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Ch10 Applications of Differentiation

This document discusses applications of differentiation, including finding equations of tangents and normals to curves, locating stationary points, sketching graphs, and solving maximum and minimum problems. It provides examples of using differentiation to find equations of tangents and normals at given points on curves defined by polynomial and trigonometric functions. The examples illustrate using calculators to find these equations as well.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

245 views

Ch10 Applications of Differentiation

Uploaded by

Ayy Shana

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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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10

Chapter 10

Applications of
differentiation

Objectives
To be able to ﬁnd the equations of the tangent and the normal at a given point on
a curve.
To be able to ﬁnd the stationary points on the curves of certain polynomial functions and
state the nature of such points.
To use differentiation techniques to sketch graphs.
To solve maximum and minimum problems.
To use the derivative of a function in rates of change problems.

In this chapter we continue our study of differential calculus. There are two main aspects of
this chapter. One is to apply our knowledge of the derivative to sketching graphs and solving
maximum and minimum problems. The other is to see that the derivative can be used to
define instantaneous rate of change.
The new techniques for sketching graphs of polynomial functions are a useful addition to
the skills that were introduced in Chapter 4. At that stage, rather frustratingly, we were only
able to determine the coordinates of turning points of cubic and quartic functions using
technology. The new techniques are also used for determining maximum or minimum values
for problems set in a ‘real world’ context.
The use of the derivative to determine instantaneous rates of change is a very important
application of calculus. One of the first areas of applied mathematics to be studied in the
seventeenth century was motion in a straight line. The problems of kinematics were the
motivation for Newton’s work on calculus.

10A Tangents and normals

The derivative of a function is a new function that gives the measure of the gradient of the
tangent at each point on the curve. Having the gradient, we can ﬁnd the equation of the
tangent line at a given point on the curve.
Suppose that (x1 , y1 ) is a point on the curve y = f (x). Then, if f is diﬀerentiable at x = x1 , the
equation of the tangent at (x1 , y1 ) is given by
y − y1 = f (x1 )(x − x1 )

Example 1
1
Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x3 + x2 at the point x = 1.
2
Solution 3
3
When x = 1, y = , and so 1, is a point on the tangent.
2 2
dy
Since = 3x2 + x, the gradient of the tangent at x = 1 is 4.
dx
Hence the equation of the tangent is
3
y − = 4(x − 1)
2
5
i.e. y = 4x −
2

The normal to a curve at a point on the curve is the line that passes through the point and is
perpendicular to the tangent at that point.
Recall from Chapter 2 that two lines with gradients m1 and m2 are perpendicular if and only
if m1 m2 = −1.
1
Thus, if a tangent has gradient m, the normal has gradient − .
m

Example 2
Find the equation of the normal to the curve with equation y = x3 − 2x2 at the point (1, −1).

Solution
The point (1, −1) is on the normal.
dy −1
Since = 3x2 − 4x, the gradient of the normal at x = 1 is = 1.
dx −1
Hence the equation of the normal is
y − (−1) = 1(x − 1)
i.e. y= x−2

Example 3
3 1
Find the equation of the tangent to the curve with equation y = x 2 − 4x 2 at the point on
the graph where x = 4.

Solution
3 1 dy 3 1 1
Let y = x 2 − 4x 2 . Then = x 2 − 2x− 2 .
dx 2
When x = 4,
3 1
y = 42 − 4 × 42 = 0
dy 3 1 1
and = × 4 2 − 2 × 4− 2 = 2
dx 2
Hence the equation of the tangent is
y − 0 = 2(x − 4)
i.e. y = 2x − 8

Using the TI-Nspire

Use menu > Calculus > Tangent Line and
complete as shown.
Note: The equation of the tangent can also be
found in a Graphs application.

Using the Casio ClassPad

In M, enter and highlight the expression
3 1
x 2 − 4x 2 .
Go to Interactive > Calculation > line > tanLine.
Enter the x-value 4 in the tanLine window and
tap OK .

Write your answer as an equation: y = 2x − 8.

Note: You can also obtain the tangent line by
sketching the graph and using Analysis >
Sketch > Tangent.

Example 4
π
Find the equation of the tangent to the graph of y = sin x at the point where x = .
3
Solution √
dy π 3 dy 1
Let y = sin x. Then = cos x. When x = , y = and = .
dx 3 2 dx 2
Therefore the equation of the tangent is
√
3 1 π
y− = x−
2 2 3
√
x π 3
i.e. y= − +
2 6 2

Example 5
π
Find the equations of the tangent and normal to the graph of y = − cos x at the point ,0 .
2
Solution
First ﬁnd the gradient of the curve at this point:
dy π dy
= sin x and so, when x = , = 1.
dx 2 dx
The equation of the tangent is
π
y−0=1 x−
2
π
i.e. y= x−
2
The gradient of the normal is −1 and therefore the equation of the normal is
π
y − 0 = −1 x −
2
π
i.e. y = −x +
2

The following example shows two situations in which we can view a graph as having a
‘vertical tangent line’ at a point where the derivative is not deﬁned.

Example 6
Find the equation of the tangent to:
1 2
a f (x) = x 3 where x = 0 b f (x) = x 3 where x = 0.

Solution y
a The derivative of f is not deﬁned at x = 0.
1 2
For x ∈ R \ {0}, f (x) = x− 3 .
3
It is clear that f is continuous at x = 0 and x
O
that f (x) → ∞ as x → 0. x=0
The graph has a vertical tangent at x = 0.

2
b f (x) = x 3 y
The derivative of f is not deﬁned at x = 0.
2 1
For x ∈ R \ {0}, f (x) = x− 3 .
3
It is clear that f is continuous at x = 0 and that
f (x) → ∞ as x → 0+ and f (x) → −∞ as x → 0− . x
O x=0
There is a cusp at x = 0, and the graph of y = f (x)
has a vertical tangent at x = 0.

Section summary
Equation of a tangent Suppose (x1 , y1 ) is a point on the curve y = f (x). Then, if f is
diﬀerentiable at x = x1 , the equation of the tangent to the curve at (x1 , y1 ) is given by
y − y1 = f (x1 )(x − x1 ).
1
Gradient of normal If a tangent has gradient m, the normal has gradient − .
m

Exercise 10A

Example 1 1 Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x2 − 1 at the point (2, 3).

Example 2 2 Find the equation of the normal to the curve y = x2 + 3x − 1 at the point where the curve
cuts the y-axis.

3 Find the equations of the normals to the curve y = x2 − 5x + 6 at the points where it cuts
the x-axis.

4 Find the equations of the tangent and the normal to the curve y = (2x + 1)9 at the
point (0, 1).

5 Find the coordinates of the point on y = x2 − 5 at which the curve has gradient 3. Hence
ﬁnd the value of c for which the line y = 3x + c is tangent to y = x2 − 5.

6 Find the equations of i the tangent and ii the normal at the point corresponding to the
given x-value on each of the following curves:
a y = x2 − 2; x = 1 b y = x2 − 3x − 1; x = 0
1
c y = ; x = −1 d y = (x − 2)(x2 + 1); x = −1
x
√ √
e y = 3x + 1; x = 0 f y = x; x = 1
2
g y = x 3 + 1; x = 1 h y = x3 − 8x; x = 2
i y = x3 − 3x2 + 2; x = 2 j y = 2x3 + x2 − 4x + 1; x = 1

Example 3 7 Use a CAS calculator to ﬁnd the equation of the tangent to the curve with equation
5 3
y = 4x 2 − 8x 2 at the point on the graph where x = 4.

8 Find the equation of the tangent at the point corresponding to the given x-value on each
of the following curves:
x2 − 1 √
a y= 2 ; x=0 b y = 3x2 + 1; x = 1
x +1
1 1
c y= ; x=0 d y= ; x=1
2x − 1 (2x − 1)2
Example 4, 5 9 Find the equation of the tangent to each of the following curves at the given x-value:
π π
a y = sin(2x); x = 0 b y = cos(2x); x = c y = tan x; x =
2 4
π
d y = tan(2x); x = 0 e y = sin x + x sin(2x); x = 0 f y = x − tan x; x =
4
10 For each function, ﬁnd the equation of the tangent to the graph at the given value of x:
e x − e−x
a f (x) = e x + e−x ; x = 0 b f (x) = ; x=0
2
√
c f (x) = x2 e2x ; x = 1 d f (x) = e x ; x = 1
f f (x) = x2 e−x ; x = 2
2
e f (x) = xe x ; x = 1

11 a Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the graph of f (x) = loge x at the
point (1, 0).
1
b Find the equation of the tangent to the graph of f (x) = loge (2x) at the point , 0 .
2
1
c Find the equation of the tangent to the graph of f (x) = loge (kx) at the point , 0 ,
k
where k ∈ R+ .

Example 6 12 Find the equation of the tangent at the point where y = 0 for each of the following
curves:
1 3 1
a y = x5 b y = x5 c y = (x − 4) 3
2 1 4
d y = (x + 5) 3 e y = (2x + 1) 3 f y = (x + 5) 5
π
13 The tangent to the curve with equation y = tan(2x) at the point where x = meets the
8
y-axis at the point A. Find the distance OA, where O is the origin.

14 The tangent to the curve with equation y = 2e x at the point (a, 2ea ) passes through the
origin. Find the value of a.

15 The tangent to the curve with equation y = loge x at the point (a, loge a) passes through
the origin. Find the value of a.

16 The tangent to the curve with equation y = x2 + 2x at the point (a, a2 + 2a) passes
through the origin. Find the value of a.

17 The tangent to the curve with equation y = x3 + x at the point (a, a3 + a) passes through
the point (1, 1). Find the value of a.

10B Rates of change

The derivative was deﬁned geometrically in the previous chapter. However, the process of
diﬀerentiation may also be used to tackle many kinds of problems involving rates of change.

For the function with rule f (x):

f (b) − f (a)
The average rate of change for x ∈ [a, b] is given by .
b−a
The instantaneous rate of change of f with respect to x when x = a is given by f (a).

dy
The derivative gives the instantaneous rate of change of y with respect to x.
dx
dy
If > 0, then y is increasing as x increases.
dx
dy
If < 0, then y is decreasing as x increases.
dx

Example 7
For the function with rule f (x) = x2 + 2x, ﬁnd:
a the average rate of change for x ∈ [2, 3]
b the average rate of change for the interval [2, 2 + h]
c the instantaneous rate of change of f with respect to x when x = 2.

Solution
f (3) − f (2)
a Average rate of change = = 15 − 8 = 7
3−2
f (2 + h) − f (2)
b Average rate of change =
2+h−2
(2 + h)2 + 2(2 + h) − 8
=
h
4 + 4h + h2 + 4 + 2h − 8
=
h
6h + h2
= =6+h
h
c The derivative is f (x) = 2x + 2. When x = 2, the instantaneous rate of change is
f (2) = 6. This can also be seen from the result of part b.

