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Part of the IFL Centre for Learning Development

Mathematics
Worksheet


Differentiation 1


This is one of a series of worksheets designed to help you increase your confidence
in handling Mathematics. This worksheet contains both theory and exercises which
cover:-

1. Simple functions of a variable
2. Product rule
3. Quotient rule
4. Function of a function (Chain rule)

There are often different ways of doing things in Mathematics and the methods
suggested in the worksheets may not be the ones you were taught. If you are
successful and happy with the methods you use it may not be necessary for you to
change them. If you have problems or need help in any part of the work then there
are a number of ways you can get help.

For students at the University of Hull
Ask your lecturers
Contact the Study Advice Services on the ground floor of the Brynmor Jones
Library where you can access the Mathematics Tutor, or contact us by email.
Come to a Drop-In session organised for your department
Look at one of the many textbooks in the library.

For others
Ask your lecturers
Access your Study Advice or Maths Help Service
Use any other facilities that may be available.

If you do find anything you may think is incorrect (in the text or answers) or want
further help please contact us by email.






Tel: 01482 466199
Web: www.hull.ac.uk/studyadvice
Email: Studyadvice@hull.ac.uk
1
All formulas given can be proved and as they are in many textbooks, the proofs are
not given here. This worksheet deals with products and quotients before the
differentiation of a function of a function.

1. Indices
For all values of n ( 0) n , given
n
x y = then
1
=
n
nx
dx
dy

This means that
Function Gradient Function Function Gradient Function

c y =
(a constant)
0 =
dx
dy


x y =
1 1
0
= = x
dx
dy


2
x y =
x x
dx
dy
2 2
1
= =

4
5x y =
3 3
20 4 5 x x
dx
dy
= =

4
3
2
x
x y + =
2
3
4
2
3
x x
dx
dy
+ = + =
1
1

= = x
x
y
2
1 1
1
1
x
x
dx
dy
= =



Function Gradient Function

2
2
3
3

= = x
x
y ( )
3
3 1 2
6
6 2 3
x
x x
dx
dy
= = =




2
1
x x y = =
x
x
x x
dx
dy
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
= = = =




2
3
3
3
3

=

= x
x
y

( )
5
2
9
1
2
3
2
9
3
2
5
2
3
x
x x
dx
dy
= = =

2
3t y =
( ) t t
dt
dy
6 2 3
1 2
= =




2
3
3
s s r = =

2
3
2
1
2
3
2
3
1
2
3
s
s s
ds
dr
= = =



2
4
3
2
4
3

= = t
t
r

( )
3
1 2
4
3
2
3
2
t
t
d
dr
= =

2
Examples
1. Find
dx
dy
given
2
3
1 3 6
x
x x
y
+
=
The expression can be written as

( ) ( )
3
3
3 2
1 2 1 1 0
2 1
2 2 2
3
2
3
2 3 6
2 3 6
2 1 3 1 6
3 6
1 3 6 1 3 6
x
x x
x x
x x x
dx
dy
x x x
x x
x
x
x
x
x x
y
+
= + =
+ =
+ =
+ =
+
=



giving

2. Work out ( ) z z z
dz
d
+ 2 3
2

( ) | | z f
dz
d
is another way of saying differentiate ( ) z f with respect to z .
( ) z z z
dz
d
+ 2 3
2
= ( )
2
1
2 3
2
z z z
dz
d
+
=
z
z z z
2
1
2 6 2 2 3
1
2
1
2
1
+ = |
.
|

\
|
+



3. Differentiate ( ) y y
4
5 with respect to y
( )
( ) y y
dy
dz
y y
dy
dz
y y y y y z
3
2
45
2
45
2
9
4 4
2
7
2
7
2
9
2
1
5
5 5 5
= = =
= =
or
= Let

(Giving the expression a name such as z
helps in the layout of the question. Note
that the answer may be given in a number
of different ways)

Exercise 1
A. Differentiate with respect to x
( )
2
2
1
. 10
3 2
. 7
5
1
4 . 4
5 6 4 . 1
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x x
+
+
+
+

( )( )
( )
2
2
2
3 2
2
2
1
1
11
4 3 . 8
3
2
1 2
. 5
. 2
x
x
x x
x
x x
x x

+
+
+

( )
x x
x
x
x
x
x x
2
2
2 3
1
. 12
1
2 . 9
1
. 6
31 3 7 . 3

|
.
|

\
|
+
+



B. Find the following
( )
( )( )
|
|
.
|

\
|
+

s
s s
ds
d
t t
dt
d
2
2
3 1
. 3
2 7 3 . 1

( )( )( ) | | 3 2 1 . 4
1 1
. 2
2
+ + +
|
|
.
|

\
|

u u u
du
d
y
y dy
d


3
C. Differentiate with respect to y
( )( )
y
y y
y y
1
. 4
1 2 1 . 1
2
2
+ +
+

( )( )
y
y y
y y
3
5 . 5
1 1 3 . 2
3 3
+ +
+

( )
1
1 2
. 6
1 . 3
2
3
+
+ +
+
y
y y
y


2. Product rule
If you need to differentiate a function which is the product of two functions then, if it is
not easy to multiply it out, you will need to use the product rule.

