SENIOR FIVE TERM 2

TOPIC 4/6: Differentiation 1

Competency: The learner applies differentiation techniques to solve problems in calculus and
interpret their significance in real-world contexts.

Contents
Differentiation from first principles .......................................................................................................... 2
Direct differentiation of explicit functions ................................................................................................ 2
Direct differentiation of explicit functions from first principles ............................................................... 3
Differentiation of polynomial functions from first principles ................................................................... 4
Differentiation of product and quotient of a function ............................................................................. 6
Quotient rule in differentiation ................................................................................................................ 9
Differentiation of functions by use of chain rule ...................................................................................... 9
Differentiation of parametric equations ................................................................................................. 10
Differentiation of implicit function ......................................................................................................... 12
Second derivative .................................................................................................................................... 13
Differentiation of exponential functions ................................................................................................ 14
Differentiation of logarithmic functions ................................................................................................. 14
Application of Differentiation ..................................................................................................................... 17
Application of differentiation on Displacement, velocity and acceleration ........................................... 17
Application of differentiation on rates of change in measurement ....................................................... 19
Revision exercise rates of change in measurements .............................................................................. 22
Application of differentiation on Small changes ..................................................................................... 23
Application of differentiation on Curve sketching (A-level) ................................................................... 24

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Differentiation from first principles
Consider point A(x, y) lying on a curve drawn Now, Gradient, MAB =
below, if another point B(x + δx, y + δy) lies in
the same curve, where δx and δy are small MAB =
increments in x and y respectively, the straight
line AB, drawn through the curve is called a As δx tends to zero, i.e. δx →0.
chord of the curve.
approaches the value of the gradient of the
target line at A. This value is called limiting
value of and is written as .

The limiting value of is called a differential

coefficient or first derivative of y with respect to
x which is denoted by .

Note: the process of finding this limiting value is

called differentiation.
As the distance δx becomes smaller and
smaller, point B moves close to A and the chord
AB approaches the position of the target at A

Direct differentiation of explicit functions

Explicit functions are functions where one Example 1
variable is expressed in terms of the other
Find the derivatives of the following with
variable. Examples y = x2, y = x4 + 2x etc.
respect to x
Given the function x = xn, the derivative of y
(a) y = x3
with respect to x, denoted by either y’ or is Solution
given by y’ = = nxn-1.
(b) y = 2x2 + 3
This result applies for all rational values of n.
Solution
this means that multiply the term given by the
y = 2x2 + 3x0
give power index and then reduce the power
by one.
) )
Note: If
) )
(i) y = f(x) + g(x) + h(x), then
(c) y =
( )) ( )) ( )) Solution
y = x-1
(ii) If y = a, this is written as y = 0a0,
)

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(d) y = √
Solution
( ( ))

√
=
(e) y =
Solution (h) y = x4(x + 1)
y = -2x-1 solution
) y= x5 + x4

(f) y = x4 + 3x2 + 2
(i) y =6√ )
Solution
Solution
y = x4 + 3x2 + 2x0
) )
3
= 4x + 6x + 0 ( ) ( )
=4x3 + 6x

(g) y = √
√
Solution
Revision exercise 1
Find the derivatives of the following with (g) y = √ [ ]
respect to x

(a) y = 3x2 [6x] (h) y = [ ]

√
(b) y = 2x4 + 2 [8x3]
(i) y = [ ]
(c) y = b [0] √

(d) y = * + (j) √ )
-2 -3
(e) y = 2x [-4x ] [ ]
(f) y = * +

Direct differentiation of explicit functions from first principles

There are four basic steps followed when (iii) Divide the function in step (ii) by δx
differentiating functions from first principles. ) )
i.e.
Given the function y = f(x), the steps are (iv) Find the limit of the above quotient when
δx→0. This is the derivative required
(i) Add small changes in x and y to the function
y = f(x) i.e. y + δy = f(x + δx) Example 2
(ii) Subtract y = f(x) from the established
Differentiated y = 2x respect to x from first
function in step one above i.e.
principles
δy = f(x+δx)- f(x)