Example 8
A balloon develops a microscopic leak and gradually decreases in volume. Its volume,
1 2
V cm3 , at time t seconds is V = 600 − 10t − t , t ≥ 0.
100
a Find the rate of change of volume after:
i 10 seconds ii 20 seconds
b For how long could the model be valid?

Solution
dV t
a = −10 −
dt 50
dV
i When t = 10, = −10 15
dt
i.e. the volume is decreasing at a rate of 10 15 cm3 per second.
dV
ii When t = 20, = −10 25
dt
i.e. the volume is decreasing at a rate of 10 25 cm3 per second.

b The model will not be meaningful when V < 0. Consider V = 0.

1 2
600 − 10t − t =0
100
√ √
∴ t = 100( 31 − 5) or t = −100( 31 + 5)
√
The model may be suitable for 0 ≤ t ≤ 100( 31 − 5).

Example 9
A pot of liquid is put on the stove. When the temperature of the liquid reaches 80◦ C, the
pot is taken oﬀ the stove and placed on the kitchen bench. The temperature in the kitchen
is 20◦ C. The temperature of the liquid, T ◦ C, at time t minutes is given by
T = 20 + 60e−0.3t
a Find the rate of change of temperature with respect to time in terms of T .
b Find the rate of change of temperature with respect to time when:
i T = 80 ii T = 30

Solution
T − 20
a By rearranging T = 20 + 60e−0.3t , we see that e−0.3t = .
60
Now T = 20 + 60e−0.3t
dT
∴ = −18e−0.3t
dt
dT T − 20
Hence = −18
dt 60
T − 20
= −3
10
= 0.3(20 − T )
dT dT
b i When T = 80, = 0.3(20 − 80) ii When T = 30, = 0.3(20 − 30)
dt dt
= −18 = −3
The liquid is cooling at a rate of 18◦ C The liquid is cooling at a rate of 3◦ C
per minute. per minute.

Motion in a straight line

Position, velocity and acceleration were introduced for an object moving in a straight line in
Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2.
Position (x m) is speciﬁed with respect to a reference point O on the line. Velocity (v m/s)
and acceleration (a m/s2 ) are given by:

dx dv
velocity v = acceleration a =
dt dt

Example 10
A particle moves along a straight line such that its position, x m, relative to a point O at
time t seconds is given by the formula x = t3 − 6t2 + 9t. Find:
a at what times and in what positions the particle will have zero velocity
b its acceleration at those instants
c its velocity when its acceleration is zero.

Solution
dx
Velocity v = = 3t2 − 12t + 9
dt
a When v = 0,
3(t2 − 4t + 3) = 0
(t − 1)(t − 3) = 0
t = 1 or t = 3
i.e. the velocity is zero when t = 1 and t = 3 and where x = 4 and x = 0.
dv
b Acceleration a = = 6t − 12
dt
When t = 1, a = −6 m/s2
When t = 3, a = 6 m/s2

c The acceleration is zero when 6t − 12 = 0, i.e. when t = 2.

When t = 2, the velocity v = 3 × 4 − 24 + 9
= −3 m/s

Section summary
For the function with rule f (x):
f (b) − f (a)
The average rate of change for x ∈ [a, b] is given by .
b−a
The instantaneous rate of change of f with respect to x when x = a is given by f (a).

Exercise 10B

Skillsheet 1 For the function with rule f (x) = 3x2 + 6x, ﬁnd:
Example 7 a the average rate of change for x ∈ [2, 3]
b the average rate of change for the interval [2, 2 + h]
c the instantaneous rate of change of f with respect to x when x = 2.

2 Express each of the following in symbols:

a the rate of change of volume (V) with respect to time (t)
b the rate of change of surface area (S ) of a sphere with respect to radius (r)
c the rate of change of volume (V) of a cube with respect to edge length (x)
d the rate of change of area (A) with respect to time (t)
e the rate of change of volume (V) of water in a glass with respect to depth of
water (h)

Example 8 3 If your interest (I) in Mathematical Methods can be expressed as

4
I=
(t + 1)2
where t is the time in days measured from the ﬁrst day of Term 1, how fast is your
interest waning when t = 10?

4 A reservoir is being emptied and the quantity of water, V m3 , remaining in the reservoir
t days after it starts to empty is given by
V(t) = 103 (90 − t)3
a At what rate is the reservoir being emptied at time t?
b How long does it take to empty the reservoir?
c What is the volume of water in the reservoir when t = 0?
d After what time is the reservoir being emptied at 3 × 105 m3 /day?
e Sketch the graph of V(t) against t.
f Sketch the graph of V (t) against t.

5 A coffee percolator allows 1000 mL of water to flow into a filter in 20 minutes. The
volume which has flowed into the filter at time t minutes is given by
1 4 t5
V(t) = 5t − , 0 ≤ t ≤ 20
160 5
a At what rate is the water flowing into the filter at time t minutes?
dV
b Sketch the graph of against t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 20.
dt
c When is the rate of flow greatest?

6 The graph shows the volume, V m3 , of water in a reservoir at time t days.

V
(´ 107 m3)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
O 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 Time
(days)

a At what times is the rate of ﬂow from the reservoir 0 m3 /day?

b Find an estimate for the rate of flow at t = 200.
c Find the average rate of flow for the interval [100, 250].
d State the times for which there is net flow into the reservoir.

7 A car tyre is inﬂated to a pressure of 30 units. Eight hours later it is found to have
deﬂated to a pressure of 10 units. The pressure, P, at time t hours is given by
P = P0 e−λt
a Find the values of P0 and λ.
b At what time would the pressure be 8 units?
c Find the rate of loss of pressure at:
i time t = 0
ii time t = 8

Example 9 8 A liquid is heated to a temperature of 90◦ C and then allowed to cool in a room in which
the temperature is 15◦ C. While the liquid is cooling, its temperature, T ◦ C, at time
t minutes is given by T = 15 + 75e−0.3t .
a Find the rate of change of temperature with respect to time in terms of T .
b Find the rate of change of temperature with respect to time when:
i T = 90
ii T = 60
iii T = 30
dy
9 If y = 3x + 2 cos x, ﬁnd and hence show that y increases as x increases.
dx
t
10 The volume of water in a reservoir at time t is given by V(t) = 3 + 2 sin .
4
a Find the volume in the reservoir at time t = 10.
b Find the rate of change of the volume of water in the reservoir at time t = 10.

Example 10 11 A particle moves along a straight line such that its position, x cm, relative to a point O
at time t seconds is given by x = 2t3 − 9t2 + 12t.
a Find the velocity, v, as a function of t.
b At what times and in what positions will the particle have zero velocity?
c Find its acceleration at those instants.
d Find its velocity when its acceleration is zero.

12 A particle moves in a straight line such that its position, x cm, relative to a point O at
time t seconds is given by the equation x = 8 + 2t − t2 . Find:
a its initial position
b its initial velocity
c when and where the velocity is zero
d its acceleration at time t.

13 line such that its position, x cm, relative to a point O

A particle is moving in a straight √
at time t seconds is given by x = 2t2 + 2. Find:
a the velocity as a function of t
b the acceleration as a function of t
c the velocity and acceleration when t = 1.

14 A vehicle is travelling in a straight line away from point O. Its distance from O after
t seconds is 0.4et metres. Find the velocity of the vehicle when t = 0, t = 1, t = 2.

15 A manufacturing company has a daily output on day t of a production run given by

y = 600(1 − e−0.5t ), where the ﬁrst day of the production run is t = 0.
a Sketch the graph of y against t. (Assume a continuous model.)
b Find the instantaneous rate of change of output y with respect to t on the 10th day.

dy
16 For each of the following, ﬁnd in terms of y:
dx
a y = e−2x
b y = Aekx

17 The mass, m kg, of radioactive lead remaining in a sample t hours after observations
began is given by m = 2e−0.2t .
a Find the mass left after 12 hours.
b Find how long it takes for the mass to fall to half of its value at t = 0.
c Find how long it takes for the mass to fall to i one-quarter and ii one-eighth of its
value at t = 0.
d Express the rate of decay as a function of m.

10C Stationary points

In the previous chapter, we have seen that the gradient of the tangent at a point (a, f (a)) on
the curve with rule y = f (x) is given by f (a).

A point (a, f (a)) on a curve y = f (x) is said to be a stationary point if f (a) = 0.

dy
Equivalently, a point (a, f (a)) on y = f (x) is a stationary point if = 0 when x = a.
dx

In the graph shown, there are y

stationary points at A, B and C.
A
At such points, the tangents are
parallel to the x-axis (illustrated as
dashed lines).
B

x
O

C
The reason for the name stationary point becomes clear if we look at an application to the
motion of a particle.

Example 11
A particle is moving in a straight line. Its position, x metres, relative to a point O on the
line at time t seconds is given by
1
x = 9t − t3 , 0 ≤ t ≤ 4
3
Find the particle’s maximum distance from O. (Here the particle is always on the right
of O and so its distance from O is its position.)

Solution x
dx
= 9 − t2
dt
dx
The maximum distance from O occurs when = 0. 18
dt
So t = 3 or t = −3. But t = −3 lies outside the domain.
At t = 3, x = 18.
Thus the stationary point is (3, 18) and the maximum
t
distance from O is 18 metres. O 3

Note: The stationary point occurs when the rate of change of position with respect to time
(the velocity) is zero. At this moment, the particle is stationary.

Example 12
Find the stationary points of the following functions:
a y = 9 + 12x − 2x2 b y = 4 + 3x − x3 c p = 2t3 − 5t2 − 4t + 13, t > 0

Solution
a y = 9 + 12x − 2x2 b y = 4 + 3x − x3
dy dy
= 12 − 4x = 3 − 3x2
dx dx
dy dy
A stationary point occurs when = 0, = 0 implies 3(1 − x2 ) = 0
dx dx
i.e. when 12 − 4x = 0. ∴ x = ±1
Hence x = 3 and y = 9 + 12 × 3 − 2 × 32 The stationary points are (1, 6)
= 27 and (−1, 2).
The stationary point is (3, 27).

c p = 2t3 − 5t2 − 4t + 13
dp
= 6t2 − 10t − 4, t > 0
dt
dp
= 0 implies 2(3t2 − 5t − 2) = 0
dt
(3t + 1)(t − 2) = 0
1
∴ t = − or t = 2
3
But t > 0, and so the only acceptable solution is t = 2. The corresponding stationary
point is (2, 1).

