Page 1 of 37

Application of Derivative

Theory Notes - Application of Derivative

1.

DERIVATIVE AS A RATE MEASURE

The meaning of differential coefficient can be interpreted as rate of change of the dependent
dy
variable with respect to the independent variable, for example
is the rate of change of y with
dx
dv
ds
respect to x. Similarly
and
etc. represent the rate of change of volume and surface area
dt
dt
w.r.t. time.

Illustration 1:
Displacement s of a particle at time t is expressed as s =

1 3
t 6t , find the acceleration at the
2

yS

dv d 2 s

3t
and acceleration, a
dt dt 2

te

ps

.in

time when the velocity vanishes (i.e., velocity tends to zero).

Solution:
1 3
s = t 6t
2

ds 3t 2
6
Thus velocity, v
dt 2

St

ud

3t 2
6 =0
Velocity vanishes when
2
t2 = 4 t = 2

Thus acceleration when velocity vanishes is a = 3t = 6 units.

Illustration 2:
On the curve x3 = 12y, find the interval of values of x for which the abscissa changes at a faster rate
than the ordinate?
Solution:
Given x3 = 12y, differentiating with respect to y
3x2

dx
12
dy

dx 12

dy 3x 2
The interval in which the abscissa changes at a faster rate than the ordinate, we must have

dx
1 or
dy

12
1
3x 2

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Application of Derivative

or

4
4 x2
1
0
x2
x2

x (2, 2) {0} .
Thus x (2, 2) {0} is the required interval in which abscissa changes at a faster rate than
the ordinate.

DRILL EXERCISE - 1
A point is moving along the curve y3 = 27 x. Find the interval of values of x in which
the ordinate changes faster then abscissa.

2.

The top of a ladder 13m long is resting against a vertical wall when a ladder begins to slide.
When the foot of the ladder is 5m from the wall, it is sliding at the rate of 2m/s. How fast
then is the top sliding downwards ?

3.

Water is dripping out from a conical funnel, at the uniform rate of 2 cm3/sec through a tiny
hole at the vertex at the bottom. When the slant height of the water is 4 cm, find the rate of
decrease of the slant height of the water given that the vertical angle of the funnel is 1200.

4.

A man 2 mt high walks at a uniform speed of 6 km/hour away from a lamp-post 6 mt high.
Find the rate at which the length of his shadow increases.

5.

A man running along a circular track has the speed of 10 km per hour. A source of light is
at the centre of the circular track. A wall is along the tangent to the circular track at the
point from which he starts. What is the speed of the shadow of the man on the wall when
he covers 1/8th of the track.

2.

ANGLE OF INTERSECTION OFTWO CURVES

Let y = f(x) and y = g(x) be two given intersecting curves. Angle of intersection of these curves is
defined as the acute angle between the tangents that can be drawn to the given curves at the point
of intersection.
Let (x1 , y1) be the point of intersection.

Page 2 of 37

St

ud

yS

te

ps

.in

1.

y1 f (x1 ) g(x1 )

df
Slope of the tangent drawn to the curve y = f(x) at (x1, y1) i.e., m1 = dx

( x1 ,y1 )
dg
Similarly slope of the tangent drawn to the curve y = g(x) at (x1, y1) i.e., m2 = dx

( x1 , y1 )

m1 m 2
If be the angle (acute) of intersection, then tan =
.
1 m1m 2

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Page 3 of 37

Application of Derivative

If = 0, then m 1 = m 2 . Thus the given curves will touch each other at (x 1 , y1)

If , then m1 m2 = 1. Thus the given curves will meet at right angles at (x1, y1) (or curves cut
2
each other orthogonally at (x1, y1)).
Illustration 3:
Find the acute angle between the curves y = |x2 1| and y = |x2 3| at their points of intersection.
Solution:

y =|x -1|

(1, 0)

3 , 0)

the angle of intersection at ( 2,1)

yS

= the angle of intersection at ( 2 , 1).

te

ps

The points of intersection are ( 2,1)

Since the curves are symmetrical about y-axis,

.in

( 3 , 0 ) (-1, 0)

y =|x -3|

tan

4 2 4 2
4 2

tan 1
1 8
7
7

St

ud

At ( 2 , 1), m1 =2x = 2 2 , m2 = 2x = 2 2 .

DRILL EXERCISE - 2

1.

Find the angle of intersection of y = 4 - x2 and y = x2.

2.

Show that the curves y = 2 sin2 x and y = cos 2 x intersects each other at x =
the angle of intersection.

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. Also find
6

Application of Derivative

3.

4
x2 y2
If the curves 2 2 1 and y3 = 16x intersect at right angles, then show that a2 = .
3
a
b

4.

Find the angle of intersection of curves, y = [ |sin x | + | cos x| ] and x 2 + y2 = 5 where

[.]denotes greatest integral function.

5.

Find the condition that the curves ax2 + by2 = 1 and a x2 + b y2 = 1 intersect orthogonally.

3.

EQUATIONS OF TANGENT AND NORMAL

Cartesian Equations: The angle which the tangent at any point (x, y) on the curve y = f(x)
makes with x-axis, is given by
dy
f (x) .
dx
Thus, the equation of the tangent at the point (x, y) on the curve y = f(x) is
Y y = f (x) (X x)
Where (X, Y) is an arbitrary point on the tangent.
The equation of the normal at (x, y) to the curve y = f(x) is
Y y = [1/ f (x)] (X x) (X x) + f (x) (Y y) = 0, f (x) 0.

ps

.in

tan

te

Illustration 4:
Find the equation of normal to the curve x + y = xy, where it cuts the x-axis.

Page 4 of 37

St

ud

yS

Solution:
Given curve is x + y = xy
at x-axis y = 0,
x + 0 = x0 x = 1
Now to differentiate x + y = xy, take log on both sides
ln(x + y) = y ln x

1
dy
1
dy
1
y (ln x)
x y dx
x
dx
Putting x = 1, y = 0, we get

dy
1 0
dx

dy
1
dx (1,0)

slope of normal = 1

Equation of normal is,

y0
1 y = x 1.
x 1

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Page 5 of 37

Application of Derivative

Illustration 5:
For the curve xy = c2, prove that the portion of the tangent intercepted between the coordinate
axes is bisected at the point of contact.
Solution:
Let the point at which tangent is drawn be (, ) on the curve xy = c2.

dy

dx ( , )

Thus, the equation of tangent is,

y =

(x )

y x

x y 2

x
y
1
2 2

.in

ps

It is clear that the tangent line cuts x and y-axis at A( 2 , 0) and B(0, 2 ) and the point (, )
bisects AB.

te

DRILL EXERCISE - 3
Find the parameters a, b, c if the curve y = ax2 + bx + c is to pass through the point (1, 2)
and is to be tangent to the line y = x at the origin.

2.

Show that the line

3.

Find the equation of the normal to the curve x3 + y3 = 8xy at the point other than origin where it
meets the curve y2 = 4x.

4.

Show that the angle between the tangent at any point P and the line joining P to the origin
O is the same at all points of the curve n (x2 + y2) = c tan1 (y/x) where c is constant.

5.

Find the equation of tangent to the curve whose parametric equations are,

x = a cos 2 t .cos t ; y = a cos 2 t .sin t at t = .

6

4.

LENGTHS OF THE TANGENT, NORMAL, SUB-TANGENT AND SUB-NORMAL

ATANY POINT OFA CURVE

yS

1.

