Module 14

APPLICATIONS OF DERIVATIVES

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Slopes, Tangents and
Normals
At the end of the lesson, the students must be
The derivative of a function
able to:
can be intercepted geometrically as
(a) Recall the derivatives of different
the slope of the graph of a linear
functions;
(b) Apply derivatives in solving word function, or in case of linear
problems; and function, it is the slope of the
(c) Find interest in learning the lessons.
tangent at a particular point.

The slope of the tangent to the curve at any point is

called simply the slope of the curve at that point. When
P’ approaches P, the slope of the secant approaches as
its limit the slope of the curve. The straight line PT is
called the tangent to the curve at P, or is said to touch
the curve at P. The point P is the point of contact.
The normal of the curve at the same point can be found by using the same form of the
equation. Take note that the slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the
tangent line to the curve.
It has been previously stated that the derivative of a function is identical with the slope of
the graph of the function. More explicitly, this means that it, in the formula for y’, we substitute
any given value of x, the number thus obtained is the slope of a curve at the point whose abscissa
is the given x.

DEFINITION 1. The tangent to the curve y = f(x) at P1 (x1,y1) is the line through P1 with slope f ’(x).

DEFINITION 2. The normal to the curve y = f(x) at P1 (x1,y1) is the line through P1 and perpendicular to
the tangent at P1.

The equation of the tangent is given by the point-slope form of the equation of a straight
line in analytic geometry, that is
y – y1 = m (x – x1)
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where m = value of y’ at x = x1 or m = f ‘(x1). Since the normal is perpendicular to the tangent,
then its slope is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent. Hence the equation of the
normal is
1
y – y1 = - (x – x1)
𝑚

Exercises / Applications

A. Find the slope of the curve at the given point.

1. y = 2 – x2 , (3,-7).

Solution:

y’= -2x derivative of y

= -2(3) substituting x = 3
= -6 slope

2. y =3x2 – 2x, (2,8).

Solution:
y’=6x – 2 derivative of y
= 6(2)-2 substituting x = 2
= 12 -2
=10 slope

3. y = 2x3 – 3x (-1,1).

Solution:

y’=6x2- 3 derivative of y
= 6(-1)2-3 substituting x = -1
=6 -3
=3 slope

4. y = x2 – x3, (1,0)

Solution:
y’=2x – 3x2 derivative of y
= 2(1) – 3(1)2 substituting x = 1
=2-3
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 = -1 slope

𝟏
5. y = , (2, ¼)
𝒙²

Solution:

y= x-2 equivalent exponential form of y

y’= -2 x-3 derivative of y using the Power Rule

or
−𝟐
y’ = 𝒙³

−𝟐
= (𝟐)³ substituting x = 2

𝟐
=-𝟖

𝟏
=-𝟒 slope

𝟏
6. y=𝒙+𝟏 , (-2,-1)

Solution:

(𝑥+1)(0)− 1(1)
y’= derivative of y using the Quotient Rule
(𝑥+1)²
1
=- (𝑥+1)²

−1
= substituting x = -2
(−2+1)²

= -1 slope

7. y2= 4x , (2,1)

Solution:

2yy’ = 4 implicit differentiation

4
y’ = 2𝑦

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 2
= (2)(1) substituting y =1

= 1 slope
8. y = 4x2 , (1,-2)
2

Solution:

2yy’= 8x implicit differentiation

8𝑥
y ’= 2𝑦

8(1)
= substituting x = 1 and y =-2
2(−2)

=-2 slope

9. y2= 3x +1 , (1,2)

Solution:

2yy’ = 3 implicit differentiation

3
y’ = 2𝑦
3
= substituting y = 2
2(2)

= ¾ slope

𝟏
10. y2= 5x + 1, (- 𝟑, 1)

Solution:

2yy’= 5 implicit differentiation

5
y’=2𝑦

5
= 2(1) substituting y = 1

= 2.5 slope

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 B. Find the equations of the tangent and the normal at the point indicated.