( ) 1 3 6 5
3 4
+ = x x x y

is the product of the two functions
4
5x and ( ) 1 3 6
3
+ x x but these terms are easy to
multiply out.

( )
4 5 7 3 4
5 15 30 1 3 6 5 x x x x x x y + = + =
3 4 6
20 75 210 x x x
dx
dy
+ =


( )( ) 2 3 3 4 3
2 5 2 4
+ + = x x x x y is also a product which can be multiplied out but
it is more complicated.

There is a rule for differentiating such products. A product means that you have an
expression which can be written as
( ) ( )
y f x g x =

To differentiate the product function ( ) ( ) x g x f y =
most formulas first write it as v u y = where ( ) x f u = and ( ) x g v =
then the rule states that
dx
dv
u v
dx
du
dx
dy
+ = or ' ' uv v u +
or
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x g x f x g x f
dx
dy
' ' + =
(note: there are various forms of the rule keep using the one you remember as
long as it gives the correct answer!)

In the example above ( )( ) 2 3 3 4 3
2 5 2 4
+ + = x x x x y
writing 2 3 , 3 4 3
2 5 2 4
+ = + = x x v x x u
we have x x v x x u 6 5 ' , 8 12 '
4 3
= + =
hence ( )( ) ( )( ) x x x x x x x x uv v u
dx
dy
6 5 3 4 3 2 3 8 12 ' '
4 3 4 2 5 3
+ + + + = + =
This can be simplified if necessary.



4
Trigonometric Functions
You should have met the differentials of the trigonometric functions x sin and . cos x
These are used in example 2 below and the exercise following.


x
dx
x d
x
dx
dy
x y
x
dx
x d
x
dx
dy
x y
sin
) (cos
or sin = then cos If
cos
) (sin
or cos = then sin If
= =
= =



Examples
1. Use the product rule to differentiate ( )( ) 2 1
4 2
= s s r

In this case

hence

Using

or, in this case,
( )( ) ( )( )
s s s s s s s
s s s s
ds
dr
uv v u
ds
dr
uv v u
dx
dy
s v s u
s v s u
4 4 6 4 4 4 2
4 1 2 2
' '
' '
4 ' , 2 '
2 , 1
3 5 5 3 5
3 2 4
3
4 2
+ + = + + =
+ =
+ =
+ =
= =
= =




In practice it would have been easier to multiply the function out giving


( )( )
s s s
ds
dr
s s s
s s r
4 4 6
2 2
2 1
3 5
2 4 6
4 2
+ + =
+ + =
=
giving


2. Find ( )( )

cos sin + 1
d
d

Putting cos , sin + = = 1 v u
then sin ' , cos ' = = v u 1
From the formula ( ) ' ' uv v u uv
d
d
+ =

( )( ) | | ( )( ) ( )( )
| |

2 2
2 2
2
1
1 1 1
sin cos - 1 using sin sin
sin sin cos
sin sin cos cos cos sin
2
= =
+ =
+ + = +
d
d



5
Note if you multiply the brackets out and then differentiate you get
( )( ) ( )

cos sin sin cos cos sin + = +

d
d
d
d
1 which involves using the
product formula twice, on cos sin and cos .

Exercise 2
Use the product rule to differentiate the following functions:
( )( )
x x
x x x
cos sin .
.
4
6 4 3 1
2 2 3
+

( )
( )( ) x x
x x x
cos sin .
.
+
+
1 1 5
5 3 2
2 3

x x sin . 3


3. Quotient Rule
To differentiate a function such as
2 3
1

+
=
x
x
y requires another formula.
A quotient is a fraction containing variable terms (for instance terms in x ) in both the
numerator and denominator which cannot be cancelled down or divided out. The
rule for differentiating such functions is:-


To differentiate the quotient function
( )
) (x g
x f
y =

it is usual to write it as
v
u
y = where ( ) x f u = and ( ) x g v =

then the rule states that
2
v
dx
dv
u v
dx
du
dx
dy

= or
2
' '
v
uv v u



In the example above

We have
giving
Applying the formula
( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( )
2 2
2 2
2 3
5
2 3
3 3 2 3
2 3
3 1 2 3 1 ' '
3 ' , 1 '
2 3 , 1
2 3
1

+
=

=
= =
= + =

+
=
x x
x x
x
x x
v
uv v u
dx
dy
v u
x v x u
x
x
y








6
Examples
1 Differentiate the function
3
1 3 2
2
2

+
=
x
x x
y
x v x u x v x x u 2 ' , 3 4 ' 3 , 1 3 2
2 2
= = = + =

( )( ) ( )( )
( )
2
2
2 2
2
3
2 1 3 2 3 3 4 ' '

+
=

=
x
x x x x x
v
uv v u
dx
dy

This simplifies to
( )
2
2
2
3
9 14 3

+
=
x
x x
dx
dy
.