St

ud

x y
1 touches the curve y = b e x / a at the point where it crosses the y-axis.
a b

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Application of Derivative

Let the tangent and the normal at any point (x, y) of the curve y = f(x) meet the x-axis at T and G
respectively. Draw the ordinate PM.
Then the lengths TM, MG are called the sub-tangent and sub-normal respectively.
The lengths PT, PG are sometimes referred to as the lengths of the tangent and the normal
respectively.
Clearly MPG
dy
dx
From the figure, we have

Also tan

(i)

Length of Tangent

y = f(x)

= TP = MP |cosec | = | y| (1 cot )
2

dx 2
= | y | 1 dy

y
M

.in

(iii)

Length of Normal = GP = MP |sec | = | y| (1 tan2 )

te
yS

dy 2
| y | 1
dx

Length of Sub-normal = MG = MP| tan | | y

ud

(iv)

ps

(ii)

dx
Length of Sub-tangent = TM = MP | cot | | y |
dy

dy
|
dx

Page 6 of 37

St

Illustration 6:
Find the equation of family of curves for which the length of normal is equal to the radius vector.
Solution:
Let P(x, y) be the point on the curve.
OP = radius vector =

x 2 y2

PN = length of normal
Now, tan

1
dy

dx

y
PN

sin
It is given OP = PN

Tangent
P(x, y)
y

mal
Nor

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Page 7 of 37

Application of Derivative

dy
x y y 1
dx
2

2
dy 2
2
2
2
dy
2
2
x

y
1

x =y

dx
dx
ydy = x dx

integrating both sides,

y2 = x2 + c is the required family of curves.

dy
x

dx
y

DRILL EXERCISE - 4
x
a

Consider the curve y = c e . Prove that the subtangent is constant and the tangent at (x1 , y1) on
the curve intersects the x-axis at the distance of (x1 a) from the origin. Also find the equation of
normal to the curve where the curve cut y-axes.

2.

Find the length of tangent and normal at t, to the curve x = asin3t, y = acos3t.

3.

In the curve x = a cos t log tan t , y = a sin t, show that the portion of the tangent

1
2

IJ
K

ps

FG
H

.in

1.

5.

dx dy
(ii) p
d d

St

(i) p

yS

If p be the length of the perpendicular drawn from the origin upon the tangent to the curve.
x = a cos + a sin , y = a sin a cosat the point , then prove that :

ud

4.

te

between the point of contact and the x-axis is of constant length.

Prove that the portion of the tangent to the curve x =

a a 2 y2
a
a 2 y 2 log
2
a a 2 y2

between the point of contact and the x-axis is of length a.

5.

ROLLES THEOREM (RT)

It is one of the most fundamental theorem of differential calculus and has far reaching consequences.
It states that if y = f(x) be a given function and satisfies,
f(x) is continuous in [a, b]

f(x) is differentiable in (a, b)

f(a) = f(b)

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Application of Derivative

Then f (x) = 0 at least once for some x (a, b).

Geometrical Interpretation

If the graph of y = f (x) has the ordinates at two

point A, B equal, and if the graph be continuous
throughout the interval from A to B and if the curve
has a tangent at every point on it from A to B
except possibly at the two extreme points A and
B, then there exists a point between A and B
where the tangent is parallel to the x-axis.

ps

Illustration 7:
Let f(x) = x2 3x + 4. Verify Rolles theorem in [1, 2].
Solution:
f(1) = f(2) = 2
Now, f (x) = 0 2x 3 = 0
3
x (1, 2 ) .
2
Hence, Rolles theorem is verified.

.in

O x=a x=c x=b

St

ud

yS

te

Illustration 8:
Let f(x) = (x a) (x b)(x c), a < b < c, show that f (x) = 0 has two roots one belonging to
(a, b) and other belonging to (b, c).
Solution :
Here, f(x) being a polynomial is continuous and differentiable for all real values of x. We also have
f(a) = f(b) = f(c). If we apply Rolles theorem to f(x) in [a, b] and [b,c] we would observe that
f (x) = 0 would have at least one root in (a, b) and at least one root in (b, c). But f (x) is a
polynomial of degree two, hence f (x) = 0 can not have more than two roots. It implies that
exactly one root of f (x) = 0 would lie in (a, b) and exactly one root of f (x) = 0 would lie in (b, c).
Remarks:
Let y = f(x) be a polynomial function of degree n. If f(x) = 0 has real roots only, then f (x) = 0,
f (x) = 0, ... , f n1(x) = 0 would have only real roots. It is so because if f(x) = 0 has all real roots,
then between two consecutive roots of f(x) = 0, exactly one roots of f (x) = 0
would lie.
Illustration 9:
a0
a
a
1 ... n 1 a n 0
n 1 n
2
then there exists at least one real number x between 0 and 1 such that
a0xn + a1xn1 + a2 xn2 + ... + an = 0,
Solution :
Consider a function f defined as

Page 8 of 37

Prove that if a0, a1, a2, ..., an are real numbers such that

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f (

Page 9 of 37

a 0 n 1 a1 n
a
x x ... n 1 x 2 a n x, x [0,1]
n 1
n
2
f being a polynomial satisfies the following conditions.

f(x) =

(i)

f is continuous in [0, 1]

(ii)

f is derivable in (0, 1)

(iii)

Since f(0) = 0 and f(1) = 0 by hypothesis,

f(0) = f(1)

Hence there is some x (0, 1) such that f (x) = 0

a0xn + a1xn1 + ..... + a n 1 x a n 0

LAGRANGES MEAN VALUE THEOREM (LMVT)

If a function f is
(i)
continuous in a closed interval [a, b] and
(ii)
derivable in the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one value c (a, b) such that
f (b) f (a)
f (c) .
ba

ps

.in

6.

a0
a
a
(n 1) x n 1 nx n 1 ... n 1 .2x a n 0
n 1
n
2

te

Geometrical Interpretation:

Let P be a point [c, f (c)] on the curve y = f(x) such that

f (b) f (a)
f (c)
ba

yS

f (b) f (a)
and that of the tangent at P(c,f(c)) is f (c). These being
ba
equal, it follows that there exists a point P on the curve, the tangent which is parallel to the
chord AB.

ud

The slope of the chord AB is

St

(x)

Application of Derivative

P3

P2

P1

Illustration 10:
If f(x) and g(x) be differentiable functions in (a, b), continuous at a and b and g(x) 0 in [a, b],
then prove that
g(a) f (b) f (a) g(b) (b a) g(a) g(b)

for atleast one c (a, b) .

2
g(c) f (c) f (c) g(c)
g(c)

Solution:
We have to prove (after rearranging the terms)

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Application of Derivative

f (b) f (a)

g(b) g(a) g(c) f (c) f (c) g(c)

(b a)
(g(c)) 2

f (x)
g(x)
As f(x) and g(x) are differentiable function in (a, b), F(x) will also be differentiable in (a, b). Further
F is continuous at a and b. So according to LMVT, there exist one c (a, b) such that
Let

F(x) =

F(c)

F(b) F(a)
, which proves the required result.
ba

.in

Illustration 11:
If the function f : [0, 4] R is differentiable, then show that, (f (4))2 (f(0))2 = 8 f (a) f (b) for
some a, b (0, 4)
Solution:
Since, f is differentiable f is continuous also.
Thus by Lagranges mean value theorem, a (0, 4) such that
f (4) f (0) f (4) f (0)

40
4
Also, by Intermediate value theorem there exists b (0, 4) such that

te

f (4) f (0)
2

(f (4))2 (f (0))2
8
(f(4))2 (f(0))2 = 8f (a) f (b) for some a, b (0, 4).