1. y= 3x2 – 2x + 1 at (1,2)

Solution:
Equation of the Tangent

y’ = 6x -2 derivative of y
= 6(1) -2 substituting x=1
=4 slope of the tangent

y – y, = m(x- x,) point-slope form

y –(2) = 4(x-1) substituting m = 4, x = 1 and y=2

y–2 = 4x – 4
4x – y – 2 = 0 general equation of the tangent

Equation of the Normal

Slope of the normal = -¼

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(2) = -¼ (x-1) substituting m =-¼, x = 1 and y=2

4y – 8 = -x +1
x + 4y – 9 = 0 general equation of the normal

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 x +4 y – 9 = 0

x +4 y – 9 = 0

4x – y – 2 = 0

2. y =x3- 3x2-2 at (1,-4)

Solution:

Equation of the Tangent

y’ = 3x2 - 6x derivative of y
= 3(1)2- 6(1) substituting x = 1
= -3 slope of the tangent

y – y, = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(-4)= -3 (x-1) substituting m = - 3, x = 1 and y=-4

y+4 = -3x +3
3x+y+1 = 0 general equation of the tangent

Equation of the Normal

1
Slope = negative reciprocal of -3
3

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

1
y –(-4)= 3 (x-1) substituting x=1 and y= -4
3y +12 = x - 1

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 x – 3y – 13 =0 by transposition, eq. of the normal

x – 3y – 13 =0
0

3x +y+1 =0
=0 0

y =x3- 3x2-2
=0 0

3. y= 2 + 4x – x3 at x = -1

Solution:
Equation of the Tangent

y’ =4 – 3x2 derivative of y

=4 – 3(-1)2 substituting x = -1
= 4 -3
=1 slope of the tangent

Equation:

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(-1)= 1(x--1) substitution
y+1 = x +1
x–y=0 equation of the tangent

Equation of the Normal

Slope : -1 negative reciprocal of 1

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

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 y –(-1)= -1(x--1) substitution
y+1 = -x – 1
x + y+ 2= 0 slope of the normal

4. x2-6x + 2y -8 = 0 at x =2

Solution:

Equation of the Tangent

2x – 6 + 2y’= 0 implicit differentiation
x – 3 + y’ = 0
y’ = -x + 3
= -(2) +3 substituting x = 2
= 1 slope of the tangent
or
x2-6x +2y – 8 =0
2y = 6x + 8 – x2 by transposition
𝑥2
y = 3x + 4 - dividing by 2
2

y’ = 3 - x derivative of y
y’ = 3 – 2 substituting x=2
y’ = 1 slope

If x = 2
𝑥2
y = 3x + 4 - 2

22
y = 3(2) + 4 - 2

y = 6 + 4 -2
y=8

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(8) = 1(x-2) replacing x1=2, y1=8

y-8 =x-2
x-y+6=0 general equation of the tangent
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 5. x2+y2 – 6x + 2y = 0 at (0,0).
Solution:

Equation of the Tangent

2x + 2yy’ – 6 + 2y’ = 0 implicit differentiation

x + yy’ – 3 + y’ = 0 dividing by 2
yy’ + y’ = –x + 3 by transposition
y’ (y+1) = -x + 3 factoring out y’
−𝑥+3
y’ = 𝑦+1 dividing by (y+1)

0+3
y’ = replacing x=0, y=0
0+1

y’ = 3 slope of the tangent

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(0) = 3(x-0) substituting x=0, y=0
y = 3x
3x - y = 0 general eq. of the tangent

Equation of the Normal

Slope = - 1/3 negative reciprocal of 3

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(0)= -(1/3)(x-0) replacing x=0, y=0
y = -(1/3) x
3y = -x
x + 3y = 0 general eq. of the normal

6. y =(2x- 1)3 at x =1

Solution:
Equation of the Tangent

y’ =3(2x -1) 2(2) derivative of y

= 6 (2x -1) 2
= 6[2(1)-1]2 replacing x= 1

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 = 6 (1)2
=6 slope of the tangent

If x= 1
y =(2x- 1)3
y =[(2)(1)- 1]3
y = 13
y=1

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y - 1 = 6(x – 1] replacing x=1, y=1
y – 1 = 6x – 6
6x – y – 5 = 0 general eq. of the tangent

Equation of the Normal:

Slope = - 1/6

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

1
y –1= - 6 (x-1) replacing m=
6y –6 = -x +1
x + 6y – 7 =0 general eq. of the normal

7. y = x2- 2x at its points of intersection with line y =3.

