2

Differentiationanditsapplications
1. [A Level N77/P1/6]
d 2 y dy
If y aesin x , where a is a constant, prove that (cos x tan x) .
dx 2 dx

Solution:
Observe that y aesin x . Make the necessary
dy
y aesin x a cos xesin x y cos x substitution after finding
dy
so that subsequent
dx dx
d2 y dy
Hence, cos x y ( sin x) differentiation will be easier.
dx 2 dx
d2 y dy 1 dy
cos x ( sin x)
dx 2 dx cos x dx
dy
= cos x tan x (proven)
dx

2. [A Level J79/P1/6]
1
Express in partial fractions. Hence, or otherwise, given
( x 1)(2 x )
1 d2 y
that y , find 2 .
( x 1)(2 x ) dx
Solution:
1 A B A and B could also be found by

( x 1)(2 x) x 1 2 x
(1) equating coefficients of xn ,
1 1
(by cover-up method)
x 1 2 x (2) substituting suitable values of x into
1 1 1 the expression 1 A(2 x) B( x 1) ,
y
( x 1)(2 x) x 1 2 x
(3) a mixture of (1) and (2).
dy
( x 1) 2 (2 x) 2 (1)
dx
( x 1) 2 (2 x) 2
d2 y
2
2( x 1) 3 2(2 x) 3 (1)
dx
2 2

( x 1) (2 x)3
3
3. [A Level J79/P2/20]
d 1
(a) Prove that (sin 1 x) , where | x | 1
dx 1 x2
dy 2
(b) Given that y sin 1 (2 x 1 x 2 ) , show that .
dx 1 x2

Solution:

(a)
Similar method could be used to prove the results
Let y sin 1 x d d
for cos 1 x and tan 1 x .
dx dx
sin y x
dy
Differentiate both sides with respect to x, cos y 1
dx
dy 1

dx cos y
1

1 sin 2 y
1
=
1 x2

d 1
i.e. (sin 1 x)
dx 1 x2

(b)

y sin 1 (2 x 1 x 2 )

dy 1 1
1

2 x (1 x 2
) 2
( 2 x ) 2 1 x 2
dx
2
2
1 2x 1 x2

1 2 x 2
2 1 x2
1 4 x 2 (1 x 2 ) 1 x 2
1 1
2 x 2 2(1 x 2 )
2
1 4x 4x
2 4
1 x
1 2(1 2 x 2 )

(1 2 x 2 ) 2 1 x2
2
= (shown)
1 x2
4. [A Level J73/P2/6]
dy
A curve has parametric equations x a cos3 t , y a sin 3 t . Find in terms of t . If the
dx
normal to this curve at the point (a cos3 t , a sin 3 t ) meets the x - and y -axes at the
a 2 cos2 2t
points A and B , show that the area AOB , where O is the origin.
sin 2t

Solution:

dx
x a cos3 t 3a cos 2 t sin t ,
dt For parametric equations x = f(t), y = g(t),
dy dy dy dt
y a sin 3 t 3a sin 2 t cos t .
dt dx dt dx
dy dy dt 3a sin 2 t cos t

dx dt dx 3a cos 2 t sin t
tan t (shown)

1 1
Gradient of normal at the point (a cos3 t , a sin 3 t ) cot t
dy ( tan t )
dx

y a sin 3 t
Equation of normal is: x a cos3 t cot t
Equation of normal is
1
y y1 dy ( x x1 )
At A, y = 0
dx x x1
x a cos3 t a sin 3 t tan t

