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ES
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INDIA’S FIRST NOTES WITH MOST
IMPORTANT SUBTOPICS MARKED
ACCORDING TO JEE MAINS
JE

SAMPLE PROBLEMS FOR

ES

UNDERSTANDING WHICH ARE

HIGHLY EXPECTED IN JEE MAINS
an

EXAM
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 lp
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an
ES
JE
 6
APPLICATIONS OF DERIVATIVES
6.1. DERIVATIVE AS A RATE MEASURE
The meaning of differential coefficient can be interpreted as rate of change of the dependent variable
dy
with respect to the independent variable, for example is the rate of change of y with respect to
dx
dv ds
x. Similarly and etc. represent the rate of change of volume and surface area w.r.t. time.
dt dt

Sample Problem-1:
1 3
Displacement ‘s’ of a particle at time ‘t’ is expressed as s = t  6t , find the acceleration at the
2
time when the velocity vanishes (i.e., velocity tends to zero).
JE

1 3
Solution: s = t  6t
2
ES

ds  3t 2 
Thus velocity, v    6
dt  2 

db d 2 s
and acceleration, a    3t
dt dt 2
an

3t 2
Velocity vanishes when 60
2
ka

 t2 = 4  t = 2
Thus acceleration when velocity vanishes is a = 3t = 6 units.
lp

Sample Problem-2:
On the curve x3 = 12y, find the interval of values of x for which the abscissa changes at a faster rate
than the ordinate?

Solution: Given x3 = 12y, differentiating with respect to y

dx
3x2 dy  12

dx 12
 dy  3x 2

The interval in which the abscissa changes at a faster rate than the ordinate, we must have

dx 12
 dy  or 3 x 2 1

- 6.1 -
 Applications of Derivatives

4 4  x2
or  1  0
x2 x2
 x  (–2, 2) – {0}
Thus x (–2, 2) – {0} is the required interval in which abscissa changes at a faster rate than
the ordinate.

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.1:

1. A point is moving along the curve y3 = 27 x. The interval of values of x in which the ordinate changes
faster than abscissa is
 8 8   8 8   8 10   10 10 
(a) x   ,  – {0} (b) x   ,  (c) x   ,  (d) x   , 
 27 27   27 27   27 27   27 27 

dy dy 9
Hint (a): 3 y
2
 27   1
dx dx y 2
JE

2. An edge of a variable cube is increasing at the rate of 3 cm per second. How fast is the volume of the
cube increasing when the edge is 10 cm long ?
(a) 800cm3/sec (b) 900cm3/sec (c) 100cm3/sec (d) 700cm3/sec
ES

dv dx
Hint (b): v = x2   3x 2
dt dt

3. A particle moves along the curve 6y = x3 + 2. The points on the curve at which the y-coordinate is
an

changing 8 times as fast as the x-coordinate.

(a) (4, 10) or (–4, –31/2) (b) (3, 11) or (–3, –31/3)
ka

(c) (4, 11) or (–4, –31/3) (d) (5, 11) or (–5, –31/3)

dy x 2
Hint (c):  6
lp

dx 2

4. At what point of the ellipse 16x2 + 9y2 = 400, does the ordinate decrease at the same rate at which the
abscissa increases ?
(a) (2, 16/3) or (–2, –16/3) (b) (1, 16/3) or (–1, –16/3)
(c) (5, 16/3) or (–5, –16/3) (d) (3, 16/3) or (–3, –16/3)

dy dx
Hint (d): Given 
dt dt

5. The top of a ladder 13m long is resting against a vertical wall when a ladder begins to slide. When the
foot of the ladder is 5m from the wall, it is sliding at the rate of 2m/s. How fast then is the top sliding
downwards ?

5 1 1 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 2 3 3

- 6.2 -
Applications of Derivatives

Hint (a): x2 + y2 = 132

xdx ydy
  0
dt dt y 13
dy x dx

dt 13  x dt
2 2
x

6. An inverted cone has a depth of 10 cm and a base of radius 5 cm. Water is poured into it at the rate
of 1.5 cm3/min. The rate at which level of water in the cone is rising, when the depth of water is 4 cm.
3 1 1 2
(a) cm/sec (b) cm/sec (c) cm/sec (d) cm/sec
8 2 3 3

r 5 1
Hint (a):   5
h 10 2

h
r=
JE

2 r
1 2 10 cm
v= r h
3 h
ES

1 3
v= h
12

7. Water is dripping out from a conical funnel, at the uniform rate of 2 cm3/sec through a tiny hole at the
an

vertex at the bottom. When the slant height of the water is 4 cm, The rate of decrease of the slant
height of the water given that the vertical angle of the funnel is 120°

1 1 1 1
ka

(a) m/ sec (b) m/ sec (c) m/ sec (d) m/ sec

2 3 4 5

1 2
Hint (b): V = r h
3
lp

8. Sand is being poured at the rate of 0.3 m3/sec into a conical pile. If the height of the conical pile is
thrice the radius of the base, The rate of change of height when the pile is 5 cm high.

81 27 81 81
(a) m/ sec (b) m/ sec (c) m/ sec (d) m/ sec
250 250 25 50

1 2
Hint (b): V = r h
3

9. A man 2 mt high walks at a uniform speed of 6 km/hour away from a lamp-post 6 mt high. The rate
at which the length of his shadow increases.
(a) 3 km/sec (b) 2 km/sec (c) 4 km/sec (d) 5 km/sec

- 6.3 -
 Applications of Derivatives

x y 6
Hint (a):  3
y 2
6
x + y = 3y 2
x =2 y x y

10. The two equal sides of an isosceles triangle with fixed base b are decreasing at the rate of 3 cm per
second. How fast is the area decreasing when the two equal sides are equal to the base.
(a) 3 b cm2/sec (b) 3 b cm2/sec (c) 2 b cm2/sec (d) b cm2 /sec

x xb xb
Hint (b): s =  x
2 2 x

= s ( s  x)( s  x )( s  b )
b

6.2. ANGLE OF INTERSECTION OF TWO CURVES

JE

Let y = f(x) and y = g(x) be two given intersecting curves. Angle of intersection of these curves is
defined as the acute angle between the tangents that can be drawn to the given curves at the point of
intersection.
Let (x1, y1) be the point of intersection.
ES

 y1 = f (x1) = g(x1)
 df 
Slope of the tangent drawn to the curve y = f(x) at (x1, y1) i.e., m1 =  dx 
 ( x1 , y1 )
an

 dg 
Similarly slope of the tangent drawn to the curve y = g(x) at (x1, y1) i.e., m2 =  dx 
 ( x1 , y1 )
m1  m2
ka

If  be the angle (acute) of intersection, then tan  = 1  m m .