In some cases it may not be necessary to simplify the expression (such as when you
need the value of the gradient at a particular point).

2 Differentiate the function
t
t
r
sin
=
1 = = = = ' , cos ' , sin v t u t v t u
2 2 2
1
t
t t t
t
t t t
v
uv v u
dx
dy sin cos sin cos ' '
=

=

=

Exercise 3
Differentiate the following functions
(hint: in questions 7 & 8 you need to use product as well as quotient formulas)
( )( )
x
x x
r r
r r
x
x
cos
cos sin
.
.
.

+
+
+
1
7
2 1
4
4
1
1
3

sin
sin
.
.
cos
sin
.
+
+
+
1
8
4
1
5
1
2
2
s
x
x

|
|
.
|

\
|
=
+

+
y
y
y
x
x
cos
sin
tan .
.
cos
sin
.
9
1
6
1
3

4. Function of a function (or Chain rule)

Examples
1. Given ( ) 1 3 6
3
+ = x x y find .
dx
dy

This is a function (square root) of the function ( ) 1 3 6
3
+ x x and cannot be simplified
to get terms of the form .
n
x If you have a function which can be written in the form
( ) | | x g f y = then it is a function ( ) f of the function ( ) g . Putting ( ) x g u = the function
can be written as ( ) | | ). (u f x g f y = = There is nothing special about the use of u as
the dummy variable, it could be any convenient letter.



7

To differentiate the function of a function ( ) | | x g f y =
first express it in the form ) (u f y = where ) (x g u =
then the (chain) rule states

dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
= or ( ) ( ) x g u f
dx
dy
' ' =



In the above example above we have
( ) u x x y = + = 1 3 6
3
where 1 3 6
3
+ = x x u

3 18 1 3 6
2
1
2 3
2
1
2
1
2
1
+ = + =
= = = =

x
dx
du
x x u
u
u
du
dy
u u y

Hence
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
= ( )
1 3 6 2
3 18
3 18
2
1
3
2
2
+
+
= + =
x x
x
x
u


2. Differentiate the following: (i) x y 3 sin = (ii) x y
3
sin = (iii) 3
3
cos = r

(i) Numerically, for x y 3 sin = you would work out 3x first and then take the sin of the
answer; so x y 3 sin = is a function ( sin ) of a function ( 3x ).
, sinu y = where x u 3 = , cosu
du
dy
= 3 =
dx
du

Hence x u
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
3 3 3 cos cos = = =

(ii) Numerically, for ( )
3 3
x x y sin sin = = you would work out x sin first and then cube
the result; so x y
3
sin = is a function (cube) of a function ( x sin )
,
3
u y = where x u sin = , 3
2
u
du
dy
= x
dx
du
cos =
Hence x x x u
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
cos sin cos
2 2
3 3 = = =

(iii) Numerically, for ( )
4 4
3 3 cos cos = = r you would work out 3 first, take the
cosine of the value and finally cube the result; so 3
4
cos = r is a function of a
function of a function and can be written as ,
3
c r = where u c cos = and 3 = u .
r is a function (cube) of a function ( cos) of a function (3)!

Extending the rule we can write
d
du
du
dc
dc
dr
d
dr
=
8
From 3
4
= = = u u c c r , cos ,
We have 3 4
3
= = =
d
du
u
du
dc
c
dc
dr
, sin ,
giving ( )

3 3 12 3 4
3 3
sin cos sin = = u c
d
dr


3. Differentiate ( )( )
6
5 4
2 3 3 + = x x y
This is a product: take
3 4
12 ' 3 3 x u x u = =
and ( )
6
5
2 + = x v to find ' v requires the chain rule

write
6
t v = where ( ) ( )
5
5 4 4 5 5
2 30 5 6 ' 2 + = = = = + = x x x t
dx
dt
dt
dv
dx
dv
v x t

using ' ' uv v u
dx
dy
+ = gives ( )( ) ( ) ( )
5 5 4 4 6 5 3
2 30 3 3 2 12 + + + = x x x x x
dx
dy

which can be simplified further IF NECESSARY!

It is highly unlikely that youd meet anything as bad as this and doubtful if youd have
to even think of simplifying further!