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Solution δy = 2(x + δx) – 2x

y = 2x δy = 2δx

y + δy = 2(x + δx) =2

Differentiation of polynomial functions from first principles

These are functions in terms of y = axn where n
is both rational and irrational numbers. √
(c) y =
Example 3
Solution
Differentiated the following with respect to x
from first principles y=
2
(a) y = x y+ = )
Solution
y = x2 )
y + δy = (x + δx)2
δy = (x + δx)2 – x2 ………………….. (i) )
) )
Eqn. (i) is difference of two squares
) )
expression
δy = (x +δx + x)(x + δx – x)
) ) )
) ) ) )
Dividing through by δx

(b) y = √
Solution
y=√
y+ √ (d) y = 2x3
√ Solution
√ √
Dividing through by δx y = 2x3
√ √
y+ )
Rationalizing the numerator on the RHS
√ √ √ √ ) )
( )
√ √ )
)
(√ √ ) (√ √ )
)
(√ √ )

(√ √ ) √

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 )

(f) y=xn

(e) y = Solution
y=xn
Solution
)
y==
)
y + δy = ) Since n is assumed to be positive, we
expand ) using binomial expansion
)
( ) ( ) )
)( ) ( ) )
) ) ) ( ) ) )
)
) ) ) +( ) )
)
) ) )

) ) )

) ) )

Revision exercise 2
Differentiated the following with respect to x
from first principles

(a) y = 3x2 [6x] (i) y = [ ]

√
(b) y = 2x4 + 2 [8x3] (j) )
√
(c) y = b [0]
[ ]
(d) y = * +
(e) y = 2x-2 [-4x-3] (k) y = X3 + x2 [3x2 +2x]
(f) y = * + (l) [ ]
√ ) √ )
(g) y = √ [ ] (m)

(h) y = [ ]
√

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Differentiation of product and quotient of a function
Given the function y = uv and that u and v are functions of x, the derivatives of y with respect to x is
done from first principles.

Let δx be a small increment in x and let δu, δv and δy be the resulting small increment in u, v and y

y = uv
) )

) )

Dividing through by

As δx → 0; δu → 0; δv → 0 and δy → 0

 ;

This can also be expressed as (uv)’ = u’v + uv’

Example 4

Differentiate the following functions with respect to x.

(a) x2(x+2)3

Here u = x2 and v = (x+2)3

But

) )

) )
) )
) )

) ) )

(b) ) )
) and )

) ) )

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 But

) ) ) )

) ) ) )

) )
) ) )

{ ) ) } ) ) )

(c) √

u= and v = )

) ) )

But

* ) + )

* + )
)
) ) )

) ) )

( √ )
√

(d) )
and )

) )

But

) ) )
) { }
) { }
) ) ) )
(e) √ )√ )

) and )

) ) ) )

But

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 √ ) √ ) )
√ √ ) √ √ ) √ √ )
)
(√ )√ ))
√ √ )

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Quotient rule in differentiation
This is an extension of the product rule ( ) ( )
) )
Given the function y = ( )
( ) )
Then

( ) (b) )
u = u and v = )
Example 5

Differentiate the following with respect to x ) )

(a)
and ( ) ( )
and ) )
)
)

) ( )
)

Revision Exercise 3
1. Find the derivatives of each of the following
√
a. * )
+ g. [ ]
√ √ (√ )
b. * + √
) h. [ ]
) √ (√ )
c. * )
+
i. [ )
]
)
d. * )
+ ) ) )
j. * )
+
√ ( )
e. √ * + 2. Show that
√
) ) ( )
f. √ [ ] (a) ( )
) = ) )
√ )√ ) )

Differentiation of functions by use of chain rule

Chain rule is a rule used to differentiate a Example 6
function of a function i.e. if y is a function of u
and u is a function of x, then Find of each of the following using chain rule

(a) )

Let u = (x + 5); thus y = u3

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 Substituting for u

)
Using chain rule;

) )

(c) )
Substituting for u
Let u = so that y =
)

) )
But,
(b) )
) )
Let so that y =
) ) )

But,

Revision exercise 4
1. Differentiate each of the following with (k) ) * +
respect to x using chain rule √

(a) ) ) (l) ) * +
(b) ) ) )

(c) * )
+ (m) ) * +
)
(d) √ * +
√ )
(n) * +
(e) ) ) )
(f) ) ) )
(o) √ * +
(g) ) ) √

(h) ) ) (p) * )
+
(i) ) )
(q) * +
(j) * )
+ √ )

Differentiation of parametric equations

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Parametric equations are expressed in terms of ) )
=
a third variable say t such as y = t2 and x = 2t +1,
here the parametric variable is t. Chain rule is (c) x= t2, y = 4t-1
often used to find the derivatives of these and
equations.

