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Calculus

Limits

Formal Definition

Let ff be defined on an open interval containing aa, except possibly at aa itself. We write limxaf(x)=L\displaystyle\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L if for every ε>0\varepsilon \gt 0, there exists a δ>0\delta \gt 0 such that:

0<xa<δ    f(x)L<ε0 \lt |x - a| \lt \delta \implies |f(x) - L| \lt \varepsilon

Limit Laws

If limxaf(x)=L\displaystyle\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L and limxag(x)=M\displaystyle\lim_{x \to a} g(x) = M, then:

limxa[f(x)+g(x)]=L+M\lim_{x \to a}\bigl[f(x) + g(x)\bigr] = L + M

limxa[f(x)g(x)]=LM\lim_{x \to a}\bigl[f(x) \cdot g(x)\bigr] = L \cdot M

limxaf(x)g(x)=LM,M0\lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{L}{M}, \quad M \ne 0

limxa[f(x)]n=Ln,n{Z}+\lim_{x \to a} \bigl[f(x)\bigr]^n = L^n, \quad n \in \mathbb{'\{'}Z{'\}'}^{+}

One-Sided Limits

A two-sided limit exists if and only if both one-sided limits exist and are equal:

limxaf(x)=L    limxaf(x)=limxa+f(x)=L\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L \iff \lim_{x \to a^-} f(x) = \lim_{x \to a^+} f(x) = L

Indeterminate Forms

Expressions of the form 00\dfrac{0}{0}, \dfrac{\infty}{\infty}, 00 \cdot \infty, \infty - \infty, 11^\infty, 000^0, and 0\infty^0 are indeterminate — the limit may or may not exist, and algebraic manipulation or l'H^opital's rule is required.

Common Limits

LimitValue
limx0sinxx\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin x}{x}11
limx01cosxx\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{1 - \cos x}{x}00
limx(1+1x)x\displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(1 + \frac{1}{x}\right)^xee
limx0ex1x\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^x - 1}{x}11
limx0ln(1+x)x\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\ln(1 + x)}{x}11

Continuity

Definition

A function ff is continuous at aa if and only if all three conditions hold:

  1. f(a)f(a) is defined
  2. limxaf(x)\displaystyle\lim_{x \to a} f(x) exists
  3. limxaf(x)=f(a)\displaystyle\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a)

Intermediate Value Theorem

If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b] and kk is any value between f(a)f(a) and f(b)f(b), then there exists at least one c(a,b)c \in (a, b) such that f(c)=kf(c) = k.

This theorem underpins the bisection method for root-finding and guarantees that a continuous function on a closed interval attains every intermediate value.

Types of Discontinuity

TypeDescriptionExample
RemovableLimit exists but f(a)f(a) is undefined or differs from the limitf(x)=x21x1f(x) = \dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x - 1} at x=1x = 1
JumpOne-sided limits exist but are unequalf(x)=xf(x) = \lfloor x \rfloor at integer points
InfiniteFunction tends to ±\pm\infty near aaf(x)=1xf(x) = \dfrac{1}{x} at x=0x = 0
OscillatoryFunction oscillates without settlingf(x)=sin ⁣(1x)f(x) = \sin\!\left(\dfrac{1}{x}\right) at x=0x = 0

Differentiation

Definition from First Principles

The derivative of ff at aa is:

f(a)=limh0f(a+h)f(a)hf'(a) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}

provided this limit exists. When it does, ff is said to be differentiable at aa.

Differentiability implies continuity, but continuity does not imply differentiability. The function f(x)=xf(x) = |x| is continuous everywhere but not differentiable at x=0x = 0.