St

ud

f (a)f (b)

... (2)

yS

f(b) =

... (1)

ps

f (a)

Illustration 12:
If f(x) is continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b) then prove that there exists atleast one
c (a, b) such that

f (c) f (b) f (a)

.
3c 2
b3 a 3

Solution:
We have to prove
(b3 a3) f (c) (f(b) f(a)) (3c2) = 0

Page 10 of 37

Let us assume a function

F(x) = (b3 a3) f(x) (f(b) f(a)) x3
which will be continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b) as f(x) and x3 both are continuous.
Also F(a) = b3f(a) a3 f(b) = F(b)
So, according to Rolles theorem, there exists atleast one c (a, b) such that, F(c) 0 , which
proves the required result.

DRILL EXERCISE - 5

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Application of Derivative

1.

If 2a + 3b + 6c = 0, then prove that the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has at least one real
root in (0, 1).

2.

Show that | sin b sin a | | b a | for any real number a and b (Using L.M.V.T.)

3.

Let f be differentiable for all x. If f(1) = 2 and f (x) 2 for all x [1, 6] . Then prove that
f(6) 8.

4.

Using mean value theorem, show that

5.

If f(x) and g(x) are continuous functions in [a, b] and they are differentiable in (a, b),
f ( a ) f ( b)
f ( a ) f ( c)
then prove that there exists c (a , b) such that
.
( b a)
g( a ) g( b)
g ( a ) g ( c)

7.

MONOTONICITY
Let y = f(x) be a given function with D as its domain.
Let D1 D, then

7.1

Increasing Function

ps

.in

tan 1 tan 1
, 0.
2
1
1 2

te

f(x) is said to be increasing in D1 if for every x1, x2 D1 ,

Non-Decreasing Function

St

7.2

ud

yS

x1 x 2 f (x1 ) f (x 2 )
It means that there is a certain increase in the value of f(x)
with an increase in the value of x (Refer to the adjacent figure).

f(x) is said to be non-decreasing in D1 if for every x1, x2 D1 ,

x1 > x2 f(x1) f(x2). It means that the value of f(x)
would never decrease with an increase in the value of x
(Refer to the adjacent figure).

7.3

Page 11 of 37

Decreasing Function
f(x) is said to be decreasing in D1
if for every x1, x 2 D1 , x1 > x2 f(x1) < f(x2)
it means that there is a certain decrease
in the value of f(x) with an increase in the value of x
(Refer to the adjacent figure).

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Application of Derivative

7.4

Non-increasing Function
f(x) is said to be non-increasing in D1
if for every x1. x2 D1, x1 > x2 f(x1) f(x2).
It means that the value of f(x) would
never increase with an increase in the value of x
(Refer to the adjacent figure).

7.5

Basic Theorems
Let y = f(x) be a given function, continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b). Then
f(x) is increasing in (a, b) if f (x) 0 x (a, b) .

f(x) is non-decreasing in (a, b) if f (x) 0 x (a, b) .

f(x) is decreasing in (a, b) if f (x) 0 x (a, b) .

f(x) is non-increasing in (a, b) if f (x) 0 x (a, b) .

(iii)

ps

(ii)

If f (x) 0 x (a, b) and points which make f (x) equal to zero (in between (a, b))
dont form an interval, then f(x) would be increasing in (a, b).
If f (x) 0 x (a, b) and points which make f (x) equal to zero (in between (a, b))
dont form an interval, f(x) would be decreasing in (a, b).
If f(0) = 0 and f (x) 0 x R, then f (x) 0 x (, 0) and f (x) 0 x (0, ) .

te

Remarks :
(i)

.in

(viii)

If f ( x) = 0 or dose not exist at points where f ( x) exists and if f ( x) changes sign when

St

ud

yS

(vii)

If f(0) = 0 and f (x) 0 x R then f (x) 0 x (, 0) and f (x) 0x (0, ).

A function is said to be monotonic if its either increasing or decreasing.
The points for which f (x) is equal to zero or doesnt exist are called critical points. Here
it should also be noted that critical points are the interior points of the domain of the
function.
The stationary points are the points of the domain where f (x) = 0.

(iv)
(v)
(vi)

passing through x = x0 and f ( x) doesnt change its sign then x0 is called a point of
inflection.
If f ( x) < 0, x ( a , b) then the curve y = f(x) is convex in (a, b)
If f ( x) > 0, x ( a , b) then the curve y = f(x) is concave in (a, b)
At the point of inflection, the curve changes its concavity.
Illustration 13:
(i)
Find the critical points and the intervals of increase and decrease for
f(x) = 3x4 8x3 6x2 + 24x + 7.

Page 12 of 37

(ii)

Find the intervals of monotonicity of the following functions:

(a) f(x) = x4 8x3 + 22x2 24x + 7
(b) f(x) = x ln x

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Application of Derivative

Solution:
(i)

f(x) = 3x4 8x3 6x2 + 24x + 7

f (x) = 12x3 24x2 12x + 24 = 0
12(x3 2x2 x + 2) = 0

sign scheme for f (x) :

12(x 1) (x 2) (x + 1) = 0

Critical points are 1, 1 and 2.

The wavy curve of the derivative is given in the figure.
Hence function increases in the interval [1, 1] [2, ) and
decreases in the interval ( , 1] [1, 2].

yS

te

f (x) = lnx + 1 < 0 x e1

f(x) decreases in (0, e1]
increases in [e1, ).

ps

.in

(ii) (a) we have

f(x) = x4 8x3 + 22x2 24x + 7, x R
f (x) 4x3 24x2 44x 24 4(x 1)(x 2)(x 3)
From the sign scheme for f (x), we can see that f(x)
decreases in ( , 1]
increases in [1, 2]
decreases in [2, 3]
and increases in [3, ).
(b)
we have f(x) = x ln x , x > 0

Solution:
(a)

Page 13 of 37

x2
x (0, )
2

St

(a) ln(1 + x) > x

ud

Illustration 14:
Prove the following inequalities :

(b) sin x x tan x x 0,

2

Consider the function

x2
, x (0, )
f(x) = ln (1 + x) x +
2
1
x2
1 x
0 x (0, )
1 x
1 x
f(x) increases in (0, ) f(x) > f(0+) = 0

Then f (x)

x2
2
which is the desired result.
(b)
Consider the function
i.e.,

ln(1 + x) > x

f(x) = tanx x, x 0,
2

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Application of Derivative

2
f (x) = sec x 1 0 x 0,
2

f(x) increases in 0, f(x) f(0) = 0
2
tanx x

Thus
i.e.,

Now, consider the function , g(x) = x sin x, x 0,
2
x

Then g (x) = 1 cosx = 2 sin2 0 x 0,
2
2

g(x) increases in 0, g(x) g(0) = 0
2
sinx x

.in

i.e.,

Find the intervals of monotonicity for the following functions :

f(x) = 2. e x

(iii)

f(x) =

4 x

10
4 x 9 x 2 6x
3

te

(i)

yS

1.

ps

DRILL EXERCISE - 6

1 x x2
1 x x2

(ii)

f(x) =

(iv)

f(x) = cos

Find the values a for which the function f(x) = (a + 2)x3 - 3a x2 + 9a x - 1 decreases for all real
values of x.