1 2

If  = 0, then m1 = m2. Thus the given curves will touch each other at (x1, y1). If   , then
2
lp

m1 m2 = –1. Thus the given curves will meet at right angles at (x1, y1) (or curves cut each other
orthogonally at (x1, y1)).

Sample Problem-3:
Find the acute angle between the curves y = |x2 – 1| and y = |x2 – 3| at their points of intersection.

Solution: The points of intersection are (  2,1)

2
y =|x -1| 2
y =|x -3|
Since the curves are symmetrical about y-axis,
the angle of intersection at (  2,1)
= the angle of intersection at ( 2,1) . (– 3 , 0 ) (-1, 0) (1, 0)
( 3 , 0)

At ( 2 , 1), m1 =2x = 2 2 , m2 = –2x = –2 2 .

4 2 4 2 4 2
 tan   1  8  7   tan 1
7

- 6.4 -
Applications of Derivatives

6.3. EQUATIONS OF TANGENT AND NORMAL

Cartesian Equations: The angle  which the tangent at any point (x, y) on the curve y = f(x)
makes with x-axis, is given by

dy
tan    f ( x ) .
dx
Thus, the equation of the tangent at the point (x, y) on the curve y = f(x) is
Y – y = f (x) (X – x)
Where (X, Y) is an arbitrary point on the tangent.
The equation of the normal at (x, y) to the curve y = f (x) is
Y – y = –[1/f (x)] (X – x)  (X – x) + f (x) (Y – y) = 0, f (x)  0.

Sample Problem-4:
Find the equation of normal to the curve x + y = xy, where it cuts the x-axis.
Solution: Given curve is x + y = xy
JE

at x-axis y = 0,
x + 0 = x°  x=1
ES

Now to differentiate x + y = xy, take log on both sides

 ln(x + y) = y ln x
1  dy  1 dy
 x  y 1  dx   y x  (ln x ) dx
an

Putting x = 1, y = 0, we get

 dy 
ka

1    0
 dx 

 dy 
  dx   1
lp

(1,0)

 slope of normal = 1
Equation of normal is,

y0
1  y = x – 1.
x 1

Sample Problem-5:
For the curve xy = c2, prove that the portion of the tangent intercepted between the coordinate axes
is bisected at the point of contact.
Solution: Let the point at which tangent is drawn be () on the curve xy = c2.

 dy  
  dx ( , )   

- 6.5 -
 Applications of Derivatives

Thus, the equation of tangent is,


y–  =– ( x )

 y = – x + 
 x  + y  = 2
x y
 2  2 1
It is clear that the tangent line cuts x and y-axis at A(2, 0) and B(0, 2 ) and the point () bisects
AB.

Sample Problem-6:

If the tangent at the point P (at 2, at 3) on the curve ay 2 = x 3 intersects the curve again at
the point Q, find the point Q.
JE

Solution: ay2 = x3  2 ay dy/dx = 3x2

Slope of tangent at P is (3x 2 2ay ) P  3a 2 t 4 2a 2 t 3  3t 2
3 2
at1  at 3 t1  tt1  t 2
ES

Let Q be (at12, at13). Slope of line PQ = 2

 which must be the slope of
at1  at 2 t1  t
tangent at P. Hence,
2
t1  tt1  t 2 3t
an

=
t1  t 2

 2t12 – t t1 – t2 = 0
ka

 (t1 – t)(2t1 + t) = 0

t
 t1 = 
2
lp

 at 2 at 3 
Thus Q has coordinates  ,  

 4 8 

Sample Problem-7:

1 1 1 1
Show that the curves ax2 + by2 = 1 and cx2 + dy2 = 1 cut orthogonally if –  –
a b c d

Solution: Let the two curves cut each other at the point (x1, y1); then,
ax12 + by12 = 1 ...(i)
& cx12 + dy12 = 1 ...(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
(a – c) x12 + (b – d) y12 = 0 ...(iii)

- 6.6 -
Applications of Derivatives

Slope of the tangent to the curve ax2 + by2 = 1 at (x1, y1) is given by

 dy  ax
 dx  =– 1
  ( x1, y1 ) by1

Slope of the tangent to the curve cx2 + dy2 = 1 at (x1, y1) is given by

 dy  cx
 dx  =– 1
  ( x1, y1 ) dy1

ax cx
If the two curves cut orthogonally, we must have  – 1   – 1  = –1
 by1   dy1 

 a cx 12 + b d y 12 = 0 ...(iv)
From (iii) and (iv), we have

a –c b–d 1 1 1 1
  –  –
JE

ac bd a b c d

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.2:

1. The angle of intersection of the curves y = 4 – x2 and y = x2 is

ES

1 4 2 1 2 1 8 2 1 3 2
(a) tan (b) tan (c) tan (d) tan
7 7 7 7
an

 dy   dy 
Hint (a): 4 – x2 = x2  x = 2.    2 x &    2 x
 dx 1  dx  2

2 22 2
ka

tan  = 18

x2 y 2
lp

2. The angle of intersection of the curves   1 and x2 + y2 = ab, where b > a > 0 is
a 2 b2

1 ba ab 1 ba 1 ba

(a) tan (c) tan (d) tan
1
(b) tan
ab ba ab ab3

x 2 ab  x 2 2 1 1  a a 2b
Hint (b):   1 Þ x  2
   1   x =
a2 b2 a b2  b ab

3. The angle of intersection of the curves y2 = 4ax and x2 = 4by, where a > 0 and b > 0, at origin is
(a) /2 (b) /3 (c) /4 (d) /12

 x2 
Hint (a):    4ax  x3 = 64 ab or x = 0
 4b 

- 6.7 -
 Applications of Derivatives

4. The angle of intersection of curves y = 2 sin2 x and y = cos 2 x at /3 is.

(a) /6 (b) /3 (c) /2 (d) /4

 dy   
Hint (b):    4sin x cos x = 4sin cos  3
dx
 1 3 3

 dy  2
   2sin 2 x  2sin  3
 dx  2 3

x2 y 2
5. If the curves   1 and y3 = 16x intersect at right angle, then a2 =
a 2 b2
(a) 4/3 (b) 1/4 (c) 5/4 (d) 5/2

 dy   dy 
Hint (a):      1
 dx 1  dx  2

6. If the curve y = ax2 + bx + c is to pass through the point (1, 2) and is to be tangent to the line y = x
JE

at the origin.Then, the value of a + b + c is

(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 1

Hint (a): (0, 0) lies on y = ax2 + bx + c, then c = 0

ES

(1, 2) lies on y = ax2 + bx, then a + b = 2

x2 y 2
7. If the straight line, x cos  + y sin  = p will be a tangent to the curve   1 , then p2 = .
a 2 b2
an

