy
So, y = sec u , = sec u tan u
du

dy du dy
= x
dx dx du

dy
= (14x ) (sec u tan u), replace u = 7x 2 - 3
dx

= 14 x sec (7x 2 - 3) tan (7x 2 - 3)

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Example 4.13:

Compute the derivative of f(x) = x3 sin x.

Solution 4.13:

Using Trigonometric function differentiation and product rule:

du
Let u = x 3 , = 3x 2
dx

dv
v = sin x , = cos x
dx

dv
= (x 3 ) (cos x) + (sin x) (3x 2 )
dx

= x 3 cos x + 3x 2 sin x

= x 2 (x cos x + 3 sin x)

Example 4.14:

Use the definition of the tangent function and the quotient rule to prove if f( x) = tan x,
then f′( x) = sec2 x.

Solution 4.14:
sin x
f ( x ) = tan x =
cos x
d cos x . cos x - (-sin x)(sin x)
=
dx cos 2 x
cos 2 x + sin 2 x
=
cos 2 x
1
= = sec 2 x
2
cos x

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4.2.2 DERIVATIVES OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

The derivative of natural logarithm is:

If f(x) = ln x

d 1
Then =
dx x

Example 4.15:

Obtain the derivative of f(x) = ln (x2 + 1)

Solution 4.15:

d 2x
= 2
dx (x + 1)

Example 4.16:

Obtain the derivative of f(x) = x ln x

Solution 4.16:

Using product rule,

d 1
= 1 ln x + x. = ln x + 1
dx x

Example 4.17:

ln x
Obtain the derivative of f(x) =
x

Solution 4.17:

Using Quotient Rule:

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1
. x - ln x. 1
d
= x
dx x2

1 - ln x
=
x2

4.2.3 DERIVATIVES OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The derivatives of exponential functions with base e are the same (or equal) to the

function itself.

If f (x) = ex

d x
Then =e
dx

Example 4.18:
2
+2
Obtain the derivative of f(x) = e x

Solution 4.18:

d
= e x + 2 (3x 2 )
2

dx

2
+2
= 3x 2 e x

Example 4.19:

Obtain the derivative of f(x) = x4 ex

Solution 4.19:

Using product rule,

d
= 4x3(ex) + ex (x4) = x3 ex (4 + x)
dx

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EXERCISE 4.2

1. Obtain the derivative of y = x2 sin x.

sec x
2. Differentiate f ( x ) = .
1 + tan x

3. Differentiate y = e-7x

+1
Differentiate f ( x ) = e 2x
2
4.

5. Differentiate f ( x ) = 3 + ln x

6. Differentiate f ( x ) = ln 2x

4.3 IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION AND PARAMETRIC

EQUATIONS

4.3.1 DERIVATIVES OF IMPLICIT FUNCTIONS

In many examples, especially the ones derived from differential equations, the variables

involved are not linked to each other in an explicit way. Most of the time, they are linked

through an implicit formula, like F(x,y) = 0. Once x is fixed, we may find y through

dy
numerical computations. The question becomes what is the derivative , at least at a
dx

certain a point? The method of implicit differentiation answers this concern. The

following example will help illustrate this point.

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Example 4.20:

x4 + y3 – 3xy = 0

Solution 4.20:

Differentiating with respect to x gives

d d d
(x 4 ) + (y 3 ) - (3xy) = 0
dx dx dx

dy dy
4x 3 + 3y 2 - 3(x.(1) + y. (1)) = 0
dx dx

dy dy
4x 3 + 3y 2 - 3x − 3y = 0
dx dx

dy
(3y 2 - 3x) = 3y - 4x 3
dx

dy 3y - 4x 3
=
dx 3y 2 - 3x

4.3.2 DERIVATIVES OF PARAMETRIC FUNCTIONS

In the geometry of straight lines, circles etc, we encounter “parametric equations” in

which the variables x and y, related to each other by a formula, may each be expressed

individually in terms of a third variable, called a “parameter”.