Which comes first?
To help decide which comes first, think of how you would calculate the value of the
function if you were given a numerical value for the variable. If you had the function
( ) x y sin ln = , you would find the value of sinx first and then take the ln of the result.
Hence in using the chain rule to differentiate the function you put sin u x = . The table
below gives some further examples.

Function
x 6 sin
1
2
+ x
x
4
cos

( )
4
2
5 3 + x x
4 3 + x
e
First (u)
x 6
1
2
+ x
x cos
5 3
2
+ x x
3 4 x +
Second sin root power power exp

4. The volume of a mass at a time t seconds is given by t t t t v cos sin 2
2
+ = where v
is measured in cubic metres. Find the rate of change of the volume after
4

seconds
and the first positive value of t for which the rate of change is zero.

Given t t t t v cos sin 2
2
+ = we need to find
dt
dv

both t t t t cos and sin 2
2
are products so we need to use the product rule on each.
write t t w sin
2
= as the product fg where
2
f t = and sin g t =
then t t t t fg g f
dt
dw
cos sin ' '
2
2 + = + =
9
write t t u cos 2 = as the product hk where 2 h t =

and cos k t =
then t t t hk k h
dt
du
sin cos ' ' 2 2 = + =

( ) t t t t t t t t t t t t
dt
du
dt
dw
dt
dv
cos cos cos sin cos cos sin 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2
+ = + = + + = + =
the rate of change of the volume, when t =
4

is ( ) ( ) 85 1 2
4
2
4
. cos
(

+



The rate of change of v is given by
dt
dv
and it will be zero when
( ) 0 2
2
= + t t cos
ie when cos 0 t = or
2
2 0 t + =
cos 0 t = when
3
2 2
, , t

=
2
2 0 t + = has no real solution for t
hence first positive value is
2

= t

Exercise 4
Differentiate with respect to x
( )
( )
( ) 1 2 7
3 2 3 4
5 1
2
3
2 3
8
+
+ +
+
x
x x x
x
cos .
.
.

( )
( ) 1 2 8
4 1 5
1 2
2 2
5
2
+
+
+ +
x
x
x x
cos .
.
.
( )
x x
x
x
2
3
9
1 6
7 3
sin .
sin .
sin .
+

Differentiate
4 3 13
5 10
3
sin .
sin . u

( )
x x
s
cos sin .
cos .
2
2
14
11

( )
2 3
2
3 5 15
12
cos .
cos . w



10
ANSWERS
Exercise 1
2
2
2
3
. 7
1
4 4 . 4
6 8 . 1 .
x
x
x
x

+ = +

A

3 8
2
3 . 8
3
4
2
3
3
4
. 5
1 . 2
+
+ +
+
x x
x x
x

3 2
3
2
2 4
. 9
2
1
2
1
. 6
6 21 . 3
x x
x
x
x x

x x x x
x x
2
2
5
2
3
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
. 10 =


3 2
2 2 3 2
2 2 . 11
x x
x x =


x x x x
x x
2 3 2
3
2
5
2
3
2
5
12
2
5
2
7
=

.

7 6 . 1 . t B
3 2
2 1
. 2
y y
+ s
s
2 1
3
. 3
2
11 12 3 . 4
2
+ + u u

2
2
1
1 . 4
1 4 6 . 1
y
y y

+ C.

2
2 5
3
2
3
. 5
6 18 . 2
y
y
y y

+

1 . 6
3 6 3 . 2
2
+ + y y


Exercise 2
( ) ( ) x x x x x x
x x x
x
x x
x x x x
sin sin cos cos . sin cos .
cos sin . . .
+ +
+
+
+ +
1 1 5 4
3
2
5 15 7
2 24 12 72 30 1
2 2
2 3
2 3 4



Exercise 3
( )
2
1
1
. 1
x +

x cos
.
+ 1
1
2
( )
2
1
3

cos
sin
.

( ) ( )
2 2
2 3 4
2 1
8 10 2
. 4
+

r r
r r r

( )
2
2
4
2
. 5
+

s
s

( )
2
1 2
1
. 6
+

x x
x

( )
x
x x
x
x x
cos
cos cos
cos
cos cos
.

+
1
1
1
2 1
7
2
2
3 2

( )
2
2
1
8

sin
sin sin cos
.
+
+ +

y
y
2
2
1
9 sec
cos
. =



Exercise 4

( )
7
5 8 . 1 + x


( )( )
4
2
1 2 1 5 . 2 x x x + + +
x 7 7 3 cos .
( )( )
2
2 3 2
3 2 3 2 6 3 3 . 4 + + + x x x x x
11
x 4 1
2
. 5
+
( )
2
1 3 6 x x sin cos . +
( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 8 8 1 4 7
2 2 2
+ + + x x x x x sin cos . sin .


x x x x
2
2 9 sin cos sin . +

u
u
2
5 5
10
cos
.
( )
2
2 11 s s sin .

w wcos sin . 2 12
4 4 36 13
2
sin cos .


x x x
3 2
2 14 sin cos sin . ( ) ( )
2 2 2
3 3 90 15 cos sin .