Differentiation Rules

Power rule. For n{R}n \in \mathbb{'\{'}R{'\}'}:

ddx[xn]=nxn1\frac{d}{dx}\bigl[x^n\bigr] = nx^{n-1}

Constant multiple and sum rules:

ddx[cf(x)]=cf(x),ddx[f(x)±g(x)]=f(x)±g(x)\frac{d}{dx}\bigl[cf(x)\bigr] = c\,f'(x), \qquad \frac{d}{dx}\bigl[f(x) \pm g(x)\bigr] = f'(x) \pm g'(x)

Product rule:

ddx[uv]=uv+uv\frac{d}{dx}\bigl[uv\bigr] = u'v + uv'

Quotient rule:

ddx[uv]=uvuvv2,v0\frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{u}{v}\right] = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}, \quad v \ne 0

Chain rule. If y=f(g(x))y = f(g(x)), then:

dydx=f(g(x))g(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)

Derivatives of Standard Functions

f(x)f(x)f(x)f'(x)
exe^xexe^x
axa^xaxlnaa^x \ln a
lnx\ln x1x\dfrac{1}{x}
sinx\sin xcosx\cos x
cosx\cos xsinx-\sin x
tanx\tan xsec2x\sec^2 x
arcsinx\arcsin x11x2\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}
arccosx\arccos x11x2\dfrac{-1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}
arctanx\arctan x11+x2\dfrac{1}{1 + x^2}

Implicit Differentiation

When a relation between xx and yy cannot be easily solved for yy, differentiate both sides with respect to xx, treating yy as a function of xx. Every occurrence of yy produces a factor of dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} via the chain rule.

Example. Find dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} for x2+y2=25x^2 + y^2 = 25.

Differentiating implicitly: 2x+2ydydx=02x + 2y\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 0, so dydx=xy\dfrac{dy}{dx} = -\dfrac{x}{y}.

Higher-Order Derivatives

The second derivative f(x)=d2ydx2f''(x) = \dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} is the derivative of f(x)f'(x). Higher-order derivatives f(n)(x)f^{(n)}(x) are defined recursively. The second derivative governs concavity: f(x)>0f''(x) \gt 0 implies concave up; f(x)<0f''(x) \lt 0 implies concave down.


Applications of Differentiation

Stationary Points

A stationary point occurs where f(x)=0f'(x) = 0. The second derivative test classifies them:

  • f(a)=0f'(a) = 0 and f(a)>0f''(a) \gt 0: local minimum
  • f(a)=0f'(a) = 0 and f(a)<0f''(a) \lt 0: local maximum
  • f(a)=0f'(a) = 0 and f(a)=0f''(a) = 0: test is inconclusive; use the first derivative test

Optimisation

To solve optimisation problems:

  1. Identify the quantity to be maximised or minimised as a function of a single variable.
  2. Determine the domain of the function from the problem constraints.
  3. Find stationary points by setting the derivative to zero.
  4. Verify the nature of each stationary point (second derivative test or sign analysis).
  5. Check endpoints and boundary values.

When two or more quantities vary with time and are related by an equation, their rates of change are related by implicit differentiation with respect to time tt.

Example. A spherical balloon is inflated at dVdt=100  cm3/s\dfrac{dV}{dt} = 100\;\mathrm{cm^3/s}. Find drdt\dfrac{dr}{dt} when r=5  cmr = 5\;\mathrm{cm}.

Since V=43πr3V = \dfrac{4}{3}\pi r^3, differentiating: dVdt=4πr2drdt\dfrac{dV}{dt} = 4\pi r^2 \dfrac{dr}{dt}. Substituting: 100=4π(25)drdt100 = 4\pi(25)\dfrac{dr}{dt}, so drdt=1π  cm/s\dfrac{dr}{dt} = \dfrac{1}{\pi}\;\mathrm{cm/s}.

Curve Sketching

Systematic curve sketching involves:

  1. Domain and intercepts: where f(x)f(x) is defined; xx- and yy-intercepts.
  2. Symmetry: even (f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = f(x)), odd (f(x)=f(x)f(-x) = -f(x)), periodic.
  3. Asymptotes: vertical (where denominator vanishes), horizontal (end behaviour), oblique.
  4. First derivative: intervals of increase/decrease; stationary points.
  5. Second derivative: concavity and points of inflection.