(a) a2 sin2  + b2 cos2 (b) a2 sin  + b2 cos 

(c) a2 cos2  + b2 sin2 (d) a2 cos  + b2 sin
2
 p 
ka
2 2 2 2
2 2 2
Hint (b): Using the condition c = a m + b gives  2
  a cot   b sin 
 sin  
 p2 = a2cos2  + b2sin2 
lp

x y
8. If the line   c touches the curve y = b e–x/a at the point where it crosses the y-axis.Then, the value
a b
of c is
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Hint (a): Put x = 0 in y = be–x/a, gives y = b

dy b  x / a dy b
Now  e  
dx a dx a
b
Tangent is y – b = (x – 0)
a

9. The equation of the normal to the curve x3 + y3 = 8xy at the point other than origin where it meets the
curve y2 = 4x is.
(a) y = 2x (b) y = 3x (c) y = x (d) y = 4x

- 6.8 -
Applications of Derivatives

y2
Hint (c): Put x = in x3 + y3 = 8xy.
4

10. The equation of the normal to the curve y = (1 + x)y + sin–1 (sin2 x) at x = 0 is.
(a) x + y–1 = 0 (b) x + y + 1 = 0 (c) x + y – 2 = 0 (d) x + y –2 = 0

dy dy 2sin x cos x
Hint (a): For x = 0, y = 1, dx  (1  x ) dx ( y log(1  x)) 
1  sin 4 x
= 1 at x = 0, y = 1.

6.4. LENGTHS OF THE TANGENT, NORMAL, SUB-TANGENT AND SUB-NORMAL AT

ANY POINT OF A CURVE
Let the tangent and the normal at any point (x, y) of the curve y = f(x) meet the x-axis at T and G
respectively. Draw the ordinate PM.
Then the lengths TM, MG are called the sub-tangent and sub-normal respectively.
JE

The lengths PT, PG are sometimes referred to as the lengths of the tangent and the normal respectively.
Clearly MPG = 
ES

dy
Also tan  
dx
y = f(x)
From the figure, we have Y
P
(i) Length of Tangent
an

= TP = MP |cosec  | = | y | (1  cot 2  ) y

  dx  2  T M G X
ka

= | y | 1    
  dy  

dx
(ii) Length of Sub-tangent = TM = MP | cot  |  | y |
lp

dy

(iii) Length of Normal = GP = MP |sec  | = | y | (1  tan 2  )

  dy 2 
 | y | 1    
  dx  

dy
(iv) Length of Sub-normal = MG = MP| tan  |  | y |
dx

Sample Problem-8:
Find the equation of family of curves for which the length of normal is equal to the radius vector.
Solution: Let P(x, y) be the point on the curve.

OP = radius vector = x2  y2

- 6.9 -
 Applications of Derivatives

PN = length of normal

1
Now, tan  
dy
 
 
 dx 

y Y Tangent
 PN  sin 
P(x, y)
It is given OP = PN
y
mal
2 Nor
 dy  
 x2  y 2  y 1   
 dx  N O X

2
  dy 2 
2 2  dy 
2
dy x
 x  y  y  1      x2
= y2
   = ±
  dx    dx  dx y

 ydy = ± x dx
JE

integrating both sides, y2 = ± x2 + c is the required family of curves.

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.3:
ES

1. For, the curve y = c ex/a, the subtangent is

(a) Constant (b) depends on x (c) depends on y (d) none of these

dy c x / a y
an

Hint (a):  e 
dx a a

dx a
Subtangent = y dy  y  y  a
ka

2. The length of normal at t, to the curve x = a sin3t, y = a cos3t is.

(a) |y cos t| (b) |y cosec t| (c) |y cot t| (d) |y tan t|
lp

dx dy
Hint (b):  3a sin 2 t cos t ,  3a cos 2 t sin t
dt dt

dy
then  cot t
dx

2
 dy 
Length of normal = y 1   dx  = |y cosec t|

3. For, the curve y = c , the subtangent is

(a) Constant (b) 0 (c) not defined (d) none of these

dy ydx
Hint (c):  0, subtangent =
dx dy

- 6.10 -
Applications of Derivatives

4. For, the curve y = c, the subnormal is

(a) Constant (b) 0 (c) not defined (d) none of these

dy ydy
Hint (b):  0, subnormal =
dx dx

5. For, the curve y = c, the length of normal is

(a) Constant (b) 0 (c) not defined (d) none of these

2
dy  dy 
Hint (b):  0 , length of normal = y 1   
dx  dx 

6. For, the curve y = c, the length of tangent is

(a) Constant (b) 0 (c) not defined (d) none of these

2
dy  dx 
Hint (c):  0 , length of tangent = y 1   
 dy 
JE
dx

7. For the curve y n  a n 1 x the subnormal at any point is constant. The value of n must be:
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 3 (d) 2
ES

n 1
n 1 dy dy  a  1
Hint (d): ny  a n 1   
dx dx  y  n

ydy na n 1
an

Subnormal =  n  2 then n = 2
dx y

8. If the normal to the curve x = a (cos  +  sin ), y = a (sin  –  cos ) is at distance p from the origin,
ka

then p=
(a) 1 (b) 2|a| (c) |a| (d) none of these
lp

dx
Hint (b): a(– sin  + sin  +  cos ) = a cos 
d
dy
= a (cos  – cos  +  sin ) = a sin 
d
dy
then = tan 
dx

9. The subtangent, ordinate and subnormal to the parabola y 2  4ax at a point ther than origin are in
(a) A.P. (b) H.P. (c) G.P. (d) none of these

dy dy 2a
Hint (c): 2 y  4a  
dx dx y

- 6.11 -
 Applications of Derivatives

a a  a2  y2
10. The portion of the tangent to the curve x = a 2  y 2  log between the point of
2 a  a2  y2
contact and the x-axis is of length.
(a) a (b) 2a (c) 3a (d) 4a

dx
Hint (a): Put y = a sin , then find
d

6.5. ROLLE’S THEOREM (RT)

It is one of the most fundamental theorem of differential calculus and has far reaching consequences.
It states that if y = f(x) be a given function and satisfies,
 f(x) is continuous in [a, b]
 f(x) is differentiable in (a, b)
 f(a) = f(b)
JE

Then f (x) = 0 at least once for some x  (a, b).

Y
6.5.1. Geometrical Interpretation
C
If the graph of y = f (x) has the ordinates at two point A,
ES

B equal, and if the graph be continuous throughout the

B
A
interval from A to B and if the curve has a tangent at
every point on it from A to B except possibly at the two O x=a x=c x=b
X
an

extreme points A and B, then there exists a point between

A and B where the tangent is parallel to the x-axis.
ka

Sample Problem-9:
Let f(x) = x2 – 3x + 4. Verify Rolle’s theorem in [1, 2].
lp

Solution: f(1) = f(2) = 2

Now, f (x) = 0  2x – 3 = 0
3
 x  (1, 2).
2
Hence, Rolle’s theorem is verified.