In general, we write

x = x(t) and y = y(t)

In theory, t could be expressed explicitly in terms of x; so, essentially, y is a function of t,

where t is a function of x. So,

dy dy dt
= .
dx dt dx

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Example 4.21

dy 2 3 5
Determine an expression for in the case when x + 2 xy + y = 4 .
dx

Solution 4.21:

d 3 d d 5
2 x + (2x ( y ) - y3 ( 2 x )) + y =0
dx dx dx

dy dy
2 x + 2x (3y 2 ) - y3 (2) + 5y4 =0
dx dx

dy dy
2 x + 6xy 2 - 2y 3 + 5y 4 =0
dx dx

dy
(6xy 2 + 5y 4 ) = 2y 3 - 2x
dx

dy 2y 3 - 2x
=
dx 6xy 2 + 5y 4

EXERCISE 4.3

1. Differentiate x3 + y3 = 6xy

2. Differentiate sin (x + y) = y 2 cos x

dy
3. Given y = (1 + t)2, x = 2t. Find .
dx

dy
4. Given y = et + t, x = t 2 + 1 find
dx

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4.4 APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

4.4.1 GRADIENT OF A CURVE, TANGENT AND NORMAL

The gradient of a curve at a particular point is actually the gradient of the tangent at that

point. The equation of the tangent at the point on the curve is given as a linear equation

fulfilling the formula y = mx + c. The normal line at that point has a gradient, when

multiplied by the gradient of the tangent will give the value -1.

Example 4.22:

Verify that (-1, 3) is a point on the curve x 2 y 2 = 9. Then find the tangent and normal line

to the curve at that point.

Solution 4.22:

To verify (-1, 3) is a point on the curve x 2 y 2 = 9, plug the point into the equation and

determine if it equals 9.

x2y2 = 9 → (-1)2 (3)2 = 9 → 1 x 9 = 9

The slope of the tangent line is obtained from the derivative of the function given:

dy
2xy 2 + x 2 (2y ) =0
dx

dy
2x 2 y = − 2xy 2
dx

dy − 2xy 2 - y
= =
dx 2x 2 y x

The slope and the equation of the tangent line at the point (-1, 3).

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-3
m= =3
-1

y - 3 = 3(x + 1) → y - 3 = 3x + 3

y = 3x + 6

To find the slope and the equation of the normal line. Remember that the perpendicular

slope is the negative reciprocal of the tangent line's slope.

1
m=-
3

1 1 1
y−3=- (x + 1) → y - 3 = - x -
3 3 3

1 8
y= - x+
3 3

Example 4.23:

dy
The equation of a curve is y = 1/3 (8 - x2)6. Find , and the equation of the normal at
dx

the point when x = 3.

Solution 4.23:

Using Chain rule:

dy
= 2 (8 - x2)5 (-2x)
dx

= -4x (8 - x2)5

When x = 3, y = 1/3 (8 - 32)6 = 1/3

dy
= -4 (3) (8 - 32)5 = 12
dx x =3

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Gradient of normal = -1/12

Equation of normal:

y - 1/3 = -1/12 (x - 3)

12y - 4 = -x + 3

x + 12y = 7

4.4.2 MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM PROBLEMS

In maximum and minimum problems, we first identify the critical points of the functions

given. This is done by differentiating the function and equating the differential to 0. Then

we will determine whether the functions are increasing or decreasing by performing

second order differentiation. From that we will find the maximums and minimums. Next

we will find out where the function is concave up or concave down and if there are any

points of inflection.

Determining the critical points for maximum/minimum points:

dy
• Any value of x that makes = 0.
dx

dy
• Any value of x in which does not exist.
dx

d 2y
• If > 0 on the interval, then the function is a maximum point.
dx 2

d 2y
• If < 0 on the interval, then the function is a minimum point.
dx 2

Example 4.24:

3
For f (x) = 2x - 18x, determine the critical (turning) points and whether these points

indicate a maximum or minimum point.