Example 7

Find the derivatives of the following in terms of

parameter t. (d) x= ,y=√
√
2
(a) y = 3t + 2t, x= 1-2t
( )
and
( )
( )
)
) √
(b) y = (1 + 2t)3, x= t3
) and
( )
. ( ) =.
√

Revision exercise 5

Find for each of the following

(a) x=2√ [ √ ]
√
(b) x=4√ √ [ ]
√
)
(c) √ *√ )
+
√
(d) x = t + 5, y = t2- 2t )
(e) x = t6, y = 6t3 – 5
√
(f) √ * +
(g) ) √

* +
)
√

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Differentiation of implicit function
The functions given in the form y = f(x) such as y (c) )
= 2x, y = x5 + 3x etc. are known as explicit
functions whereas functions that cannot be )
expressed in the form y = f(x) such as y2+2xy =
5, x2 + 5xy + y2 =4 etc. are known as implicit ) )
functions because y cannot be expressed easily
) ( )
in terms of x.

When differentiating such functions with

)
respect to x or y, we consider each of the
)
individual terms in the equation given
)
Example 8
(d)
Find for each of the following functions.

(a)
2y
) ) )
)

)
)
(e)

(b)
=0
) ) )
) is done by use of product rule )
) ) ) )
)

Revision exercise 6

1. Find for each of the following functions (d) * +

(a) * + (e) *
( )
+
(b) * +
(f) √ √ [√ ]
(c) * )
+
(g) * +
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(h) (c) )
* +
(d) ( )
(i) * + (e) ) ) * +
2. For each of the following find the gradient
(f) ) * +
of the stated curve at the point specified,
(g) ) * +
(a) ) * +
(b) ) * +

Second derivative
Suppose y is a function of x, the first derivative = )
of y with respect to x is denoted as or f’(x) (b) )
) )
The result of differentiating with respect to x
is the second derivative denoted by or f’’(x)

Note that If is used to determine the

natures of stationary points (c) If , find and at the
point (1,1)
A stationary point on a curve occurs when
Once you have established where there
is a stationary point, the type of stationary
point (maximum, minimum or point of
inflexion) can be determined using the second
At (1,1)
derivative.
) )
If is positive, then it is a minimum point ) )

)( ) )( )
If is negative, then it is a maximum point )

If =0 then it could be maximum, maximum Substituting for x =1, y= 1and

or point of inflection ) )) ) ) )
)

) ) ) )
Example 9 )

Determine the second derivative of each of the

following

(a)

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Example 10 (parametric equation)

Find in terms of t if ( )
)
(a) ) ),

Revision exercise 7
1. Find of each of the following (c) * +

(a) * + (d) * +
) )
3. Given that y = cot5x, show that
2. Find in terms of t or θ if

(a) [ ( ) ]
4. Given that and
(b)
show that

Differentiation of exponential functions

An exponential function is the function given in Let =>
the form , where y is said to be an
exponential function of x.

These are differentiated using product and

quotient rules.
(d)
Example 11
Let =>
Differentiate each of the following with respect
to x

(a)
)
√
(b) (e)
√ √
)

√
( )
√
=
√
(c) ( √ )

Differentiation of logarithmic functions

Logarithms of numbers to base e is called The natural logarithm of a number say x is
natural logarithm or napeilian logarithm. denoted by or Inx
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Let y =
(g)
Let y =
) ) Iny =In =xIn2

) )

Example 10 (h)
Differentiate with respect to x

(a) Inx
Let y = Inx
) (i)

Let y =
(b) In(1+2x)

Let y = In(1 + 2x)

(c) In(1- x)

Let y = In(1 – x) ( )
) )

(d) ) (j) √
Let )
) √

(e)
Let
= ) ) )
)

) )

) )
But
)
) )
)
(f) Iny
Let q = Iny
) )