Tangents and Normals

The tangent to y=f(x)y = f(x) at x=ax = a has equation:

yf(a)=f(a)(xa)y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a)

The normal is perpendicular to the tangent, with gradient 1f(a)-\dfrac{1}{f'(a)} (provided f(a)0f'(a) \ne 0).


Integration

Indefinite Integrals

The antiderivative of f(x)f(x) is a function F(x)F(x) such that F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x). The general antiderivative includes an arbitrary constant:

f(x)dx=F(x)+C\int f(x)\,dx = F(x) + C

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

First part. If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b] and F(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x), then:

abf(x)dx=F(b)F(a)\int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a)

Second part. If ff is continuous on [a,b][a, b], then:

ddxaxf(t)dt=f(x)\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x f(t)\,dt = f(x)

Definite Integrals

Properties of definite integrals (assuming f,gf, g are integrable):

ab[cf(x)]dx=cabf(x)dx\int_a^b \bigl[cf(x)\bigr]\,dx = c\int_a^b f(x)\,dx

ab[f(x)±g(x)]dx=abf(x)dx±abg(x)dx\int_a^b \bigl[f(x) \pm g(x)\bigr]\,dx = \int_a^b f(x)\,dx \pm \int_a^b g(x)\,dx

abf(x)dx=baf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x)\,dx = -\int_b^a f(x)\,dx

abf(x)dx=acf(x)dx+cbf(x)dx\int_a^b f(x)\,dx = \int_a^c f(x)\,dx + \int_c^b f(x)\,dx

Area Under a Curve

If f(x)0f(x) \ge 0 on [a,b][a, b], the area between the curve and the xx-axis is:

A=abf(x)dxA = \int_a^b f(x)\,dx

If ff changes sign, compute the integral piecewise. The total enclosed area is:

A=abf(x)dxA = \int_a^b |f(x)|\,dx

Area Between Curves

The area between y=f(x)y = f(x) and y=g(x)y = g(x) from x=ax = a to x=bx = b, where f(x)g(x)f(x) \ge g(x):

A=ab[f(x)g(x)]dxA = \int_a^b \bigl[f(x) - g(x)\bigr]\,dx

Standard Integrals

| f(x)f(x) | f(x)dx\displaystyle\int f(x)\,dx | | :-------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- | --- | ---- | | xnx^n | xn+1n+1+C,  n1\dfrac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C, \; n \ne -1 | | | | 1x\dfrac{1}{x} | lnx+C\ln | x | + C | | exe^x | ex+Ce^x + C | | | | sinx\sin x | cosx+C-\cos x + C | | | | cosx\cos x | sinx+C\sin x + C | | | | sec2x\sec^2 x | tanx+C\tan x + C | | | | 11x2\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} | arcsinx+C\arcsin x + C | | | | 11+x2\dfrac{1}{1 + x^2} | arctanx+C\arctan x + C | | |


Integration Techniques

Substitution

Theorem. Let u=g(x)u = g(x) where gg' is continuous and ff is continuous on the range of gg. Then:

f(g(x))g(x)dx=f(u)du\int f(g(x))\,g'(x)\,dx = \int f(u)\,du

Strategy. Identify an "inner function" and its derivative as a factor. Substitute u=g(x)u = g(x), replace dxdx with dug(x)\dfrac{du}{g'(x)}, and integrate with respect to uu.

Example. Evaluate 2xx2+1dx\displaystyle\int 2x\sqrt{x^2 + 1}\,dx.

Let u=x2+1u = x^2 + 1, so du=2xdxdu = 2x\,dx. Then:

2xx2+1dx=udu=23u3/2+C=23(x2+1)3/2+C\int 2x\sqrt{x^2 + 1}\,dx = \int \sqrt{u}\,du = \frac{2}{3}u^{3/2} + C = \frac{2}{3}(x^2 + 1)^{3/2} + C

Integration by Parts

Theorem. If uu and vv are differentiable functions:

udv=uvvdu\int u\,dv = uv - \int v\,du

LIATE priority for choosing uu: Logarithmic, Inverse trigonometric, Algebraic, Trigonometric, Exponential. Choose uu as the function that appears highest on this list.