We would appreciate your comments on this worksheet, especially
if youve found any errors, so that we can improve it for future use.
Please contact the Maths tutor by email at Studyadvice@hull.ac.uk
updated 29
th
November 2004





































The information in this leaflet can be made available in
an alternative format on request from Sue Hodgson,
telephone 01482 466199
Study Advice Services


Part of the IFL Centre for Learning Development



Mathematics
Worksheet


Differentiation 2


This is one of a series of worksheets designed to help you increase your confidence
in handling Mathematics. This worksheet contains both theory and exercises which
cover:-

1. Exponential functions 2. Logarithmic functions
3. Implicit Differentiation 4. Logarithmic Differentiation
5. Parametric Equations


There are often different ways of doing things in Mathematics and the methods
suggested in the worksheets may not be the ones you were taught. If you are
successful and happy with the methods you use it may not be necessary for you to
change them. If you have problems or need help in any part of the work then there
are a number of ways you can get help.

For students at the University of Hull
Ask your lecturers
Contact the Study Advice Services on the ground floor of the Brynmor Jones
Library where you can access the Mathematics Tutor, or contact us by email.
Come to a Drop-In session organised for your department
Look at one of the many textbooks in the library.

For others
Ask your lecturers
Access your Study Advice or Maths Help Service
Use any other facilities that may be available.

If you do find anything you may think is incorrect (in the text or answers) or want
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1
Some proofs are given in this worksheet - others may be found in a number of
mathematics textbooks. If you have problems please ask.

1. Exponential Functions
It can be shown that
x
e is the function such that
( )
x
x
e
dx
e d
=
Examples
Differentiate the following (i)
x
e y
2
= (ii)
) (x f
e y = (iii)
x
e
x
y
2
1+
=
(i)
x
e y
2
= is a function of a function
Writing 2 2 = = = =
dx
du
e
du
dy
x u e y
u u
and where
giving
x u
e e
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
2
2 2 = = =

(ii)
( ) x f
e y = is a function of a function
Writing ( ) ( ) x f
dx
du
e
du
dy
x f u e y
u u
' = = = = and where
giving ( ) ( )
( ) x f u
e x f x f e
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
' ' = = =


Remembering ( )
( )
( ) x f
x f
e x f
dx
e d
'
) (
=


will enable you to differentiate most
exponential functions!

(iii)
x
e
x
y
2
1+
= is a quotient
writing
x
e v x u
2
, 1 = + = gives
x
e v u
2
2 ' , 1 ' = =


( )
( )
( ) ( )
x x
x
x
x x
e
x
e
e x
e
e x e
dx
dy
v
uv v u
dx
dy
2 4
2
2
2
2 2
2
2 1 2 2 1
2 1 1
' '
+
=

=
+
=

=
gives
using


Exercise 1
Differentiate the following
x
x
e x
e
2
7
5
1
.
.

3
1
6
2
x
e
e
x
x
+
.
.
cos

( )
x
x
x x
e
e
e e e
1
7
3 2 3
2
2

+
.
.

( )
x
e
e
x
x x
2
8
4
.
.
cos sin +

2
2. Logarithmic functions
The inverse function of
x
e is x
e
log which is usually written as x ln (shorthand for
natural or Napierian logarithms after Napier who developed them). For more
information see the logs booklet.

Given x y ln = then, from the definition of logarithms,
y
e x = which gives
y
e
dy
dx
=
x
e
dx
dy
y
1 1
= =

hence
( )
x dx
x d 1
=
ln


Extending this to differentiate ( ) | | x f y ln = which is a function ( ln) of the function ( ) f x .
write ( ) x f u u y = = where ln ( ) x f
dx
du
u du
dy
'
1
= = and
using the chain rule
dx
du
du
dy
dx
dy
=
giving
( )
( )
( )
( ) x f
x f
x f
x f dx
dy '
'
1
= =

Another important result to learn
( ) | |
( )
( ) x f
x f
x f
dx
d '
) ( ln =


Examples
Differentiate the following functions
(i) ( ) 6 5
2
= x y ln (ii) |
.
|

\
|
+
+
=
3
2
x
x
y ln (iii)
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
x
x
y
cos
sin
ln
2

(i) Using the above
( ) 6 5
2
= x y ln gives
6 5
10
2

=
x
x
dx
dy


(ii) Simplifying the expression gives
( ) ) ln( ln ln 3 2
3
2
+ + = |
.
|

\
|
+
+
= x x
x
x
y
( ) ( )
( )( ) ( )( ) 3 2
1
3 2
2 3
3
1
2
1
+ +
=
+ +
+ +
=
+

+
=
x x x x
x x
x x dx
dy
Hence

Note you could do this without simplifying but it is more difficult!



