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Longhand

Chapter 2: Derivatives

Implicit differentiation and inverse trigonometric functions

When a curve is described by an equation you cannot solve for y, you differentiate both sides as they stand and treat y as a function of x. The chain rule does the work, and the result is a formula for the slope in terms of both coordinates. The same method gives the derivatives of the inverse trigonometric functions, and of any inverse function at a point.

Practice questions

Every question below is original material written for Longhand. Open a solution to read the full working, or answer it yourself to have it counted towards your progress.

  • Introductory1 mark · 2 min

    When the equation x2+y3=7x^{2} + y^{3} = 7 is differentiated with respect to xx, the term y3y^{3} becomes 3y2dydx3y^{2}\,\dfrac{dy}{dx}. Which rule produces the factor dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx}?

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  • Introductory2 marks · 3 min

    The point (3,4)(3, 4) lies on the circle x2+y2=25x^{2} + y^{2} = 25. Use implicit differentiation to find the slope of the tangent line there.

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  • Introductory2 marks · 3 min

    Let f(x)=arcsin ⁣(x3)f(x) = \arcsin\!\left(\dfrac{x}{3}\right). Find f(0)f'(0).

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  • Standard3 marks · 4 min

    The point (1,2)(1, 2) lies on the curve below. Find dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} at that point.

    x2+xy+y2=7x^{2} + xy + y^{2} = 7
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  • Standard2 marks · 3 min

    Given sin(y)+x2=y\sin(y) + x^{2} = y, which expression is dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx}?

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  • Standard3 marks · 5 min

    The curve below passes through exactly one point with y=0y = 0 and x>0x > 0. Find dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} at that point.

    xey+2x2cosy=3x\,e^{y} + 2x^{2}\cos y = 3
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  • Standard3 marks · 4 min

    Let g(x)=(1+x2)arctanxg(x) = \bigl(1 + x^{2}\bigr)\arctan x. Find g(1)g'(1).

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  • Challenging4 marks · 6 min

    Verify that the point (2,4)(2, 4) lies on the curve below, then find the equation of the tangent line there.

    x3+y3=9xyx^{3} + y^{3} = 9xy
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  • Challenging3 marks · 5 min

    The function f(x)=x3+2x+1f(x) = x^{3} + 2x + 1 is one-to-one. Find (f1)(4)\bigl(f^{-1}\bigr)'(4).

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  • Capstone5 marks · 9 min

    The curve x2+xy+y2=3x^{2} + xy + y^{2} = 3 has exactly two points at which its tangent line is horizontal. Find the distance between those two points.

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  • The chain rule and logarithms

    Compositions, nested rules, the natural logarithm and logarithmic differentiation.

    10 questions

  • Related rates

    Translating a moving situation into an equation, then differentiating.

    10 questions