Example. Evaluate xexdx\displaystyle\int x e^x\,dx.

Let u=xu = x, dv=exdxdv = e^x\,dx. Then du=dxdu = dx, v=exv = e^x:

xexdx=xexexdx=xexex+C=(x1)ex+C\int x e^x\,dx = xe^x - \int e^x\,dx = xe^x - e^x + C = (x - 1)e^x + C

Repeated Integration by Parts

For integrals such as xnexdx\int x^n e^x\,dx or xnsinxdx\int x^n \sin x\,dx, apply integration by parts repeatedly. Tabular (DI) integration provides a systematic shortcut: differentiate the algebraic factor until it reaches zero, integrate the other factor, and alternate signs.

Volumes of Revolution

About the xx-axis. Rotating y=f(x)y = f(x) about the xx-axis from x=ax = a to x=bx = b:

V=πab[f(x)]2dxV = \pi \int_a^b \bigl[f(x)\bigr]^2\,dx

About the yy-axis. Rotating x=g(y)x = g(y) about the yy-axis from y=cy = c to y=dy = d:

V=πcd[g(y)]2dyV = \pi \int_c^d \bigl[g(y)\bigr]^2\,dy

Cylindrical shells (rotating about the yy-axis):

V=2πabxf(x)dxV = 2\pi \int_a^b x\,|f(x)|\,dx

Improper Integrals

An improper integral involves an infinite limit of integration or an unbounded integrand. Evaluate as a limit:

af(x)dx=limbabf(x)dx\int_a^\infty f(x)\,dx = \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_a^b f(x)\,dx

The integral converges if this limit exists (is finite); otherwise it diverges.


Common Pitfalls

  1. Forgetting the chain rule. When differentiating composite functions, always identify the inner function and multiply by its derivative.

  2. Sign errors in the quotient rule. Remember: uvuvu'v - uv', not uvuvuv' - u'v. A mnemonic: "low d-high minus high d-low, over the square of what's below."

  3. Dropping the +C+C. Every indefinite integral requires an arbitrary constant.

  4. Integration by parts choice. Choosing the wrong factor for uu can lead to a more complicated integral. Follow the LIATE rule.

  5. Incorrect limits after substitution. When using substitution in a definite integral, either transform the limits to the new variable or back-substitute before evaluating.

  6. Volume formula confusion. Ensure the correct axis of rotation is used. The variable in the integrand corresponds to the axis perpendicular to the one of rotation.

  7. Treating dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} as a fraction in implicit differentiation. While the notation suggests a ratio, it is a limit. Manipulations such as cross-multiplying are justified by the chain rule, not by treating derivatives as fractions.


Practice Problems

Problem 1

Evaluate limx0sin3x2x\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{2x}.

Problem 2

Find dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} when x3+y33xy=0x^3 + y^3 - 3xy = 0.

Problem 3

A rectangular box with a square base has a surface area of 150  cm2150\;\mathrm{cm^2}. Find the dimensions that maximise the volume.

Problem 4

Evaluate 01xx2+1dx\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + 1}}\,dx.

Problem 5

Evaluate x2exdx\displaystyle\int x^2 e^{-x}\,dx using integration by parts.

Problem 6

Find the volume generated when the region bounded by y=xy = \sqrt{x}, x=4x = 4, and the xx-axis is rotated 360360^\circ about the xx-axis.

Problem 7

Determine whether 11xpdx\displaystyle\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^p}\,dx converges or diverges for p>0p \gt 0.

Problem 8

Prove that f(x)=x33x+1f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 1 has exactly one root in the interval (1,2)(1, 2).

Answers to Selected Problems

Problem 1: limx0sin3x2x=limx032sin3x3x=321=32\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\sin 3x}{2x} = \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{\sin 3x}{3x} = \frac{3}{2} \cdot 1 = \frac{3}{2}.

Problem 2: Differentiating implicitly: 3x2+3y2dydx3y3xdydx=03x^2 + 3y^2\dfrac{dy}{dx} - 3y - 3x\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 0. Factoring out dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx}: dydx(3y23x)=3y3x2\dfrac{dy}{dx}(3y^2 - 3x) = 3y - 3x^2, so dydx=yx2y2x\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \dfrac{y - x^2}{y^2 - x}.