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Solution 4.24:

dy
First, let us find and the critical points.
dx

dy
= 6x 2 - 18 = 0
dx

6x 2 = 18 → x =  3

The turning points are:

x=- 3; f( 3 ) = 2(- 3 )2 - 18(- 3 ) = 12 3

x=+ 3; f( 3 ) = 2( 3 )2 - 18( 3 ) = - 12 3

Next we determine if it is a maximum or minimum point.

d 2x
= 12 x
dy 2

d 2x
When x = - 3 → = 12 (- 3 ) which is  0
dy 2
This is a maximum point. :

d 2x
When x = + 3 → = 12 ( 3 ) which is  0
dy 2
This is a minimum point

The graph of the function should look as in Figure 4.4:

Figure 4.4

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Example 4.25:

For f (x) = x 4 - 4x 3 + 4x 2, determine the critical points and if they are maximum or

minimum points.

Solution 4.25:

The critical points are:

dy
= 4 x 3 - 12x2 + 8x = 0
dx

4 x 3 - 12x2 + 8x = 0

4x (x - 2) (x - 1) = 0

The critical points are at x = 0, x = 2 and x = 1.

When x = 0, f(x) = (0)4 – 4 (0)3 + 4(0)2 = 0

When x = 1, f(x) = (1)4 – 4 (1)3 + 4(1)2 = 1

When x = 0, f(x) = (2)4 – 4 (2)3 + 4(2)2 = 0

To determine maximum or minimum:

d 2x
2
= 12 x 2 - 24x + 8 = 0
dy
d 2x
When x = 0 → = 8 which is  0
dy 2
This is a minimum point.
d 2x
When x = 1 → = - 4 which is  0
dy 2
This is a maximum point

d 2x
When x = 2 → = 8 which is  0
dy 2
This is a minimum point

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Figure 4.5

4.4.3 RATES OF CHANGE

d
If f(t) is a function of time, t, the rate of change of f(t) to t is given by .
dt

Example 4.26:

A girl flies a kite at a height of 300 ft and the wind carries the kite horizontally away from
her at a rate of 25 ft/sec. How fast must she let out the string when the kite is 500 ft away
from her?

Solution 4.26:

Figure 4.6

Let x = horizontal distance from the girl to the kite

d = distance from the girl to the kite.

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dx
= 25 feet/sec
dt

dd
Find when x = 500 feet
dt

−1
d = ( x 2 + 3002 ) 2

dd 1 2 −1 dx
= ( x + 9000 ) 2 (2 x )
dt 2 dt

dd 1 12500
= (500 (25 )) =  21 .4373 ft/sec
dt 500 + 9000
2 340000

Example 4.27:

A 10-ft ladder is leaning against a wall. The bottom of the ladder begins to slide away

from the wall at a speed of 1 mile/hr. How fast is the top of the ladder moving when it is 4

ft above the ground?

Solution 4.27:

Figure 4.7

Let x = the horizontal distance from the base of the ladder to the wall.

and y = the vertical distance from the ground to the top of the ladder.

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dx dy
When = 1 mile/hr and y = 4 feet, find
dt dt

Since the ladder is in feet, and the rate the ladder is sliding down would make more

sense in ft/ sec we must convert 1 mile /hr to ft /sec.

1mi 5280ft 1hr 1min 22

= x x = ft / sec
1hr 1mi 60 min 60 sec 15

When y = 4, 16 + x 2 = 100 → x 2 = 84 → x = 2 21

From Figure 4.7

x 2 + y 2 = 100 → y 2 = 100 − x 2

Differenti ate with respect to t :

dy dx dy x dx − 2 21 22 − 11 21
2y = −2 → =− = x = ft / sec
dt dt dt y dt 4 15 15

4.4.4 SMALL INCREMENTS AND APPROXIMATIONS

Problems involving small increments can be solved using differentiation. The examples

below show the method of solving these problems.

Example 4.28:

Given y = x3, find the approximate change in y when x increases from 9 to 9.01.

Solution 4.28:

dy
= 3x2
dx

x = 9.01 - 9 = 0.01

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when x = 9,

dy
= 243
dx

y = 243 x 0.01 = 2.43

The idea of small changes can be represented graphically in Figure 4.8

Figure 4.8

Example 4.29:

A solid, shown in Figure 4.9 consists of a circular cylinder of radius r and height h, joined

to a hemisphere whose radius is r cm, the flat base of the hemisphere being in contact

with one of the circular ends of the cylinder. The total surface area of the solid is s.