Example 13
Find the stationary points of the following functions:
a y = sin(2x), x ∈ [0, 2π] b y = e2x − x c y = x loge (2x), x ∈ (0, ∞)

Solution
a y = sin(2x)
dy
= 2 cos(2x)
dx
dy
So = 0 implies 2 cos(2x) = 0
dx
cos(2x) = 0
π 3π 5π 7π
2x = , , or
2 2 2 2
π 3π 5π 7π
∴ x= , , or
4 4 4 4
π 3π 5π 7π
The stationary points are , 1 , , −1 , , 1 and , −1 .
4 4 4 4

b y = e2x − x c y = x loge (2x)

dy dy
= 2e2x − 1 = loge (2x) + 1
dx dx
dy dy
So = 0 implies So = 0 implies
dx dx
2e2x − 1 = 0 loge (2x) + 1 = 0
1 loge (2x) = −1
e2x =
2 2x = e−1
1 1
∴ x= 1
2
loge
2 ∴ x=
2e
1 1 1 2
= − loge 2 When x = , y = loge
2 2e 2e 2e
1 −1
When x = − loge 2, =
2 2e
1 1 1
y = e2× 2 loge 2 + loge 2 Thecoordinates of the stationary point
2 1 −1
1 1 are , .
= + loge 2 2e 2e
2 2
The coordinates of the stationary point
are (− 12 loge 2, 12 + 12 loge 2).

Example 14
The curve with equation y = x3 + ax2 + bx + c passes through the point (0, 5) and has a
stationary point at (2, 7). Find a, b and c.

Solution
When x = 0, y = 5. Thus 5 = c.
dy dy
= 3x2 + 2ax + b and at x = 2, = 0. Therefore
dx dx
12 + 4a + b = 0 (1)
The point (2, 7) is on the curve and so
8 + 4a + 2b + 5 = 7
∴ 6 + 4a + 2b = 0 (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2) gives −6 + b = 0. Thus b = 6. Substitute in (1):
12 + 4a + 6 = 0
4a = −18
9
Hence a = − , b = 6 and c = 5.
2

Using the TI-Nspire

Use menu > Actions > Define to define
f (x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + c.
Define g(x) to be the derivative ( menu >
Calculus > Derivative) of f (x) as shown.
Use the simultaneous equations solver
( menu > Algebra > Solve System of
Equations > Solve System of Equations) to
find a, b and c given that f (0) = 5, f (2) = 7
and g(2) = 0.

Using the Casio ClassPad

Use Interactive > Deﬁne to deﬁne the functions
f (x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + c and g(x) = 3x2 + 2ax + b.
In Math1 , tap ~ twice.
Enter the equations and variables as shown and
tap EXE .

Section summary
A point (a, f (a)) on a curve y = f (x) is said to be a stationary point if f (a) = 0.
dy
Equivalently, a point (a, f (a)) on y = f (x) is a stationary point if = 0 when x = a.
dx

Exercise 10C

Example 12 1 Find the stationary points for each of the following:

a f (x) = x3 − 12x b g(x) = 2x2 − 4x
c h(x) = 5x4 − 4x5 d f (t) = 8t + 5t2 − t3 for t > 0
e g(z) = 8z2 − 3z4 f f (x) = 5 − 2x + 3x2
g h(x) = x3 − 4x2 − 3x + 20, x > 0 h f (x) = 3x4 − 16x3 + 24x2 − 10

Example 13 2 Find the stationary points of the following functions:

a y = e2x − 2x b y = x loge (3x), x ∈ (0, ∞)
c y = cos(2x), x ∈ [−π, π] d y = xe x
e y = x2 e−x f y = 2x loge x, x ∈ (0, ∞)
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
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432 Chapter 10: Applications of differentiation 10C

3 a The curve with rule f (x) = x2 − ax + 9 has a stationary point when x = 3. Find a.
b The curve with rule h(x) = x3 − bx2 − 9x + 7 has a stationary point when x = −1.
Find b.

Example 14 4 The curve with equation y = x3 + bx2 + cx + d passes through the point (0, 3) and has a
stationary point at (1, 3). Find b, c and d.

5 The tangent to the curve of y = ax2 + bx + c at the point where x = 2 is parallel to the
line y = 4x. There is a stationary point at (1, −3). Find the values of a, b and c.

6 The graph of y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d touches the line 2y + 6x = 15 at the point A(0, 7 12 )
and has a stationary point at B(3, −6). Find the values of a, b, c and d.
b
7 The curve with equation y = ax + has a stationary point at (2, 7). Find:
2x − 1
a the values of a and b b the coordinates of the other stationary point.

8 Find the x-coordinates, in terms of n, of the stationary points of the curve with equation
y = (2x − 1)n (x + 2), where n is a natural number.

9 Find the x-coordinates of the stationary points of the curve with equation y = (x2 − 1)n
where n is an integer greater than 1.
x
10 Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the curve with equation y = .
x2 +1

10D Types of stationary points

y
The graph of y = f (x) shown has
three stationary points A, B, C.

A C

B
x
O

A Point A is called a local maximum point. gradient + 0 −

Notice that immediately to the left of A the gradient —
shape of f
is positive, and immediately to right the gradient is
negative.
B Point B is called a local minimum point. gradient − 0 +
Notice that immediately to the left of B the gradient
shape of f —
is negative, and immediately to the right the
gradient is positive.

C Point C is called a stationary point of inﬂection. gradient + 0 +

The gradient is positive immediately to the left and
shape of f —
right of C.
Clearly it is also possible to have stationary points gradient − 0 −
of inﬂection such that the gradient is negative
shape of f —
immediately to the left and right.
Stationary points of types A and B are referred to as turning points.

Example 15
For the function f : R → R, f (x) = 3x3 − 4x + 1:
a Find the stationary points and state their nature.
b Sketch the graph.

Solution
a The derivative is f (x) = 9x2 − 4.
The stationary points occur where f (x) = 0:
9x2 − 4 = 0
2
∴ x=±
3

There are stationary points at − 23 , f (− 23 ) and 23 , f ( 23 ) , that is, at (− 23 , 2 79 ) and ( 23 , − 79 ).
So f (x) is of constant sign for each of

x : x < − 23 , x : − 23 < x < 23 and x : x > 23
To calculate the sign of f (x) for each of these sets, simply choose a representative
number in the set.
Thus f (−1) = 9 − 4 = 5 > 0
x − 23 2
3

f (0) = 0 − 4 = −4 < 0
f (x) + 0 − 0 +

f (1) = 9 − 4 = 5 > 0 —
shape of f —
We can now put together the table
shown on the right.

There is a local maximum at (− 23 , 2 79 ) and a local minimum at ( 23 , − 79 ).

b To sketch the graph of this function we need to find the axis intercepts and investigate
the behaviour of the graph for x > 23 and x < − 23 .
The y-axis intercept is f (0) = 1.
To find the x-axis intercepts, consider f (x) = 0, which implies 3x3 − 4x + 1 = 0.
Using the factor theorem, we find that x − 1 is a factor of 3x3 − 4x + 1.
By division:
3x3 − 4x + 1 = (x − 1)(3x2 + 3x − 1)

Now f (x) = (x − 1)(3x2 + 3x − 1) = 0 implies that x = 1 or 3x2 + 3x − 1 = 0.

We have

1 2 1 1
3x2 + 3x − 1 = 3 x + − −
2 4 3

1 2 21
=3 x+ −
2 36
√ √
1 21 1 21
=3 x+ − x+ +
2 6 2 6
Thus the x-axis intercepts are at y
√ √ 2, 27
1 21 1 21 -
x=− + , x=− − , x=1 3 9
2 6 2 6
2
For x > 23 , f (x) becomes larger.
For x < 23 , f (x) becomes smaller. 1

x
-1 O 1
-1 2, -7
3 9

A CAS calculator can be used to plot the graph of a function and determine its key features,
including:
the value of the function at any point
the value of its derivative at any point
the axis intercepts
the local maximum and local minimum points.

Example 16
Plot the graph of y = x3 − 19x + 20 and determine:
a the value of y when x = −4 b the values of x when y = 0
dy
c the value of when x = −1 d the coordinates of the local maximum.
dx

Using the TI-Nspire

Graph y = x3 − 19x + 20 in an appropriate
window ( menu > Window/Zoom > Window
Settings).

Deﬁne f (x) = x3 − 19x + 20.

a f (−4) = 32
b Use solve( f (x) = 0, x).
Note: Alternatively, menu > Algebra > Zeros
can be used to solve equations equal to
zero as shown.

c Find the derivative of f (x) at x = −1 as

shown.
d To ﬁnd the stationary points, use
d
solve f (x) = 0, x
dx
and then substitute to ﬁnd the y-coordinate.

Note: Since the function was also deﬁned in the Graphs application as f 1, the name f 1
could have been used in place of f in these calculations.

Using the Casio ClassPad

Deﬁne f (x) = x3 − 19x + 20.
Tap $ to open the graph window.
Drag f (x) into the graph window.
Adjust the window using 6.

a To ﬁnd f (−4) = 32, there are two methods:

1 In M, type f (−4) and tap EXE .

2 In $, go to Analysis > G-Solve > x-Cal/y-Cal

> y-Cal and type −4.

b In M, enter and highlight f (x) = 0.

Go to Interactive > Equation/Inequality > solve.
Rotate the screen and press to view all solutions.

dy
c To find when x = −1:
dx
In M, enter and highlight f (x).
Go to Interactive > Calculation > diff and then
tap OK .
Select | from Math3 and type x = −1 as shown.
Tap EXE .
Using the graph window
To view the derivative at any point on a graph,
first ensure that the Derivative/Slope setting is
activated:
Go to settings O, select Graph Format, tick
Derivative/Slope and tap Set .
Now in $:
Go to Analysis > Trace, type −1 and tap OK .
d To find the local maximum:
d
In M, solve f (x) = 0 as shown.
dx
Substitute to find the y-coordinate.

Alternatively, ﬁnd fMax using an appropriate

domain:

Example 17
3
Sketch the graph of f : R → R, f (x) = e x .

Solution
As x → −∞, f (x) → 0. y
Axis intercepts
When x = 0, f (x) = 1.
Stationary points (0, 1) f(x) = ex3
f (x) = 3x2 e x
3

x
So f (x) = 0 implies x = 0. O

The gradient of f is always greater than or equal to 0, which means that (0, 1) is a
stationary point of inﬂection.