Problem 3: Let base side =x= x and height =h= h. Surface area: 2x2+4xh=1502x^2 + 4xh = 150, so h=75x22xh = \dfrac{75 - x^2}{2x}. Volume V=x2h=75xx32V = x^2 h = \dfrac{75x - x^3}{2}. Setting dVdx=753x22=0\dfrac{dV}{dx} = \dfrac{75 - 3x^2}{2} = 0 gives x=5  cmx = 5\;\mathrm{cm}, h=5  cmh = 5\;\mathrm{cm}. Second derivative V=3xV'' = -3x is negative at x=5x = 5, confirming a maximum. Maximum volume is 125  cm3125\;\mathrm{cm^3}.

Problem 4: Let u=x2+1u = x^2 + 1, du=2xdxdu = 2x\,dx. 01xx2+1dx=1212u1/2du=[u]12=21\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + 1}}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_1^2 u^{-1/2}\,du = \left[\sqrt{u}\right]_1^2 = \sqrt{2} - 1.

Problem 5: Using tabular integration: differentiate x22x20x^2 \to 2x \to 2 \to 0, integrate exexexexe^{-x} \to -e^{-x} \to e^{-x} \to -e^{-x}. Result: x2ex2xex2ex+C=(x2+2x+2)ex+C-x^2 e^{-x} - 2x e^{-x} - 2e^{-x} + C = -(x^2 + 2x + 2)e^{-x} + C.

Problem 7: 11xpdx=[x1p1p]1\displaystyle\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x^p}\,dx = \left[\frac{x^{1-p}}{1-p}\right]_1^\infty. For p>1p \gt 1: =011p=1p1= 0 - \dfrac{1}{1-p} = \dfrac{1}{p-1} (converges). For p=1p = 1: 11xdx=limblnb=\displaystyle\int_1^\infty \frac{1}{x}\,dx = \lim_{b \to \infty} \ln b = \infty (diverges). For 0<p<10 \lt p \lt 1: x1px^{1-p} \to \infty (diverges). Converges if and only if p>1p \gt 1.

Problem 8: f(1)=1<0f(1) = -1 \lt 0 and f(2)=3>0f(2) = 3 \gt 0. By the Intermediate Value Theorem, a root exists in (1,2)(1, 2). Since f(x)=3x23=3(x1)(x+1)>0f'(x) = 3x^2 - 3 = 3(x-1)(x+1) \gt 0 for all x(1,2)x \in (1, 2), ff is strictly increasing on [1,2][1, 2], so the root is unique.


Worked Examples

Worked Example: Evaluating a Limit Using L'Hopital's Rule

Evaluate limx0e3x13xx2\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{e^{3x} - 1 - 3x}{x^2}.

Solution

As x0x \to 0, both numerator and denominator approach 00, so we have the indeterminate form 00\dfrac{0}{0}. Apply l'H^opital's rule once:

limx03e3x32x\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{3e^{3x} - 3}{2x}

This still gives 00\dfrac{0}{0}, so apply l'H^opital's rule a second time:

limx09e3x2=92\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{9e^{3x}}{2} = \frac{9}{2}

Worked Example: Curve Sketching with Full Analysis

Sketch the curve y=x24x21y = \dfrac{x^2 - 4}{x^2 - 1}, identifying all asymptotes, stationary points, and intervals of increase and decrease.

Solution

Domain. All x{R}x \in \mathbb{'\{'}R{'\}'} except x=±1x = \pm 1.

Intercepts. yy-intercept: x=0    y=4x = 0 \implies y = 4. xx-intercepts: x24=0    x=±2x^2 - 4 = 0 \implies x = \pm 2.

Asymptotes. Vertical: x=1x = 1 and x=1x = -1 (denominator zero, numerator nonzero). Horizontal: since degree of numerator equals degree of denominator, y=11=1y = \dfrac{1}{1} = 1.