Answer the following:

(i) Prove that its volume is r/6 (3s - 5r2) cm3.

(ii) Hence show that, for a given total surface area, the volume of the solid is greatest

when h = r.

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(iii) If the total surface area is 125, find its maximum volume.

(iv) If h = 7cm, and the radius increases at a rate of 0.2 cm/s, find the rate of change of

the volume when r = 3 cm.

Figure 4.9

Given that y = 2x3 - 3x2 + 1, use calculus to find, in terms of p, the approximate

percentage increase in y when x increases from 2 by p% when p is small.

Solution 4.29:

(i) Total surface area, s is as follows:

1
s = .4r 2 + r 2 + 2rh
2
= 3r 2 + 2rh
s − 3r 2
h= ........ (1)
2r

Volume, V is calculated as follows:

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1 4 3
V = r 2h + x r
2 3
 s - 3r 2  2 3
= r 2   + r
 2r  3
5r 3 3 2 3
= − r + r
2 2 3
r
(
= 3s − 5r 2
3
)
dV s 5 2
(ii ) = − r
dr 2 2
dV s 5 2
At maximum volume, = − r
dr 2 2

dV
At maximum volume, =0
dr

s 5 2
= r → 5 r 2
2 2

Substitute into Equation (i)

5 r 2 − 3 r 2
h= =r
2 r
d 2V
= −5 r
dr 2

which is always negative for all values of r.

The volume is greatest when h = r.

(iii) At maximum volume,

s = 5r 2 = 125
r =5

Maximum volume = 5/6 [5(5)3 - 5(5)2]

= 625/3

(iv) When h = 7,

s - 3r2 = 14r
s = 3r2 + 14r

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dV/dr = 1/2 (3r2 + 14r) - 5r2/2

= 1/2 [3(3)2 + 14(3)] - 5(3)2/2
= 12

dV/dt = dV/dr . dr/dt

= 12 . 0.2
= 2.4 cm3/s

y = 2x3 - 3x2 + 1

dy/dx = 6x2 - 6x

when x = 2,
dy/dx = 12
y=5

y = 12(2)p% = 24p%

Percentage change in y = 24p% / 5 = 4.8p%

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EXERCISE 4.4
h
1. The slope of a curve is given by y = + kx at point (2,7) is 5/2. Obtain:
x

a. The value of h and k

b. Equation of the normal line at point (2,7)

2. Obtain equations for two tangent lines to the curve y = 3 − 4x − 2x 2 at

crossing point between the curve and straight line y = −3 .

3. Get the maximum and minimum points for the curve given by

16
y = 4 − x2 −
x2

4. Curve y = px 3 + qx + r has a turning point at (1,1) and (-1,5).

a. Find the value of p,q and r.

b. Ascertain if the turning point is a maximum or minimum.

5. A covered cylinder has a fixed height of 12 cm and base with a varying

radius. Find the rate of change of the surface area of the cylinder when

the base radius increases at rate 0.1 cm/sec, when the radius is 3 cm.

7. When an object is left u cm from a concave lens that has a focus length of

4 cm, it forms an image v cm at the rear of the lens. Given that u and v

1 1 1
are related by the equation + = . Obtain the rate of change in v
u v 4

when and u changes at rate 1.5 cm/sec at point u=5cm.

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27 dy
8. Given that y = 4
, obtain the value of when x = 3. Then estimate
x dx

27
the value of .
(3.01) 4

4
9. Given that m = 5 x − 2 and y = − , obtain:
m2

a. Rate of change in x when m changes at rate 1.5 unit/sec.

dy
b. in terms of x.
dx

c. Approximate rate of change for value of y when x reduces from 1 to 5/4.

SUMMARY
In this unit we have delivered methods on how to:

1. Solve problems that involve differentiation.

2. Apply differentiation techniques to practical problems.

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