cos 4 t sin 4 t
a
cos t
a (cos t sin t )(cos 2 t sin 2 t )
2 2

cos t
a cos 2t

cos t
a cos 2t
A is ,0
cos t

At B, x = 0

y a sin 3 t a cos3 t cot t

sin 4 t cos 4 t
a
sin t
a (sin t cos t )(sin 2 t cos 2 t )
2 2

sin t
 a cos 2t

sin t
a cos 2t
B is 0, y
sin t

1 O B x
Area of AOB = 2 (OA)(OB )

1 a cos 2t a cos 2t A
It is always good to draw
2 cos t sin t
= a diagram to have some
a 2 cos 2 2t
idea of how the triangle
sin 2t Note that OA and OB
OAB looks like.
are positive.
5. [A Level J74/P1/6]
(a) Find the equation of the tangent to the curve x 2 y xy 2 12 at the point (1,3) .
(b) The tangent at the point P (t , et ) on the curve y e x meets the x -axis at T . The normal
at P meets the x -axis at N . Express the areas of triangle PNT in terms of t .

Solution:

(a)

Differentiate x 2 y xy 2 12 with respect to x

dy dy
2 xy x 2 y2 x 2 y 0
dx dx
At x 1, y 3
dy dy dy 15
6 96 0
dx dx dx 7
dy
Equation of tangent at (1, 3) is: Equation of tangent is: ( y y1 ) ( x x1 )
dx x x1

y 3 15

x 1 7
7 y 15 x 36 y
7 y 15 x 36

(b) P
At P, x = t. Height

dy
ex T Base N x
dx

y et
Equation of tangent at P is x t e y e ( x t 1)
t t

When y = 0, x = t + 1. T is (t 1, 0).

y et t t
Equation of normal at P is x t e y e ( x t ) e
t

When y = 0, x = e2t + t. Thus, N is (e2t + t, 0).

1 1 2t 1 t 2t
Area triangle PTN is 2 (Base) (Height) 2 (e t (t 1))(e ) 2 e (e 1)
t
6. [A Level J89/P1/16]
(a) The parametric equations of a curve are x a cos3 , y a sin 3 , where a is a positive

constant and 0 .
2
dy
(i) Show that tan
dx
(ii) The tangent to the curve at the point with parameter cuts the axes at S and T .
Write down the equation of this tangent, and show that the distance ST is independent
of .
(b) The parametric equations of a curve are x at , y at 2 , where a is a constant. The
points P(ap, ap 2 ) and Q(aq, aq 2 ) lie on the curve. Find and simplify an expression, in
terms of p and q , for the gradient of the chord PQ . Deduce from your expression that
the gradient of the tangent to the curve at P is 2 p .

Solution:

(a) (i)

dx
x a cos3 t 3a cos 2 t sin t ,
dx
dy
y a sin 3 t 3a sin 2 t cos t
dx
dy dy dt 3a sin 2 t cos t

dx dt dx 3a cos 2 t sin t
tan t (shown)

(ii)

y a sin 3
Equation of tangent with parameter is: x a cos3 tan .

y tan x a cos3 a sin 3

x tan a cos 2 sin a sin 3
x tan a sin (cos 2 sin 2 )
x tan a sin

At x 0, y a sin

At y 0, x a sin cot
a cos
 Let S be (acos, 0) and T be (0, asin).

ST ( x1 x2 ) 2 ( y1 y2 ) 2 a 2 cos 2 a 2 sin 2
a cos 2 sin 2
a which is independent of (shown)

(b)

ap 2 aq 2 a ( p q )( p q )
gradient of chord PQ = pq
ap aq a( p q)
gradient of tangent to the curve at P = lim (gradient of chord PQ )
q p

lim( p q )
q p

p p 2p (deduced)
7. [A Level N75/P2/5]
A cylinder of radius x is inscribed in a fixed sphere of internal radius R , the
circumferences of the circular ends of the cylinder being in contact with the inner surface
of the sphere. Show that A2 16 2 x 2 ( R 2 x 2 ) , where A is the curved surface area of the
cylinder. Prove that, if x is made to vary, the maximum value of A is obtained when the
height of the cylinder is equal to its diameter.

Solution: i.e. to show that 2 y 2 x when A is maximum.

x
Let A and 2y be the curved surface area and the height of the cylinder
y
R
respectively.