Solution: x2- 2x- 3 = 0

If y = 3
y = x2- 2x
3 = x2- 2x
x2- 2x – 3 = 0
Solving for x using the quadratic formula where:
a=1 b = -2 c = -3
−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
𝑥= 2𝑎
−(−2)±√(−2)2−4(1)(−3)
𝑥= 2(1)
2±√4+12
𝑥= 2

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 2±√16
= 2
2±4
= 2
x= 3 or x = -1

Equation of the Tangent at (-1,3)

y = x2- 2x
y’ = 2x – 2 derivative of y

= 2(-1) -2 replacing x = -1
= -2-2
=-4 slope of the tangent

y – y1 = m(x- x1)
y –(3)= -4(x- -1) replacing m= -4, x= -1, y=3
y-3 = -4x -4
4x + y+1 = 0 general eq. of the tangent

Equation of the Normal at (-1,3):

1
Slope = 4

y – y, = m(x- x,) point-slope form

1
y –(3) = ¼ (x - -1) replacing m=4, x= -1, y = 3
4y – 12 = x +1 multiplying by 4
x – 4y + 13 = 0 general eq. of the normal
Equation of the Tangent at (3,3)

y = x2- 2x
y’ = 2x – 2 derivative of y

= 2(3) -2 replacing x = 3
= 6-2
= 4 slope of the tangent

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y –(3)= 4(x- 3) replacing m= 4, x= 3, y=3
y-3 = 4x - 12
4x - y -9 = 0 general eq. of the tangent

Equation of the Normal at (3,3):

1
Slope = - 4
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 y – y, = m(x- x,) point-slope form
1
y –(3) = -¼ (x -3) replacing m=- 4, x= 3, y = 3
4y – 12 = -x + 3 multiplying by 4
x – 4y - 15 = 0 general eq. of the normal

Angle Between Two Curves

The angle between two curves of a point of intersection may be defined as the angle
between their tangents of this point of intersection. If the tangents are not perpendicular to each
other, then such tangents form a pair of acute angles and a pair of obtuse angles. The acute and
obtuse angles are supplementary.

Let m1 and m2 be the slopes of line 1 and 2 respectively. Then

𝒎 −𝒎𝟏
tan Ф = 𝟏+𝟐𝒎
𝟐 𝒎𝟏

𝒅
m1 = [𝒇𝟏 (x)]
𝒅𝒙

𝒅
m2= [𝒇𝟐 (x)]
𝒅𝒙

𝑙2
𝑙2
𝑙1
Ф
Ф

𝑙1

Exercises / Applications

1) Find the acute angle of intersection between the curves x2= 8y and xy = 8.

Solution:
x2= 8y Eq..(1)
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 xy = 8 Eq. (2)

Solving the two equations simultaneously:

(1) x2= 8y
𝟖
(𝒚)2= 8y

𝟔𝟒
(𝒚𝟐 )=( 8y)

𝟔𝟒
y2( 𝒚𝟐 )=( 8y)y2
𝟔𝟒 = 𝟖𝒚𝟑

𝟔𝟒 𝟖𝒚𝟑
𝟖
= 𝟖

y3=8
𝟑
y= √𝟖
y= 2
𝟖
(2) x =𝒚
Substitute y = 2 in Eq. (2)
𝟖
x =𝒚
𝟖
x =𝟐
x= 4
Point of intersection: (4,2)

Solving for m1 and m2

x2= 8y Eq. (1)

2x = 8y’ implicit differentiation
𝟐𝒙
y’ = m1 = = dividing by 8
𝟖
𝟐(𝟒)
m1 = =1 slope of line 1
𝟖

𝟖
x =𝒚 Eq. (2)

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 𝟖
y =𝒙 cross-multiplication

𝒙(𝟎)−𝟖(𝟏)
y‘= derivative of y using the Quotient Rule
𝒙𝟐
−𝟖
y ‘ = 𝒙𝟐
−𝟖
m2 = y ‘ = substituting x = 4
𝟏𝟔
−𝟏
m2= slope of line 2
𝟐

Equation of line 1 (l1)

m = 1, x1 =4 y1 = 2
y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y – 2 = 1(x- 4) substitution

y–2= x-4
x–y–2=0 general equation
y=x –2 y = f(x) for graphing purposes

Equation of line 2 (l2)

−𝟏
m= , x1 =4 y1 = 2
𝟐

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

−𝟏
y–2= (x- 4) substitution
𝟐

2y – 4 = -x + 4
x + 2y - 8 = 0 general equation
−x + 8
y= - y = f(x) for graphing purposes
𝟐
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 −x + 8
y= -
𝟐
Angle Between l1 and l2
8
𝑥=
𝑦
𝒎𝟐 −𝒎𝟏 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦
tan Ф =
𝟏+ 𝒎𝟐 𝒎𝟏

