Chapter 43

Methods of differentiation
dy
43.1 Differentiation of common Thus = (12)(−3)x −3−1
dx
functions 36
= −36x −4 = − 4
The standard derivatives summarised below were x
derived in Chapter 42 and are true for all real values of x.
Problem 2. Differentiate: (a) y = 6 (b) y = 6x
dy
y or f (x) of f  (x)
dx (a) y = 6 may be written as y = 6x 0 , i.e. in the general
ax n ax n−1 rule a = 6 and n = 0.
dy
sin ax a cos ax Hence = (6)(0)x 0−1 = 0
dx
cos ax −a sin ax
In general, the differential coefficient of a con-
eax aeax stant is always zero.
1 (b) Since y = 6x, in the general rule a = 6 and n = 1
ln ax
x dy
Hence = (6)(1)x 1−1 = 6x 0 = 6
The differential coefficient of a sum or difference is dx
the sum or difference of the differential coefficients of In general, the differential coefficient of kx, where
the separate terms. k is a constant, is always k.
Thus, if f (x) = p(x) + q(x) − r(x), (where f , p, q
and r are functions), then f  (x) = p (x) + q (x) − r  (x)
Differentiation of common functions is demonstrated Problem 3. Find the derivatives of:
in the following worked problems. √ 5
(a) y = 3 x (b) y = √
3 4
x
Problem 1. Find the differential coefficients of:
12 √
(a) y = 12x 3 (b) y = 3 (a) y = 3 x is rewritten in the standard differential
x
form as y = 3x 1/2
1
dy In the general rule, a = 3 and n =
If y = ax n then = anx n−1 2
dx  
dy 1 3 1
x 2 −1 = x − 2
1
(a) Since y = 12x 3 , a = 12 and n = 3 thus Thus = (3)
dy dx 2 2
= (12) (3)x 3−1 = 36x2
dx 3 3
= = √
12 2x 1/2 2 x
(b) y = 3 is rewritten in the standard ax n form as
x
y = 12x −3 and in the general rule a = 12 and (b) y = √
5 5
= 4/3 = 5x −4/3
n = −3
3 4
x x
 Methods of differentiation 393
 
4 dy 1 6
In the general rule, a = 5 and n = − (c) When y = 6 ln 2x then =6 =
  3 dx x x
dy 4 (−4/3)−1
Thus = (5) − x
dx 3
−20 −7/3 −20 −20 Problem 7. Find the gradient of the curve
= x = 7/3 = √3 y = 3x 4 − 2x 2 + 5x − 2 at the points (0, −2)
3 3x 3 x7
and (1, 4)
Problem 4. Differentiate:
1 1 The gradient of a curve at a given point is
y = 5x 4 + 4x − 2
+ √ − 3 with respect to x
2x x given by the corresponding value of the deriva-
tive. Thus, since y = 3x 4 − 2x 2 + 5x − 2 then the
1 1 dy
y = 5x 4 + 4x − + √ − 3 is rewritten as gradient = = 12x 3 − 4x + 5
2x 2 x dx
1 At the point (0, −2), x = 0.
y = 5x 4 + 4x − x −2 + x −1/2 − 3 Thus the gradient = 12(0)3 − 4(0) + 5 = 5
2
When differentiating a sum, each term is differentiated At the point (1, 4), x = 1.
in turn. Thus the gradient = 12(1)3 − 4(1) + 5 = 13
dy 1
Thus = (5)(4)x 4−1 + (4)(1)x 1−1 − (−2)x −2−1
dx 2 Problem 8. Determine the co-ordinates of the
 
1 (−1/2)−1 point on the graph y = 3x 2 − 7x + 2 where the
+ (1) − x −0 gradient is −1
2
1
= 20x 3 + 4 + x −3 − x −3/2
2 The gradient of the curve is given by the derivative.
dy 1 1 dy
i.e. = 20x3 + 4 − 3 − √ When y = 3x 2 − 7x + 2 then = 6x − 7
dx x 2 x3 dx
Since the gradient is −1 then 6x − 7 = −1, from which,
x=1
Problem 5. Find the differential coefficients of:
When x = 1, y = 3(1)2 − 7(1) + 2 = −2
(a) y = 3 sin 4x (b) f (t) = 2 cos 3t with respect
Hence the gradient is −1 at the point (1, −2)
to the variable