Derivative. By the quotient rule:

dydx=2x(x21)(x24)(2x)(x21)2=6x(x21)2\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x(x^2 - 1) - (x^2 - 4)(2x)}{(x^2 - 1)^2} = \frac{6x}{(x^2 - 1)^2}

Stationary points. dydx=0    x=0\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 0 \implies x = 0. Substituting: y=4y = 4. The second derivative at x=0x = 0 is negative (since y=6(x21)26x2(x21)2x(x21)4y'' = \dfrac{6(x^2-1)^2 - 6x \cdot 2(x^2-1) \cdot 2x}{(x^2-1)^4}, evaluated at x=0x = 0 gives y=61=6>0y'' = \dfrac{6}{1} = 6 \gt 0), confirming a local minimum at (0,4)(0, 4).

Intervals. dydx<0\dfrac{dy}{dx} \lt 0 for x<0x \lt 0 (decreasing), dydx>0\dfrac{dy}{dx} \gt 0 for x>0x \gt 0 (increasing), within each branch.

Worked Example: Integration by Parts with Definite Integral

Evaluate 0π/2xcosxdx\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2} x \cos x\,dx.

Solution

Let u=xu = x, dv=cosxdxdv = \cos x\,dx. Then du=dxdu = dx, v=sinxv = \sin x.

0π/2xcosxdx=[xsinx]0π/20π/2sinxdx\int_0^{\pi/2} x \cos x\,dx = \bigl[x \sin x\bigr]_0^{\pi/2} - \int_0^{\pi/2} \sin x\,dx

=π210[cosx]0π/2=π2(01)=π2+1= \frac{\pi}{2} \cdot 1 - 0 - \bigl[-\cos x\bigr]_0^{\pi/2} = \frac{\pi}{2} - (0 - 1) = \frac{\pi}{2} + 1

Worked Example: Volume of Revolution with Shells

Find the volume generated when the region bounded by y=x2y = x^2, y=0y = 0, and x=2x = 2 is rotated 360360^\circ about the yy-axis.

Solution

Using cylindrical shells about the yy-axis:

V=2π02xx2dx=2π02x3dx=2π[x44]02=2π4=8πV = 2\pi \int_0^2 x \cdot x^2\,dx = 2\pi \int_0^2 x^3\,dx = 2\pi \left[\frac{x^4}{4}\right]_0^2 = 2\pi \cdot 4 = 8\pi

Worked Example: Implicit Differentiation and Second Derivative

Given x3+y3=6xyx^3 + y^3 = 6xy, find dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} and d2ydx2\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} at the point (3,3)(3, 3).

Solution

Differentiating implicitly with respect to xx:

3x2+3y2dydx=6y+6xdydx3x^2 + 3y^2 \frac{dy}{dx} = 6y + 6x \frac{dy}{dx}

Rearranging: dydx(3y26x)=6y3x2\dfrac{dy}{dx}(3y^2 - 6x) = 6y - 3x^2, so

dydx=6y3x23y26x=2yx2y22x\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{6y - 3x^2}{3y^2 - 6x} = \frac{2y - x^2}{y^2 - 2x}

At (3,3)(3, 3): dydx=6996=33=1\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \dfrac{6 - 9}{9 - 6} = \dfrac{-3}{3} = -1.

For the second derivative, differentiate dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} using the quotient rule, then substitute x=3x = 3, y=3y = 3, and dydx=1\dfrac{dy}{dx} = -1. Alternatively, start from

(3y26x)dydx=6y3x2(3y^2 - 6x)\frac{dy}{dx} = 6y - 3x^2

Differentiating both sides:

6y(dydx)2+(3y26x)d2ydx26=6dydx6x6y\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + (3y^2 - 6x)\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} - 6 = 6\frac{dy}{dx} - 6x

At (3,3)(3, 3) with dydx=1\dfrac{dy}{dx} = -1:

6(3)(1)+3d2ydx26=6186(3)(1) + 3 \cdot \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} - 6 = -6 - 18

18+3d2ydx26=2418 + 3\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} - 6 = -24

3d2ydx2=36    d2ydx2=123\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = -36 \implies \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = -12


Additional Common Pitfalls

  • L'H^opital's rule overuse. Only apply when the limit is genuinely indeterminate (00\dfrac{0}{0} or \dfrac{\infty}{\infty}). Applying it to determinate forms produces incorrect results.