Example 18
For f : (0, ∞) → R, f (x) = x loge x:
a Find f (x). b Solve the equation f (x) = 0.
c Solve the equation f (x) = 0. d Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

Solution
1
a f (x) = x × + loge x (product rule) y
x
= 1 + loge x
b f (x) = x loge x
Thus f (x) = 0 implies x = 0 or loge x = 0.
Since x ∈ (0, ∞), the only solution is x = 1.
c f (x) = 0 implies 1 + loge x = 0. (1, 0)
Therefore loge x = −1 and so x = e−1 . x
O
(e -1, -e -1)
d When x = e−1 , y = e−1 loge (e−1 )
= e−1 × (−1) = −e−1

Example 19
Find the local maximum and local minimum points of f (x) = 2 sin x + 1 − 2 sin2 x, where
0 < x < 2π.
Solution
Find f (x) and solve f (x) = 0:
f (x) = 2 sin x + 1 − 2 sin2 x
∴ f (x) = 2 cos x − 4 sin x cos x
= 2 cos x · (1 − 2 sin x)
Thus f (x) = 0 implies
cos x = 0 or 1 − 2 sin x = 0
i.e. cos x = 0 or sin x = 12
π 3π π 5π
i.e. x = , or x = ,
2 2 6 6
π 3π π 3 5π 3
We have f = 1, f = −3, f = and f =
2 2 6 2 6 2
π π 5π 3π
x 6 2 6 2
f (x) + 0 − 0 + 0 − 0 +
shape of f — —
— —
π 3 5π 3 π 3π
Local maxima at , and , . Local minima at , 1 and , −3 .
6 2 6 2 2 2

Bad behaviour? In this course, and in y

school courses around the world, we deal with
functions that are ‘conveniently behaved’.
This avoids some complications.
For an example of a function which is not in
this category, consider
⎧
⎪
⎪
⎪ 2 1
⎪
⎨ x sin x if x 0
4
f (x) = ⎪
⎪
⎪
⎪
⎩0 if x = 0
The derivative of this function is deﬁned
for all x ∈ R. In any open interval around
x = 0, the graph of this function has inﬁnitely
x
many stationary points, no matter how small
the interval.

Section summary
A point (a, f (a)) on a curve y = f (x) is said to be a stationary point if f (a) = 0.
Types of stationary points y
A Point A is a local maximum:
f (x) > 0 immediately to the left of A A C
f (x) < 0 immediately to the right of A.
B x
B Point B is a local minimum:
O
f (x) < 0 immediately to the left of B
f (x) > 0 immediately to the right of B.
C Point C is a stationary point of inﬂection.
Stationary points of types A and B are called turning points.

Exercise 10D

Skillsheet 1 For each of the following derivative functions, write down the values of x at which the
Example 15 derivative is zero and prepare a gradient table (as in Example 15) showing whether
the corresponding points on the graph of y = f (x) are local maxima, local minima or
stationary points of inﬂection:
a f (x) = 4x2 b f (x) = (x − 2)(x + 5)
c f (x) = (x + 1)(2x − 1) d f (x) = −x2 + x + 12
e f (x) = x2 − x − 12 f f (x) = 5x4 − 27x3
g f (x) = (x − 1)(x − 3) h f (x) = −(x − 1)(x − 3)

2 Find the stationary points on each of the following curves and state their nature:
a y = x(x2 − 12) b y = x2 (3 − x)
c y = x3 − 5x2 + 3x + 2 d y = 3 − x3
e y = 3x4 + 16x3 + 24x2 + 3 f y = x(x2 − 1)

3 Sketch the graph of each of the following, ﬁnding i axis intercepts and ii stationary
points:
a y = 4x3 − 3x4 b y = x3 − 6x2 c y = 3x2 − x3
d y = x3 + 6x2 + 9x + 4 e y = (x2 − 1)5 f y = (x2 − 1)4

4 a Find the stationary points of the graph of y = 2x3 + 3x2 − 12x + 7, stating the nature
of each.
b Show that the graph passes through (1, 0).
c Find the other axis intercepts.
d Sketch the graph.

5 a Show that the polynomial P(x) = x3 + ax2 + b has a stationary point at x = 0 for all a
and b.
b Given that P(x) has a second stationary point at (−2, 6), ﬁnd the values of a and b
and the nature of both stationary points.

6 Sketch the graph of f (x) = (2x − 1)5 (2x − 4)4 .

a State the coordinates of the axis intercepts.
b State the coordinates and nature of each stationary point.

7 a Sketch the graphs of f (x) = (4x2 − 1)6 and g(x) = (4x2 − 1)5 on the one set of axes.

b i Find x : (4x2 − 1)6 > (4x2 − 1)5 . ii Find x : f (x) > g (x) .

8 Sketch the graph of each of the following. State the axis intercepts and the coordinates
of stationary points.
a y = x3 + x2 − 8x − 12 b y = 4x3 − 18x2 + 48x − 290

9 For each of the following, ﬁnd the coordinates of the stationary points and determine
their nature:
a f (x) = 3x4 + 4x3 b f (x) = x4 + 2x3 − 1 c f (x) = 3x3 − 3x2 + 12x + 9

1
10 Consider the function f deﬁned by f (x) = (x − 1)3 (8 − 3x) + 1.
8
a Show that f (0) = 0 and f (3) = 0.
3
b Show that f (x) = (x − 1)2 (9 − 4x) and specify the values of x for which f (x) ≥ 0.
8
c Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

11 Sketch the graph of y = 3x4 − 44x3 + 144x2 , ﬁnding the coordinates of all turning
points.

12 Each graph below shows the graph of f for a function f . Find the values of x for which
the graph of y = f (x) has a stationary point and state the nature of each stationary point.
a y b y

y = f ¢(x)
y = f ¢(x)

O x
x O
-1 1 5 2

c y d y

y = f ¢(x)
y = f ¢(x)

x x
-4 O -3 O 2

13 Find the coordinates of the stationary points, and state the nature of each, for the curve
with equation:
a y = x4 − 16x2
b y = x2m − 16x2m−2 , where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.
x2
Example 17 14 Sketch the graph of f (x) = e− 2 .

15 Let f (x) = x2 e x . Find { x : f (x) < 0 }.

Find the values of x for which 100e−x +2x−5 increases as x increases and hence ﬁnd the
2
16
maximum value of 100e−x +2x−5 .
2

17 Let f (x) = e x − 1 − x.
a Find the minimum value of f (x). b Hence show e x ≥ 1 + x for all real x.

18 For f (x) = x + e−x :

a Find the position and nature of any stationary points.
b Find, if they exist, the equations of any asymptotes.
c Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

19 The curve y = e x (px2 + qx + r) is such that the tangents at x = 1 and x = 3 are parallel
to the x-axis. The point with coordinates (0, 9) is on the curve. Find p, q and r.

dy
a Let y = e4x −8x . Find
2
20 .
dx
b Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve of y = e4x −8x and state its
2

nature.
c Sketch the graph of y = e4x −8x .
2

d Find the equation of the normal to the curve of y = e4x −8x at the point where x = 2.
2

21 On the same set of axes, sketch the graphs of y = loge x and y = loge (5x), and use them
d d
to explain why loge x = loge (5x) .
dx dx
Example 18 22 For the function f : (0, ∞) → R, f (x) = x2 loge x:
a Find f (x). b Solve the equation f (x) = 0.
c Solve the equation f (x) = 0. d Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

23 Let f : R → R, f (x) = x3 − 3x2 − 9x + 11. Sketch the graph of:

a y = f (x) b y = 2 f (x) c y = f (x + 2) d y = f (x − 2) e y = − f (x)

24 Let f : R → R, f (x) = 2 + 3x − x3 . Sketch the graph of:

a y = f (x) b y = −2 f (x) c y = 2 f (x − 1) d y = f (x) − 3 e y = 3 f (x + 1)

25 The graph shown opposite has equation y

y = f (x). Suppose a dilation of factor p
from the x-axis followed by a translation
of units in the positive direction of the
x-axis is applied to the graph. A(a, 0) B(b, 0)
x
For the graph of the image, state: O
a the axis intercepts
b the coordinates of the turning point.

P(h, k)

Example 19 26 Find the values of x for which the graph of y = f (x) has a stationary point and state the
nature of each stationary point. Consider 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π only.
a f (x) = 2 cos x − (2 cos2 x − 1) b f (x) = 2 cos x + 2 sin x cos x
c f (x) = 2 sin x − (2 cos2 x − 1) d f (x) = 2 sin x + 2 sin x cos x

27 The graph of a quartic function passes through the points with coordinates (1, 21),
(2, 96), (5, 645), (6, 816) and (7, 861).
a Find the rule of the quartic and plot the graph. Determine the turning points and axis
intercepts.
b Plot the graph of the derivative on the same screen.
c Find the value of the function when x = 10.
d For what value(s) of x is the value of the function 500?

10E Absolute maximum and minimum values

Local maximum and minimum values were discussed in the previous section. These are often
not the actual maximum and minimum values of the function.
For a function deﬁned on an interval:
the actual maximum value of the function is called the absolute maximum
the actual minimum value of the function is called the absolute minimum.
The corresponding points on the graph of the function are not necessarily stationary points.
More precisely, for a continuous function f deﬁned on an interval [a, b]:
if M is a value of the function such that f (x) ≤ M for all x ∈ [a, b], then M is the absolute
maximum value of the function
if N is a value of the function such that f (x) ≥ N for all x ∈ [a, b], then N is the absolute
minimum value of the function.

Example 20
Let f : [−2, 4] → R, f (x) = x2 + 2. Find the absolute maximum value and the absolute
minimum value of the function.
Solution y
The maximum value is 18 and occurs when x = 4. (4, 18)

The minimum value is 2 and occurs when x = 0.

(Note that the absolute minimum occurs at a stationary
point of the graph. The absolute maximum occurs at an (−2, 6)
endpoint, not at a stationary point.) (0, 2)
x
O

Example 21
Let f : [−2, 1] → R, f (x) = x3 + 2. Find the maximum and minimum values of the
function.
Solution y
The maximum value is 3 and occurs when x = 1.
(1, 3)
The minimum value is −6 and occurs when x = −2.
(0, 2)
(Note that the absolute maximum and minimum x
values do not occur at stationary points.) O

(-2, -6)

Example 22
From a square piece of metal of side length 2 m, four squares
are removed as shown in the diagram. The metal is then folded
along the dashed lines to form an open box with height x m.
a Show that the volume of the box, V m3 , is given by
V = 4x3 − 8x2 + 4x.
b Find the value of x that gives the box its maximum volume
and show that the volume is a maximum for this value.
c Sketch the graph of V against x for a suitable domain.
d If the height of the box must be less than 0.3 m, i.e. x ≤ 0.3,
what will be the maximum volume of the box?