Sample Problem-10:
Let f(x) = (x – a) (x – b)(x – c), a < b < c, show that f (x) = 0 has two roots one belonging to
(a, b) and other belonging to (b, c).

Solution : Here, f(x) being a polynomial is continuous and differentiable for all real values of x. We also
have f(a) = f(b) = f(c). If we apply Rolle’s theorem to f(x) in [a, b] and [b, c] we would observe
that f (x)= 0 would have at least one root in (a, b) and at least one root in (b, c). But f (x) is a
polynomial of degree two, hence f (x)= 0 can not have more than two roots. It implies that
exactly one root of f (x)= 0 would lie in (a, b) and exactly one root of f (x) = 0 would lie in (b, c).

- 6.12 -
Applications of Derivatives

Remarks:
Let y = f(x) be a polynomial function of degree n. If f(x) = 0 has real roots only, then f (x)= 0, f (x)
= 0, ... , f n–1(x) = 0 would have only real roots. It is so because if f(x) = 0 has all real roots, then
between two consecutive roots of f(x) = 0, exactly one roots of f (x) = 0 would lie.

Sample Problem-11:
a0 a1 a
Prove that if a0, a1, a2, ..., an are real numbers such that   ...  n 1  an  0
n 1 n 2
then there exists at least one real number x between 0 and 1 such that
a0xn + a1xn–1 + a2 xn–2 + ... + an = 0,

Solution : Consider a function f defined as

a0 n 1 a1 n a
f(x) = x  x  ...  n 1 x 2  an x, x [0,1]
n 1 n 2
f being a polynomial satisfies the following conditions.
JE

(i) f is continuous in [0, 1]

(ii) f is derivable in (0, 1)
(iii) Since f(0) = 0 and f(1) = 0 by hypothesis,
ES

 f(0) = f(1)
Hence there is some x (0, 1) such that f (x) = 0
a0 a a
 ( n  1) x n  1 nx n 1  ...  n 1 .2 x  an  0
n 1 n 2
an

n n–1
 a0x + a1x + ..... + an –1 x + an = 0

6.6. LAGRANGE’S MEAN VALUE THEOREM (LMVT)

ka

If a function f is
(i) continuous in a closed interval [a, b] and
(ii) derivable in the open interval (a, b), then there exists at least one value c  (a, b) such that
lp

f (b)  f ( a)
 f  (c ) .
ba
6.6.1. Geometrical Interpretation:
f (b)  f ( a)
Let P be a point [c, f (c)] on the curve y = f(x) such that  f  (c )
ba
f (b)  f (a)
The slope of the chord AB is and that of the tangent at P(c, f(c)) is f (c). These being
ba
equal, it follows that there exists a point P on the curve, the tangent which is parallel to the chord AB.
Y Y P2
P P1
B
B
A A P3

X
O L M X O L M

- 6.13 -
 Applications of Derivatives

Sample Problem-12:
If f(x) and g(x) be differentiable functions in (a, b), continuous at a and b and g(x)  0 in [a, b], then
prove that
g (a ) f (b)  f ( a) g (b) (b  a) g (a ) g (b)
 2 for atleast one c  (a, b).
g (c ) f (c )  f (c ) g (c )  g (c) 
Solution: We have to prove (after rearranging the terms)
f (b) f ( a)

g (b) g ( a) g (c ) f (c)  f (c) g (c)

(b  a) ( g (c )) 2

f ( x)
Let F(x) = g ( x)

As f(x) and g(x) are differentiable function in (a, b), F(x) will also be differentiable in (a, b).
Further F is continuous at a and b. So according to LMVT, there exist one c  (a, b) such that
JE

F (b)  F (a )
F (c )  , which proves the required result.
ba

Sample Problem-13:
ES

If the function f : [0, 4]  R is differentiable, then show that, (f (4))2 – (f(0))2 = 8 f (a) f (b) for some
a, b  (0, 4)
an

Solution: Since, f is differentiable  f is continuous also.

Thus by Lagrange’s mean value theorem, a  (0, 4) such that
f (4)  f (0) f (4)  f (0)
f ( a)   ... (1)
ka

40 4
Also, by Intermediate value theorem there exists b  (0, 4) such that
f (4)  f (0)
f(b) = ... (2)
lp

2
( f (4)) 2  ( f (0)) 2
f  (a) f (b) 
8
 (f(4))2 – (f(0))2 = 8f  (a) f (b) for some a, b (0, 4).

Sample Problem-14:
If f(x) is continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b) then prove that there exists atleast one
f (c) f (b)  f ( a)
c  (a, b) such that  .
3c 2 b3  a 3
Solution: We have to prove
(b3 – a3) f (c) – (f(b) – f(a)) (3c2) = 0
Let us assume a function
F(x) = (b3 – a3) f(x) – (f(b) – f(a)) x3

- 6.14 -
Applications of Derivatives

which will be continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b) as f(x) and x3 both are continuous.
Also F(a) = b3f(a) – a3 f(b) = F(b)
So, according to Rolle’s theorem, there exists atleast one c  (a, b) such that, F(c) = 0, which
proves the required result.

Sample Problem-15:
Find a point on f (x) = (x – 3)2, where the tangent is parallel to the chord joining (3, 0) and (4, 1).

Solution: f (x) = (x – 3)2; f (x) = 2(x – 3)

f (x) is continuous in [3, 4] and f (x) exists in (3, 4), as they are polynomials.
By Lagrange’s mean value theorem, there exists c  ]3, 4[ such that
f ( 4 )  f ( 3)
= f (c)
43
JE

1 0
= 2(c – 3)
43
7
c=
ES

7 1
Hence the required point is  , 
2 4
an

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.4:

1. If 2a + 3b + 6c = 0, then, the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 has at least one real root in

(a) (0, 1) (b) (1, 2) (c) (–1, 2) (d) (–1, 0)
ka

ax 3 bx 2
Hint (a): Let f (x) =   cx , f (0) = f (1) = 0
3 2
lp

2. The equation 4x3 – 9x2 + 6x – 3 = 0 has a real root lying between

(a) (0, 1) (b) (1, 2) (c) (–1, 2) (d) (–1, 0)
Hint (b): Let f (x) = x4 – 3x3 + 3x2 – 3x, f (1) = f (2) = –2

3. The number of real root of x4 + 3x + 1 = 0 between x = – 2 and x = – 1,is.

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 4

Hint (b): Let f (x) = x4 + 3x + 1, f (–2) = 16 – 6 + 1 = 11, f (1) = 5.

f (x) = 4x3 + 3

sin b  sin a
4. If there exists c, a < c < b , then =
cos b  cos a
(a) –cot c (b) –tan c (c) sec c (d) cosec c

- 6.15 -
 Applications of Derivatives

sin b  sin a
Hint (a): Let f (x) = sin x, then cos c =
ba
and g (x) = cos x, then –sin c = cos b – cos a
5. Let f be differentiable for all x. If f(1) = –2 and f  (x) 2 for all x  [1, 6]. Then the least value of
f(6) is
(a) 5 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8

f (6)  f (1)
Hint (d): f '( x)  2  f (6) – f (1)  10
5

1  1
6. Let f(x) = x sin
x
for x  0 and f(0) = 0. Then, in the interval 0,   , the number of values of x,

where f  vanishes is.