3.

Discuss the monotonicity of g(x), where g(x) = 2 f

St

ud

2.

FG x IJ f (6 x ) for all x R . It is given that

H 2K
2

f ( x) 0 for all x R .

4.

Prove that 2x > 3 sin x - x cos x for all x ( 0, / 2) .

5.
(i)

Prove the following

2x tan-1 x log(1 + x2) for all x R .

(ii)

x
log(1 x) x , for x > 0.
1 x

(iii)

FG tan 1IJ
H eK

8.

Page 14 of 37

2e
e 1
2

(tan 1 e) 2

2
e 1
2

MAXIMAAND MINIMA OF A FUNCTION

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Application of Derivative

8.1.

CONCEPT OF LOCAL MAXIMAAND LOCAL MINIMA

Let y = f(x) be a function defined at x = a and also in the vicinity of the point x = a. Then, f(x) is said
to have a local maximum at x = a, if the value of the function at x = a is greater than the value of the
function at the neighboring points of x = a. Mathematically, f(a) > f(a h) and f(a) > f(a + h) where
h > 0 (very small quantity).

ah a a + h
Local minima

ah a a + h
Local maxima

.in

te

ps

8.2

Similarly, f(x) is said to have a local minimum at x = a, if the value of the function at x = a is less than
the value of the function at the neighboring points of x = a.
Mathematically, f(a) < f(a h) and f(a) < f(a + h) where h > 0.
A local maximum or a local minimum is also called a local extremum.
Tests for Local Maxima/Minima
8.2.1 Test for Local Maximum/Minimum at x = a if f(x) is Differentiable at x = a.
If f(x) is differentiable at x = a and if it is a critical point of the function (i.e., f (a) = 0) then we have
the following three tests to decide whether f(x) has a local maximum or local minimum or neither at
x = a.

f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a if f (a 0) > 0 and f (a 0) < 0. It means that

ud

(i)

yS

First Derivative Test :

If f (a) = 0 and f (x) changes its sign while passing through the point x = a, then
f (x) should change its sign from positive to negative.

f(x) would have a local minimum at x = a if f (a 0) < 0 and f (a 0) > 0. It means that

(iii)

f (x) should change its sign from negative to positive.

If f(x) doesnt change its sign while passing through x = a, then f(x) would have neither a
maximum nor a minimum at x = a.

St

(ii)

Second Derivative Test:

This test is basically the mathematical representation of the first derivative test. It simply says that,
(i)
If f (a) = 0 and f (a) 0, then f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a.
(ii)

If f (a) = 0 and f (a) 0, then f(x) would have a local minimum at x = a.

(iii)

If f (a) = 0 and f (a) 0, then this test fails and the existence of a local maximum/minimum
at x = a is decided on the basis of the nth derivative test.

nth Derivative Test

Page 15 of 37

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Application of Derivative

It is nothing but the general version of the second derivative test, It says that if,

f (a) f (a) f (a) ....f n (a) 0 and f n 1 (a) 0 (all derivatives of the function up to order n
vanishes and (n + 1)th order derivative does not vanish at x = a), then f(x) would have a local
maximum or local minimum at x = a if n is odd natural number and that x = a would be a point of
local maxima if f n+1 (a) < 0 and would be a point of local minima if f n+1 (a) > 0. However if n is
even, then f has neither a maxima nor a minima at x = a.
It is clear that the last two tests are basically the mathematical representation of the first derivative
test. But that shouldnt diminish the importance of these tests. Because at that times it becomes
very difficult to decide whether f (x) changes its sign or not while passing through point x = a,
and the remaining tests may come handy in these kind of situations.
Illustration 15:

1
f (x) = 1 x 2

f (x)

x 2 1 (x 1) (x 1)

x2
x2

sign scheme for f (x) :

1

te

.in

Solution:
Here,

1
, x 0 . Discuss the maximum and minimum values of f(x).
x

ps

Let f(x) = x +

ud

yS

Using number line rule, we have maximum at x = 1 and minimum at x = 1

at x = 1 we have local maximum fmax(x) = 2
and at x = 1 we have local minimum fmin(x) = 2

St

8.2.2. Test for Local Maximum/Minimum at x = a if f(x) is not differentiable at x = a

Case 1 : When f(x) is continuous at x = a and f (a h) and f (a + h) exist and are non-zero, then
f(x) has a local maximum or minimum at x = a if f (a h) and f (a + h) are of opposite signs.
If f (a h) > 0 and f (a + h) < 0 then x = a will be a point of local maximum.
If f (a h) < 0 and f (a + h) > 0 then x = a will be a point of local minimum.
Case 2: When f(x) is continuous and f (a h) and f (a + h) exist but one of them is zero, we
should infer the information about the existence of local maxima/minima from the basic definition of
local maxima/minima.
Case 3: If f(x) is not continuous at x = a and f (a h) and/or f (a + h) are not finite, then
compare the values of f(x) at the neighboring points of x = a.
Remark:

It is advisable to draw the graph of the function in the vicinity of the point x = a because
the graph would given us the clear picture about the existence of local maxima/minima
at x = a.

Illustration 16:

Page 16 of 37

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Application of Derivative

x 3 x 2 10x, x 0
Let f(x) =
. Investigate x = 0 for local maxima/ minima.
x 0
3sin x,
Solution:
Clearly f(x) is continuous at x = 0 but not differentiable at x = 0 as f(0) = f(0 0) = f (0 + 0) = 0
f ( h) f (0)
h 0
h

f (0) lim

h 3 h 2 10h 0
lim
= 10
h 0
h
But f (0) lim
h 0

f (h) f (0)
3sinh
lim
3
h 0
h
h

.in

Since f (0) 0 and f (0) 0, x 0 is the point of local maximum.

ps

DRILL EXERCISE - 7

Find the local maximum and minimum value of f(x) = (x - 1) (x - 2) (x - 3)

2.

Find the local maximum and minimum value of f(x) = 2x3 - 21x2 + 36x - 20

3.

Find the local maximum and minimum value of f(x) = - (x - 1)3 (x + 1)2

4.

For what real values of a are all the extrema for the function f(x) =

St

ud

yS

te

1.

5 2 3
a x 2ax 2 9 x b are
3

positive and the function has a maximum at the point x = -5/9.

5.

Find the area of the greatest isosceles triangle that can be inscribed in a given ellipse
having its vertex coincident with one end of the major axis.

9.

CONCEPT OF GLOBAL MAXIMUM/MINIMUM

Let y = f(x) be a given function with domain D. Let [a, b] D. Global maximum/minimum of f(x) in
[a, b] is basically the greatest/least value of f(x) in [a, b].
Global maximum and minimum in [a, b] would always occur at critical points of f(x) within [a, b] or
at the end points of the interval, if f is continuous in [a, b].