Section 8
dy Now try the following exercise
(a) When y = 3 sin 4x then = (3)(4 cos 4x)
dx
= 12 cos 4x Exercise 154 Further problems on
(b) When f (t) = 2 cos 3t then differentiating common
f  (t) = (2)(−3 sin 3t) = −6 sin 3t functions
In Problems 1 to 6 find the differential coefficients
Problem 6. Determine the derivatives of: of the given functions with respect to the variable.
2
(a) y = 3e5x (b) f (θ) = 3θ (c) y = 6 ln 2x 1
e 1. (a) 5x 5 (b) 2.4x 3.5 (c)
 x 
1
4
(a) 25x (b) 8.4x 2.5 (c) − 2
dy x
(a) When y = 3e5x then = (3)(5)e5x = 15e5x
dx −4
2 2. (a) (b) 6 (c) 2x
(b) f (θ) = 3θ = 2e−3θ , thus x2  
e 8
−6 (a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 2
f  (θ) = (2)(−3)e−3θ = −6e−3θ = x
e3θ
 394 Engineering Mathematics

√ √
3 4 Problem 9. Find the differential coefficient of:
3. (a) 2 x (b) 3 x 5 (c) √ y = 3x 2 sin 2x
x
 √ 
1 3 2
(a) √ (b) 5 x 2 (c) − √ 3x 2 sin 2x is a product of two terms 3x 2 and sin 2x. Let
x x3
u = 3x 2 and v = sin 2x
−3
4. (a) √3
(b) (x − 1)2 (c) 2 sin 3x Using the product rule:
x
 
−3 dy dv du
(a) √ (b) 2(x − 1) (c) 6 cos 3x = u + v
3 4
x dx dx dx
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
3 dy
5. (a) −4 cos 2x (b) 2e6x (c) 5x gives: = (3x 2 )(2 cos 2x) + (sin 2x)(6x)
e dx
 
−15 dy
(a) 8 sin 2x (b) 12e 6x (c) 5x i.e. = 6x 2 cos 2x + 6x sin 2x
e dx
−x √ = 6x(x cos 2x + sin 2x)
e −e
x 1− x
6. (a) 4 ln 9x (b) (c)
2 x Note that the differential coefficient of a product is
 −x  not obtained by merely differentiating each term and
4 e +e
x −1 1
(a) (b) (c) 2 + √ multiplying the two answers together. The product rule
x 2 x 2 x3
formula must be used when differentiating products.
7. Find the gradient of the curve
y = 2t 4 + 3t 3 − t + 4 at the points (0, 4) Problem 10. Find the √ rate of change of y with
and (1, 8). [−1, 16] respect to x given: y = 3 x ln 2x
8. Find the co-ordinates of the point on graph
y = 5x 2 − 3x + 1 where the gradient
is 2. 
dy
The rate of change of y with respect to x is given by .
1 3 √ dx
, y = 3 x ln 2x = 3x 1/2 ln 2x, which is a product.
2 4
9. (a) Differentiate Let u = 3x 1/2 and v = ln 2x
2 2
y = 2 + 2 ln 2θ − 2(cos 5θ + 3 sin 2θ) − 3θ dy dv du
θ e Then = u + v
dy π dx dx dx
(b) Evaluate when θ = , correct to 4 ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
dθ 2      
1 1 (1/2)−1
= (3x 1/2 ) + (ln 2x) 3 x
Section 8

significant figures. x 2
⎡ −4 2 ⎤  
(a) 3 + + 10 sin 5θ = 3x (1/2)−1 + (ln 2x)
3 −1/2
⎢ θ θ ⎥ x
⎣ 6 ⎦ 2
− 12 cos 2θ + 3θ (b) 22.30  
1
e = 3x −1/2 1 + ln 2x
2
ds  
10. Evaluate , correct to 3 significant fig- dy 3 1
dt
π √ i.e. = √ 1 + ln 2x
ures, when t = given s = 3 sin t − 3 + t dx x 2
6
[3.29]
Problem 11. Differentiate: y = x 3 cos 3x ln x