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) infinite

1
Hint (d): f (0) = f    0
JE

 

7. Let f(x) = (x – 3) (x – 4) (x – 5) (x – 6) then that f (x) = 0 has exactly number of real roots in (3, 6),
ES
is.
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Hint (c): f (3) = f (4) = f (5) = f (6) = 0

an

8. Let  () be two real roots of the equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then, between  and  the real
number must lies is.
b b b b
ka

(a) (b) (c) (d)

2a 2a a a

b
Hint (a): 2ax + b = 0  x = 
lp

2a

9. If an interval (a, b) contains k roots of a real polynomial p(x) and p(x) has at least n real roots in
(a, b), then n =.
(a) k (b) k – 1 (c) k + 1 (d) k + 2
Hint (b): p(x) = 0 has k –1 real roots.

10. Suppose that the function f and g are continuous in a neighbourhood N of a point c and are differentiable
in the deleted neighbourhood. N – {c} of c . Assume further that f(c) = 0 = g(c) but that g does not
f ( x ) f ( x)
vanish in N – {c} and Lim  L .Then, value of lim
x  c g ( x) x  c g ( x ) is.
(a) L (b) 2L (c) 3L (d) 4L

f ( x) f '( x)
Hint (a): lim  lim =L
x  c g ( x) x c g '( x)

- 6.16 -
Applications of Derivatives

6.7. MONOTONICITY
Let y = f(x) be a given function with D as it’s domain.
Let D1  D, then
6.7.1. Increasing Function
f(x) is said to be increasing in D1 if for every x1, x2  D1 ,
x1 > x2  f (x1) > f (x2)
It means that there is a certain increase in the value of f(x)
with an increase in the value of x (Refer to the adjacent figure).

6.7.2. Non-Decreasing Function

f(x) is said to be non-decreasing in D1 if for every x1, x2  D1 ,
x1 > x2  f(x1)  f(x2). It means that the value of f(x)
would never decrease with an increase in the value of x
(Refer to the adjacent figure).
JE

6.7.3. Decreasing Function

f(x) is said to be decreasing in D1
if for every x1, x2  D1, x1 > x2  f(x1) < f(x2)
ES

it means that there is a certain decrease

in the value of f(x) with an increase in the value of x
(Refer to the adjacent figure).
an

6.7.4. Non-increasing Function

f(x) is said to be non-increasing in D1
ka

if for every x1. x2  D1, x1 > x2  f(x1)  f(x2).

It means that the value of f(x) would
never increase with an increase in the value of x
lp

(Refer to the adjacent figure).

6.7.5. Basic Theorems

Let y = f(x) be a given function, continuous in [a, b] and differentiable in (a, b). Then
 f(x) is increasing in (a, b) if f ( x)  0  x  ( a, b) .
 f(x) is non-decreasing in (a, b) if f ( x )  0  x  ( a, b) .
 f(x) is decreasing in (a, b) if f ( x )  0  x  ( a, b) .
 f(x) is non-increasing in (a, b) if f ( x )  0  x  ( a, b) .

Remarks :
(i) If f ( x )  0  x  ( a, b) and points which make f (x) equal to zero (in between (a, b))
don’t form an interval, then f(x) would be increasing in (a, b).

- 6.17 -
 Applications of Derivatives

(ii) If f ( x )  0  x  ( a, b) and points which make f (x) equal to zero (in between (a, b))
don’t form an interval, f(x) would be decreasing in (a, b).
(iii) If f(0) = 0 and f ( x )  0  x  R, then f ( x )  0  x ( ,0) and f ( x )  0  x (0, ) .
(iv) If f(0) = 0 and f ( x )  0  x R then f ( x )  0  x  ( ,0) and f ( x )  0x  (0, ).
(v) A function is said to be monotonic if it’s either increasing or decreasing.
(vi) The points for which f ( x) is equal to zero or doesn’t exist are called critical points. Here it
should also be noted that critical points are the interior points of the domain of the function.
(vii) The stationary points are the points of the domain where f ( x ) = 0.
(viii)If f (x)= 0 or dose not exist at points where f (x)exists and if f (x) changes sign when passing
through x = x0 and f (x)doesn’t change its sign then x0 is called a point of inflection.
If f (x)< 0, x  (a, b) then the curve y = f(x) is convex in (a, b)
If f (x) > 0, x  (a, b) then the curve y = f(x) is concave in (a, b)
At the point of inflection, the curve changes its concavity.

Sample Problem-16:
JE

(i) Find the critical points and the intervals of increase and decrease for
f(x) = 3x4 – 8x3 – 6x2 + 24x + 7.
(ii) Find the intervals of monotonicity of the following functions:
ES

(a) f(x) = x4 – 8x3 + 22x2 – 24x + 7

(b) f(x) = x ln x
Solution: (i) f(x) = 3x4 – 8x3 – 6x2 + 24x + 7
an

f (x) = 12x3 – 24x2 – 12x + 24 = 0 sign scheme for f (x):

 12(x3 – 2x2 – x + 2) = 0
 12(x – 1) (x – 2) (x + 1) = 0
ka

Critical points are –1, 1 and 2.

The wavy curve of the derivative is given in the figure.
Hence function increases in the interval [–1, 1]  [2,  ) and
lp

decreases in the interval (–  , –1]  [1, 2].

(ii) (a) we have: f(x) = x4 – 8x3 + 22x2 – 24x + 7, x  R
 f (x) = 4x3 – 24x2 + 44 x – 24 = 4 (x –1) (x –2) (x –3)
From the sign scheme for f (x), we can see that f(x)
decreases in (–  , 1]
increases in [1, 2]
decreases in [2, 3]
and increases in [3,  ).
(b) we have f(x) = x ln x, x > 0
 f (x) = ln x + 1 < 0 x  e 1
 f(x) decreases in (0, e–1]
increases in [e–1,  ).