3
(iii) Simplifying the expression gives
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) 1
1 2
2
2
2 2
2 2 2
2
2
= +
+
=
+
=

=
=
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
x x
x x
x
x x
x x
x
x
x
x
dx
dy
x x
x x
x
x
y
sin cos using
cos sin
cos
cos sin
sin cos
cos
sin
sin
cos
cos ln sin ln
cos ln sin ln
cos
sin
ln

Exercise 2
Differentiate the following
( )
|
.
|

\
|
+
x x
x
x x
x
cos
sin
ln .
ln .
ln .
7
1 2 4
7 1
2

( )
|
|
.
|

\
|
+

|
.
|

\
|

1
1
8
3 2
5
5
6 2
2
x
x
x
x
x
ln .
ln .
ln .

( )
(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|
+
+
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
+
2
3
2
2
2 5
4
9
1
6
3 3
x
x
x
x
x
ln .
ln .
ln .



3. Implicit Functions
A function such as 5 3
3 5
+ + = x x x y is called an explicit function as y is explicitly
given in terms of x .

A function such as 15 3 5 3
2 3 5
= + + x y xy y x x is called an implicit function as y is
not given explicitly in terms of x nor x in terms of y .

An implicit function can be differentiated with respect to x as it stands.
Consider 15 3 3
2 2
= + + x xy y y x
Differentiating each term with respect to x we get:

( ) ( )
dx
d
dx
x d
dx
xy d
dx
y d
dx
y d
dx
x d 15 ) 3 ( ) ( ) ( 3 ) (
2 2
= + +

To differentiate a function of y with respect to x we need

to use the chain rule
( ) | | ( ) | |
dx
dy
dy
y f d
dx
y f d
=

giving
( ) ( )
dx
dy
dx
dy
dy
y d
dx
y d
3
3 3
= = and
dx
dy
y
dx
dy
dy
y d
dx
y d
2
) ( ) (
2 2
= =

4
using the product formula
dx
dy
x y
dx
dy x y
dx
x d
dx
xy d
+ = + =
1 1
) ( ) (

Putting these together we have:
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( )
x y
x y
dx
dy
x y
dx
dy
x y
dx
dy
x y
dx
dy
y
dx
dy
x
dx
d
dx
x d
dx
xy d
dx
y d
dx
y d
dx
x d
+

=
= +
= + + +
= + +
2 3
2 3
2 3 2 3
0 3 2 3 2
15 3 3
2 2
) ( ) (


Example
Find the gradient of the curve 10 3 5 2
2 2
= + + + y x xy y x at the points where 1 x =

First we need to find the values of y when 1 x =
Putting 1 x = we get 0 14 5 10 3 5 2 1
2 2
= + = + + + y y y y y
which gives ( )( ) 7 2 0 7 2 = = = + y y y y or
notice that there are two points to consider (1, 2) and (1, -7)

Differentiating the function 10 3 5 2
2 2
= + + + y x xy y x
gives
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
dx
d
dx
y d
dx
x d
dx
xy d
dx
y d
dx
x d 10 3 5 2
2 2
= + + +
) ( ) (

0 3 5 2 2 2 2 = + + + +
dx
dy
dx
dy
x y
dx
dy
y x
giving
3 2 2
2 2 5
+ +

=
x y
y x
dx
dy


5 2 4 1
at (1, 2)
4 2 3 9
5 2 14 17
at (1, 7)
14 2 3 9
dy
P
dx
dy
Q
dx

= = =
+ +
+
= = =
+ +


Note you could substitute in and find
the value of
dx
dy
without making it the
subject.


The sketch of the graph shows the two points P and Q. From the sketch you can
see that the gradient is negative in both cases.





y
x
1
P
Q
5
Exercise 3
1. In the following find
dx
dy
in terms of x and y
(i) 10
2 2
= + y x (ii) y x y x 7 10 3 2 2
2 2
+ = + +
(iii) 6 3
2 2
= + xy y x (iv) 0 3 2
3 2 3
= + y xy x
2. Find the gradient of the curve 10 6
2 2
= + y x at the points where 2 x = .
3. Find the gradient of the curve 15 4
2 3
+ = + y xy x at the points where 2 x = .