43.2 Differentiation of a product Let u = x 3 cos 3x (i.e. a product) and v = ln x

When y = uv, and u and v are both functions of x, dy dv du
Then =u +v
dy dv du dx dx dx
then =u +v du
dx dx dx where = (x 3 )(−3 sin 3x) + (cos 3x)(3x 2 )
This is known as the product rule. dx
 Methods of differentiation 395

dv 1
and = 5. et ln t cos 
t 
dx x  
  1
dy 1 et + ln t cos t − ln t sin t
Hence = (x 3 cos 3x) t
dx x
di
+ (ln x)[−3x 3 sin 3x + 3x 2 cos 3x] 6. Evaluate , correct to 4 significant figure,
dt
= x 2 cos 3x + 3x 2 ln x(cos 3x − x sin 3x) when t = 0.1, and i = 15t sin 3t
dy [8.732]
i.e. = x2 {cos 3x + 3 ln x(cos 3x − x sin 3x)} dz
dx 7. Evaluate , correct to 4 significant figures,
dt
Problem 12. Determine the rate of change of when t = 0.5, given that z = 2e3t sin 2t
voltage, given v = 5t sin 2t volts, when t = 0.2 s [32.31]

Rate of change of voltage

43.3 Differentiation of a quotient
dv
= = (5t)(2 cos 2t) + ( sin 2t)(5) u
dt When y = , and u and v are both functions of x
v
= 10t cos 2t + 5 sin 2t du dv
When t = 0.2, dy v −u
then = dx 2 dx
dv dx v
= 10(0.2) cos 2(0.2) + 5 sin 2(0.2) This is known as the quotient rule.
dt
= 2 cos 0.4 + 5 sin 0.4
Problem 13. Find the differential coefficient of:
(where cos 0.4 means the cosine of 0.4 radians = 4 sin 5x
y=
0.92106) 5x 4
dv
Hence = 2(0.92106) + 5(0.38942) 4 sin 5x
dt is a quotient. Let u = 4 sin 5x and v = 5x 4
5x 4
= 1.8421 + 1.9471 = 3.7892
(Note that v is always the denominator and u the
i.e. the rate of change of voltage when t = 0.2 s is numerator)
3.79 volts/s, correct to 3 significant figures. du dv
−u

Section 8
dy v
= dx dx
dx v2
Now try the following exercise
du
where = (4)(5) cos 5x = 20 cos 5x
dx
Exercise 155 Further problems on dv
differentiating products and = (5)(4)x 3 = 20x 3
dx
In Problems 1 to 5 differentiate the given products dy (5x 4 )(20 cos 5x) − (4 sin 5x)(20x 3 )
Hence =
with respect to the variable. dx (5x 4 )2

1. 2x 3 cos 3x [6x 2 (cos 3x − x sin 3x)] 100x 4 cos 5x − 80x 3 sin 5x

=
   25x 8
√ √ 3
2. x 3 ln 3x x 1 + ln 3x 20x [5x cos 5x − 4 sin 5x]
3
2 =
25x 8
3. e3t sin 4t [e3t (4 cos 4t + 3 sin 4t)] dy 4
   i.e. = 5 (5x cos 5x − 4 sin 5x)
1 dx 5x
4. e4θ ln 3θ e 4θ + 4 ln 3θ
θ Note that the differential coefficient is not obtained
by merely differentiating each term in turn and then
 396 Engineering Mathematics

dividing the numerator by the denominator. The Let u = te2t and v = 2 cos t then
quotient formula must be used when differentiating du dv
quotients. = (t)(2e2t ) + (e2t )(1) and = −2 sin t
dt dt
du dv
dy v −u
Problem 14. Determine the differential dx dx
Hence =
coefficient of: y = tan ax dx v2
(2 cos t)[2te2t + e2t ] − (te2t )(−2 sin t)
sin ax =
y = tan ax = . Differentiation of tan ax is thus (2 cos t)2
cos ax
4te2t cos t + 2e2t cos t + 2te2t sin t
treated as a quotient with u = sin ax and v = cos ax =
4 cos2 t
du
v −u
dv 2e2t [2t cos t + cos t + t sin t]
dy dx dx =
= 4 cos2 t
dx v2
dy e2t
(cos ax)(a cos ax) − (sin ax)(−a sin ax) i.e. = (2t cos t + cos t + t sin t)
= dx 2 cos 2 t
(cos ax)2
a cos2 ax + a sin2 ax
= Problem 17. Determinethe gradient of the curve
(cos ax)2 √ 
5x √ 3
a(cos2 ax + sin2 ax) y= 2 at the point 3,
= 2x + 4 2
cos2 ax
a
= since cos2 ax + sin2 ax = 1
cos2 ax Let y = 5x and v = 2x 2 + 4
(see Chapter 26) du dv
v −u
dx = (2x + 4)(5) − (5x)(4x)
dy 2
dy 1 dx
Hence = a sec2 ax since sec2 ax = =
dx cos2 ax dx v2 (2x 2 + 4)2
(see Chapter 22) 10x 2 + 20 − 20x 2 20 − 10x 2
= =
(2x 2 + 4)2 (2x 2 + 4)2
Problem 15. Find the derivative of: y = sec ax  √ 
√ 3 √
At the point 3, , x = 3,
1 2
y = sec ax = (i.e. a quotient), Let u = 1 and
cos ax
Section 8