- 6.18 -
Applications of Derivatives

Sample Problem-17:
Prove the following inequalities :

x2 
(a) ln(1 + x) > x – x (0,  ) (b) sin x  x  tan x x  0, 
2  2
Solution: (a) Consider the function

x2
f(x) = ln (1 + x) – x + , x (0,  )
2
1 x2
Then f ( x)  1 x   0 x  (0,  )
1 x 1 x
 f(x) increases in (0,  )  f(x) > f(0+) = 0
x2
i.e., ln(1 + x) > x –
2
which is the desired result.
(b) Consider the function
JE

 
f(x) = tan x – x, x  0, 
 2
 
ES

2
f (x) = sec x  1 0 x  0, 
 2

 
Thus f(x) increases in  0,   f(x)  f(0) = 0
 2
an

i.e., tan x  x
Now, consider the function
 
ka

g(x) = x – sin x, x   0, 
 2

x  
Then g(x) = 1 – cos x = 2 sin2    0 x   0, 
lp

 2  2

 
 g(x) increases in  0, 2   g(x)  g(0) = 0
 
i.e., sin x  x

Sample Problem-18:
Find intervals in which f (x) = 2 x2 – log | x| : x  0, is increasing / decreasing.

 2 x 2 – log (– x ) if x0
Solution: f (x) =  2
 2 x  log x if x0

 4 x – 1 / x if x0
 f (x) = 
 4 x – 1 / x if x0

 f (x) = 4x – 1/x = (4x2 – 1) / x = (2x – 1) (2x + 1) /x ; x  0

- 6.19 -
 Applications of Derivatives

 1  1
f (x) < 0in    ,     0 , 
 2  2

 1  1  1  1 
 f decreases in    ,     0 ,  and increases in   , 0    ,  
 2  2  2  2 

Sample Problem-19:

x3 
Prove that x   sin x  x ; 0  x  .
6 2

Solution: Let f (x) = sin x – x ; f (x) = cos x – 1  0

 f (x) is a decreasing function.

 f (x) < f (0) = 0 in (0,  / 2]

 sin x < x. ...(i)

JE

x3 x2
Let g(x) = x – – sin x ; g(x) = 1 – – cos x  (x) (say)
6 2
(x) = –x + sin x < 0 (by (i))
ES

 (x) is a decreasing function.


g(x) = (x) < (0)  0 < x 
2
an

 g(x) is a decreasing function and g(x) < g(0) = 0

Hence x – x3/6 < sin x. ...(ii)

ka

From (i) and (ii) ; x – x3/6 < sin x < x.

Sample Problem-20:
lp

Find the subintervals of [0, 2] in which f (x) = x – 2 sin x is an increasing function.

Solution: f (x) = 1 – 2 cos x

1
f (x) > 0 if cos x <
2

   
i.e., if x   , 2   
 3 3 

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.5:
1. The intervals in which the function f(x) = 3x4 + 4x3 – 12x2 – 7 is increasing is
(a) [–2, 0] (b) [1, 2] (c) (–1, 2) (d) (–1, 0)

Hint (a): f (x)  0

- 6.20 -
Applications of Derivatives

2. The values ‘a’ for which the function f(x) = (a + 2)x3 – 3a x2 + 9a x – 1 decreases for all real values
of x is
(a)  ,   (b)  , 3 (c)  ,3 (d)  ,0 

Hint (b): f (x)  0

3. The function f(x) = tan–1(sin x + cos x) is decreasing function on the interval.

    F
G I
(a)  0, 
 2
(b)  ,  
2 
(c) (0, ) (d) H4 , 2 JK
cos x  sin x
Hint (d): f (x) =
1  (cos x  sin x) 2

4. The function f(x) = 2sin x + tan x - 3 x is increasing in the interval .

F  I   F
G I
(a) G
H 2 , 2 JK (b)  ,   (c) (0, ) (d) H4 , 2 JK
JE

2 

Hint (a): f (x) = 2 cos x + sec2x –3.

[ a sin x  b cos x]
ES

5. The relation between the constants a, b, c and d so that the function, f ( x)  is

[c sin x  d cos x]
always increasing is.
(a) ad < bc (b) ad > bc (c) ab > cd (d) ab < cd
an

Hint (b): f (x) > 0

 x2  2
6. The interval of decreasing of g(x), where g(x) = 2 f    f (6  x ) for all x  R. It is given that
ka

2
 
f (x) > 0 for all x  R.
(a)  , 2   0, 2 (b)  , 2   0,1 (c)  , 1   0,1 (d)  , 1   0,2
lp

 x2  2
Hint (a): g(x) < 0  xf '    xf '(6  x )
2
 

x2 x2
  6  x 2 for x > 0 and  6  x 2 for x < 0
2 2

x3
dt
7. 
If f ( x)  ln t x  0,  1 then
x2

(a) f(x) is an increasing function (b) f(x) has a minima at x = 1

(c) f(x) is a decreasing function (d) f(x) has a maxima at x = 1

3x 2 2x x
Hint (a): f (x) =   ( x  1)
3ln x 2ln x ln x

- 6.21 -
 Applications of Derivatives

8. If S is the set, such that f(x) = 8x2 – ln |x| increases in S, then S contains

 1  1  1
(a)   ,0  (b) (–  ,  ) (c)  0,  (d) none of these
 4  4  4

Hint (a): f (x) = 16 x – 1/x

9.  2

Let f(x) = 2x – tan–1x-ln x  1  x ; x  R . Then

(a) f(x) is increasing in (–   ) (b) f(x) is non-decreasing in (–  ,  )

(c) f(x) is decreasing in (–  ,  ) (d) f(x) is non-increasing in (–  ,  )

1 1
Hint (a): f (x) = 2 – 2

1 x 1  x2

10. The number of critical points of f(x) = max {sin x, cos x} for x (0, 2) is
(a) 2 (b) 5 (c) 3 (d) none of these
JE

Hint (c):
ES

6.8. MAXIMA AND MINIMA OF A FUNCTION

an

6.8.1. Concept of Local Maxima and Local Minima

Let y = f(x) be a function defined at x = a
and also in the vicinity of the point x = a.
ka

Then, f(x) is said to have a local maximum

at x = a, if the value of the function at
x = a is greater than the value of the
lp

function at the neighboring points of x = a.

Mathematically, f(a) > f(a – h) and
f(a) > f(a + h) where h > 0 (very small a–h a a + h a–h a a + h
quantity). Local maxima Local minima
Similarly, f(x) is said to have a local minimum at x = a, if the value of the function at x = a is less than
the value of the function at the neighboring points of x = a.
Mathematically, f(a) < f(a – h) and f(a) < f(a + h) where h > 0.
A local maximum or a local minimum is also called a local extremum.

6.8.2. Tests for Local Maxima/Minima

6.8.2.1. Test for Local Maximum/Minimum at x = a if f(x) is Differentiable at x = a.
If f(x) is differentiable at x = a and if it is a critical point of the function (i.e., f (a) = 0) then we have
the following three tests to decide whether f(x) has a local maximum or local minimum or neither at
x = a.