−½−𝟏
tan Ф =
𝟏+(−½)(𝟏) 𝑙2
−𝟑 𝑦 = 𝑥−2
𝟐
= 𝑙1
𝟏−½
−𝟑
𝟐
=
½
−𝟑 𝟐
= (𝟏 )
𝟐

tan Ф = -3
Ф = - 71°33’ (acute angle in the 2nd quadrant, negative sign to be disregarded)

= 108°27’ (supplementary angle)

𝑙2

108°27’

71°33’

𝑙1

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 2) Find the acute angle between the curves y2 = 2x and xy = 4

Solution:
y2= 2x Eq..(1)

xy = 4 Eq. (2)

Solving the two equations simultaneously:

xy = 4 Eq. (2)

𝟒
x=𝒚 x = f(y)

y2= 2x Eq (1)

𝟒 4
y2= 2(𝒚) substituting x = 𝑦 in Eq. (1)

y3= 8

y= 2 extracting cube root

Substitute y = 2 in Eq. (1)

y2= 2x Eq..(1)
(2)2 = 2x
4 = 2x
x=2
Point of intersection: (2,2)

Solving for m1 and m2

y2= 2x Eq. (1)

2y y ‘ = 2 implicit differentiation
𝟐
y’ = m1 = = 𝟐𝒚 dividing by 2y

𝟐 𝟏
m1 = = slope of line 1
𝟐(𝟐) 𝟐

xy = 4 Eq. (2)
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 𝟒
y =𝒙 cross-multiplication

𝒙(𝟎)−𝟒(𝟏)
y‘= derivative of y using the Quotient Rule
𝒙𝟐
−𝟒
y ‘ = 𝒙𝟐
−𝟒
m2 = y ‘ = substituting x = 2
𝟐𝟐

m2= −𝟏 slope of line 2

Equation of line 1 (l1)

𝟏
m = 𝟐, x1 =2 y1 = 2

y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

𝟏
y–2= (x- 2) substitution
𝟐

2y – 4 = x - 2
x - 2y + 2 = 0 general equation
x+2
y= y = f(x) for graphing purposes
𝟐

Equation of line 2 (l2)

m = -1, x1 =2 y1 = 2
y – y1 = m(x- x1) point-slope form

y – 2 = −1(x- 2) substitution

y – 2 = -x + 2
x+y-4=0 general equation

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 y = -𝑥 + 4 y = f(x) for graphing purposes

Approximations/ Approximate Formulas

Very often we wish to compute or to estimate within safe limits, the change in the value
of a function caused by a small change in the value of the independent variable. When Δx is
small, dy and Δy are, in general, nearly equal, and in many cases the value of dy furnishes a
sufficient good approximation to the value of Δy.
In any approximate computation, the amount by which the computed value of the
function differs from the true value is called the error of the computation, in using approximate
formula, we should make sure that the error committed within the allowable limit of the error for
the problem in hand.
The differential dz can be taken as an approximation of the increment of z, Δz. When
applied to experiments, dz can represent the approximate error in the value of z. the percentage
error can be expressed as 100(dz/z).

Exercises

Solve the following:

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 1. Find approximately the volume of a
tin spherical shell.

V = 4/3 πr3
𝑑𝑣
= 4π r2
𝑑𝑟

dv = 4π r2 dr

2. Find an approximate formula for the volume of a tine cylindrical shell of given height.
V = π r2 h
𝑑𝑣
= 2π rh
𝑑𝑟

dv = 2πrh dr

3. The square root of 627

y = √627

y = √𝑥

x = 625

𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 = 627
𝑑𝑥 = 627 – 625
= 2

y = √𝑥
𝑑𝑦 1
=
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 2
√𝑥

2
𝑑𝑦 = 2√625
2
𝑑𝑦 =
2(25)
2
𝑑𝑦 = 50

𝑑𝑦 = 0.04

√627 = 𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦

= 25 + 0.04
= 25.04

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[Link] square root of 398
y = √398

x = 400

y = √𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1
=
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

x + dx = 398
dx = 398 - 400
= -2
𝑑𝑦 1
=
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 2
√𝑥

𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 2
√400

−2
= 2(20)