v = cos ax √
dy 20 − 10( 3)2
du dv hence the gradient = = √
dy v −u dx [2( 3)2 + 4]2
= dx dx
dx v2 20 − 30 1
= =−
(cos ax)(0) − (1)(−a sin ax) 100 10
=
(cos ax)2
  
a sin ax 1 sin ax Now try the following exercise
= = a
cos2 ax cos ax cos ax
dy
i.e. = a sec ax tan ax Exercise 156 Further problems on
dx differentiating quotients
te2t In Problems 1 to 5, differentiate the quotients with
Problem 16. Differentiate: y =
2 cos t respect to the variable.
 
te2t 2 cos 3x −6
The function is a quotient, whose numerator is 1. (x sin 3x + cos 3x)
2 cos t x3 x4
a product.
 Methods of differentiation 397

  Using the function of a function rule,

2x 2(1 − x 2 )
2. dy dy du
x2 + 1 (x 2 + 1)2 = × = (−3 sin u)(10x) = −30x sin u
√  √  dx du dx
3 θ3 3 θ(3 sin 2θ − 4θ cos 2θ)
3. Rewriting u as 5x 2 + 2 gives:
2 sin 2θ 4 sin2 2θ
dy
⎡ 1 ⎤ = −30x sin(5x2 + 2)
1 − ln 2t dx
ln 2t ⎢ ⎥
4. √ ⎣ √2 ⎦
t t3 Problem 19. Find the derivative of:
  y = (4t 3 − 3t)6
2xe4x 2e4x
5. {(1 + 4x) sin x − x cos x}
sin x sin2 x
Let u = 4t 3 − 3t, then y = u6
2x
6. Find the gradient of the curve y = 2 at the du dy
x −5 Hence = 12t 2 − 3 and = 6u5
point (2, −4) [−18] dt dt
Using the function of a function rule,
dy
7. Evaluate at x = 2.5, correct to 3 significant dy dy du
dx = × = (6u5 )(12t 2 − 3)
2x 2 + 3 dx du dx
figures, given y = [3.82]
ln 2x Rewriting u as (4t 3 − 3t)gives:
dy
= 6(4t 3 − 3t)5 (12t 2 − 3)
dt
43.4 Function of a function = 18(4t2 − 1)(4t3 − 3t)5

It is often easier to make a substitution before differen-

tiating. Problem 20. Determine the differential
√
coefficient of: y = 3x 2 + 4x − 1
dy dy du
If y is a function of x then = ×
dx du dx √
y= 3x 2 + 4x − 1 = (3x 2 + 4x − 1)1/2
This is known as the ‘function of a function’ rule (or
sometimes the chain rule). Let u = 3x 2 + 4x − 1 then y = u1/2

Section 8
For example, if y = (3x − 1)9 then, by making the sub- Hence
du
= 6x + 4 and
dy 1 −1/2
= u
1
= √
stitution u = (3x − 1), y = u9 , which is of the ‘standard’ dx du 2 2 u
from. Using the function of a function rule,
dy du  
Hence = 9u8 and =3 dy dy du 1 3x + 2
du dx = × = √ (6x + 4) = √
dy dy du dx du dx 2 u u
Then = × = (9u8 )(3) = 27u8
dx du dx dy 3x + 2
dy i.e. =√
Rewriting u as (3x − 1) gives: = 27(3x − 1)8 dx 3x2 + 4x − 1
dx
Since y is a function of u, and u is a function of x, then
y is a function of a function of x. Problem 21. Differentiate: y = 3 tan4 3x

Problem 18. Differentiate: y = 3 cos (5x 2 + 2)

