Previous Year Questions: Calculus (2008-23)

Limit, Continuity and Differentiability

1. Find the value of lim ln(1 − 𝑥) cot

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2. Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥), where 𝑓(𝑥) = ,𝑥 ≠ 2

→
𝜋 ,𝑥 = 2
𝝅𝒙
𝟐𝒂
3. Evaluate lim 2 −
→

4. Find the 𝑙𝑖𝑚 ∑ √𝑛 − 𝑟

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5. Determine if lim (1 − 𝑧) tan exist or not. If the limit exists, then find its value.
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6. Is 𝑓(𝑥) = |cos 𝑥| + |sin 𝑥| differentiable at 𝑥 = ? If yes, then find its derivative at 𝑥 = . If no,

then a proof of it.

7. Let 𝑓: 0, → 𝑅 be a continuous function such that 𝑓(𝑥) = , 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ . Find the value of

𝑓 .
(𝟐𝒙)
8. Evaluate lim (tan 𝑥)
→

9. Given:
𝑓(𝑥 + 𝛼) 𝑓(𝑥 + 2𝛼) 𝑓(𝑥 + 3𝛼)
Δ(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝛼) 𝑓(2𝛼) 𝑓(3𝛼)
𝑓′(𝛼) 𝑓′(2𝛼) 𝑓′(3𝛼)

( )
Where f is real valued differentiable function and 𝛼 is a constant. Find 𝑙𝑖𝑚 . (10, 2021)
→

𝟏
10. Evaluate lim (𝑒 + 𝑥)𝒙 . (10, 2022)
→
( )
11. Find the values of ′𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ′𝑞′ in order that 𝑙𝑖𝑚 may be equal to 1. (10, 2023)
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Mean Value theorems

1. Let f be a function defined on R such that 𝑓(0) = −3 and 𝑓′(𝑥) ≤ 5 for all values of x in R. How
large can 𝑓(2) possibly be.
2. A twice differentiable function 𝑓(𝑥) is such that 𝑓(𝑎) = 0 = 𝑓(𝑏) and 𝑓(𝑐) > 0 for 𝑎 < 𝑐 < 𝑏
prove that there be is at least one point 𝜉, 𝑎 < 𝜉 < 𝑏 for which 𝑓′′(𝜉) < 0. (12, 2010)
By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR
3. If 𝑓 is the derivative of some function defined on [𝑎, 𝑏] , prove that there exists a number 𝜂 ∈

[𝑎, 𝑏] 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ∫ 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 𝑓(𝜂)(𝑏 − 𝑎).

4. Suppose the 𝑓′′ is continuous on [1,2] and that 𝑓 has three zeroes in the interval (1,2) show
that 𝑓′′ has least one zero in the interval (1,2).
5. Prove that between two real roots 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 + 1 = 0, a real root of 𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 + 1 = 0 lies.
(10,2014)
6. Show that between two roots 𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 = 1, there exists at least one root of 𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 1 = 0.
(10, 2021).

Functions of Several Variables

1. Let 𝑓: 𝐷(⊂ 𝑅 ) → 𝑅 be a function and (𝑎, 𝑏) 𝜖 𝐷. If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is continuous at (𝑎, 𝑏), then show that
functions 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑏) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓(𝑎, 𝑦) are continuous at 𝑥 = 𝑎 and at 𝑦 = 𝑏 respectively. (10)
2. Define a function 𝑓 of two real variables in the plane by
1 1
𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = , 𝑥, 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑥 +𝑦
0 , 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
Check the continuity and differentiability of 𝑓 at (0,0)
3. Compute 𝑓 (0,0) and 𝑓 (0,0) for the function
𝑥𝑦
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥+𝑦 , (𝑥, 𝑦) ≠ (0,0)
0 , 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
Also discuss the continuity of 𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓 at (0,0). (15, 2013)
4. For the function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑥 −𝑥 𝑦
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 +𝑦 , (𝑥, 𝑦) ≠ (0,0)
0 , 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
Examine the continuity and differentiability. (12, 2015)
( )
, (𝑥, 𝑦) ≠ (0,0)
5. If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = , calculate 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑡 (0,0). (15, 2017)
0 , (𝑥, 𝑦) = (0,0)

Partial Derivatives

1. If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is a homogeneous function of degree 𝑛 in 𝑥 and 𝑦, and has continuous first and
second order partial derivatives then show that

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR

 (i) 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑛𝑓

(ii) 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 = 𝑛(𝑛 − 1)𝑓 (20,2010)

𝑥𝑦 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑦 > 0
2. Let 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = . Determine which of (0,1) and (0,1) exists and which
−𝑥𝑦 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑦 ≤ 0
does not exist. (12, 2018)

3. (i) If 𝑢 = sin then show that sin 𝑢 is a homogeneous function of 𝑥 and 𝑦 of degree

−1/6 . Hence show that 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 = + (12, 2019)

4. Given that 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = |𝑥 − 𝑦 |. Find 𝑓 (0,0) and 𝑓 (0,0). Hence show that 𝑓 (0,0) = 𝑓 (0,0).
(15, 2021).

Maxima and Minima

1. Find the maximum and minimum distance of the origin from the curve given by the equation
3𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑦 = 140.
2. A space probe in the shape of ellipsoid 4𝑥 + 𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 16 enters the earth atmosphere and
its surface begins to heat. After one hour the temperature at the point (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) on the probe
surface is given by 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 8𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑧 − 16𝑧 + 600. Find the hottest point on the probe
surface.
3. Show that a box (rectangular parallelopiped) of maximum volume V with prescribed surface
area is cube.
4. Find the point on the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 4 that are closest and farthest from the point
(3,1, −1).
5. Find the point of local extrema and saddle points of the function f of two variables defined by
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 63(𝑥 + 𝑦) + 12𝑥𝑦.
6. Let p and q be positive real numbers such that + = 1. Show that for real numbers 𝑎, 𝑏 ≥ 0,

𝑎𝑏 ≤ + .