Solution
a The box has length and width 2 − 2x metres, and has height x metres. Thus
V = (2 − 2x)2 x
= (4 − 8x + 4x2 )x
= 4x3 − 8x2 + 4x
b Let V(x) = 4x3 − 8x2 + 4x. A local maximum will occur when V (x) = 0.
We have V (x) = 12x2 − 16x + 4, and so V (x) = 0 implies that
12x2 − 16x + 4 = 0
3x2 − 4x + 1 = 0
(3x − 1)(x − 1) = 0
1
∴ x = or x = 1
3
But, when x = 1, the length of the box is 2 − 2x = 0. Therefore the only value to be
1
considered is x = . We show the entire chart for completeness.
3
1
The maximum occurs when x = . 1
3 x 3 1

1 2 1 V (x) + 0 − 0
∴ Maximum volume = 2 − 2 × ×
3 3 shape of V — —
16 3
= m
27

c V d The local
1 16maximum
of V(x) deﬁned on [0, 1]
1 16
(m3) , is at , .
3 27 3 27
1
But is not in the interval [0, 0.3].
3
Since V (x) > 0 for all x ∈ [0, 0.3], the
maximum volume for this situation occurs
O 1 x (m) when x = 0.3 and is 0.588 m3 .

Section summary
For a continuous function f deﬁned on an interval [a, b]:
if M is a value of the function such that f (x) ≤ M for all x ∈ [a, b], then M is the
absolute maximum value of the function
if N is a value of the function such that f (x) ≥ N for all x ∈ [a, b], then N is the
absolute minimum value of the function.

Exercise 10E

Skillsheet 1 Let f : [−3, 3] → R, f (x) = 2 − 8x2 . Find the absolute maximum value and the absolute
Example 20 minimum value of the function.

Example 21 2 Let f : [−3, 2] → R, f (x) = x3 + 2x + 3. Find the absolute maximum value and the
absolute minimum value of the function for its domain.

3 Let f : [−1.5, 2.5] → R, f (x) = 2x3 − 6x2 . Find the absolute maximum and absolute
minimum values of the function.

4 Let f : [−2, 6] → R, f (x) = 2x4 − 8x2 . Find the absolute maximum and absolute
minimum values of the function.

Example 22 5 A rectangular block is such that the sides of its base are of length x cm and 3x cm. The
sum of the lengths of all its edges is 20 cm.
a Show that the volume, V cm3 , of the block is given by V = 15x2 − 12x3 .
dV
b Find .
dx
c Find the coordinates of the local maximum of the graph of V against x for
x ∈ [0, 1.25].
d If x ∈ [0, 0.8], ﬁnd the absolute maximum value of V and the value of x for which
this occurs.
e If x ∈ [0, 1], ﬁnd the absolute maximum value of V and the value of x for which
this occurs.

6 Variables x, y and z are such that x + y = 30 and z = xy.

a If x ∈ [2, 5], ﬁnd the possible values of y.
b Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values of z.
1 1
7 Consider the function f : [2, 3] → R, f (x) = + .
x−1 4−x
a Find f (x).
b Find the coordinates of the stationary point of the graph of y = f (x).
c Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum of the function.

8 A piece of string 10 metres long is cut into two pieces to form two squares.
a If one piece of string has length x metres, show that the combined area of the two
1
squares is given by A = (x2 − 10x + 50).
8
dA
b Find .
dx
c Find the value of x that makes A a minimum.
d If two squares are formed but x ∈ [0, 1], ﬁnd the maximum possible combined area
of the two squares.

9 Find the absolute maximum and minimum values of the function g : [2.1, 8] → R,
1
g(x) = x + .
x−2
1 1
10 Consider the function f : [0, 3] → R, f (x) = + .
x+1 4−x
a Find f (x).
b Find the coordinates of the stationary point of the graph of y = f (x).
c Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum of the function.
π π
11 For the function f : − , → R, f (x) = sin(2x), state the absolute maximum and
2 8
minimum values of the function.
π
12 For the function f : 0, → R, f (x) = cos(2x), state the absolute maximum and
8
minimum values of the function.
2
13 For the function f : [−1, 8] → R, f (x) = 2 − x 3 , sketch the graph and state the absolute
maximum and minimum values of the function.

14 For the function f : [−1, 2] → R, f (x) = 2e x + e−x , sketch the graph and state the
absolute maximum and minimum values of the function.
2
15 For the function f : [−2, 2] → R, f (x) = 2e(x−1) , sketch the graph and state the absolute
maximum and minimum values of the function.
x − 5
16 For the function f : [6, 10] → R, f (x) = (x − 5) loge , sketch the graph and state
10
the absolute maximum and minimum values of the function.

10F Maximum and minimum problems

Many practical problem require that some quantity (for example, cost of manufacture or fuel
consumption) be minimised, that is, be made as small as possible. Other problems require
that some quantity (for example, proﬁt on sales or attendance at a concert) be maximised,
that is, be made as large as possible. We can use diﬀerential calculus to solve many of
these problems.

Example 23
A farmer has suﬃcient fencing to make a rectangular pen of perimeter 200 metres. What
dimensions will give an enclosure of maximum area?

Solution
Let the length of the rectangle be x metres. Then the A
width is 100 − x metres and the area is A m2 , where
A = x(100 − x)
= 100x − x2
dA
The maximum value of A occurs when = 0.
dx x
dA O 100
= 100 − 2x
dx
dA
∴ = 0 implies x = 50
dx
From the gradient chart, the maximum area occurs x 50
when x = 50.
dA
+ 0 −
The pen with maximum area has dimensions dx
50 m by 50 m, and so has area 2500 m2 . shape of A —

Example 24
Two variables x and y are such that x4 y = 8. A third variable z is deﬁned by z = x + y.
Find the values of x and y that give z a stationary value and show that this value of z is a
minimum.
Solution
Obtain y in terms of x from the equation x4 y = 8:
y = 8x−4
Substitute in the equation z = x + y:
z = x + 8x−4 (1)
Now z is expressed in terms of one variable, x. Diﬀerentiate with respect to x:
dz
= 1 − 32x−5
dx
dz
A stationary point occurs where = 0:
dx
1 − 32x−5 = 0
32x−5 = 1
x5 = 32
∴ x=2

There is a stationary point at x = 2. The corresponding value of y is 8 × 2−4 = 12 .

Now substitute in equation (1) to ﬁnd z:
8
z=2+ = 2 12
16
Determine the nature of the stationary point using a x 2
gradient chart.
dz
− 0 +
The minimum value of z is 2 12 and occurs when dx
x = 2 and y = 12 . shape of z —

Example 25
A cylindrical tin canister closed at both ends has a surface area of 100 cm2 . Find, correct
to two decimal places, the greatest volume it can have. If the radius of the canister can be
at most 2 cm, ﬁnd the greatest volume it can have.

Solution
Let the radius of the circular end of the tin be r cm, let the height of the tin be h cm and let
the volume of the tin be V cm3 .
Obtain equations for the surface area and the volume.
Surface area: 100 = 2πr2 + 2πrh (1)
Volume: V = πr h 2
(2)
The process we follow now is very similar to Example 23. Obtain h in terms of r from
equation (1):
1
h= (100 − 2πr2 )
2πr
Substitute in equation (2):
1
V = πr2 × (100 − 2πr2 )
2πr
∴ V = 50r − πr3 (3)
dV
A stationary point of the graph of V = 50r − πr3 occurs when = 0.
dr
dV
= 0 implies 50 − 3πr2 = 0
dr

50
∴ r=± ≈ ±2.3
3π
But r = −2.3 does not ﬁt the practical situation.
Substitute r = 2.3 in equation (3) to ﬁnd V:
V ≈ 76.78
So there is a stationary point at (2.3, 76.8).

Use a gradient chart to determine the nature of this r 2.3

stationary point.
dV
+ 0 −
The maximum volume is 76.78 cm3 correct to two dr
decimal places. shape of V —

by a function f
It can be observed that the volume is given V

with rule f (r) = 50r − πr and domain 0, 50
3
π , giving the
(2.3, 76.8)
graph on the right.
If the greatest radius the canister can have is 2 cm,
then the function f has domain [0, 2]. It has been seen
that f (r) > 0 for all r ∈ [0, 2]. The maximum value O 50 r
occurs when r = 2. The maximum volume in this case is π
f (2) = 100 − 8π ≈ 74.87 cm3 .

In some situations the variables may not be continuous. For instance, one of them may only
take integer values. In such cases it is not strictly valid to use techniques of diﬀerentiation
to solve the problem. However, in some problems we may model the non-continuous case
with a continuous function so that the techniques of diﬀerential calculus may be used.
Examples 26 and 27 illustrate this.

Example 26
A TV cable company has 1000 subscribers who are paying $5 per month. It can get 100
more subscribers for each $0.10 decrease in the monthly fee. What monthly fee will yield
the maximum revenue and what will this revenue be?
Solution 5 − x
Let x denote the monthly fee. Then the number of subscribers is 1000 + 100 .
0.1
(Note that we are treating a discrete situation with a continuous function.)
Let R denote the revenue. Then

R = x 1000 + 1000(5 − x)
= 1000(6x − x2 )
dR
∴ = 1000(6 − 2x)
dx
dR
Thus = 0 implies 6 − 2x = 0 and hence x = 3. x 3
dx
The gradient chart is shown. dR
+ 0 −
dx
For maximum revenue, the monthly fee should be
shape of R —
$3 and this gives a total revenue of $9000.

Example 27
A manufacturer annually produces and sells 10 000 shirts. Sales are uniformly distributed
throughout the year. The production cost of each shirt is $23 and the carrying costs
(storage, insurance, interest) depend on the total number of shirts in a production run.
(A production run is the number, x, of shirts which are under production at a given time.)
3
The set-up costs for a production run are $40. The annual carrying costs are $x 2 . Find the
size of a production run that minimises the total set-up and carrying costs for a year.