−2
𝑑𝑦 = 40

𝑑𝑦 = −0.05

√398 = 𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦

= 20 + (−0.05)
= 19.95

4. The square root of 193

y = √193

x = 196
x + dx = 193
dx = 193 – 196

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 = -3

y = √𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1
=
𝑑𝑥 2√𝑥

𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 2
√𝑥

−3
𝑑𝑦 = 2
√196

−3
= 2(14)

−3
𝑑𝑦 = 28

𝑑𝑦 = −0.11

√193 = 𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦

= 14 + (−0.11)
= 13.89

5. The cube root of 9

3
y = √9
x=8
x + dx = 9
dx = 9 – 8
=1
1
y = 𝑥3
−2
𝑑𝑦 1
= 𝑥3
𝑑𝑥 3

𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 2
3𝑥 3

1
𝑑𝑦 = 3
3( √8)2

1
𝑑𝑦 = 12 = 0.08
3
√9 = 𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦

= 2 + (0.08)
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 = 2.08

6. The diameter of a sphere is 3 ft. with a maximum error in computing the diameter of 0.10
in.. What is the approximate error in computing the volume? (1975 – EE Board)

Sphere = 4/3 πr3

dv/dr = 4πr2
dv = 4πr2 dr
diameter = 3 ft. = 36 in.; radius = d/2 = 36 in./2 = 18
dr = 0.10/2 = 0.05 in.
dv = [4π(18)2](0.05)
dv = 4(324)π(.0.05)
dv = 203.47

Rate of Change
𝑑𝑦
We recall that if y = f(x), then is the rate of change of y with respect to x. Hence, if y
𝑑𝑥
𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚
= f(t), then is the rate of change of y with respect to t. If t denotes the time, then is simply
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕
𝒅𝒙
referred to as the time rate of change of y. Likewise, is the time rate of change of x. These
𝒅𝒕
rates of change are related by the equation
𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒙
= 𝒅𝒙 .
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕

The idea of rate of change of a function occurs constantly in everyday experience. Such
familiar expressions as miles per hour, miles per gallon, pressure per square inch, value per acre,
price per ton, all represent rates.

It must always be borne in mind that the three quantities – derivatives,

slope of graph, rate of change – are all equal to each other.

Exercises
(a) Find the rate at which the reciprocal of a number changes as the number increases.

Solution:
Let n = the number
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 r = the reciprocal of the number
𝟏
r= 𝒏
𝒅𝒓 𝟏
= - 𝒏𝟐
𝒅𝒏

At the instant, say, when n passes through the value 2, the reciprocal is diminishing one-fourth
as fast as the number is increasing.

(b) The surface area of a sphere, initially zero, increases uniformly at the at the rate of 4 sq.
in. per sec. Find the rate at which the radius is increasing at the end of 2 sec.
Solution:
Let t = time (sec)
r = radius of sphere (in.)
S = surface area (sq. in.)
Since S is increasing at a constant rate, S is proportional to the elapsed time; indeed,
S = 4t
But also, S = 4πr2, so that 4t = 4πr2, from which it follows that

√𝒕
r=
√π

𝒅𝒓 𝟏
=𝟐
𝒅𝒕 √π .√t

When t = 2,
𝒅𝒓 𝟏
=𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟎 𝒊𝒏. 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒄.
𝒅𝒕 √π .√2

(c) A stone is dropped into a still pond. Concentric circular ripples spread out and the
radius of the disturbed region increases at the rate of 16 cm/ sec. At what rate does the area
of the disturbed region increase when the radius is 4 cm? (2009 LET)

a. 16π cm2/sec c. 128 cm2/ sec

b. 256π cm2/ sec d. 64 cm2/ sec

Solution:
dr =16 cm/sec r = 4 cm
2
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟
𝐴’ = 2 𝜋𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝐴’ = 2𝜋(4)(16)
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 𝐴’ = 128𝜋 𝑐𝑚2/𝑠𝑒𝑐
(d) A spherical balloon is being inflated so that it volume increased of the rate of 5 cu.m/
min. At what rate (in cu.m/min) is the volume increasing when the diameter is 6 m? (2010
LET)
a. 5/72π c. 5/18π
c. 36π d. 864π/3

Solution:
dr = 5 cu.m/min d=6m r = 3m
V = 4/3 πr3
V’ = 4 πr2 dr
V’ = 4 π(3)2 (3)

Rectilinear Motion
Consider a point P moving in a straight line. Choose as origin any convenient fixed point
in the line of motion, and denote the distance OP by x.
O P
x

The velocity at any instant is defined as

𝒅𝒙
v= 𝒅𝒕

i.e. velocity is time-rate of change of distance, measured from a fixed point in the line of motion.
Acceleration, denoted as a, is defined by the formula
𝒅𝒗
a=
𝒅𝒕

i.e. acceleration is time-rate of change of velocity.