Then, A = 2x (2y) = 4xy where y R 2 x 2 .

A 4 x R 2 x 2

A2 16 2 x 2 ( R 2 x 2 ) (Shown) Need to identify the variables and the

constant before differentiating the
Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x expression. Usually, we need to form 2
relations when three variables are involved
dA
2A 16 2 (2 xR 2 4 x 3 ) ----------- (1) in the question. In this case, A, x and y.
dx

dA
When A is maximum, 0 16 2 (2 xR 2 4 x3 ) = 0
dx

2 x( R 2 2 x 2 ) 0
R
x 0 (NA) or R 2 2 x 2 x
2

Height of cylinder 2 y
2 R2 x2
2 2 x2 x2
2 x = diameter of the cylinder

To check that A is maximum, differentiate (1) again w.r.t. x,

Checking of maximum and minimum
2
dA is required unless stated otherwise in
2
d A
2 2 A 2 16 2 (2 R 2 12 x 2 )
dx dx the question.

If the second derivative is too tedious

R dA d2 A
When x , 0, 2 A 2
16 2 (4 x 2 12 x 2 ) 0. to be found, you could try to use First
2 dx dx
Derivative Test.
d2 A
0 A is maximum.
dx 2
8. [A Level J78/P2/6]
An isosceles triangle ABC , with AB AC , is inscribed in a fixed circle, centre O , whose
radius is 1 unit. Angle BOC 2 , where is acute. Express the area of the
triangle ABC in terms of , and hence show that, as varies, the area is maximum when
the triangle is equilateral.
i.e. to show that BAC = ACB = ABC
Solution:
= when the area is maximum.
3 A

Given OA = OB = OC = 1.

Area of ABC = (AB)(AC) sin. O

Using cosine rule on AOB,
2
AB 2 OB 2 OA2 2(OA)(OB) cos AOB B C
12 12 2(1)(1) cos( )
2 2( cos )
2(1 cos )
1
Area of ABC , S ( AB ) 2 sin ( AB AC )
2
1
2(1 cos ) sin
2
sin (1 cos )
dS
cos (1 cos ) sin ( sin )
d
cos cos 2 sin 2
cos cos 2 (1 cos 2 )
cos 2 cos 2 1
dS
When S is maximum, 0 2 cos 2 cos 1 0 .
d
(2 cos 1)(cos 1) 0
1
cos or cos 1 (NA since is acute)
2

=
3
BAC
ABC ACB
2 2 3
Hence, ABC is an equilateral triangle.

d 2S
Check that S is maximum: sin 4 cos sin 0 when . Must check for
d 2
3 maximum/ minimum.
S is maximum when the triangle is equilateral.
9. [2011/JC2/BT2/RJC/Q1]

The function f is defined for all real values of x by f ( x) x3e x x .

2

Prove, by differentiation, that f is strictly increasing for all real values of x . [3]
Solution: This is to show that f '( x) 0 for all real values of x.
f ( x) x e x
3 x2

f '( x) 3x 2 e x x3 (2 xe x ) 1 x 2 e x (3 2 x 2 ) 1
2 2 2

For all values of x , we have

Clear explanation of why
x 2 0, e x 0, (3 2 x 2 ) 0 , and so x 2 e x (3 2 x 2 ) 0 .
2 2

f '( x) 0 is necessary.

Hence f '( x ) 1 0 , and so f ( x) x3e x x is strictly increasing for all values of x .

2

10. The equation of a curve is x 2 y 2 xy 3 .

(a) Find the coordinates of the points on the curve at which the tangent is parallel to the
x-axis.

(b) Find the equations of the tangents which are parallel to the y-axis.