Let u = tan 3x then y = 3u4
du
Hence = 3 sec2 3x, (from Problem 14),
Let u = 5x 2 + 2 then y = 3 cos u dx
du dy dy
Hence = 10x and = −3 sin u and = 12u3
dx du du
 398 Engineering Mathematics

dy dy du
Then = × = (12u3 )(3 sec2 3x) 43.5 Successive differentiation
dx du dx
= 12(tan 3x)3 (3 sec2 3x) When a function y = f (x) is differentiated with respect
dy
dy to x the differential coefficient is written as or f  (x).
i.e. = 36 tan3 3x sec2 3x dx
dx If the expression is differentiated again, the second dif-
d2y
ferential coefficient is obtained and is written as 2
Problem 22. Find the differential coefficient of: dx
(pronounced dee two y by dee x squared) or f  (x) (pro-
2
y= nounced f double–dash x). By successive differentiation
(2t − 5)4
3
d3y d4y
further higher derivatives such as 3 and 4 may be
dx dx
obtained.
2
y= = 2(2t 3 − 5)−4 . Let u = (2t 3 − 5), then
(2t 3 − 5)4 Thus if y = 3x 4 ,
y = 2u−4 dy d2y
du dy −8 = 12x 3 , = 36x 2 ,
Hence = 6t 2 and = −8u−5 = 5 dx dx 2
dt du u d3y d4y d5y
  = 72x, = 72 and =0
dy dy du −8 2 ) = −48t
2
dx 3 dx 4 dx 5
Then = × = (6t
dt du dt u5 (2t 3 − 5)5

Problem 23. If f (x) = 2x 5 − 4x 3 + 3x − 5, find

Now try the following exercise f  (x)

Exercise 157 Further problems on the f (x) = 2x 5 − 4x 3 + 3x − 5

function of a function f  (x) = 10x 4 − 12x 2 + 3
In Problems 1 to 8, find the differential coefficients f  (x) = 40x3 −24x = 4x(10x2 − 6)
with respect to the variable.

1. (2x 3 − 5x)5 [5(6x 2 − 5)(2x 3 − 5x)4 ] Problem 24. If y = cos x − sin x, evaluate x, in
π d2y
2. 2 sin(3θ − 2) [6 cos(3θ − 2)] the range 0 ≤ x ≤ , when 2 is zero
2 dx
Section 8

3. 2 cos5 α [−10 cos4 α sin α]

dy
  Since y = cos x − sin x, = − sin x − cos x and
1 5(2 − 3x 2 ) dx
4. d2y
(x − 2x + 1)5
3 (x 3 − 2x + 1)6 = − cos x + sin x
dx 2
5. 5e2t+1 [10e2t+1 ] d2y
When 2 is zero, − cos x + sin x = 0,
dx
6. 2 cot(5t 2 + 3) [−20t cosec2 (5t 2 + 3)] sin x
i.e. sin x = cos x or =1
7. 6 tan(3y + 1) [18 sec2 (3y + 1)] cos x
π
Hence tan x = 1 and x = tan−1 1 = 45◦ or rads
8. 2etan θ [2 sec2 θ etan θ ] π
4
 in the range 0 ≤ x ≤
π 2
9. Differentiate: θ sin θ − with respect to θ,
3
and evaluate, correct to 3 significant figures,
π Problem 25. Given y = 2xe−3x show that
when θ = [1.86]
2 d2y dy
2
+ 6 + 9y = 0
dx dx
 Methods of differentiation 399

y = 2xe−3x (i.e. a product) Now try the following exercise

dy
Hence = (2x)(−3e−3x ) + (e−3x )(2)
dx Exercise 158 Further problems on
= −6xe −3x
+ 2e −3x successive differentiation
1. If y = 3x 4 + 2x 3 − 3x + 2 find
d2y
= [(−6x)(−3e−3x ) + (e−3x )(−6)] d2y d3y
dx 2 (a) 2 (b) 3
dx dx
+ (−6e−3x )
[(a) 36x 2 + 12x (b) 72x + 12]
= 18xe−3x − 6e−3x − 6e−3x
2 1 3 √
d2y 2. (a) Given f (t) = t 2 − 3 + − t + 1
i.e. = 18xe−3x − 12e−3x 5 t t
dx 2 determine f  (t)
(b) Evaluate f  (t) when t = 1.
d2y dy
Substituting values into 2 + 6 + 9y gives: ⎡ ⎤
dx dx 4 12 6 1
⎣ (a) − + + √
5 t5 t3 4 t3 ⎦
(18xe−3x − 12e−3x ) + 6(−6xe−3x + 2e−3x ) (b) −4.95
+ 9(2xe−3x )
In Problems 3 and 4, find the second differen-
−3x −3x −3x
= 18xe − 12e − 36xe tial coefficient with respect to the variable.