4. Logarithmic Differentiation
The function
x
a y = cannot be differentiated by any of the methods developed so far.
But taking the natural logarithm of both sides overcomes the problem!
To solve
x
a y =
take logs ( ) a x a y
x
ln ln ln = =

differentiate
( ) ( )
dx
a x d
dx
y d ln ln
=

By the chain rule the left hand side gives
( ) ( )
dx
dy
y dx
dy
dy
y d
dx
y d 1
= =
ln ln

the right hand side gives
( ) ( )
a
dx
x d
a
dx
a x d
ln ln
ln
= =

putting these together gives a
dx
dy
y
ln =
1


hence ( ) ( )
x
a a y a
dx
dy
ln ln = =

This method can simplify differentiation in a number of cases, as shown in the
following examples.

Examples (The first two could be differentiated as quotients.)
1. Find
dx
dy
given the function
x
x
y
cos
sin
= (ie tanx)

Taking logs gives x x y cos ln sin ln ln =

sec
cos
cos
sin
cos sin cos sin
cos sin cos sin
sin cos
cos
sin
sin
cos
ate Differenti
x
x
x
x
x x
y
x x dx
dy
x x x x
x x
x
x
x
x
dx
dy
y
2
2
2 2
1 1 1
1 1
= = = =
=
+
=

=


6
The result should be known x x
dx
d 2
sec ) (tan =
2. Find
dx
dy
given the function
( ) x x
x x
y
cos
sin
1 +
=


( )
( )
( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) x x x x
x x x x
x x
x x
y
cos ln ln sin ln ln
cos ln sin ln
cos
sin
ln ln
+ + =
+ =
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
=
1
1
1



Differentiating gives
( )
(

+
+
+
+
=
(

+
+
+ =
+
+
+ =
x
x
x x
x
x x x
x x
x
x
x x
x
x
y
dx
dy
x
x
x x
x
x dx
dy
y
cos
sin
sin
cos
cos
sin
cos
sin
sin
cos
cos
sin
sin
cos
1
1 1
1
1
1 1
1
1 1 1


which is a lot easier than using the quotient method. It could be simplified but this
rarely needs to be done.
3. Find
dx
dy
given the function
x
x y =
Take natural logs ( ) ( ) ( ) x x x y
x
ln ln ln = =
Differentiate ( ) ( ) x x
x
x
dx
dy
y
ln ln + = + = 1
1 1
(using the product rule)
( ) | | ( ) | | x x x y
dx
dy
x
ln ln + = + = 1 1

Exercise 4
Use logarithmic differentiation to differentiate the following:
( )
( )
( ) ( ) 4 3 2
1
7
4
2 1
2
+
+
=
=
=
x x
x
y
u v
r
u
.
sin .
.


( ) 1
1
. 5
. 2
+
+
=
=
x e
xe
y
x y
x
x
x

( )
x
x
y
t t s
t t
cos
sin
.
sin sin .
+
=
= =
1
6
3
2








7
5. Parametric Differentiation
When a function is given in parametric form it means that x and y are given in terms
of another variable, the parameter. i.e. ( ) x f t = , ( ) y g t = .
t y t x 2 ,
2
= = are parametric equations. Frequently the parameter can be eliminated.
( )
parabola a of equation the , or
hence but

x y
y y x t x
y t t y
4
2
2
2
4
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
=
= = =
= =


To find the gradient of such a function in parametric form we need to use the chain
rule
'
'
or as written be can which
x
y
dt
dx
dt
dy
dx
dy
dx
dt
dt
dy
dx
dy
= =
t t dx
dy
dt
dy
t
dt
dx
t y t x
1
2
2
2 2
2
2
= =
= =
= =
hence
, have we
, Given


In this case we can also find the gradient using the Cartesian equations:

y y dx
dy
dx
dy
y
x y
2
2
4
4
4
= =
=
hence
= 2 have we
Given
2

Comparing the two answers, as
2 1
2 then y t
y t
= = so the two answers are the same
(as expected!)

Examples
1. Find the gradient of the curve given by
3
2

= = = t t y t x when cos , sin .

Find
dt
dy
and
dt
dx

and use
dt
dx
dt
dy
dx
dy
= =
'
'
x
y



Finally substitute for t

( )
( )
3 2
2
2
2 2
2 2
2
2
1
2
3
3
3
2
3
=
|
.
|

\
|

= =

= =
= =
= =

cos
sin
, when
cos
sin
'
'
sin , cos
cos , sin
dx
dy
t
t
t
x
y
dx
dy
t
dt
dy
t
dt
dx
t y t x

8
Notes a) It would be possible to eliminate t and obtain the Cartesian equation

2
2 1 x y = which will give the same value for the gradient.

b) By putting , cos sin sin x x x 2 2 =
t
t
dx
dy
cos
sin2 2
= can be simplified to
sin
cos
cos sin
t
t
t t
dx
dy
4
4
=

= if necessary.