Solution:

(a) x 2 y 2 xy 3 ------------(1)

Differentiate w.r.t. x,
(a) When the tangent is parallel to
dy dy
2 x 2 y ( x y) 0 the x-axis,
dy
0.
dx dx dx
dy y 2 x

dx 2 y x (b) When the tangent is parallel to
dy dx
dy the y-axis, is infinite, or 0
dx dy
When the tangent is parallel to the x-axis, dx 0

y 2 x 0 y 2 x --------(2)

Sub. (2) into (1), x2+ (2x)2 x(2x) = 3

3 x 2 3 x 1.

When x = 1, y = 2; When x = 1, y = 2.

Coordinates of the points are (1, 2) and (1, 2).

(b) When the tangent is parallel to the y-axis, 2y x = 0.

i.e. x = 2y --------------(3)

Sub (3) into (1), we have (2y)2 + y2 (2y)y = 3

y2 = 1 y = 1.

When y = 1, x = 2; When y = 1, x = 2.

Equations of the tangents are x = 2 and x = 2.

11. [2012/JC2/BT2/RJC/Q1]

As a spherical mothball evaporates its volume decreases at a rate proportional to its

surface area. Show that the radius decreases at a constant rate. [2]

The radius is initially 1cm. After 20 days the radius decreases to 0.5cm. Find an
expression for the radius after t days. [2]

4 3
[The formulae for the volume and surface area of a sphere are V r and A 4r 2 .]
3

Solution:

Let V cm3 and r cm be the volume and radius of the mothball respectively

dV
kA, k positive constant
dt
dV dV dr dr dr dr
4r 2 A ( A 4r 2 ) Use chain rule to find and
dt dr dt dt dt dt
dr dr show that it is a constant.
kA A k (constant)
dr dt

r kt C To find r, we need to solve the differential

When t 0, r 1 C 1 equation
dr
k . Use the initial condition
r 1 kt dt
When t 20, r 0.5 0.5 1 20k provided to find the particular solution.
1 *This question requires knowledge of finding
k
40 rate of change and solving of differential
1 equations.
r 1 t
40
12. [2011/JC2/BT2/MJC/P1/Q6]

dy
(a) Given that x 2 tan y 3 xy 5 , find in terms of x and y. [3]
dx

(b)
5cm

15cm

An inverted right circular cone with radius 5 cm and height 15 cm (see diagram) is
initially filled with water. Water is leaking from the vertex of the cone at a
constant rate of 4 cm3s1. Find the rate of change of the depth of water at the
instant when the depth of water is 2 cm, leaving your answer in exact form. [5]
Solution:

(a) x 2 tan y 3 xy 5

Using implicit differentiation,

dy dy
2 x sec2 y 3x 3 y 0
dx dx

dy
dx
3x sec2 y 2 x 3 y

dy

2x 3 y

dx 3x sec2 y
(b) Let h and r be the depth and the radius of the water in the cone at time t.

r 5 1
using similar triangles,
h 15 3
1 5
r h
3 dh dh dV
r Use to find the rate of
dt dV dt
15 dV
change of h since is given.
dt
h Therefore, we need to form a relation
between V and h.
 1
V r 2h
3
2
1 1
h h
3 3
1
h3
27

dV 1 2
h
dh 9
dh dh dV

dt dV d t
9
2 4
h
9
4
2
2

9
cms 1

13. [2011/JC2/BT2/AJC/Q8]

A curve C has parametric equations

1
x 1 2 2 , y sin 1 ( ) where 0 1 .

dy
(i) Find in terms of . Hence find the point on C such that the normal to
dx
the curve at this point is parallel to the line y x 2 . [4]

(ii) Q is a point moving on the curve C such that its y-coordinate increases at a
rate of 2 units per second. Find the value of at the point Q when the rate

of change of the gradient at Q is 1 unit per second. [3]