Since, by the chain rule,
𝒅𝒗 𝒅𝒗 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒗
= 𝒅𝒙 . = v 𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕
𝒅𝒗
a = v 𝒅𝒙

When a particle of mass m moves with an acceleration a, the motion is said to be due to the
action of force. Force is defined as the product of mass by acceleration.
F = ma
𝒅𝒗 𝒅𝟐 𝒙 𝒅𝒗
F=m = m = m v 𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒕 𝒅𝒕𝟐

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 Exercises

(a) A body is thrown vertically upward from the ground with an initial velocity of 96 ft/sec.
Find the maximum height attained by the body.
Solution:

Substituting vo = 96 in s = Vot + 𝟏𝟐 𝒈𝒕𝟐

s = 96t + 𝟏𝟐 (𝟑𝟐)𝒕𝟐

s = 96t + 𝟏𝟔𝒕𝟐
𝒅𝒔
= v = 96 + 𝟑𝟐𝒕
𝒅𝒕

At the highest point, v = 0. Hence,

0 = 96 – 32t
t = 3 sec time to reach the highest point

Substituting t = 3 in s = 96t + 𝟏𝟔𝒕𝟐

s = 96(3) + 𝟏𝟔(𝟑)𝟐
s = 144 ft maximum height attained by the body
(b) The motion of a particle moving on a coordinate line is given by s = t 3 – 6t2 + 9t + 3 (in
meters). Find the velocity v and acceleration a at t = 5 sec
Solution:
Solving for the velocity v:
𝒅𝒔
v= 𝒅𝒕
= 3t2 – 12t + 9

If t = 5
𝒅𝒔
v= 𝒅𝒕
= 3(5)2 – 12(5) + 9

v = 75 – 60 + 9
v = 24 m/sec
Solving for the acceleration a:
𝒅𝒗
a= = 6t – 12
𝒅𝒕

If t = 5
𝒅𝒗
a= = 6t – 12
𝒅𝒕
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 𝒅𝒗
a= = 6(5) – 12
𝒅𝒕

a = 18 m/sec2
Maximum and Minimum Values of a Function
Suppose y = f(x) is a function which is continuous for all x in its domain. Let the graph
of this function be represented by the graph shown below. For the part ABC of the curve, we
observe that

between A and B, f ’(x) > 0

at B, f ’(x) = 0

between B and C, f ’(x) < 0

Here the ordinate of B has the greatest value in its intermediate neighborhood. Then
f(x) is said to be maximum at B and the ordinate of B or f(b) is the maximum value of the function.
Point B is called the maximum point. Likewise, the behavior of f ‘(x) along BCD may be described
as follows:

between B and C, f ’(x) < 0

at C, f ’(x) = 0

between C and D, f ’(x) >0.

Here the point c has the least ordinate in its intermediate neighborhood and f(x) is said to be
minimum at C and f(c) is the minimum value of the function.

For the part CDE, we also note that:

between C and D, f ’(x) >0

at D, f’(x) = 0

between D and E, f ’(x) <0.

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Since f ’(x) does not change sign in going through point D, then f(x) is neither a maximum nor a
minimum at D. B, C and D are critical points (the point where the tangent is horizontal or where
f ‘(x) = 0 and the value of the abscissa of this point is called a critical value or a critical number).

Exercises

𝟏 𝟏
Example (1). Examine the function y = 𝒙𝟑 − 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐 for maxima and minima.
𝟑 𝟐

Solution:
y’ = x2 – x – 2
0 = (x+1) (x-2)

x = -1 (maximum) or x = 2 (minimum)

Example (2). Locate the critical points and determine the maxima and minima of y =𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 − 𝒙𝟑.

Solution:
y’ = 12 – 3x2
0 = 12 – 3x2

3x2 = 12

x2 = 4

x = ±√4

x =±2

If x = -2 If x = 2

y =𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 − 𝒙𝟑 y =𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 − 𝒙𝟑
y =𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐(−𝟐) − (−𝟐)𝟑 y =𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐(𝟐) − (𝟐)𝟑

y = 𝟐 − 𝟐𝟒 + 𝟖 y = 𝟐 + 𝟐𝟒 − 𝟖

y = -14 y = 18

Critical Points

Minimum: (-2,-14) Maximum: (2,18)

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 Maxima and Minima Problems

Maxima and minima problems can be identified with the presence of the words:
largest, smallest, maximum, minimum, greatest, least and the like.