9.1

Global Maximum/Minimum in [a, b]

In order to find the global maximum and minimum of a continuous function f(x) in [a, b], find out all
the critical points of f(x) in (a, b). Let c1, c2, ... , cn be the different critical points. Find the value of

Page 17 of 37

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Application of Derivative

the function at these critical points. Let f(c1), f(c2), .... , f(cn) be the values of the function at critical
points.
Say, M1 = max {f(a), f(c1), f(c2), .... , f(cn) , f(b)}
and M2 = min {f(a), f(c), f(c2), ..., f(cn), f(b)}
Then M1 is the greatest value of f(x) in [a, b] and M2 is the least value of f(x) in [a, b].
9.2

Global Maximum/Minimum in (a, b)

Method for obtaining the greatest and least values of f(x) in (a, b) is almost same as the method
used for obtaining the greatest and least values in [a, b] however with a caution.
Let y = f(x) be a continuous function and c1, c2 ... c3 be the different critical points of the function
in (a, b).
Let M1 = max. {f(c1), f(c2), f(c3) .... f(cn)}
and M2 = min {f(c1), f(c2), f(c3) ... f(cn)}
lim
Now if (orx x a b00) f(x) > M1 or < M2 , f(x) would not have global maximum (or global minimum) in

.in

(a, b).
This means that if the limiting values at the end points are greater than M1 or less than M2, then f(x)
lim
x a 0
would not have global maximum/minimum in (a, b). On the other hand if M1 > (and
f(x) and
x b 0)

ps

lim
x a 0
M2 < (and
f(x), then M1 and M2 would respectively be the global maximum and global minimum
x b 0)

te

of f(x) in (a, b).

St

ud

yS

Illustration 17:
let f(x) = 2x3 9x2 + 12x + 6. Discuss the global maximum and minimum of f(x) in [0, 2] and
in (1, 3).
Solution:
f(x) = 2x3 9x2 + 12x + 6
f (x) = 6x2 18x + 12 = 6 (x2 3x + 2) = 6 (x 1) (x 2)

First of all let us discuss [0, 2].

Clearly the critical point of f(x) in [0, 2] is x = 1.
f(0) = 6, f(1) = 11, f(2) = 10
Thus x = 0 is the point of global minimum of f(x) in [0, 2] and x = 1 is the point of global maximum.
Now let us consider (1, 3)
Clearly, x = 2 is the only critical point in (1, 3),
f(2) = 10 , lim f (x) = 11 and lim f (x) = 15
x 1 0

x 3 0

Thus x = 2 is the point of global minimum in (1, 3) and the global maximum in (1, 3) does not exist.

DRILL EXERCISE - 8
1.

Find the maximum and minimum values of f(x) = x + sin 2x, x [0, 2]

2.

Find the maximum and minimum values of f(x) = sin x +

3.

Find the maximum and minimum values of f(x) = x2 log x, x 1, e

4.

Find the maximum and minimum values of f(x) = {(1-x2) (2x2 + 1)}1/2, x 1, 1

Page 18 of 37

LM OP
N Q

cos 2 x, x 0,
.
2
2

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Application of Derivative

ANSWER KEY
DRILL EXERCISE - 1
1.

8 8
, {0}
x
27 27

2.

5
6

4.

3 km / sec

5.

20 km/hr

3.

1
cm / sec
3

DRILL EXERCISE - 2

F 4 2 I at d
GH 7 JK

1.

tan 1

4.

tan-1 (2)

2 , 2 ; tan 1

F 4 2 I at d
GH 7 JK

2, 2

2.

2
or
3
3

a = 1, b = 1, c = 0

5. y = a

3. y = x

ps

1.

.in

DRILL EXERCISE - 3
2
4

cy + ax = c2

2. Length of tangent = |y sect| ; Normal = |y cosect|

yS

1.

te

DRILL EXERCISE - 4

ud

DRILL EXERCISE - 6
(1)
(i)

D in ( , 2]

(ii)

I in ( , 1], D in [1, 1], I in [1, )

(iii)

1
1
D in (, 0) , D in 0, , I in , 1 & D in 1,
2
2

(iv)

2.

( , 3)

3.

D in , 2 , I in [2, 0], D in [0, 2], I in 2,

Page 19 of 37

St

and I in [2, )

FG 1 , 1 IJ if K I , D 1 , 1
H 2K 1 2K K
2k 2 2k 1

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Application of Derivative

DRILL EXERCISE - 7
1
2
1
2
, max. value =
, local min. at x = 2
, min. value =
3
3 3
3
3 3

1.

local max. at x = 2

2.

local max. at x = 1, max. value = -3, local min. at x = 6, min. value = -128

3.

local max. at x = -1/5, max. value = 3456/3125, local min. at x = -1, min. value = 0

4.

a = 81/ 25 then b ( 400 / 243, )

DRILL EXERCISE - 8
max. at x = 2 , max. value = 2 ; min. at x = 0, min. value = 0

2.

max. at x = / 6 , max. value = 3/4 ; min. at x = 0 and 1, min. value = 1/2.

3.

max. value = e2, min. value of = 0

4.

max. value =

5.

Entire wire should be bent in the of a circle

.in

1.

yS

te

ps

3
, min. value = 0
8

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Page 20 of 37

St

ud

Example 1 :
The area of an expanding rectangle is increasing at the rate of 48 cm2/sec. The length of the
rectangle is always equal to the square of the breadth. At what rate the length is increasing at the
instant when the breadth is 4.5 cm?
Solution:
Let l and b be respectively the length and breadth of the rectangle at time t.
l = b2

Let A be the area of the rectangle at time t

A = l b = b2 b = b3

The area is increasing at the rate of 48 cm2 /sec.

dA
d 3
db
db 16
48
(b ) 48 3b 2
48

dt
dt
dt
dt b 2

Rate of change of length w.r.t t =

dl d 2
db
16 32
(b ) 2b 2b 2
(a + ve quantity)
dt dt
dt
b
b

When b = 4.5, the rate of increase ( dl/dt is +ve) of length =

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32
= 7.11 cm./sec.
4.5

Application of Derivative

Example 2 :
Find the points on the curve ay2 = x3 where normal to the curve makes equal intercepts with the
axes.
Solution:
Let the point at which normal is drawn be (x1, y1). Then it must satisfy ay2 = x3,
i.e.,

x13
a

ay12 = x13 or y1 =

Now, differentiating both sides of the given curve with respect to x we get,

dy
3x 2
dx

3x12
dy

dx (x1 ,y1 ) 2ay1

3x12
2a

x13
a

3 x1
2 a

..(1)

.in

2ay

te

ps

dx
2 a

Thus, slope of the normal

.
3 x1
dy (x1 , y1 )

2 a
1 x1 4a
3 x1
9

ud

yS

We know that the slope of the line making equal intercept with the axes = 1.