+ 12e−3x + 18xe−3x = 0 3. (a) 3 sin 2t + cos t (b) 2 ln 4θ

 
−2
d2y dy (a) −(12 sin 2t + cos t) (b)
Thus when y = 2xe−3x , 2
+ 6 + 9y = 0 θ2
dx dx
4. (a) 2 cos2 x (b) (2x − 3)4
d2y
Problem 26. Evaluate 2 when θ = 0 given: [(a) 4(sin2 x − cos2 x) (b) 48(2x − 3)2 ]
dθ
y = 4 sec 2θ
5. Evaluate f  (θ) when θ=0 given
f (θ) = 2 sec 3θ [18]
Since y = 4 sec 2θ, then
6. Show that the differential equation
dy d2y dy
= (4)(2) sec 2θ tan 2θ (from Problem 15)

Section 8
dθ − 4 + 4y = 0 is satisfied when
dx 2 dx
= 8 sec 2θ tan 2θ (i.e. a product) y = xe2x

d2y 7. Show that, if P and Q are constants and

= (8 sec 2θ)(2 sec2 2θ)
dθ 2 y = P cos(ln t) + Q sin(ln t), then
+ (tan 2θ)[(8)(2) sec 2θ tan 2θ]
d2y dy
= 16 sec 2θ + 16 sec 2θ tan 2θ
3 2 t2 +t +y =0
dt 2 dt
When θ = 0,

d2y
= 16 sec3 0 + 16 sec 0 tan2 0
dθ 2
= 16(1) + 16(1)(0) = 16
 404 Engineering Mathematics

y
4. At any time t seconds the distance x metres of a R
particle moving in a straight line from a fixed
P
point is given by: x = 4t + ln(1 − t). Deter-
Negative
mine (a) the initial velocity and acceleration, Positive
Positive gradient
(b) the velocity and acceleration after 1.5 s, and gradient
gradient
(c) the time when
 the velocity is zero. 
(a) 3 m/s; −1 m/s2
(b) 6 m/s; −4 m/s2 (c) 43 s O Q
x

5. The angular displacement θ of a rotating disc

t Figure 44.4
is given by: θ = 6 sin , where t is the time in
4
seconds. Determine (a) the angular velocity of
the disc when t is 1.5 s, (b) the angular accel- a valley’. Points such as P and Q are given the general
eration when t is 5.5 s, and (c) the first time name of turning points.
when the angular velocity
⎡ is zero. ⎤ It is possible to have a turning point, the gradient on
(a) ω = 1.40 rad/s either side of which is the same. Such a point is given
⎣(b) α = −0.37 rad/s2 ⎦
the special name of a point of inflexion, and examples
(c) t = 6.28 s are shown in Fig. 44.5.

20t 3 23t 2
6. x = − + 6t + 5 represents the dis- y Maximum
3 2 point
tance, x metres, moved by a body in t seconds. Maximum
Determine (a) the velocity and acceleration at point
the start, (b) the velocity and acceleration when Points of
t = 3 s, (c) the values of t when the body is at inflexion
rest, (d) the value of t when the acceleration
is 37 m/s2 , and (e) the distance travelled in the
third second. ⎡ ⎤
(a) 6 m/s, −23 m/s2
⎢(b) 117 m/s, 97 m/s2 ⎥
⎢ ⎥ 0 x
⎢(c) 3 s or 2 s ⎥ Minimum point
⎣ 4 5 ⎦
Figure 44.5
(d) 1 21 s (e) 75 16 m
Section 8

Maximum and minimum points and points of inflexion

are given the general term of stationary points.