- 6.22 -
Applications of Derivatives

6.8.2.2. First Derivative Test :

If f (a)= 0 and f (x) changes it’s sign while passing through the point x = a, then
(i) f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a if f (a – 0)> 0 and f (a + 0) < 0. It means that
f (x) should change it’s sign from positive to negative.
(ii) f(x) would have a local minimum at x = a if f (a – 0) < 0 and f (a + 0) > 0. It means that
f (x) should change it’s sign from negative to positive.
(iii) If f(x) doesn’t change it’s sign while passing through x = a, then f(x) would have neither a
maximum nor a minimum at x = a.
6.8.2.3. Second Derivative Test:
This test is basically the mathematical representation of the first derivative test. It simply says that,
(i) If f (a) = 0 and f (a) < 0, then f(x) would have a local maximum at x = a.
(ii) If f (a)= 0 and f (a) > 0, then f(x) would have a local minimum at x = a.
(iii) If f (a)= 0 and f (a) = 0, then this test fails and the existence of a local maximum/minimum
JE

at x = a is decided on the basis of the nth derivative test.

6.8.2.4. nth Derivative Test
It is nothing but the general version of the second derivative test, It says that if, f (a) = f (a)
ES

= f (a) = ... f n(a) = 0 and f n+1

(a)  0 (all derivatives of the function up to order n vanishes and
(n + 1)th order derivative does not vanish at x = a), then f(x) would have a local maximum or local
minimum at x = a if n is odd natural number and that x = a would be a point of local maxima if
f n+1(a) < 0 and would be a point of local minima if f n+1(a) > 0. However if n is even, then f has neither
an

a maxima nor a minima at x = a.

It is clear that the last two tests are basically the mathematical representation of the first derivative
ka

test. But that shouldn’t diminish the importance of these tests. Because at that times it becomes very
difficult to decide whether f (x) changes it’s sign or not while passing through point x = a, and the
remaining tests may come handy in these kind of situations.
lp

Sample Problem-21:

1
Let f(x) = x + , x  0 . Discuss the maximum and minimum values of f(x).
x

1 x 2  1 ( x  1)( x  1)
Solution: Here, f (x) = 1 – 2  f ( x)  
x x2 x2 + – +
sign scheme for f (x): –1 1

Using number line rule, we have maximum at x = –1 and minimum at x = 1

 at x = –1 we have local maximum  fmax(x) = – 2

and at x = 1 we have local minimum  fmin(x) = 2

- 6.23 -
 Applications of Derivatives

6.8.2.5. Test for Local Maximum/Minimum at x = a if f(x) is not differentiable at x = a

Case 1 : When f(x) is continuous at x = a and f (a – h) and f (a + h) exist and are non-zero, then
f(x) has a local maximum or minimum at x = a if f (a – h) and f (a + h) are of opposite signs.
If f (a – h) > 0 and f (a + h) < 0 then x = a will be a point of local maximum.
If f (a – h) < 0 and f (a + h) > 0 then x = a will be a point of local minimum.
Case 2: When f(x) is continuous and f (a – h) and f (a + h) exist but one of them is zero, we should
infer the information about the existence of local maxima/minima from the basic definition of local
maxima/minima.
Case 3: If f(x) is not continuous at x = a and f (a – h) and/or f (a + h) are not finite, then compare
the values of f(x) at the neighboring points of x = a.
Remark: It is advisable to draw the graph of the function in the vicinity of the point x = a because
the graph would given us the clear picture about the existence of local maxima/minima at x = a.
JE

Sample Problem-22:

 x3  x 2  10 x, x  0
Let f(x) =  . Investigate x = 0 for local maxima/ minima.
ES

 3sin x, x 0

Solution: Clearly f(x) is continuous at x = 0 but not differentiable at x = 0 as f(0) = f(0 – 0) = f (0 + 0) = 0

f ( h)  f (0)
f   (0)  lim
an
h 0 h

h3  h 2  10h  0
 lim = 10
h 0 h
ka

f (h)  f (0) 3sinh

But f  (0)  lim  lim  3
h 0 h h  0 h
Since f  (0)  0 and f  (0)  0, x  0 is the point of local maximum.
lp

Sample Problem-23:

Find the points of local maxima and local minima for the function f (x) = (x – 1)3 (x + 1)2. Also find
corresponding values of f (x).

Solution: f (x) = 3(x – 1)2(x + 1)2 + 2(x – 1)3(x + 1)

= (x – 1)2(x + 1){3x + 3 + 2x – 2}
= (x – 1)2(x + 1)(5x + 1)

f (x) = 0  x = 1, –1,  1
5
By the signs of f (x), we conclude;

- 6.24 -
Applications of Derivatives

f has local maximum at x = – 1 and f (–1) = 0

1  1 3456
f has local minimum at x =  and f     
5  5 3125

Sample Problem-24:

Find the maximum and minimum values of f (x) = x + sin 2x in [0, ].

Solution: f (x) = 1 + 2 cos 2x ;

1
f (x) = 0  cos 2x = –
2

2 4  2
 2x = , or x= ,
3 3 3 3
Now for absolute max/min, we compare values of
JE

  3     3
f (0) = 0, f  = + , f  = 3 – , f () = 
3
  3 2  3  2

 Absolute max. f (x) = f ()  

ES

Absolute min. f (x) = f (0)  0.

Sample Problem-25:
an

Show that the semi-vertical angle of a right circular cone of maximum volume and of given slant
height is tan–1 2 .
ka

Solution: Let slant height OA be l and semi-verical angle of the cone be .

From figure,
lp

r = radius of the base O


= l sin 
l
h = height of the cone = OC = l cos 
A B
1 C
V = volume = r2 h
3
1 1 3 2
= (l sin )2 (l cos ) = l sin  cos 
3 3

dV 1
 = l 3 (2 sin  cos2  – sin3 )
d 3

1
= l 3 sin (2 cos2  – sin2 ).
3

- 6.25 -
 Applications of Derivatives

d 2V 1 3
 = l {cos (2 cos2  – sin2 ) + sin (–4 cos  sin  – 2 sin  cos )}
d 3

1 3
= l {2 cos3  – 7 sin2 cos }
3

1
= l 3 cos3  (2 – 7 tan2 )
3

dV
=0  sin  = 0 or tan2  = 2
d


  = 0, tan–1 2 ( 0 <  < )
2

d 2V
We reject “ = 0”. Further, < 0 for  = tan–1 2
d 
JE

Hence volume is maximum when  = tan–1 2 .