Steps in Solving Worded Problems related to Maxima and Minima

1. Set up the function whose maxima or minima value is required. Make the necessary
drawings to make the solution clearer and easier.

2. If the resulting equation involves more than one variable, the conditions of the problem
will supply sufficient relations between the variables so that all can be expressed in terms
of a single variable.
3. Apply to the resulting equation either the first or second method for examining a function
for maximum or minimum.
 First Method

1. Find the first derivative of the function.

2. Equate the first derivative to zero and solve the resulting equation for real roots.
These roots are the critical values of the variable.

3. Considering one critical value of the independent variable at a time, test the first
derivative, first with a value less and then a value greater than a critical value.

4. If the sign of the derivative changes from positive to negative, the function has a
maximum value for the particular value of variable. However, if the sign of the
derivative changes from negative to positive, then the function has a minimum
value. If the sign does not change, the point is neither a minimum nor a maximum.

 Second Method

1. Find the first derivative of the function.

2. Equate the first derivative to zero and solve the resulting equation for real roots.
These roots are the critical values of the variable.

3. Find the second derivative of the function.

4. Find the sign of the second derivative for each critical value. If the sign of the
second derivative is negative, then the function is a maximum for that critical value;
if positive, the function is a maximum. If the second derivative is zero or does not
exist, the test fails. In this case, apply the first method.

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 Exercises
1. What number exceeds its square by the maximum amount?
Solution:
Let D = difference
x = number
x2 = square of the number
D = x – x2
𝑑𝐷
= 1 – 2x
𝑑𝑥
1 – 2x = 0
2x = 1
x =½

2. What positive number added to its reciprocal gives the minimum sum?
Solution:
Let S = sum
x = number
1/x = reciprocal
1
S =x+𝑥
𝒅𝑺
= 1 – x-2
𝒅𝒙
𝟏
= 1 - 𝒙²

𝟏
1 - 𝒙² = 0
𝟏
=1
𝒙²

x2 = 1
x=1

3) What is the maximum area of a rectangle which can be enclosed by a wire 48 m

long? (2009 LET)

a. 320 sq.m c. 560 sq.m

b. 576 sq.m d. 144 sq.m

W W

P = 48m = 2L + 2W
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 L + W =24
L = 24 – W
W = 24 – L

A = LW
A = w(24 – w)
𝑑𝐴
= 24𝑤 – 𝑤²
𝑑𝐿
= 24 – 2𝑤
2𝑤 = 24
𝑊 = 12

𝐿 = 24 − 𝑤
= 24 − 12
= 12
𝐴 = 𝐿𝑊
= (12)(12)
= 144 𝑠𝑞. 𝑚.

4.A box is to be made of a piece of cardboard 16 x 10 in by cutting equal squares out of the
corners and turning up the sides. Find the volume of the largest box that can be made in
this way.
Solution:
16
x

10 L 10 – 2x

x
x 16-2x x

V = x (10-2x)(16-2x)
V = 160x – 52x2 + 4x3
V’ = 160 – 104x + 12x2
= 4 (x-2)(3x-20)

Setting V’=0 we get the critical values x = 2 and 20/3. The critical value x=2 gives the
Therefore, the volume is

109 | P a g e
 V = x (10-2x)(16-2x)
V = 2 [10-2(2)] [16-2(2)]
V = 2 (6)(12)
V = 144 in3

Evaluation

1. Sketch (show the graph) and find the equations of the tangent and normal at the point
indicated.
a. y = x3 – 3x2 -2 at (1,-4)
b. y = 2 + 4x – x2 at x = -1

2. Sketch (show the graph) and find the acute angle between the given curves:
a. 2y2 = 9x and 3x2 = -4y
b. xy = 18 and y2 = 12x

3. A piece of wire 10 ft long is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent into a circle and the
other into the shape of a square. How should the wire be cut so that the combined area is
as small as possible? (1992 Agricultural Engineering Licensure Exam)

4. If s = t3 – t2, find the time and velocity when the acceleration is 2.

5. Find the following using the method of calculus:
3
a. √25
b. √80
4
c. √17

6. Locate the critical points and determine the maxima and minima of y =x 3 – 3x2 -9x + 20.
Show a graph as part of your solution.