Solution
10 000
Number of production runs per year =
x
10 000
Set-up costs for these production runs = 40
x
Let C be the total set-up and carrying costs. Then
3 400 000
C = x2 +
x
3
= x 2 + 400 000x−1 , x>0
dC 3 1 400 000
∴ = x2 −
dx 2 x2
dC 3 1 400 000
Thus = 0 implies x 2 =
dx 2 x2
5 400 000 × 2
x2 =
3
∴ x ≈ 148.04

Each production run should be 148 shirts. x 148.04

dC
− 0 +
dx
shape of C —
C ($)
20000

15000

10000
3
C = x 2 + 400 000x-1
5000

100 200 300 400 x

Number of shirts in production run

Example 28
The cross-section of a drain is to be an
isosceles trapezium, with three sides of
2m
length 2 metres, as shown. Find the angle θ 2m
that maximises the cross-sectional area, and θ
ﬁnd this maximum area. 2m

Solution
Let A m2 be the area of the trapezium. Then
1
A = × 2 sin θ × (2 + 2 + 4 × cos θ)
2
= sin θ · (4 + 4 cos θ)

and A (θ) = cos θ · (4 + 4 cos θ) − 4 sin2 θ

= 4 cos θ + 4 cos2 θ − 4(1 − cos2 θ)
= 4 cos θ + 8 cos2 θ − 4
The maximum will occur when A (θ) = 0:
8 cos2 θ + 4 cos θ − 4 = 0
2 cos2 θ + cos θ − 1 = 0
(2 cos θ − 1)(cos θ + 1) = 0
1
∴ cos θ = or cos θ = −1
2
π
The practical restriction on θ is that 0 < θ ≤ .
2
π
Therefore the only possible solution is θ = , and a θ π
3 3
π
gradient chart conﬁrms that gives a maximum. A (θ) + 0 −
3
shape of A —
√
π 3 √
When θ = , A = (4 + 2) = 3 3, A
3 2
√
i.e. the maximum cross-sectional area is 3 3 m2 . 6
3√ 3
p, 4
4
2

p p p q
O
6 3 2

Example 29
The ﬁgure shows a circular lake, centre O, of radius 2 km. C
A man swims across the lake from A to C at 3 km/h and then
walks around the edge of the lake from C to B at 4 km/h.
θ
a If ∠BAC = θ radians and the total time taken is T hours, A B
O
show that
1
T = (4 cos θ + 3θ)
3
dT
b Find the value of θ for which = 0 and determine whether this gives a maximum or
◦ ◦
dθ ◦
minimum value of T (0 < θ < 90 ).

Solution
distance travelled
a Time taken =
speed
4 cos θ 4θ
Therefore the swim takes hours and the walk takes hours.
3 4
1
Thus the total time taken is given by T = (4 cos θ + 3θ).
3
dT 1
b = (−4 sin θ + 3)
dθ 3
dT 1 3
The stationary point occurs where = 0, and (−4 sin θ + 3) = 0 implies sin θ = .
dθ 3 4
Therefore θ = 48.59◦ to two decimal places. θ 48.59 ◦

From the gradient chart, the value of T is a dT

+ 0 −
maximum when θ = 48.59◦ . dθ
shape of T —
Notes:
The maximum time taken is 1.73 hours.
If the man swims straight across the lake, it takes 1 13 hours.
If he walks around all the way around the edge, it takes approximately 1.57 hours.

Example 30
Assume that the number of bacteria present in a culture at time t is given by N(t), where
N(t) = 36te−0.1t . At what time will the population be at a maximum? Find the maximum
population.

Solution
N(t) = 36te−0.1t
∴ N (t) = 36e−0.1t − 3.6te−0.1t
= e−0.1t (36 − 3.6t)
Thus N (t) = 0 implies t = 10.
The maximum population is N(10) = 360e−1 ≈ 132.

Maximum rates of increase and decrease

We know that when we take the derivative of a function we obtain a new function, the
derivative, which gives the instantaneous rate of change. We can apply the same technique to
the new function to ﬁnd the maximum rate of increase or decrease.
Remember:
dy
If > 0, then y is increasing as x increases.
dx
dy
If < 0, then y is decreasing as x increases.
dx
We illustrate this technique by revisiting Example 30.

Example 31
Assume that the number of bacteria present in a culture at time t is given by N(t), where
N(t) = 36te−0.1t .
a Sketch the graphs of N(t) against t and N (t) against t.
b Find the maximum rates of increase and decrease of the population and the times at
which these occur.

Solution
a N(t) = 36te−0.1t N (t) = 36e−0.1t − 3.6te−0.1t

N N¢(t)
36
140
120 30
100
20
80
60 10
40
O
20 t
-5 10 20 30
t
O 10 20 30 40
b Let R(t) = N (t) = e−0.1t (36 − 3.6t) be the rate of change of the population.
From the graph, the maximum value of R(t) occurs at t = 0. Thus the maximum rate
of increase of the population is R(0) = 36 bacteria per unit of time.
We now calculate
R (t) = −7.2e−0.1t + 0.36te−0.1t
= e−0.1t (−7.2 + 0.36t)
Thus R (t) = 0 implies t = 20.
The minimum value of R(t) occurs at t = 20. Since R(20) = −36e−2 ≈ −4.9,
the maximum rate of decrease of the population is 4.9 bacteria per unit of time.

The second derivative and points of inﬂection∗

In Example 31, we used the derivative of the derivative, called the second derivative, to ﬁnd
the maximum rate of change. The second derivative can also be used in graph sketching.
d2 y
For a function f with y = f (x), the second derivative of f is denoted by f or by .
dx2
Concave up and concave down
Let f be a function deﬁned on an interval (a, b), and assume that both f (x) and f (x) exist
for all x ∈ (a, b).
y y
If f (x) > 0 for all x ∈ (a, b), then the
gradient of the curve y = f (x) is increasing in
the interval (a, b). The curve is concave up.
x x
O O

If f (x) < 0 for all x ∈ (a, b), then the gradient of the curve y = f (x) y
is decreasing in the interval (a, b). The curve is concave down.

x
O
Inflection points y
A point where a curve changes from concave up to
concave down or from concave down to concave up
is called a point of inflection. (d, f(d ))
In the graph on the right, there are points of inflection x
(c, f(c))
at x = c and x = d.

At a point of inﬂection of a twice diﬀerentiable function f , we must have f (x) = 0.

However, this condition does not necessarily guarantee a point of inﬂection. At a point of
inﬂection, there must also be a change of concavity.
We return to the graph of Example 15. The function y
is f (x) = 3x3 − 4x + 1. Here f (x) = 9x2 − 4 and
f (x) = 18x. We can observe:
2
f (0) = 0
f (x) > 0 for x > 0
1
f (x) < 0 for x < 0
Hence the curve is concave down to the left of 0, and the x
−2 −1 O 1
curve is concave up to the right of 0.
You may like to use this technique when you are −1
sketching graphs in the future.

∗ This material is not included in the study design of Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4.
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
454 Chapter 10: Applications of differentiation 10F

Section summary
Here are some steps for solving maximum and minimum problems:
Where possible, draw a diagram to illustrate the problem. Label the diagram and
designate your variables and constants. Note the values that the variables can take.
Write an expression for the quantity that is going to be maximised or minimised.
Form an equation for this quantity in terms of a single independent variable. This may
require some algebraic manipulation.
If y = f (x) is the quantity to be maximised or minimised, ﬁnd the values of x for which
f (x) = 0.
Test each point for which f (x) = 0 to determine whether it is a local maximum, a local
minimum or neither.
If the function y = f (x) is deﬁned on an interval, such as [a, b] or [0, ∞), check the
values of the function at the endpoints.

Exercise 10F

Example 23 1 Find the maximum area of a rectangular ﬁeld that can be enclosed by 100 m of fencing.

Example 24 2 Find two positive numbers that sum to 4 and such that the sum of the cube of the ﬁrst
and the square of the second is as small as possible.

3 For x + y = 100, prove that the product P = xy is a maximum when x = y and ﬁnd the
maximum value of P.

4 A farmer has 4 km of fencing wire and wishes to fence a rectangular piece of land
through which ﬂows a straight river, which is to be utilised as one side of the enclosure.
How can this be done to enclose as much land as possible?

5 Two positive quantities p and q vary in such a way that p3 q = 9. Another quantity z is
deﬁned by z = 16p + 3q. Find values of p and q that make z a minimum.

Example 25 6 A cuboid has a total surface area of 150 cm2 with a square base of side length x cm.
75 − x2
a Show that the height, h cm, of the cuboid is given by h = .
2x
b Express the volume of the cuboid in terms of x.
c Hence determine its maximum volume as x varies.

Example 26, 27 7 A manufacturer finds that the daily profit, $P, from selling n articles is given by
P = 100n − 0.4n2 − 160.
a i Find the value of n which maximises the daily profit.
ii Find the maximum daily profit.
b Sketch the graph of P against n. (Use a continuous graph.)
c State the allowable values of n for a profit to be made.
d Find the value of n which maximises the profit per article.
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
10F 10F Maximum and minimum problems 455

8 The number of salmon swimming upstream in a river to spawn is approximated by

s(x) = −x3 + 3x2 + 360x + 5000 with x representing the temperature of the water in
degrees (◦ C). (This function is valid only if 6 ≤ x ≤ 20.) Find the water temperature
that produces the maximum number of salmon swimming upstream.

9 The number of mosquitos, M(x) in millions, in a certain area depends on the average
daily rainfall, x mm, during September and is approximated by
1
M(x) = (50 − 32x + 14x2 − x3 ) for 0 ≤ x ≤ 10
30
Find the rainfall that will produce the maximum and the minimum number of
mosquitos.

Example 28 10 ABCD is a trapezium with AB = CD. The vertices

B C
are on a circle with centre O and radius 4 units.
The line segment AD is a diameter of the circle. 4 4
a Find BC in terms of θ. θ
b Find the area of the trapezium in terms of θ A D
O
and hence ﬁnd the maximum area.

11 Find the point on the parabola y = x2 that is closest to the point (3, 0).

Example 29 12 The ﬁgure shows a rectangular ﬁeld in which AB = 300 m and BC = 1100 m.

B P C
AB = 300 m
BC = 1100 m
θ

A D

a An athlete runs across the ﬁeld from A to P at 4 m/s. Find the time taken to run
from A to P in terms of θ.
b The athlete, on reaching P, immediately runs to C at 5 m/s. Find the time taken to
run from P to C in terms of θ.
c Use the results from a and b to show that the total time taken, T seconds, is given by
75 − 60 sin θ
T = 220 + .
cos θ
dT
d Find .
dθ
dT
e Find the value of θ for which = 0 and show that this is the value of θ for which
dθ
T is a minimum.
f Find the minimum value of T and ﬁnd the distance of point P from B that will
minimise the athlete’s running time.

Example 30 13 The number N(t) of insects in a population at time t is given by N(t) = 50te−0.1t . At
what time will the population be at a maximum? Find the maximum population.

Example 31 14 The number N(t) of insects in a population at time t is given by N(t) = 50te−0.1t .
a Sketch the graphs of N(t) against t and N (t) against t.
b Find the maximum rates of increase and decrease of the population and the times at
which these occur.

15 Water is being poured into a flask. The volume, V mL, of water in the flask at time
t seconds is given by
3 t3
V(t) = 10t2 − , 0 ≤ t ≤ 20
4 3
a Find the volume of water in the flask when:
i t=0 ii t = 20

b Find V (t), the rate of flow of water into the flask.
c Sketch the graph of V(t) against t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 20.
d Sketch the graph of V (t) against t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 20.
e At what time is the flow greatest and what is the flow at this time?