Procedure for finding and distinguishing between

44.3 Turning points stationary points.

In Fig. 44.4, the gradient (or rate of change) of the dy

(i) Given y = f (x), determine (i.e. f  (x))
curve changes from positive between O and P to nega- dx
tive between P and Q, and then positive again between dy
Q and R. At point P, the gradient is zero and, as x (ii) Let = 0 and solve for the values of x
dx
increases, the gradient of the curve changes from posi-
(iii) Substitute the values of x into the original
tive just before P to negative just after. Such a point is
equation, y = f (x), to find the corresponding
called a maximum point and appears as the ‘crest of
y-ordinate values. This establishes the co-
a wave’. At point Q, the gradient is also zero and, as x
ordinates of the stationary points.
increases, the gradient of the curve changes from nega-
tive just before Q to positive just after. Such a point is To determine the nature of the stationary points:
called a minimum point, and appears as the ‘bottom of Either
 Some applications of differentiation 405

d2y
(iv) Find and substitute into it the values of x points, and (b) determining the sign of the second
dx 2 derivative
found in (ii).
If the result is: (a)positive — the point is a dy
minimum one, Since y = x 3 − 3x + 5 then
= 3x 2 − 3
dx
(b) negative — the point is a dy
maximum one, For a maximum or minimum value =0
dx
(c) zero — the point is a point Hence 3x − 3 = 0
2
of inflexion
from which, 3x 2 = 3
or
and x = ±1
(v) Determine the sign of the gradient of the curve When x = 1, y = (1)3 − 3(1) + 5 = 3
just before and just after the stationary points. If
When x = −1, y = (−1)3 − 3(−1) + 5 = 7
the sign change for the gradient of the curve is:
Hence (1, 3) and (−1, 7) are the co-ordinates of the
(a) positive to negative — the point is a maxi- turning points.
mum one
(a) Considering the point (1, 3):
(b) negative to positive — the point is a mini-
mum one If x is slightly less than 1, say 0.9, then
dy
(c) positive to positive or negative to negative — = 3(0.9)2 − 3, which is negative.
the point is a point of inflexion. dx
If x is slightly more than 1, say 1.1, then
dy
Problem 10. Locate the turning point on the = 3(1.1)2 − 3, which is positive.
dx
curve y = 3x 2 − 6x and determine its nature by
examining the sign of the gradient on either side Since the gradient changes from negative to posi-
tive, the point (1, 3) is a minimum point.
Following the above procedure: Considering the point (−1, 7):

dy If x is slightly less than −1, say −1.1, then

(i) Since y = 3x 2 − 6x, = 6x − 6 dy
dx = 3(−1.1)2 − 3, which is positive.
dx
dy
(ii) At a turning point, = 0, hence 6x − 6 = 0, If x is slightly more than −1, say −0.9, then
dx dy
from which, x = 1. = 3(−0.9)2 − 3, which is negative.
dx
(iii) When x = 1, y = 3(1)2 − 6(1) = −3

Section 8
Since the gradient changes from positive to nega-
Hence the co-ordinates of the turning point is tive, the point (−1, 7) is a maximum point.
(1, −3) dy d2y
(b) Since = 3x 2 − 3, then 2 = 6x
(v) If x is slightly less than 1, say, 0.9, then dx dx
dy
= 6(0.9) − 6 = −0.6, i.e. negative d2y
dx When x = 1, is positive, hence (1, 3) is a
dx 2
If x is slightly greater than 1, say, 1.1, then minimum value.
dy d2y
= 6(1.1) − 6 = 0.6, i.e. positive When x = −1, 2 is negative, hence (−1, 7) is a
dx dx
maximum value.
Since the gradient of the curve is negative just
before the turning point and positive just after (i.e. Thus the maximum value is 7 and the minimum
− +), (1, −3) is a minimum point value is 3.
It can be seen that the second differential method of
Problem 11. Find the maximum and minimum determining the nature of the turning points is, in this
values of the curve y = x 3 − 3x + 5 by (a) exam- case, quicker than investigating the gradient.
ining the gradient on either side of the turning
 406 Engineering Mathematics