But
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Revision exercise 8

1. Differentiate with respect x 2. Given that , show that

(a) * + )
(b) * + 3. Given that , show that
(c) )
√
(d) )
* + 4. Given that , show that
) )
)
(e) )
* )
+

(f)
) )
*
( )
+ 5. Given that , show that
) ) ) )
( )
(g) ) * +
6. Given that , where A and B
(h) ) * +
are constants show that
(i) ) * + 7. Given that ), show that
(j) (√ ) * + )
)
(k) ) * + 8. Given that ( ), show that
(l) ) )
(m) ) * )+ )
9. Given that , show that
(n) ) * )+
(o) * )
+ 10. Given that ), show that
(p) ( )
(q) [ ] 11. Given that , show that
(r) * ) +
(s)

Revision exercise 9 (mixed exercise on diffeerentiation)

1. Differentiate the following with respect to x (g) ) * +

(a) * + ) )
√ ) ) (h) ) ) * +
2x )
(b) (x – 0.5) e
) ) ( )
) ) ) (i) * +
(c) )
* )
+ ) )

) (j) * +
(d) * + √ )
√ )
)
(k) ( ) * +
)
(e) ( ) * +
2. If √ show that
(f) [ ] √ ) √

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3. If √ ), show that 6. Given that x = and y = find .
( )
[ ( ) ]
4. Given ( ), ( ), show 7. Differentiate y = 2x2 + 3 from first principles
)
that ) )
5. If ), show that

Application of Differentiation
Differentiation is helpful in various application - Small angles
including - Tangents and normal
- Turning points and stationary points
- Displacement, velocity and acceleration
- Maclaurin’s theory
given as a function of time
- Curve sketching
- Rates of changes

Application of differentiation on Displacement, velocity and acceleration

Displacement This is the rate of change of velocity or .
Displacement is the distance covered by a The acceleration of a particle is minimum or
particle/body in a specified direction. maximum when )

The displacement ® of a particle is said to be Example 11

maximum or minimum when ) this
(a) The distance, s meters of a particle from a
enables us to obtain the time when r is
fixed point is given by
maximum or minimum. Hence
) ) ), where
is the value | | t is the time in seconds.

Velocity Find the velocity and acceleration of the

particle when t 1s.
This is the rate of change of displacement or
) where r is displacement. Solution

) ) )
The velocity of a partice is maximum or
minimum when ) , this enables us to )
obtain the time when v is maximum or
minimum. Hence
Velocity =
is the value | |
Whet t = 1
Acceleration, a
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 Velocity

Acceleration = ( ) ( )

When t= 1 i.e. the particle is moving in

opposite direction.
(c) A particle of mass 5kg moves such that
(b) A particle moves along a straight line OX so ( )
that its displacement x meters from the
origin, O at time t second is given by (i) Show that the particle never crosses the
y-axis
Find For any point on the y-axis , x= 0
(i) when and where the velocity of the
cos3t = 2
particle is zero
)
)
Since ) has no value, the
For v = 0
particle does not cross y-axis
(ii) Find the velocity of the particle when
) )
Either t = 1 or t= 2 ( )

( )
When t = 1s
) ) )

( ) ( )
When t= 2
) ) )
(d) The acceleration of a car t s after starting
from rest is until the instant
(ii) its acceleration at these instants when this expression vanishes. After this
) instant, the speed of this car remains
constant. Find the maximum acceleration.
When
Solution

When )
A is maximum when

( )
(iii) its velocity when its acceleration is
zero. A is maximum when
Acceleration is zero when
t = 5s
) )

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(e) The distance s m of a particle from a fixed
point is given by
)) where t is the time. Find ) )
)
the velocity and acceleration of the )
particles when t = 1s