  • Second derivative test inconclusiveness. When f(a)=0f''(a) = 0, the test fails. Use a sign chart of ff' around aa (the first derivative test) to classify the stationary point.

  • Area vs. signed integral. abf(x)dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\,dx gives the signed area. When the curve crosses the xx-axis, split the integral at each root and take absolute values to find total enclosed area.

  • Forgetting substitution limits. In abf(g(x))g(x)dx\displaystyle\int_a^b f(g(x))g'(x)\,dx, if you substitute u=g(x)u = g(x), change the limits to g(a)g(a) and g(b)g(b). Failing to do so and using the original limits gives the wrong answer.

  • Chain rule on trigonometric functions. ddx[sin(f(x))]=f(x)cos(f(x))\dfrac{d}{dx}[\sin(f(x))] = f'(x)\cos(f(x)), not cos(f(x))\cos(f(x)). Students frequently omit the inner derivative factor.

  • Power rule for negative exponents. ddx[x3]=3x4\dfrac{d}{dx}\bigl[x^{-3}\bigr] = -3x^{-4}, not 3x2-3x^{-2}. Subtract one from the exponent, then multiply by the original exponent.


Exam-Style Problems

Problem 9

Evaluate limx(3x+12x5)x\displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty} \left(\frac{3x + 1}{2x - 5}\right)^x.

Problem 10

Find the coordinates of the point on the curve y=1x2+1y = \dfrac{1}{x^2 + 1} where the tangent is parallel to the line x+8y=1x + 8y = 1.

Problem 11

Evaluate 0π/4sec2xetanxdx\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/4} \sec^2 x\,e^{\tan x}\,dx.

Problem 12

A cylindrical can with radius rr and height hh has volume V=πr2h=500  cm3V = \pi r^2 h = 500\;\mathrm{cm^3}. Find the values of rr and hh that minimise the surface area A=2πr2+2πrhA = 2\pi r^2 + 2\pi r h.

Problem 13

Use the substitution x=3sinθx = 3\sin\theta to evaluate 03dx9x2\displaystyle\int_0^{3} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{9 - x^2}}.

Problem 14

Find the equation of the normal to the curve y=x2exy = x^2 e^{-x} at the point where x=1x = 1.

Problem 15

Show that 01xx2+4dx=12ln ⁣(54)\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{x}{x^2 + 4}\,dx = \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{5}{4}\right).

Answers to Additional Problems

Problem 9: Write (3x+12x5)x=exp ⁣(xln3x+12x5)\left(\dfrac{3x+1}{2x-5}\right)^x = \exp\!\left(x \ln\dfrac{3x+1}{2x-5}\right). As xx \to \infty, 3x+12x532\dfrac{3x+1}{2x-5} \to \dfrac{3}{2}, and xln ⁣(32+132(2x5))x133(2x)=136x\ln\!\left(\dfrac{3}{2} + \dfrac{13}{2(2x-5)}\right) \approx x \cdot \dfrac{13}{3(2x)} = \dfrac{13}{6}. The limit is e13/6e^{13/6}.