St

4a 8a
4a 8a
Hence, the required points are ,
and ,

9 27
9 27

Example 3 :
Prove that all the normals to the curve x = a cost + at sint and y = a sint at cost are at a distance
a from the origin (a R ) .
Solution:
x = a cost + at sint

Page 21 of 37

dx
= a sint + at cos t + a sin t = at cos t
dt

y = a sin t at cos t

dy
= a cost + at sin t acost = at sin t
dt

dy at sin t

dx at cos t = tant

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Application of Derivative

Hence the equation of the normal at any point t on the curve is

1
(x (a cost + at sint))
tan t
ysint asin2t + at sint cost = xcost +a cos2t + at sint cost
x cost + ysint = a

(y (a sint at cost)) =

or

Distance of the normal from (0, 0)=

|a|
sin t cos t
2

a , as a R

Example 4 :
Check whether the following functions satisfy the conditions of Rolles theorem
f(x) = x2 3 | x |, x [1,1]

(b)

f(x) = sec x, x ,
4 3

.in

(a)

Solution:

Page 22 of 37

te

yS

x 2 3 x , 1 x 0
f(x) = 2 3
x x , 0 x 1

ps

(a) We have

ud

which is continuous in [1, 1]. Also, we have

f(1) = 0 = f(1)
Differentiating f(x) w.r.t. x, we have
1
1
, 1 x < 0, = 2x 2 / 3 , 0 < x 1
2/3
3x
3x
which is not differentiable at x = 0
Hence, Rolles theorem is not applicable to the given function.
We have

St

f (x) 2x

(b)

f (x) sec x, x ,
4 3

Differentiating w.r.t. x, we have

f (x) sec x tan x

sin x
cos 2 x

, but
Thus, f(x) is continuous in , and differentiable in
4 3
4 3

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Application of Derivative

f
2 is not equal to
4

f 2
3

Hence, Rolles theorem is not applicable to the given function.

ps

.in

Example 5 :
Show that the radius of the right circular cylinder of greatest curved surface which can be inscribed
in a given cone is half that of the cone.
Solution:
Let b be the height of the cone and be its semiverticle angle.
LD = x = radius of the inscribed cylinder and LM = h be its height
LM = OM OL = b x cot
Now, S = 2rh = curved surface
S = 2x (b x cot )
or
S = 2 (bx x2 cot )

dS/dx = 2 (b 2x cot ) = 0

x = (b/2) tan
1
1
or
x = (b tan ) = (r1)
2
2

te

1
Radius of cylinder .(radius of cone)
2

yS

or

ud

Example 6 :

Prove that ( ) sec2 < tan tan < ( ) sec2 , where 0 < < <

Page 23 of 37

St

Solution:
Let f(x) = tanx
we know that tanx is continuous and differentiable function in (0, / 2 ), so according to LMVT,,
there exists a point in ( , ) where

f ( )

f () f ( ) tan tan

Also, f (x) sec 2 x, f (x) 2sec 2 x tan x 0

So, f (x) is increasing in (0, / 2 )

f ( ) f ( ) f ()

sec 2

tan() tan()
< sec2
( )

which proves the required result.

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Application of Derivative

Example 7 :
4

2
2
If the function f : [0, 4] R is differentiable, then show that, f (t)dt 2{f ( ) f ( )}
0

for all 0 < , 2 .

Solution:
Putting t = z2 we have
4

2
f (t) dt 2zf (z ) dz

Let (t) 2z f (z 2 ) dz; t [0, 2]

0

.in

Clearly, (t) being an integral function of a continuous function, is continuous and differentiable
in [0, 2].
By lagranges mean value theorem, there exists c (0, 2) such that

2zf (z ) dz 2zf (z ) dz
2

yS

2zf (z

2cf (c )
2

{using (t) 2t f (t 2 )}

ud

20

te

ps

(2) (0)
(c)
20

) dz 4cf (c 2 )

... (i)

St

Also, by intermediate mean value theorem for c (0, 2) there exists , (0, 2) such that

( ) ()
(c), where 0 < < c < < 2
2

... (ii)

2 f ( 2 ) 2 f (2 ) 2{2c f (c 2 )}

... (iii)

from (i) & (ii),

2

2z f (z

) dz 2 f ( 2 ) 2 f ( 2 ) for all 0 < , < 2

f (t) dt 2(f (

) f ( 2 )) for all 0 < , 2

Example 8 :

Page 24 of 37

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Application of Derivative

Prove that the following functions are increasing in the given intervals,
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Solution:

y = ex + sinx, x R
f(x) = sinx + tanx 2x, x (0, / 2 )
y = x + sinx, x R .

(i)

f(x) = ex + sinx, x R

f (x) = ex + cosx

Clearly f (x) > 0 x R (as ex > 1, x R and 1 cos x 1, x R )

Hence f(x) is increasing.
(ii)

f(x) = sinx + tanx 2x, x (0, / 2 )

f (x) = cosx + sec2 x 2

as cosx > cos2x, x (0, / 2)

f (x) > cos2 x + sec2x 2

.in

ps

= (cosx secx)2 > 0, (0, / 2)

f (x) 0,

yS

f(x) = x + sinx, x R
f (x) = 1 + cosx

(iii)

te

Hence f(x) is increasing in (0, / 2)

ud

Here f (x) = 0 cosx = 1 x = (2n + 1) , n I

St

Zeros of f (x) dont form an interval.

Hence f(x) would be increasing for all real values of x.

Example 9 :
(i) Find the intervals in which the function f(x) = 3 cos4x + 10 cos3x + 6 cos2 x 3, 0 x ,
is monotonically increasing or decreasing.
(ii) Let S be the non-empty set containing all a for which f (x)

4a 7 3
x (a 3)x 2 x 5 is
3

monotonic for all x R . Find S.

Solution:
(i)
f(x) = 3 cos4x + 10cos3x + 6cos2 x 3, 0 x
f (x) = 12cos3x (sinx) + 30cos2x (sinx) + 12cosx (sinx)

Page 25 of 37

= 6cosx sinx (2cos2x + 5cosx + 2)

= 3sin2x (cosx + 2) (2cosx + 1) < 0 when x 0,
2

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Application of Derivative

2
> 0 when x ,
2 3
2
< 0 when x ,
3

2

2
f(x) is increasing in ,
and decreasing in 0, and ,
2 3
2
3

(ii)

4a 7 3
x (a 3)x 2 x 5
3
f (x) = (4a 7)x2 + 2(a 3) x + 1

Let f(x) =

For f(x) to be monotonic, f (x) 0 or f (x) 0

7
.
4

ps

7
So a [2, 8] S = [2, 8]
4

.in

D 0 (a 3)2 (4a 7) 0 a2 10a + 16 0

(a 2) (a 8) 0 a [2, 8]
Also 4a 7 0 a 7/4

Page 26 of 37

(i)

Let

ud

yS

te

Example 10 :
(i) Using Calculus, find the order relation between x and tan1x.
(ii) Show that ln (1 + x) < x for all x > 0
Solution:
f(x) = x tan1x f (x) 1

1
x2

0 x R
1 x2 1 x2

St

Thus f(x) is a increasing function.

Now, f(0) = 0

(ii)

f(x) < 0, x ( , 0) and f(x) 0, x [0, )

x < tan1x, x (, 0) and x tan 1 x, x [0, )

Let us assume f(x) = ln (1 + x) x

f (x)

1
x
1
1 x
1 x

clearly, f (x) 0 x (0, )

Hence for x > 0 f(x) is decreasing
Moreover f(0) = 0, hence further
f(x) < 0 ln(1 + x) x < 0
ln(1 + x) < x for all x > 0

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Application of Derivative

Example 11 :

Find the values of a, if the equation x sinx = a has a unique root in ,
2 2

Solution:
Consider the function

f(x) = x sinx a, x ,
2 2

x

,
Then f (x) 1 cos x 2sin 2 0x
2
2 2

,
f(x) strictly increases in
2 2

Also, we have

ps

f 1 a
2 2

te

and

.in

f
1 a

2 2

yS

The curve y = f(x) will cuts the x-axis exactly once, if f

is negative or zero and f is
2
2
positive or zero.