16 A section of a roller coaster can be described by y

the rule
πx
y = 18 cos + 12, 0 ≤ x ≤ 80
80
dy
a Find the gradient function, . 30 m
dx
dy
b Sketch the graph of against x.
dx x
6m O 80
c State the coordinates of the point on the track
for which the magnitude of the gradient is
maximum.

17 The depth, D(t) metres, of water at the entrance to a harbour at t hours after midnight
on a particular day is given by
πt
D(t) = 10 + 3 sin , 0 ≤ t ≤ 24
6
a Sketch the graph of y = D(t) for 0 ≤ t ≤ 24.
b Find the values of t for which D(t) ≥ 8.5.
c Find the rate at which the depth is changing when:
i t=3 ii t = 6 iii t = 12
d i At what times is the depth increasing most rapidly?
ii At what times is the depth decreasing most rapidly?

10G Families of functions

Example 32
Consider the family of functions with rules of the form f (x) = (x − a)2 (x − b), where a
and b are positive constants with b > a.
a Find the derivative of f (x) with respect to x.
b Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the graph of y = f (x).
c Show that the stationary point at (a, 0) is always a local maximum.
d Find the values of a and b if the stationary points occur where x = 3 and x = 4.

Solution
a Use a CAS calculator to ﬁnd that f (x) = (x − a)(3x − a − 2b).
a + 2b 4(a − b)3
b The coordinates of the stationary points are (a, 0) and , .
3 27
a + 2b
c If x < a, then f (x) > 0, and if a < x < , then f (x) < 0.
3
Therefore the stationary point at (a, 0) is a local maximum.
a + 2b 9
d Since a < b, we must have a = 3 and = 4. Therefore b = .
3 2

Example 33
The graph of y = x3 − 3x2 is translated by a units in the positive direction of the x-axis and
b units in the positive direction of the y-axis (where a and b are positive constants).
a Find the coordinates of the turning points of the graph of y = x3 − 3x2 .
b Find the coordinates of the turning points of its image.

Solution
a The turning points have coordinates (0, 0) and (2, −4).
b The turning points of the image are (a, b) and (2 + a, −4 + b).

Example 34
A cubic function with rule f (x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx has a stationary point at (1, 6).
a Find a and b in terms of c.
b Find the value of c for which the graph has a stationary point at x = 2.

Solution
a Since f (1) = 6, we obtain
a+b+c=6 (1)
Since f (x) = 3ax2 + 2bx + c and f (1) = 0, we obtain
3a + 2b + c = 0 (2)
The solution of equations (1) and (2) is a = c − 12 and b = 18 − 2c.

b The rule is
f (x) = (c − 12)x3 + (18 − 2c)x2 + cx
∴ f (x) = 3(c − 12)x2 + 2(18 − 2c)x + c
If f (2) = 0, then
12(c − 12) + 4(18 − 2c) + c = 0
5c − 72 = 0
72
∴ c=
5

Exercise 10G

Example 32 1 Consider the family of functions with rules f (x) = (x − 1)2 (x − b), where b > 1.
a Find the derivative of f (x) with respect to x.
b Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the graph of y = f (x).
c Show that the stationary point at (1, 0) is always a local maximum.
d Find the value of b if the stationary points occur where x = 1 and x = 4.

Example 33 2 The graph of the function y = x4 − 4x2 is translated by a units in the positive direction
of the x-axis and b units in the positive direction of the y-axis (where a and b are
positive constants).
a Find the coordinates of the turning points of the graph of y = x4 − 4x2 .
b Find the coordinates of the turning points of its image.

Example 34 3 A cubic function f has rule f (x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx. The graph has a stationary point
at (1, 10).
a Find a and b in terms of c.
b Find the value of c for which the graph has a stationary point at x = 3.

4 Consider the function f : [0, ∞) → R deﬁned by f (x) = x2 − ax3 , where a is a real

number with a > 0.
a Determine the intervals on which f is a strictly decreasing function and the intervals
on which f is a strictly increasing function.
1
b Find the equation of the tangent to the graph of f at the point , 0 .
a
1
c Find the equation of the normal to the graph of f at the point , 0 .
a
d What is the range of f ?

5 A line with equation y = mx + c is a tangent to y

the curve y = (x − 3)2 at a point P(a, y) where
0 < a < 3.
a i Find the gradient of the curve at x = a
for 0 < a < 3.
ii Hence express m in terms of a. P

b State the coordinates of the point P, x

expressing your answer in terms of a. O a (3, 0)
c Find the equation of the tangent where x = a.
d Find the x-axis intercept of the tangent.

6 a The graph of f (x) = x4 is translated to the graph of y = f (x + h). Find the possible
values of h if f (1 + h) = 16.
b The graph of f (x) = x3 is transformed to the graph of y = f (ax). Find the possible
value of a if the graph of y = f (ax) passes through the point with coordinates (1, 8).
c The quartic function with equation y = ax4 − bx3 has a turning point with
coordinates (1, 16). Find the values of a and b.

7 Consider the cubic function with rule f (x) = (x − a)2 (x − 1) where a > 1.
a Find the coordinates of the turning points of the graph of y = f (x).
b State the nature of each of the turning points.
c Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point where:
a+1
i x=1 ii x = a iii x =
2

8 Consider the quartic function with rule f (x) = (x − 1)2 (x − b)2 where b > 1.
a Find the derivative of f .
b Find the coordinates of the turning points of f .
c Find the value of b such that the graph of y = f (x) has a turning point at (2, 1).

9 A cubic function has rule y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d. It passes through the points (1, 6) and
(10, 8) and has turning points where x = −1 and x = 1. Find the values of a, b, c and d.

10 A quartic function f has rule f (x) = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx. The graph has a stationary
point at (1, 1) and passes through the point (−1, 4).
a Find a, b and c in terms of d.
b Find the value of d for which the graph has a stationary point at x = 4.

Chapter summary
Spreadsheet Tangents and normals
Let (x1 , y1 ) be a point on the curve y = f (x). If f is diﬀerentiable at x = x1 , then
AS

Nrich • the equation of the tangent to the curve at (x1 , y1 ) is given by y − y1 = f (x1 )(x − x1 )
−1
• the equation of the normal to the curve at (x1 , y1 ) is given by y − y1 = (x − x1 ).
f (x1 )
Stationary points
A point with coordinates (a, f (a)) on a curve y = f (x) is a stationary point if f (a) = 0.
The graph shown has three stationary points: A, B and C. y
A Point A is a local maximum point. Notice that
immediately to the left of A the gradient is positive, and A C
immediately to the right the gradient is negative.
B x
B Point B is a local minimum point. Notice that O
immediately to the left of B the gradient is negative, and
immediately to the right the gradient is positive.
C Point C is a stationary point of inﬂection.
Stationary points of types A and B are referred to as turning points.

Maximum and minimum values

For a continuous function f deﬁned on an interval [a, b]:
• if M is a value of the function such that f (x) ≤ M for all x ∈ [a, b], then M is the
absolute maximum value of the function
• if N is a value of the function such that f (x) ≥ N for all x ∈ [a, b], then N is the
absolute minimum value of the function.

Motion in a straight line

For an object moving in a straight line with position x at time t:
dx dv
velocity v = acceleration a =
dt dt

Technology-free questions
1 a Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x3 − 8x2 + 15x at the point with
coordinates (4, −4).
b Find the coordinates of the point where the tangent meets the curve again.

2 Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3x2 at the point where x = a. If this
tangent meets the y-axis at P, ﬁnd the y-coordinate of P in terms of a.

Review
3 a Find the equation of the tangent to the curve with equation y = x3 − 7x2 + 14x − 8 at
the point where x = 1.
b Find the x-coordinate of a second point on this curve at which the tangent is parallel
to the tangent at x = 1.

4 Use the formula A = πr2 for the area of a circle to ﬁnd:

a the average rate at which the area of a circle changes with respect to the radius as the
radius increases from r = 2 to r = 3
b the instantaneous rate at which the area changes with respect to r when r = 3.

5 For each of the following, ﬁnd the stationary points of the graph and state their nature:
a f (x) = 4x3 − 3x4
b g(x) = x3 − 3x − 2
c h(x) = x3 − 9x + 1

6 Sketch the graph of y = x3 − 6x2 + 9x.

dy
7 The derivative of the function y = f (x) is = (x − 1)2 (x − 2). Find the x-coordinate
dx
and state the nature of each stationary point.

8 Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = x3 − 3x2 − 9x + 11 at x = 2.

9 Let f : R → R where f (x) = 3 + 6x2 − 2x3 . Determine the values of x for which the
graph of y = f (x) has a positive gradient.

10 For what value(s) of x do the graphs of y = x3 and y = x3 + x2 + x − 2 have the same

gradient?
4
11 For the function with rule f (x) = (x − 1) 5 :
a State the values for which the function is diﬀerentiable, and ﬁnd the rule for f .
b Find the equations of the tangents at the points (2, 1) and (0, 1).
c Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the two tangents.

12 A spherical bubble, initially of radius 1 cm, expands steadily, its radius increases
by 1 cm/s and it bursts after 5 seconds.
a Find the rate of increase of volume with respect to the radius when the radius
is 4 cm.
b Find the rate of increase of volume with respect to time when the radius is 4 cm.

13 A vehicle is travelling in a straight line away from a point O. Its distance from O after
t seconds is 0.25et metres. Find the velocity of the vehicle at t = 0, t = 1, t = 2, t = 4.

The temperature, θ◦ C, of material inside a nuclear power station at time t seconds after
Review
14
1
a reaction begins is given by θ = e100t .
4
a Find the rate of increase of temperature at time t.
1
b Find the rate of increase of temperature when t = .
20
15 Find the equation of the tangent to y = e x at (1, e).

16 The diameter of a tree (D cm) t years after 1 January 2010 is given by D = 50ekt .
dD
a Prove that = cD for some constant c.
dt
b If k = 0.2, ﬁnd the rate of increase of D when D = 100.