) )
)
)
Revision exercise displacement, velocity and acceleration
1. A ball is thrown vertically upwards and its (b) its acceleration at those instants
height after t seconds is h m where (c) its velocity when its acceleration is zero.
) )
[ ]
Find )
(a) its height and velocity after 3s 4. A particle moves in a straight line so that
(b) when it is momentarily at rest after t s it is 5m from a fixed point O on the
(c) the greatest height reached line where . Find
(d) the distance moved in the 3rd second (a) The acceleration when t = 1, t = 2 and
(e) the acceleration when t = 3s.
) (b) The average acceleration between t = 1
and t =3s
[ ) ) ) ]
) )
) ) 5. A particle moves a long a straight line so
2. A particle moves along a straight line in that after t s, its distance from a fixed point
such a way that its distance s m from the O on the line is 5m where
origin after t s is given by .
th
(a) What does it travel in the 9 second? (a) When is the particle is at O?
(b) What are its velocity and acceleration at (b) What is the velocity and acceleration at
the end of 9th second? these times?
) ) ) (c) What is the average acceleration
3. A point moves along a straight line OX so between t = 0 and t = 2s.
that its distance x from the point O at t s is ) )
given by .Find * +
) )
(a) at what times and in what position the
point will have zero velocity.
Application of differentiation on rates of change in measurement
This deals with aspects that vary with others. Solution
Let L = length of each side of the cube.
Example 12

(a) The side of a cube is increasing at the rate

of 0.3ms-1.
Find the rate of volume when the length is
5m.
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 When L= 5m If v and r are the volume and radius of the
sphere at time t, then
)
(b) The volume of a cube is increasing at the
rate of 2m3s-1. Find the rate of change of
the side when its side is 10m.

But

But
When r=3

When L= 10m (e) A hollow can of semi-vertical angle 300 is

held with its vertex downwards. Water is
)
poured into the cone at the rate of 3m3s-1.
Find the rate at which the depth of water in
(c) The volume of a cube increases uniformly at
the cone is increasing when the depth is
Find an expression for the rate of
5m.
increase of the surface area when the area
Let the depth of water in the cone be h m
of a face is .
Solution
Let L = side of the cube
A = surface area
V = volume of the cube

But From the diagram above

For face area = since L=b √

Surface area of a cube = The volume v m3 of water in the cone is
given by
Substituting for r
( )
√

(d) A spherical balloon is inflated at a rate of But

5m3s-1. Find the rate of increase of radius
when the radius is 3m.
Solution
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 the rate at which the surface area is
When h = 5
changing is .

)
(g) A hollow circular cone with vertical angle
the rate of change of height is 900 and height 0.36m is inverted and filled
with water. This water begins to leak away
(f) An inverted cone with a vertical angle of 600 through a small hole in the vertex. If the
is collecting water leaking from a tap at a level of the water begins to sink at a rate of
rate of 2m3s-1. If the height of water 0.01m in 120s, and the water continues to
collected in the cone is 10m, find the rate at leak a way at the same rate, at what rate is
which the surface are of eater is increasing. the level sinking when the water is 0.24m
from the top?
Solution
When water is full

√
The volume v m3 of water in the cone is
given by
Substituting for r The volume v m3 of water in the cone is
given by
( )
√
Substituting for r
)
Let A = surface area

Substituting for r
( ) But
√

But Substituting for h

) ………………..(i)
When water level is 0.36 - 0.24 = 0.12m
) ………………..(ii)
Also, . ) )
Substituting for h =10

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 ) ) Volume, v of a cone
)
) ( )

(h) A hollow right circular cone of height 10m

and base radius 1m is catching the drips
from a tap leaking at a rate 0.002m3s-1. Find
the rate at which the surface area of water
is increasing when water is half way up the But
cone

Solution

Let h and r be the height and radius of water

level at time t
Surface area, A =

Substituting for r

( )

Now

Expressing r in term of h, from similarity of When water is half way up, h=5m
figures,
)

Revision exercise rates of change in measurements

1. The side of a square is increasing at the rate 4. The volume of a sphere is increasing at a
of 5cms-1. Find the rate of increase of the rate of (12π)cm3s-1. Find the rate of increase
area when the length of the side is 10cm. of the radius when the radius is
[100cm2s-1] 6cm. * +
2. The volume of a cube is increasing at the
5. The area of a square is increasing at the rate
rate of 18cm3s-1. Find the rate of increase of
of 7cm2s-1. Find the rate of increase of the
the length of a side when the volume is
length of a side when this area is
125cm3. * +
100cm2.* +
3. The radius of a circle is increasing at the
6. The area of a circle is increasing at the rate
rate of . Find the rate of increase of of (4π)cm2s-1. Find the rate of increase of
the area when the radius is the radius when this radius is cm. [4cms-1]
5cm.* +
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7. The surface area of a sphere is increasing at 9. A hollow cone of semi-vertical angle 450 is
a rate of 2cm2s-1. Find the rate of increase held with its vertex pointing downwards. It
of the radius when the surface area is receives water at a rate of 3cm3 per minute.
(100π) cm2? * + Find the rate at which the depth of water in
the cone is increasing when the depth is
8. A boy is inflating a spherical balloon at the
rat of 10cm3s-1. Find the rate of increase of 2cm. * +
the surface area of the balloon when the
radius is 5m.[4cm2s-1]