Solution:

dy 1 dx
(i) ,
d 1 2 d 1 2
dy dy d 1 1 2 1

dx d dx 1
2
dy
1
dx
1

Coordinates of P is 0,
2 dy
Since f ( ) , applying Chain Rule:
d dy d x
(ii) 1
dt dx
d dy d d dy d dy d
1 .
d dx dt dt d x d d x dt
d dy d dy d d dy
1 dy
2 and y g( ) , .
d dx dy dt Also, given
dt dt dy dt
d 1
1 2 1
2

d
2
1 2 1
2

2 2 1 2 0 0.910
14. [2012/JC2/BT2/NYJC/P1/Q8]

An open water storage tank of uniform cross-sectional area has a fixed volume of 540 m3.
The base of the tank comprises a rectangle ABCD and two identical semicircles.

1
Given that AD = BC = x m, AB = DC = y m and the height of the tank is y m.
2
Top View 3D View
A x D

y
1
y
2

B C

The interior of the tank needs to be painted. The cost of painting the base of the interior
is $2 per m2 and the cost of painting the wall of the interior is $4 per m2. Show that the
5
total cost of painting is $ 6 xy y 2 . [2]
2

Find, by differentiation, the values of x and y such that the cost of painting is minimum.
[7]
Given that there is a budget of $900 for painting the interior of the tank, determine if this
amount is sufficient, justifying your answer. [1]
Solution:

y2 y
Total cost, C 2 xy 4 2 x y
4 2

5
6 xy y 2
2

1 y2
Volume y xy 540
2 4

y 2 1080
xy
4 y
 1 1080 y 2
x
y y 4

1 1080 y 2 5 2 6480
Total cost, C 6 y y y2

y y 4 2 y

dC 6480
For stationary values, 2 2 y 0
dy y

3240
y3 y 10.1 and x 2.65

d 2C 12960
2 0 for all positive values of y.
dy 2 y3

Hence y 10.1 and x 2.65 gives minimum cost.

6480
minimum C y 2 $962.06 $900
y

No, budget is not sufficient.

15. [2012/JC2/BT2/MJC/P2/Q5]

(a) A cone is formed when the two straight edges of a sector are joined. The diagram below
shows a cone formed when edges OA and OB are joined.
O

2
h
O
B
2
r
A

Given that the major arc AB 2 , show that the volume of the cone, V is
2
4 2 2 .
3
Hence, find the value of such that V is a maximum. [6]

(b) r

A hemispheric bowl with radius r cm is filled to the brim with 144 cm3 of milk. A cat
begins to drink the milk at a constant rate of 5 cm3 s1 . At time t seconds, the depth of
h2
the milk is h cm and the volume of the milk is given to be V 3r h . Find the
3
rate at which the depth of the milk is decreasing when h 4 . [4]

Solution:

(a)

2 2 r
r --------(1) Need to find a relationship between h and
using (1) and (2) since the results to be
2
2
h2 r 2
proven is in terms of .
h 2 4 2 r 2 --------(2)
 1
Sub (1) and (2) into V r 2 h,
3
2
we have V 4 2 2
3

dV 2 2 1 1
4 2 2 2
d 3 3 2 4 2 2
2 (4 2 2 ) 3 8 3 3 3

3 4 2 2 3 4 2 2
(8 2 3 2 )

3 4 2 2

dV
0 (8 2 3 2 ) 0
d
8 2
2 or 0 (Rejected)
3
8
=
3

The volume of the cone is maximum when

8
. 8

8 8

3
3
3 3
dV

d
2
(b) V 144 r 3 144 r 6
3 Note that r is a constant which
h 2
h3 can be found by using Volume
V 3r h 6 h2 of hemisphere = 144
3 3
dV 14 2
12 h h 2 = r3 r3
dh 23 3

dV dh
Given 5 , objective is to find when h = 4.
dt dt
dh dh dV

dt dV dt

Therefore, when h = 4,

dh dV d h 5

dt dt dV 12 4 42
0.049736 0.0497

The depth of the milk is decreasing at a rate of 0.0497cm s1 .