7. Using Lagrange’s multiplier method, find the shortest distance between the line 𝑦 = 10 − 2𝑥

and the ellipse + = 1.

8. Find the maximum and minimum values of 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 subject to the condition 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 +

𝑐𝑧 = 1 and 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 = 0. Interpret result geometrically.
9. Find the height of the cylinder of the maximum volume that can be inscribed in a sphere of
radius ‘a’.
10. Which point of the sphere 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1 is at the maximum distance from the point (2,1,3).
By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR
11. A conical tent is of given capacity. For the least amount of Canvas required for it, find the
ratio of its height to the radius of its base. (13, 2015)

12. Find the maximum and minimum values of 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 subject to the conditions + +

= 1 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 0. (20, 2016)

13. Find the shortest distance from the point (1,0) to the parabola 𝑦 = 4𝑥. (13, 2018)

14. Find the maximum and the minimum values of 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4 on the interval [2,3]. (13, 2018)

15. Find the maximum and the minimum value of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 9𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 6 on
the interval [2,3]. (15, 2019)

16. Find an extreme value of the function 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 , subject to the condition 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 +

5𝑧 = 30, by using Lagrange’s method of undetermined multiplier. (20, 2020)

17. A wire of length of l is cut into two parts which are bent in the form of a square and a circle
respectively. Using Lagrange’s method of undetermined multiplier, find the least value of the
sum of areas so formed. (15, 2022)

18. Justify whether (0,0) is an extreme point for the function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑦 . (15, 2023)

Integrals

1. Let D be the region determine by the inequalities 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦 > 0, 𝑧 < 8 and 𝑧 > 𝑥 + 𝑦
compute ∫ ∫ ∫ 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧. (20, 2010)

2. Evaluate ∫ (𝑥 ln 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥.

3. Evaluate the double integral ∫ ∫ by changing the order of integration. (20, 2008)

4. Obtain the volume bounded by the elliptic paraboloid given by the equations
𝑧 = 𝑥 + 9𝑦 & 𝑧 = 18 − 𝑥 − 9𝑦

5. Dose the integral ∫ exist? if so, find its value. (12, 2010)

6. Evaluate ∫ ∫ 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝐴 where 𝐷 is the region bounded by the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1 and the parabola
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 6. (15, 2013)

7. Evaluate ∫ 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 − cos 𝑑𝑥

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR
8. By using the transformation 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑢, 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣, evaluate the integral ∫ ∫ {𝑥𝑦(1 − 𝑥 − 𝑦)} 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
taken over the area enclosed by the straight lines 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 1. (15, 2014)
( )
9. Evaluate: ∫ 𝑑𝑥 . (10,2014)

10. Evaluate ∫ ∫ |𝑦 − 𝑥 | 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 where 𝑅 = [−1,1 ∶ 0,2]. (13, 2015)

11. Evaluate the integral ∫ ∫ (𝑥 − 𝑦) cos (𝑥 + 𝑦) 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 where 𝑅 is the rhombus with successive
vertices as (𝜋, 0), (2𝜋, 𝜋), (𝜋, 2𝜋), (0, 𝜋). (12, 2015)
√
12. Evaluate the following integral: ∫ 𝑑𝑥 . (10, 2015)
√ √

13. Evaluate ∫ ∫ 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 , over the rectangle 𝑅 = [0,1 ∶ 0,1] where 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) =
𝑥 + 𝑦, 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 < 𝑦 < 2𝑥
(15, 2016)
0 , 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒
14. Find the surface area of the plane 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 12 cut off by 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 16.
(15, 2016)

15. Prove that ≤ ∫∫ ≤ 𝜋 where 𝐷 is the unit disc.

( )

16. Find the volume of the solid above the 𝑥𝑦-plane and directly below the portion of the elliptic

paraboloid 𝑥 + = 𝑧 which is cut off by the plane 𝑧 = 9.

17. The ellipse + = 1 revolves about the 𝑥-axis. Find the volume of the solid of revolution.

(13, 2018)

18. Evaluate the integral ∫ ∫ (12, 2018)

19. Evaluate ∫ tan 1− 𝑑𝑥 . (15, 2020).

20. If ∫ 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = 𝑥 + ∫ 𝑡 𝑓(𝑡)𝑑𝑡, then find the value of 𝑓(1). (5, 2021)

21. Express ∫ (𝑥 − 𝑎) (𝑏 − 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 in terms of Beta function. (8, 2021)

22. Use double integration to calculate the area common to the circle 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4 and the
parabola 𝑦 = 3𝑥. (15, 2022)
23. Evaluate the triple integral which gives the volume of the solid enclosed between the two
paraboloids 𝑧 = 5(𝑥 + 𝑦 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧 = 6 − 7𝑥 − 𝑦 . (15, 2023)

Jacobian and Asymptotes

1. Using the Jacobian method, Show that if 𝑓 (𝑥) = and 𝑓(0) = 0, then 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) =

𝑓 . (8, 2019)

2. Find all the asymptotes of the curve (2𝑥 + 3)𝑦 = (𝑥 − 1) . (10, 2020)
3.
( , )
4. If 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 , 𝑣 = 𝑥 − 𝑦 , where 𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃, 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃, then find ( , )
.(7, 2021)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR

Curve Tracing

1. Trace the curve 𝑦 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 𝑎 , where a is a real constant.

2. Trace the curve 𝑦 (𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 − 1. (20, 2023)

By Avinash Singh, Ex IES, B.Tech IITR