Application of differentiation on Small changes

Suppose a function y = f(x) and δy and δx are
increments in y and x respectively

Then as δx → 0,

The above expression is used to find small

changes in the variable x.
(ii) The circumference
Example 3

(a) If , find the approximate percentage

increase in y due to increase of 0.1 percent
in x.

(c) One side of a rectangle is three times the

But other. If the perimeter increases by 2%.
What is the percentage increase in area?
Solution
Let the width of the rectangle = x
But The length of the rectangle = 3x

0.5%

(b) An error of 2 ½ % is made in the

measurement of the area of a circle. What
percentage error results in
(i) The radius
A= πr2

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Application of differentiation on Curve sketching (A-level)
The procedures of curve sketching depend on Or:
the nature of the curve to be sketched
We consider the behaviour of near the
Graphs of y = f(x) (Non rational functions)
origin.
For any graph of the form y = f(x) where f(x) is
- If is very small, then the curve lies near
not linear, some or all the following steps are
followed. the x-axis.
- If is large, then the curve lies near the y-
(a) Determine if the curve is symmetrical about
axis.
either or both axes of coordinates.
- Symmetry about the x-axis occurs if the - If is near unity, then the direction of the
equation contains only even powers of y. curve (tangent at origin) bisects the angle
here equation will be uncharged when (- between the axes.
y) is substituted for y. this applies to (e) Examine the behaviour of the function as
graphs of the type y2=f(x) x→±ꚙ and y →±ꚙ (if any)
- Symmetry about the y-axis occurs if the (f) Find the turning points and their nature as
equation contains only even powers of x. well as points if inflexion (if any)
Here the equation will be uncharged Use the second derivative
when (-x) is substituted for x. Here the - For min point,
graph is said to even i.e. f(x) =f(x). For
example the graph of y = x2. Note if there - For max point,
are odd powers of x and y then there will - Point of inflexion,
be no symmetry.
(b) Determine if there is symmetry about the Example 1
origin. Here symmetry occurs when a
change in the sign of x causes a change in (a) Sketch the graph of y= 5 + 4x – x2.
the sign of y without altering its numerical Steps taken
value. - Finding intercepts
(c) Find the intercepts i.e. the curve cuts the x- x – intercept; y = 0
axis at a point when y = 0 and cuts the y- 0 = 5 + 4x – x2.
axis at the point when x = 0. 5 + 5x –x – x2 = 0
(d) The curve passes through the origin if (x, y)= 5(1 + x) – x(1 + x) =0
(0, 0) (5 – x)(1 + x)
Either 5 – x = 0; x = 5
The behaviour of the neighbour of the curve Or 1 + x = 0; x = -1
through the origin is studied by considering the Hence the curve cuts the x-axis at point
ratio of . (-1, 0) and (0, 5)
y – intercept, when x = 0, y = 5
- If this ratio is small, the curve keeps close to Hence the curve cuts the y-axis at point
x-axis near the origin. (0, 5)
- If the ratio is unity, the direction of the - As x→+ꚙ, y →-ꚙ and x→-ꚙ, y →+ꚙ
curve bisects the angle between the axes. - Finding turning point
- If the ratio is large, the curve keeps near the
y-axis.
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 At turning point x2 – 5x + 6
2x – 4 = 0; x = 2 – x2 – 2x
When x = 2; y= 5 + 4 ) – )2= 9
Hence turning point = (2, 9) 3x + 6
Finding the nature of turning point – 3x + 6

0 + 0

 x3 – x2 – 5x + 6 = (x – 2)( )=0
Since , hence the turning point
Solving
is maximum.
√

x = 1.3 or -2.6

Hence the x- intercepts are (2, 0), (1.3, 0)

and (-2.3, 0)