Problem 10: The line x+8y=1x + 8y = 1 has gradient 18-\dfrac{1}{8}. Differentiating: dydx=2x(x2+1)2\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \dfrac{-2x}{(x^2+1)^2}. Setting =18= -\dfrac{1}{8}: 16x(x2+1)2=1    (x2+1)2=16x\dfrac{16x}{(x^2+1)^2} = 1 \implies (x^2+1)^2 = 16x. Solving: x4+2x216x+1=0x^4 + 2x^2 - 16x + 1 = 0. By inspection x=1x = 1 is a root: 1+216+1=1201 + 2 - 16 + 1 = -12 \ne 0. Trying x=12x = \dfrac{1}{2}: 116+128+10\dfrac{1}{16} + \dfrac{1}{2} - 8 + 1 \ne 0. Since dydx=18\dfrac{dy}{dx} = -\dfrac{1}{8} at x=2x = 2: 16251\dfrac{16}{25} \ne 1. At x=1x = 1: 24=1218\dfrac{2}{4} = \dfrac{1}{2} \ne \dfrac{1}{8}. At x=231x = \sqrt[3]{2} - 1 check numerically: x0.26x \approx 0.26, dydx0.48\dfrac{dy}{dx} \approx -0.48. Solving numerically gives x0.065x \approx 0.065 and x1.48x \approx 1.48. At x=1.48x = 1.48: dydx0.124\dfrac{dy}{dx} \approx -0.124 close to 18=0.125-\dfrac{1}{8} = -0.125.

Problem 11: Let u=tanxu = \tan x, so du=sec2xdxdu = \sec^2 x\,dx. Limits: x=0    u=0x = 0 \implies u = 0; x=π/4    u=1x = \pi/4 \implies u = 1. 01eudu=[eu]01=e1\displaystyle\int_0^1 e^u\,du = \bigl[e^u\bigr]_0^1 = e - 1.

Problem 12: From V=500V = 500: h=500πr2h = \dfrac{500}{\pi r^2}. Then A=2πr2+1000rA = 2\pi r^2 + \dfrac{1000}{r}. dAdr=4πr1000r2=0    r3=250π    r=(250π)1/34.30  cm\dfrac{dA}{dr} = 4\pi r - \dfrac{1000}{r^2} = 0 \implies r^3 = \dfrac{250}{\pi} \implies r = \left(\dfrac{250}{\pi}\right)^{1/3} \approx 4.30\;\mathrm{cm}. Then h=500πr2=2r8.60  cmh = \dfrac{500}{\pi r^2} = 2r \approx 8.60\;\mathrm{cm}. Checking A=4π+2000r3>0A'' = 4\pi + \dfrac{2000}{r^3} \gt 0, confirming a minimum.

Problem 13: Let x=3sinθx = 3\sin\theta, dx=3cosθdθdx = 3\cos\theta\,d\theta. When x=0x = 0, θ=0\theta = 0; when x=3x = 3, θ=π/2\theta = \pi/2. 0π/23cosθ3cosθdθ=0π/2dθ=π2\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{3\cos\theta}{3\cos\theta}\,d\theta = \int_0^{\pi/2} d\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}.

Problem 14: y=x2exy = x^2 e^{-x}, dydx=2xexx2ex=ex(2xx2)\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 2xe^{-x} - x^2 e^{-x} = e^{-x}(2x - x^2). At x=1x = 1: y=e1=1ey = e^{-1} = \dfrac{1}{e}, dydx=e1(21)=1e\dfrac{dy}{dx} = e^{-1}(2 - 1) = \dfrac{1}{e}. Normal gradient =e= -e. Normal equation: y1e=e(x1)y - \dfrac{1}{e} = -e(x - 1), i.e. y=ex+e+1ey = -ex + e + \dfrac{1}{e}.

Problem 15: Let u=x2+4u = x^2 + 4, du=2xdxdu = 2x\,dx. 01xdxx2+4=1245duu=12[lnu]45=12ln ⁣(54)\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{x\,dx}{x^2 + 4} = \frac{1}{2}\int_4^5 \frac{du}{u} = \frac{1}{2}\bigl[\ln u\bigr]_4^5 = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{5}{4}\right).


If You Get These Wrong, Revise:

  • Differentiation rules and chain rule → Review ./calculus (sections on Differentiation Rules and Implicit Differentiation)
  • Integration techniques → Review ./calculus (sections on Substitution and Integration by Parts)
  • Trigonometric identities → Review the geometry and trigonometry topics in this subject
  • Exponential and logarithmic functions → Review algebra and functions material
  • Curve sketching fundamentals → Review ./calculus (section on Curve Sketching)