(3)3 (3)2 5
Problem 12. Locate the turning point on the When x = 3, y = − − 6(3) +
3 2 3
following curve and determine whether it is a
maximum or minimum point: y = 4θ + e−θ 5
= −11
6
dy Thus the co-ordinates
 ofthe turning points
Since y = 4θ + e−θ then = 4 − e−θ = 0 for a maxi- 5
dθ are (−2, 9) and 3, −11
mum or minimum value. 6
1
Hence 4 = e−θ and = eθ dy d2y
4 (iv) Since = x 2 − x − 6 then 2 = 2x − 1
dx dx
1
giving θ = ln = −1.3863 d2y
4 When x = −2, 2 = 2(−2) − 1 = −5, which is
When θ = −1.3863, dx
negative.
y = 4(−1.3863) + e−(−1.3863) = 5.5452 + 4.0000 Hence (−2, 9) is a maximum point.
= −1.5452 d2y
When x = 3, = 2(3) − 1 = 5, which is
dx 2
Thus (−1.3863, −1.5452) are the co-ordinates of the positive.
turning point.  
5
Hence 3, −11 is a minimum point.
d2y 6
= e−θ
dθ 2 Knowing (−2, 9)  is a maximum
 point (i.e. crest
d2y 5
When θ = −1.3863, = e+1.3863 = 4.0, which is of a wave), and 3, −11 is a minimum point
dθ 2 6
positive, hence 5
(−1.3863, −1.5452) is a minimum point. (i.e. bottom of a valley) and that when x = 0, y = ,
3
a sketch may be drawn as shown in Fig. 44.6.
Problem 13. Determine the co-ordinates of the
maximum and minimum values of the graph
x3 x2 5
y = − − 6x + and distinguish between
3 2 3
them. Sketch the graph
Section 8

Following the given procedure:

x3 x2 5
(i) Since y = − − 6x + then
3 2 3
dy
= x2 − x − 6
dx
dy
(ii) At a turning point, = 0.
dx
Hence x2 − x − 6 = 0
Figure 44.6
i.e. (x + 2)(x − 3) = 0
from which x = −2 or x = 3
Problem 14. Determine the turning points on the
(iii) When x = −2 curve y = 4 sin x − 3 cos x in the range x = 0 to
x = 2π radians, and distinguish between them.
(−2)3 (−2)2 5
y= − − 6(−2) + = 9 Sketch the curve over one cycle
3 2 3
 Some applications of differentiation 407

Since y = 4 sin x − 3 cos x then

dy
= 4 cos x + 3 sin x = 0, for a turning point,
dx
−4 sin x
from which, 4 cos x = −3 sin x and =
3 cos x
= tan x.
 
−4
Hence x = tan−1 = 126.87◦ or 306.87◦ , since
3
tangent is negative in the second and fourth
quadrants.
Figure 44.7

When x = 126.87◦ ,
y = 4 sin 126.87◦ − 3 cos 126.87◦ = 5
When x = 306.87◦ Now try the following exercise
◦ ◦
y = 4 sin 306.87 − 3 cos 306.87 = −5
Exercise 161 Further problems on turning
 π  points
126.87◦ = 125.87◦ × radians
180 In Problems 1 to 7, find the turning points and
= 2.214 rad distinguish between them.
 π    
306.87◦ = 306.87◦ × radians 2 2
180 1. y = 3x − 4x + 2
2 Minimum at ,
3 3
= 5.356 rad
2. x = θ(6 − θ) [Maximum at (3, 9)]
3. y = 4x 3 + 3x 2 − 60x − 12
 
Hence (2.214, 5) and (5.356, −5) are the co-ordinates Minimum (2, −88)
of the turning points. Maximum (−2.5, 94.25)
4. y = 5x − 2 ln x
d2y [Minimum at (0.4000, 3.8326)]

Section 8
= −4 sin x + 3 cos x
dx 2
5. y = 2x − ex
[Maximum at (0.6931, −0.6136)]
When x = 2.214 rad,
t2
6. y = t 3 − − 2t + 4
d2y 2 ⎡ ⎤
= −4 sin 2.214 + 3 cos 2.214, which is negative. Minimum at (1,
dx 2  2.5) 
⎣ 2 22 ⎦
Maximum at − , 4
3 27
Hence (2.214, 5) is a maximum point.
1
When x = 5.356 rad, 7. x = 8t + [Minimum at (0.5, 6)]
2t 2
8. Determine the maximum and minimum values
d2y on the graph y = 12 cos θ − 5 sin θ in the range
= −4 sin 5.356 + 3 cos 5.356, which is positive. θ = 0 to θ = 360◦ . Sketch the graph over one
dx 2
cycle showingrelevant points. 
Maximum of 13 at 337.38◦ ,
Hence (5.356, −5) is a minimum point. Minimum of −13 at 157.38◦
A sketch of y = 4 sin x − 3 cos x is shown in Fig. 44.7.