Finding turning points

– –

-2x-5

At turning point

-2x-5 = (3x – 5)(x+1) = 0

3 2
(b) Sketch the curve y = x – x – 5x + 6 Either 3x -5 = 0 x =
Steps taken
Or x + 1 = 0; x =-1
For y – intercept; x = 0, y = 0
When x = ;
Hence the y – intercept is (0, 6)

For x – intercept, y = 0 ( ) –( ) – ( )

x3 – x2 – 5x + 6 = 0 When x = -1

error approach is used to find the first factor i.e. ) – ) – ) =9

(x-2), then other factor is found by long division
Hence turning points are ( ) and
(-1, 9)

Finding the nature of turning points

3 2
(x – 2) x – x – 5x + 6
-2x-5
– X3 – 2x2

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 For( ) x<2 x>2

y - +
( ) )

( )is minimum

For (-1, 9)

) )

)is maximum

(d) Sketch the curve )

Steps taken

- Finding the intercepts

y – intercept, (0,0)

hence y – intercept is (0, 0)

For x – intercept, y= 0

=> )

Either x = 0 or x = 4

Hence x-intercept are (0, 0) and (4, 0)

(c) sketch the curve y = x3 – 8 - As x→+ꚙ, y →+ꚙ and x→-ꚙ, y →-ꚙ

y = x3 – 8 - Finding turning point(s)
Intercepts )
When x = 0, y = -8
When y = 0, x = 2
(x, y) = (2, 0)
Turning point: At turning point,

3x2 = 0  )

x=0 Either x = 0

Or x =

When x = 0; y=0
Point of reflection= (0, 8)
When x = ; = ( ) ( )

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 Hence turning points are (0,0) and( ) Substituting for x = 2
) )
- Finding the nature of turning points = -1
) )

Investigating the nature of turning

For (0, 0); ) ) point
Hence (0, 0) is maximum
For (-1, -4)
For ( ) ( ) )
x -2 -1 0
Hence is minimum
+ 0 -

Maximum

Investigating the nature of turning point

For (2, -1)

x 1 2 3

- 0 +

Minimum
(e) Determine the nature of the turning
points of the curve . Sketch Finding the intercepts
)
the curve for x = -2 to x = 7. State any For x- intercept, y= 0
asymptotes
x2 – 6x+ 5 =0
Solution
(x – 5)(x – 1) =0
A turning point Either x = 5 or x= 1
) ) ( ) ) Hence x-intercepts are (5, 0) and (1,0)
 )
For y- intercept, x= 0
(2x – 1)(2x – 6) – (x2 – 6x+ 5)(2) =0

By opening bracts and simplifying 

Finding asymptotes
x2 – x – 2 = 0 Vertical asymptote, 2x – 1 = 0
(x+1)(x – 2) = 0
Horizontal asymptote
Either x = -1 or x = 2
(2x – 1)y = x2 – 6x+ 5
Substituting for x = -1 x2 – 6x+ 5 -2xy + y =0
x2 – (6 +2y)x+ (5 + y) =0
) )
= -4 For real values
) )
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 (6 +2y)2 ≥ 4(5+y) Investigating the range of y
4y2 + 20y + 16 = 0
y2 + 5y + 4 = 0 Y<-4 -4<y<-1 y> -1

(y+1)(y+4) + - +
(y + 1)(y + 4) = 0
Either y = -1 or y = -4 Graph of .
)
For slanting asymptote

(2x -1) x2 -6x + 5

Hence the slating asymptote is y =

Investigating the range of x where the curve lies

x x< ½ ½ <x<1 1<x<5 x>5

x-1 - - + +

x-5 - - - +

(x-1)(x-5) + + - +

2x-1 - + + +

y - + - +

Revision exercise for curve sketching

1. Sketch y = , show any asymptote. (ii) Find the equation of

asymptotes. Hence sketch the
2. (i) Find the Cartesian equation of the
curve [vertical asymptote, x=4,
curve
) horizontal asymptote, y=1]
and = * + (iii) Sketch the curve
) )
3. Given the curve 4. Sketch a graph
) ) )
(i) Show that the curve does not have
turning points.

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 Thank you
Dr. Bbosa Science

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