1 a 0 and 1 a 0
2
2

i.e.,

St

ud

i.e.,

1 and a 1
2
2

Hence, we have , a 1 , 1
2 2

Example 12 :
(i) Investigate for the points of maxima and minima of the function defined by
x

3
2
2
f(x) = [2(t 1) (t 2) 3(t 1) (t 2) ]dt
1

(ii) Find all possible values of the parameter a so that the function f(x) = x3 3 (7 a) x2 3
(9 a2) x + 2, has a negative point of local minimum.
Solution:

Page 27 of 37

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Application of Derivative
x

(i)

3
2
2
We have f(x) = [2(t 1) (t 2) 3(t 1) (t 2) ]dt
1

2
= (t 1) (t 2) [2(t 2) 3(t 1)]dt (t 1) (t 2) (5t 7)dt
2

f (x) (x 1) (x 2) 2 (5x 7)
Now, for maximum or minimum, f (x) 0 x 1, 7 / 5, 2
f (x)

dy
= 5[(x 1) (x 7/5)] (x 2)2
dx

(i)

Consider x = 1

dy
dy
0 and 0 f(x) is maximum at x = 1

dx x 1
dx x 1
Consider x = 7/5

.in

(ii)

Consider x = 2

te

(iii)

ps

dy
dy
0 and
0 f(x) is minimum at x = 7/5

dx x (7 / 5)
dx x (7 / 5)

yS

dy
dy
0 and
0

dx x 2
dx x 2

ud

(ii)

f(x) is neither maximum nor minimum at x = 2.

f(x) = x3 3 (7 a) x2 3 (9 a2)x + 2

St

f (x) 3x 2 6(7 a) x 3(9 a 2 )

For distinct real roots D > 0
36(7a)2 + 4 3 3 (9 a2) > 0 49 + a2 14a + 9 a2 > 0
14 a < 58 a <

29
7

For local minima

f (x) 6x 6(7 a) 0 x 7 a 0

7 a < x, as x must be ve 7 a < 0 a > 7

29
Thus it is contradictory i.e., for real roots a <
and for negative point of local minimum
7
a > 7. So there is no possible value of a.
Example 13 :

Page 28 of 37

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Application of Derivative

Let A(p2, p), B(q2, q), C(r2, r) be the vertices of a triangle ABC. A parallelogram AFDE is
drawn with D, E and F on the segments BC, CA and AB respectively. Show that the maximum area
of the parallelogram is (1/ 4)(p q) (q + r) (p r), given p > r..
Solution:

A(p ,p)

Let AF = AB , AE = AC
In similar s ABC and FBD,
F

FB BD FD

1
AB BC AC

Area of parallelogram AFDE = AB.AC sin A

2

B(q , q)

= (1 ) AB.AC sin A

C(r ,r)

Area is maximum when is 1/2

1/ 2 i.e., F and E are mid points of AB and AC respectively..

p 1
q

r 1

yS

1
(p + q) (q + r) (p r).
4

ps

1 2
1
1
=
AB. AC sinA =
Area of ABC q
max
4 2
4
2
r

te

.in

p2

Page 29 of 37

St

ud

Example 14 :
(i) Find the point on the hyperbola 3x2 4y2 = 72 which is nearest to the line 3x + 2y + 1 = 0
(ii) Find the shortest distance between the curves 9x2 + 9y2 30y + 16 = 0 and y2 = x3.
Solution:
3
. First of all we try to locate the points on the curve at which the
2
tangent is parallel to the given line.

(i) Slope of the given line =

Differentiating 3x2 4y2 = 72 w.r.t. x, we get 6x 8y

dy 3x
3
x

2
dx 4y
2
y

Also

x
72
3 4 2
y
y

72
3.4 4 8 y2 9 y 3, 3
2
y
The required points are (6, 3) and (6, 3)
Distance of (6, 3) from the given line

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dy
0
dx

Application of Derivative

| 18 6 1| 11

and the distance of (6, 3) from the given line,

13
13

|18 6 1| 13

13
13
13

Clearly the required point is (6, 3).

2

5
(ii) 9x2 + 9y2 30y + 16 = 0 can be rewritten as x 2 y 1
3

Any point on the curve y2 = x3 can be taken as (t2, t3).

Let L be the distance between the centre of the given circle and the point (t2, t3), then
K = L2 = t4 + (t3 5/3)2
Now, we calculate the minimum value of L. Required distance = L radius of given circle.
dK
5

4t 3 2 t 3 3t 2 0
dt
3

.in

Now,

for maximum or minimum, t = 0 or 1

yS

ud

d 3K
0 There is neither maxima nor minima at t = 0.
dt 3 t 0

St

But,

te

d2K
dt 2 t 0 = 0

ps

d 2K
12t 2 30t 4 20t
Now,
2
dt

d 2K
0 at t = 1 L2 is minimum at t = 1 i.e., L is minimum at t = 1
Also,
dt 2
So, shortest distance = (value of L at t = 1) (Radius of the circle) =

13
1
3

Example 15 :
(i) Find all possible values of the parameter a so that x3 3x + a = 0 has three real and distinct
roots.
(ii) Prove that there exists exactly two non-similar isosceles triangles ABC such that tanA + tanB
+ tanC = 100.
Solution:

Page 30 of 37

(i) Let f(x) = x3 3x + a

f (x) 3x 2 3 = 3(x 1) (x + 1)

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Application of Derivative

Page 31 of 37

Clearly x = 1 is the point of maxima and x = 1 is the point of minima.

Now, f(1) = a 2, f(1) = a + 2
The roots of f(x) = 0 would be real and distinct if f(1) f (1) < 0

(a 2) (a + 2) < 0 2 < a < 2

Thus given equation would have real and distinct roots if a ( 2, 2) .

(ii) Let A = B, then 2A + C = 180 and 2tanA + tanC = 100

Now 2A + C = 180 tan2A = tanC
Also 2tanA + tanC = 100

... (1)

2tanA 100 = tanC

From (1) & (2) 2tanA 100 =

2x
= 2x 100 x3 50x2 + 50 = 0
1 x2

.in

Let tanA = x, then

2 tan A
1 tan 2 A

ps

100
Let f(x) = x3 50x2 + 50. Then f (x) = 3x2 100x. Thus f (x) = 0 has roots 0,
.
3

St

ud

yS

te

100
Also f(0).f
0 . Thus f(x) = 0 has exactly three distinct real roots. Therefore tanA and hence
3
A has three distinct values. But one of them will be obtuse angle. Hence there exists exactly two
non similar isosceles triangles.

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Application of Derivative

SOLVED OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1 :
If the line ax + by + c = 0 is normal to the curve xy + 5 = 0, then
(a) a > 0 , b > 0
(b) b > 0, a < 0
(c) b < 0, a > 0
(d) none of these
Solution:
dy
dy
y
y 0 0 (as xy = 5 < 0)
dx
dx
x
The slope of the normal is negative

xy = 5 x

a
a
0 0 a 0, b 0 or a < 0, b < 0
b
b
Hence (a) is correct answer.

(a) f(x) is an increasing function

(c) f(x) is a decreasing function
Solution:
x3

dt

ln t

x2

f (x)

1
1
.3x 2
.2x (using Leibnitz formula)
3
ln x
ln x 2

St

(b) f(x) has a minima at x = 1

(d) f(x) has a maxima at x = 1

ud

f(x) =

ps

x2

dt
x 0, 1 then
ln t

te

If f (x)

yS

x3

.in

Example 2 :

1
2
= ln x (x x)

Sign of f (x) > 0 for x > 0, x 1 hence f(x) is an increasing function.