Sample Problem-26:
ES

If f (x) = 2x3 – 3x2 + 1,

 max. ( f (t )) , 0  t  x : 0  x  2
g(x) =  2 . Test continuity of g(x) in [0, 3].
 x  3x  7 : 2 x3
an

Solution: f (x) = 2x3 – 3x2 +1

f (x) = 6x2 – 6x = 6x(x – 1)
ka
f (x) = 0 if x = 0, 1
f (x) > 0 if x > 1 or x < 0
f (x) < 0 if 0 < x < 1
lp

 x = 0 is point of local maxima and f (0) = 1

3
f (x) = 1  2x3 – 3x2 = 0  x = 0,
2

 3
 f ( 0 )  1 if 0 x
2

 3
 g(x) =  f ( x ) if x2
 2 2
 x  3 x  7 if 2 x3


g can be easily verified to be discontinuous at x = 2 alone.

- 6.26 -
Applications of Derivatives

6.9. CONCEPT OF GLOBAL MAXIMUM/MINIMUM

Let y = f(x) be a given function with domain D. Let [a, b]  D. Global maximum/minimum of f(x) in
[a, b] is basically the greatest/least value of f(x) in [a, b].
Global maximum and minimum in [a, b] would always occur at critical points of f(x) within [a, b] or
at the end points of the interval, if f is continuous in [a, b].
6.9.1 Global Maximum/Minimum in [a, b]
In order to find the global maximum and minimum of a continuous function f(x) in [a, b], find out all
the critical points of f(x) in (a, b). Let c1, c2, ... , cn be the different critical points. Find the value of the
function at these critical points. Let f(c1), f(c2), .... , f(cn) be the values of the function at critical
points.
Say, M1 = max {f(a), f(c1), f(c2), .... , f(cn), f(b)}
and M2 = min {f(a), f(c), f(c2), ..., f(cn), f(b)}
Then M1 is the greatest value of f(x) in [a, b] and M2 is the least value of f(x) in [a, b].
JE

6.9.2. Global Maximum/Minimum in (a, b)

Method for obtaining the greatest and least values of f(x) in (a, b) is almost same as the method used
for obtaining the greatest and least values in [a, b] however with a caution.
ES

Let y = f(x) be a continuous function and c1, c2 ... c3 be the different critical points of the function in
(a, b).
Let M1 = max. {f(c1), f(c2), f(c3) .... f(cn)}
an

and M2 = min {f(c1), f(c2), f(c3) ... f(cn)}

Now if lim f(x) > M1 or < M2, f(x) would not have global maximum (or global minimum) in
x a  0
( or x  b 0)
ka

(a, b).
This means that if the limiting values at the end points are greater than M1 or less than M2, then f(x)
lim
lp

would not have global maximum/minimum in (a, b). On the other hand if M1 > x a 0 f(x) and
(and xb  0)
lim
M2 < x a  0 f(x), then M1 and M2 would respectively be the global maximum and global minimum
( and xb 0)

of f(x) in (a, b).

Sample Problem-27:
let f(x) = 2x3 – 9x2 + 12x + 6. Discuss the global maximum and minimum of f(x) in [0, 2] and
in (1, 3).
Solution: f(x) = 2x3 – 9x2 + 12x + 6
 f (x) = 6x2 – 18x + 12 = 6 (x2 – 3x + 2) = 6 (x – 1) (x– 2)
First of all let us discuss [0, 2].
Clearly the critical point of f(x) in [0, 2] is x = 1.

- 6.27 -
 Applications of Derivatives

f(0) = 6, f(1) = 11, f(2) = 10

Thus x = 0 is the point of global minimum of f(x) in [0, 2] and x = 1 is the point of global maximum.
Now let us consider (1, 3)
Clearly, x = 2 is the only critical point in (1, 3),
f(2) = 10 , lim f ( x ) = 11 and lim f ( x ) = 15
x 1 0 x 3 0

Thus x = 2 is the point of global minimum in (1, 3) and the global maximum in (1, 3) does not exist.

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-6.6:

x
1. The local maximum value of the function y = ( x  1)( x  4) , 1  x  4 is.

(a) –1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

x dy ( x 2  5 x  4)  x(2 x  5)
Hint (a): y = , 
x 3  5 x  4 dx ( x 2  5 x  4) 2
JE

ax  b
2. If y = ( x  1)( x  4) has a turning value at (2, -1) then the value of a + b is
ES

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3

2a  b
Hint (b): Given –1 = (2  1)(2  4)  2a + b = 2 and y´(2) = 0
an

5 2 3
3. The value of ‘a’, for which all the extrema for the function f(x) = a x  2ax 2  9 x  b are positive
3
and the function has a maximum at the point x = –5/9, is.
ka

81
(a) (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6
25

 5
lp

Hint (a): f      0
 9

4. If the function f(x) = sin x (1 + cos x) is maximum in the interval [0, ] at x = .

   
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3 2 6 4

Hint (a): f (x) = cos x(1 + cos x) – sin x . sin x = 0

5. The absolute maximum value and the absolute minimum value of the function, f(x) = 3x4 – 8x3 + 12x2
– 48x + 25 in the interval [0, 3] are.
(a) 25, –30 (b) 20, –39 (c) 25, –39 (d) 20, –40

Hint (c): f (x) = 12 x3 – 24x2 + 24x – 48 = 0

6. The maximum value of f (x) = cos (3x) + cos (5x) is
(a) 1 (b) 0 (c) 3 (d) 4

- 6.28 -
Applications of Derivatives

Hint (c): f (0) = 1 + 1 = 2

7. If  is the root (having least absolute value) of the equation x2 – bx – 1 = 0 (b  R+) then
(a)  < – 1 (b) –1 <  < 0 (c) 0 <  < 1 (d)  > 1

Hint (b): 2x – b = 0
b
x=
2
N
8. Let N be any four digit number say x1 x2 x3 x4. Then maximum value of x  x  x  x is equal to
1 2 3 4

1111
(a) 1000 (b) (c) 800 (d) none of these
4
Hint (a): x1 + x2 + x3 + x4  4(N)1/4

| x  1|  a, x 1
9. Let f(x) =  . If f(x) has a local minima at x = 1, then
 2 x  3, x 1
JE

(a) a = 5 (b) a < 5 (c) a > 5 (d) none of these

Hint (a): f (1)  xlim

1
f ( x)  5  a
ES

10. If f(x) = a0 + a1 x2 + a2x4 + ... + anx2n be a polynomial where a0 < a1 < a2 < ...< an and all are positive
then f(x) has
(a) neither a maximum nor a minimum (b) only one maximum
an

(c) only one minimum (d) none of these

Hint (c): f (x) = 2a1x + 4a2x3 + ... + 2nanx2n –1 =0

ka

 x = 0 and f (0) > 0

lp

- 6.29 -
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