Readings/Additional Information
Other applications of derivatives not included in this module

References

Feliciano, F. and F. Uy. 1983. Differential and Integral Calculus. Merriam and Webster Bookstore,
Inc.
Love, C. and E. Rainville. 1970. Differential and Integral Calculus. The Mcmillan Company,
New York.
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 5. The sum of the numbers is k. find the minimum value of the sum of their squares.
Solution:
Let k = number
S = sum
a. k = x + (k –x)
b. S = x2 + ( k-x)2
S’= 2x + [2(k –x ) (-1)]
112 | P a g e
 = 2x – 2k +2x
= 4x – 2k
=2x –k
c. Setting S’ =0
2x –k= 0
k = 2x
x = ½k
d. Substitute ½k to x in b.
S = (½k) 2 + [ k-(½k)]2
= ¼k2 + (½k)2
=¼k2 + ¼k2
= ½k

6. The sum of two numbers is k. Find the minimum value of the sum of their cubes.
Solution:
Let k = the number
S = sum
a. k = x + (k –x)
b. S = x3 + ( k-x)3
S’= 3x2 + [3(k –x )2 (-1)]
= 3x2 – 3 (k2 – 2xk + x2)
= 3x2 – 3k2 + 6xk – 3x2
= 6xk – 3k2
c. Setting S’ =0
6xk – 3k2= 0
𝟔𝐱𝐤 𝟑𝒌²
= 𝟔𝒌
𝟔𝐤
𝐱 = ½𝐤
d. Substitute ½k to x in b.
S = (½k) 3 + [ k-(½k)]3
𝟏
= 𝟖k3 + (½k)3
𝟏 𝟏
=𝟖k3 + 𝟖k3
= ¼k3

7. Find the numbers whose sum is a. If the product of one by the square of the other
is to be a
8. maximum.
Let x = one of the numbers
P = Product
a. a = x + (x – a)
b. P = (x) ( x-a)2
P’ = (x)[2(x – a)] + (x –a)2 (1)
= x(2x -2a) +(x –a)2
= 2x2 – 2ax + x2 – 2ax +a2
=3x2 – 4ax +a2

113 | P a g e
 c. Setting P’ = 0
3x2 – 4ax +a2= 0
(3x- a) (x – a) = 0
3x- a= 0
𝟏
X=𝟑a
x- a = 0
x =a
𝟏
One of the number is 𝟑a, since it can be a part of a number a.
d. It follows that :
𝟏 𝟐
a - 𝟑a= 𝟑a
𝟏 𝟐
The numbers are a and a.
𝟑 𝟑

9. Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of one by the cube of the other is
to be maximum.
Solution:
Let x = one of the numbers
P = Product
a. a = x + (x – a)
b. P = (x) ( x-a)3
P’ = (x)[3(x – a)2] + (x –a)3 (1)
= 3x3 – 6ax2 +3a2x + x3 -3ax2+ 3a2x
– a3
=4 x3– 9ax2– 6a2x - a3

c. Setting P’ = 0
4 x3– 9ax2– 6a2x - a3= 0
(4x- a) (x – a)2 = 0
4x- a= 0
X=¼a
x- a = 0
x =a
One of the number is ¼a, since it can be a part of a number a.
d. It follows that :
a - ¼a = ¾a.
The numbers are ¼a and ¾a.

10. Find the numbers whose sum is a, if the product of the square of one by the cube of
the other is to be a maximum.
Let x = one of the numbers
P = Product

114 | P a g e
 a. a = x + (x – a)
b. P = (x)2 ( x-a)3
P’ = (x2)[3(x – a)2] + (x –a)3 (2x)
= 3x4 – 6ax3 +3a2x2 + 2 x4 -6ax2+ 6a2x2- 2a3x
=5 x4– 12ax3– 9a2x2 - 2a3x

c. Setting P’ = 0
x(5x – 2a) (x –a )= 0
5x- 2a= 0
𝟐𝒂
X= 𝟓
x- a = 0
x =a
𝟐𝒂
One of the number is 𝟓 , since it can be a part of a number a.
d. It follows that :
𝟐𝒂 𝟑𝒂
a- 𝟓 = 𝟓
𝟐𝒂 𝟑𝒂
The numbers are and .
𝟓 𝟓

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