Hence (a) is correct.
Example 3 :
If S is the set, such that f(x) = 8x2 ln |x| increases in S, then S contains

Page 32 of 37

1
(a) ,0
4

(b) ( ,

1
(c) 0,
4

(d) none of these

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1
)
4

Application of Derivative

Solution:
1 16
1
f (x) 16x x2
x x
16

For an increasing function. f (x) 0

Sign scheme for f (x) :

1
1
1
x x 0
x
4
4

1
4

+
1
4

1 1
x , 0 ,
4 4
Hence (a) is the correct answer.

te

ps

.in

Example 4 :
The maximum value of f(x) = |x ln x| in x (0, 1) is
(a) 1/e
(b) e
(c) 1
(d) none of these
Solution:
f(x) = |x lnx|. for, x (0, 1), f(x) = x lnx

yS

f (x) x. ln x = [1 + lnx] = 0 x = 1/e

x

St

ud

f (x) [1/x] < 0

f(x) will be maximum at x = 1/e
Maximum value of f(x) = | 1/e | = 1/e
Hence (a) is the correct answer.

Example 5 :
The number of critical points of f(x) = max {sinx, cosx} for x (0, 2 ) is
(a) 2
(b) 5
(c) 3
(d) none of these
Solution:

Page 33 of 37

Clearly A, B and C are the critical points

B
O /2

Hence (c) is the correct answer.

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/4

/2

Application of Derivative

Example 6 :
x

If f(x) = (t 1) (et 1) (t2) (t + 4) dt, then f(x) would assume the local minima at;
0

(a) x = 4
(c) x = 1
Solution:

(b) x = 0
(d) x = 2

Here f (x) = (x + 1) (ex 1) (x 2) (x + 4)

+

sign scheme for f (x) :

Clearly x = 1 and x = 2 are the points of local minima

Hence (d) is the correct answers.
Example 7 :

Page 34 of 37

.in

x 2 3x 2
x 2 2x 3
(a) has a maximum value at x = 3
(b) has a minimum value at x = 3 and maximum value at x = 1
(c) is increasing in its domain
(d) none of these
Solution:

ud

x 2 3x 2 (x 1) (x 2) x 2

, x 1, 3
x 2 2x 3 (x 1) (x 3) x 3

St

f (x)

yS

te

ps

The function f(x) =

y
f (x) =
1

x 2 - 3x + 2
x 2 + 2x - 3

df (x) (x 3) (x 2)
5

0x 1, 3
2
dx
(x 3)
(x 3)2
Clearly f(x) is increasing in its domain, Hence (c) is the correct answer.

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+
0

Application of Derivative

Example 8 :
Least natural number a for which x + ax2 > 2 x (0, ) is
(a) 1
(c) 5
Solution:
Let f(x) = x + ax2

(b) 2
(d) none of these

f (x) 1 2ax 3 0 x (2a) 1/ 3

f (x) = 6ax4 > 0 x (0, ) (as a is a natural number)

Thus (2a)1/3 + a(2a)2/3 > 2 a >

32
least natural number a = 2.
27

.in

Alternative solution
x + ax2 > 2 x2 2x2 + a > 0
Let
f(x) = x3 2x2 + a
Since f(x) > 0 x (0, ) min f(x) > 0

te

32
.
27

yS

f(4/3) > 0 a

ps

For minimum f(x), f (x) 3x 2 4x 0 x 0, 4 / 3

Hence (b) is the correct answer.

Page 35 of 37

St

ud

Example 9 :
If f(x) = (sin2x1)n (2 + cos2x), then x = /2 is a point of
(a) local maximum, if n is odd
(b) local minimum if n is odd
(c) local maximum, if n is even
(d) none of these
Solution:
If x = a is the point of local extremum of
y = f(x), then f(a h). f(a + h) > 0 f( / 2 h) . f ( / 2 h) > 0
( f ( / 2 h) ( ve) n

... (1)

f ( / 2 h) ( ve) n

... (2)

f ( / 2) 0

... (3)

f( / 2 h ). f ( / 2 h) = (ve)2n > 0 n can be odd or even.

So from (1), (2) and (3), if n is odd or even maxima or minima occurs accordingly.
Hence (a) is the correct answers.

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Application of Derivative

Example 10 :
N
Let N be any four digit number say x1 x2 x3 x4.Then maximum value of x x x x is equal
1
2
3
4

to
1111
4
(d) none of these

(a) 1000

(b)

(c) 800
Solution:

1000x1 100x 2 10x 3 x 4

(900x 2 990x 3 999x 4 )
N

1000
=
x1 x 2 x 3 x 4
x1 x 2 x 3 x 4
(x1 x 2 x 3 x 4 )

N
maximum value of x x x x 1000
1
2
3
4

.in

Hence (a) is the correct answer.

Example 11 :

te

ps

| x 1| a, x 1
Let f(x) =
. If f(x) has a local minima at x = 1, then
2x 3, x 1
(b) a < 5
(d) none of these

ud

1 x a, x 1
f (x)
2x 3, x 1

yS

(a) a 5
(c) a > 5
Solution:

St

Local minimum value of f(x) at x = 1, will be 5

i.e.,
1 x + a 5 at x = 1 or, a 5.
Hence (a) is the correct answer.
Example 12 :
If f(x) = a0 + a1 x2 +a2x4 + ... + anx2n be a polynomial where a0 < a1 < a2 < ...< an and all are positive
then f(x) has
(a) neither a maximum nor a minimum
(b) only one maximum
(c) only one minimum
(d) none of these
Solution:

Page 36 of 37

f (x) 2a1x 4a 2 x 3 ..... 2n a n x 2n 1

As

= 2x (a1 + 2a2 x2 + ..... + nan x2n2)

(a1 + 2a2x2 + ..... + n an x2n-2) > 0 x R

f (x) 0, x 0 and f (x) 0, x 0 x = 0 is the only point of minima.

Hence (c) is the correct answer.

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Application of Derivative

Example 13 :
If 2a + 3b + 6c = 0, then the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 will have atleast one root in
(a) (2, 1)
(b) (1, 0)
(c) (0, 1)
(d) (1, 2)
Solution:

ax 3 bx 2

cx which is a differentiable function

Let f(x) =
3
2
a b
(2a 3b 6c)
c =
0 (given)
6
3 2
So, according to Rolles theorem
f (c) 0 for atleast one c (0,1)
Hence (c) is the correct answer.

f(0) = 0, f(1) =

Example 14 :

.in

2
Let f(x) = 2x tan1x-ln x 1 x ; x R . Then

(b) f(x) is non-decreasing in ( , )

(d) f(x) is non-increasing in ( , )

te

ps

(a) f(x) is increasing in ( )

(c) f(x) is decreasing in ( , )
Solution:
1
1

0 x R
2
1 x
1 x2
and equality holds at x = 0 only.
So, f(x) is increasing in ( , )
Hence (a) is the correct answer.

St

Example 15 :

ud

yS

f (x) 2

If is the root (having least absolute value) of the equation x2 bx 1 = 0 ( b R ) then

(a) < 1
(b) 1 < < 0
(c) 0 < < 1
(d) > 1
Solution:

Page 37 of 37

Let f(x) = x2 bx 1 (b R )
f(1) = b = + ve
f(0) = 1 = ve
f(1) = b = ve
Clearly one root lies in (1, 0) and other in (1, )
So, (having least absolute value) (1, 0) .
Hence (b) is the correct answer.

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