2. Find the gradient of the curve given by cos , sin = + = 1 y x when
2

= and
when = .

sin cos ; cos sin = = + = + =

d
dy
y
d
dx
x 1 1

cos
sin
'
'
+
= =
1 x
y
dx
dy

when
( )
( )
,
cos
sin
1
0 1
1
1
2
2
2
=
+
=
+
= =

dx
dy
tangent at 45
o

when, ,
cos
sin
=

=
+
= =
1 1
0
1

dx
dy
tangent vertical
(really the value is indeterminate)

Notes a) sin + = x and cos = 1 y cannot be made into a simple Cartesian
equation!

b)

cos
sin
+
=
1 dx
dy
can be simplified by putting ( ) ( )
2 2
2

cos sin sin =

and ( ) 1 2
2
2
=

cos cos giving
( ) ( )
( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
2
2
2
2 2
2
2
2 2
2
2
1 2 1
2

tan
cos
cos sin
cos
cos sin
= =
+
=
dx
dy


Exercise 5 In questions 1 to 8 find
dx
dy
in terms of the given parameter.
1
1
,
1
. 7
1 , . 5
1 , 4 1 . 3
3 , 3 1 . 1
2
2

+
= =
+ = =
+ = =
= + =
s
s
y
s
x
y e x
s y s x
t y t x

t
t
y
t
x
e e y e e x
y x
t t y t t x
u u u u
+
=
+
=
= + =
+ = =
= + =

1 1
1
8
6
1 2 4
2 3 2
2
2 2
, .
, .
cos , sin .
, .





9
In questions 9 to 14 find the gradient of the curve at the given point.
1 1 13
2 11
2 2 3 3 1 9
3
2
= + = =
= = =
= + = =
s s s y s x
y x
t t y t x
); ln( , ln .
; sin , cos .
; , .

0 2 14
0 1 1 12
2 2 10
2
2 2
= = + =
= + = =
= = =
r r e y e e x
y x
t t t y t t x
r r
; , .
; cos , sin .
; , .



ANSWERS
Exercise 1
( )
( )
2
2
4
2
2 7
1 2
8
1
7
3 3
6 2 5
4 6 4 3 2 7 1
2
x
x e
e
e
x
e xe
e x x
e x x xe e xe e
x
x
x
x x
x
x x x x x x

=

+
+

+
. . . .
) sin (cos . . sin . .
) cos (sin cos


Exercise 2
x x x x
x x
x x
x
x x
x x x x
x x
x
x
x
x x
1 1 1
7
1
2
1
1 2
6
3 2
3
3 2
2 1
5
1 2
2 2
4
3
2
3
1
2
1
1
2 2
= +
+
+
=
+

+
+
+

sin cos
tan cot .
) (
.
) (
. . . . .

8. Simplify to ) ln( ) ln( 1 1 2
2
1
+ x x ; answer
( ) ( )( ) 1 1 2
5 3
1 2
1
1
2
+
+
=
+

x x
x
x x

9. Hint first simplify as above; answer
( )
( )
( ) ( )
4 5 7
2 10
4 3 5 2 3 4 5 2
x
x x x x

=
+ + + +


Exercise 3
1. (i)
y
x
(ii)
y
x
4 7
4 3

+
(iii)
x y
x y
3 2
2 3

+
(iv)
( ) x y y
y x
xy y
y x
2
2
6 3
3 6
2 2
2
2 2

+
=

+


2.
1
2 1 grad
6 3
dy x
x y
dx y

= = = =

3.
2
3 4 8 20
2 1, 7 grad ,
2 4 3 3
dy x y
x y
dx y x
+
= = = =

Exercise 4
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )( )
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2
2
2
3 2 4
1 2 4
7 6
1
2
5
1 4 3 1 2 2 2 1
+
+ +
+

+ |
.
|

\
|
+ = +
x x
x x
x
x e
x e
u u u t
t
t t
t s x x
x
x
u u t x
. sin . .
ln cos . sin
sin
cos
sin ln . ln . ln .



10
Exercise 5
3
8
. 9
. 5
3
2
. 1

e
t

5
6
. 10
. 6
3 2
2 2
. 2

+
+

u u
u u
e e
e e
t
t

( )
3
2
. 11
1
2
. 7
2
. 3
2
2

s
s
s

( )
2
1
14 2
2
1
13 0 12
2 8
4
2 2
4
2
. ln . .
.
sin
cos
sin
.
+
+
=

t t

We would appreciate your comments on this worksheet, especially if
youve found any errors, so that we can improve it for future use. Please
contact the Maths tutor by email at Studyadvice@hull.ac.uk
Updated 29
th
November 2004


































The information in this leaflet can be made available in
an alternative format on request from Sue Hodgson,
telephone 01482 466199