17 Find the minimum value of e3x + e−3x .

18 a Find the equation of the tangent to y = loge x at the point (e, 1).
x π √
b Find the equation of the tangent to y = 2 sin at the point , 2 .
2 3π 2
c Find the equation of the tangent to y = cos x at the point ,0 .
2 √
d Find the equation of the tangent to y = loge (x ) at the point (− e, 1).
2

Multiple-choice questions
1 The line with equation y = 4x + c is a tangent to the curve with equation y = x2 − x − 5.
The value of c is
45 √ 5 2
A − B −1 + 2 2 C 2 D E −
4 2 5
2 The equation of the tangent to the curve with equation y = x4 at the point where x = 1 is
1
A y = −4x − 3 B y= x−3 C y = −4x
4
1 5
D y= x+ E y = 4x − 3
4 4
3 For a polynomial function with rule f (x), the derivative satisfies f (a) = f (b) = 0,
f (x) > 0 for x ∈ (a, b), f (x) < 0 for x < a and f (x) > 0 for x > b. The nature of the
stationary points of the graph of y = f (x) is
A local maximum at (a, f (a)) and local minimum at (b, f (b))
B local minimum at (a, f (a)) and local maximum at (b, f (b))
C stationary point of inflection at (a, f (a)) and local minimum at (b, f (b))
D stationary point of inflection at (a, f (a)) and local maximum at (b, f (b))
E local minimum at (a, f (a)) and stationary point of inflection at (b, f (b))

Review
4 The graph of a polynomial function with rule y = f (x) has a local maximum at the point
with coordinates (a, f (a)). The graph also has a local minimum at the xorigin,
but no
other stationary points. The graph of the function with rule y = −2 f + k, where k is
2
a positive real number, has

A a local maximum at the point with coordinates 2a, −2 f (a) + k
a
B a local minimum at the point with coordinates , 2 f (a) + k
2a
C a local maximum at the point with coordinates , −2 f (a) + k
2
D a local maximum at the point with coordinates 2a, −2 f (a) − k

E a local minimum at the point with coordinates 2a, −2 f (a) + k

5 For f (x) = x3 − x2 − 1, the values of x for which the graph of y = f (x) has stationary
points are
2 2 2 1 1
A only B 0 and C 0 and − D − and 1 E and −1
3 3 3 3 3
6 A function f is diﬀerentiable for all values of x in [0, 6], and the graph with equation
y = f (x) has a local minimum point at (2, 4). The equation of the tangent at the point
with coordinates (2, 4) is
A y = 2x B x=2 C y=4 D 2x − 4y = 0 E 4x − 2y = 0

7 The volume, V cm3 , of a solid is given by the formula V = −10x(2x2 − 6) where x cm is

a particular measurement. The value of x for which the volume is a maximum is
√ √
A 0 B 1 C 2 D 3 E 2

8 The equation of the normal to the curve with equation y = x2 at the point where x = a is
−1 −1 1
A y= x + 2 + a2 B y= x + + a2 C y = 2ax − a2
2a 2a 2
1
D y = 2ax + 3a2 E y= x + 2 + a2
2a
9For f : R → R, f (x) = e x − ex, the coordinates of the turning point of the graph of
y = f (x) are
1
A 1, B (1, e) C (0, 1) D (1, 0) E (e, 1)
e
1
10 The equation of the tangent to y = eax at the point , e is
a
e2 x
A y = eax−1 + 1 B y = aeax x C y = 1 − aeax D y = E y = aex
a
11 Under certain conditions, the number of bacteria, N, in a sample increases with time,
t hours, according to the rule N = 4000e0.2t . The rate, to the nearest whole number of
bacteria per hour, that the bacteria are growing 3 hours from the start is
A 1458 B 7288 C 16 068 D 80 342 E 109 731

13 The equation of the tangent to the curve with equation y = e−x − 1 at the point where the
curve crosses the y-axis is
1 1
A y=x B y = −x C y= x D y=− x E y = −2x
2 2
ax
14 For f : R → R, f (x) = eax − , the coordinates of the turning point of the graph of
e
y = f (x) are
1 1 1 1 2 1
A − ,0 B , C − , D −1, E (1, 0)
a a e a e e

Extended-response questions
1 The diagram shows a rectangle with sides 4 m and 4m
x m and a square with side x m. The area of the
shaded region is y m2 .
y m2 xm
a Find an expression for y in terms of x.
b Find the set of possible values for x.
c Find the maximum value of y and the correspond- xm
ing value of x.
d Explain brieﬂy why this value of y is a maximum.
e Sketch the graph of y against x.
f State the set of possible values for y.

2 A ﬂower bed is to be L-shaped, as shown in the ym

ﬁgure, and its perimeter is 48 m.
xm
a Write down an expression for the area, A m2 ,
in terms of y and x.
xm
b Find y in terms of x.
c Write down an expression for A in terms of x. 3y m
d Find the values of x and y that give the maximum area.
e Find the maximum area.

3 It costs (12 + 0.008x) dollars per kilometre to operate a truck at x kilometres per hour.
In addition it costs $14.40 per hour to pay the driver.
a What is the total cost per kilometre if the truck is driven at:
i 40 km/h ii 64 km/h?
b Write an expression for C, the total cost per kilometre, in terms of x.
c Sketch the graph of C against x for 0 < x < 120.
d At what speed should the truck be driven to minimise the total cost per kilometre?

Review
4 A box is to be made from a 10 cm by 16 cm sheet of metal by cutting equal squares out
of the corners and bending up the ﬂaps to form the box. Let the lengths of the sides of
the squares be x cm and let the volume of the box formed be V cm3 .
a Show that V = 4(x3 − 13x2 + 40x).
b State the set of x-values for which the expression for V in terms of x is valid.
dV
c Find the values of x such that = 0.
dx
d Find the dimensions of the box if the volume is to be a maximum.
e Find the maximum volume of the box.
f Sketch the graph of V against x for the domain established in b.

5 A rectangle has one vertex at the origin, another y

on the positive x-axis, another on the positive
x
y-axis and a fourth on the line y = 8 − .
2 y = 8 - 1x
What is the greatest area the rectangle can 2
have? (x, y)

x
O

6 At a factory the time, T seconds, spent in producing a certain size metal component is
related to its weight, w kg, by T = k + 2w2 , where k is a constant.
a If a 5 kg component takes 75 seconds to produce, ﬁnd k.
b Sketch the graph of T against w.
c Write down an expression for the average time A (in seconds per kilogram).
d i Find the weight that yields the minimum average machining time.
ii State the minimum average machining time.

7 A manufacturer produces cardboard boxes that have a

square base. The top of each box consists of a double
ﬂap that opens as shown. The bottom of the box has a
double layer of cardboard for strength. Each box must
have a volume of 12 cubic metres.
a Show that the area of cardboard required is given
by C = 3x2 + 4xh. h
b Express C as a function of x only. double x
c Sketch the graph of C against x for x > 0. x
d i What dimensions of the box will minimise the
amount of cardboard used?
ii What is the minimum area of cardboard used?

8 An open tank is to be constructed with a square base and vertical sides to contain
500 m3 of water. What must be the area of sheet metal used in its construction if this
area is to be a minimum?

10 A piece of wire of ﬁxed length, L cm, is bent to form the P Q

boundary OPQO of a sector of a circle. The circle has centre O
and radius r cm. The angle of the sector is θ radians.
a Show that the area, A cm2 , of the sector is given by
θ
1
A = rL − r2
2
dA
b i Find a relationship between r and L for which = 0. O
dr
ii Find the corresponding value of θ.
iii Determine the nature of the stationary point found in i.
c Show that, for the value of θ found in b ii, the area of the triangle OPQ is
approximately 45.5% of the area of sector OPQ.

11 A Queensland resort has a large swimming pool as D P C

illustrated, with AB = 75 m and AD = 30 m. A boy can
swim at 1 m/s and run at 1 23 m/s. He starts at A, swims
to a point P on DC, and runs from P to C. He takes
2 seconds to pull himself out of the pool.
Let DP = x m and the total time taken be T s. A B
√ 3
a Show that T = x2 + 900 + (75 − x) + 2.
dT 5
b Find .
dx
c i Find the value of x for which the time taken is a minimum.
ii Find the minimum time.
d Find the time taken if the boy runs from A to D and then from D to C.

12 a Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = e x at the point (1, e).
1
b Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = e2x at the point , e .
2
1
c Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = ekx at the point , e .
k
d Show that y = xke is the only tangent to the curve y = ekx which passes through the
origin.
e Hence determine for what values of k the equation ekx = x has:
i a unique real solution
ii no real solution.

Review
13 The point S is 8 km oﬀshore from the point O, which is located on the straight shore
of a lake, as shown in the diagram. The point F is on the shore, 20 km from O.
Contestants race from the start, S , to the ﬁnish, F, by rowing in a straight line to some
point, L, on the shore and then running along the shore to F. A certain contestant rows
at 5 km per hour and runs at 15 km per hour.
a Show that, if the distance OL is x km, the S
time taken by this contestant to complete the
course is (in hours):
√ 8 km
64 + x2 20 − x
T (x) = +
5 15
b Show that the time taken by this contestant to O L F
x km
complete the course has its minimum value
√ 20 km
when x = 2 2. Find this time.

14 At noon the captain of a ship sees two ﬁshing boats approaching. One of them is 10 km
due east and travelling west at 8 km/h. The other is 6 km due north and travelling south
at 6 km/h. At what time will the ﬁshing boats be closest together and how far apart will
they be?

15 A rectangular beam is to be cut from a non-circular y

tree trunk whose cross-sectional outline can be
represented by the equation y2 = 2 − 2x2 .
a Show that the area of the√cross-section of the (x, y)
beam is given by A = 4x 2 − 2x2 where x is the
half-width of the beam. x
O
b State the possible values for x.
y2 = 2 - 2x2
c Find the value of x for which the cross-sectional
area of the beam is a maximum and ﬁnd the
corresponding value of y.
d Find the maximum cross-sectional area of the beam.

16 An isosceles trapezium is inscribed in the parabola y

y = 4 − x2 as illustrated.
a Show that the area of the trapezium is (x, y)
1
(4 − x2 )(2x + 4)
2
b Show that the trapezium has its greatest area x
2 O
when x = . (-2, 0) (2, 0)
3
c Repeat with the parabola y = a2 − x2 :
i Show that the area, A, of the trapezium is given by (a2 − x2 )(a + x).
dA
ii Use the product rule to ﬁnd .
dx
a
iii Show that a maximum occurs when x = .
3
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
468 Chapter 10: Applications of differentiation
Review
17 Assume that the number of bacteria present in a culture at time t is given by N(t)
where N(t) = 24te−0.2t . At what time will the population be at a maximum? Find the
maximum population.

18 It is believed that, for some time after planting in ideal conditions, the area covered by a
particular species of ground-cover plant has a rate of increase of y cm2 /week, given by
y = −t3 + bt2 + ct where t is the number of weeks after planting.
a Find b and c using the table of observations on the right. t 1 2
b Assume that the model is accurate for the ﬁrst 8 weeks after
y 10 24
planting. When during this period is:
i the area covered by the plant a maximum
ii the rate of increase in area a maximum?
c According to the model, if the plant covered 100 cm2 when planted, what area will it
cover after 4 weeks?
d Discuss the implications for the future growth of the plant if the model remains
accurate for longer than the ﬁrst 4 weeks.

19 Let f (x) = x3 − 3x2 + 6x − 10.

a Find the coordinates of the point on the graph of f for which f (x) = 3.
b Express f (x) in the form a(x + p)2 + q.
c Hence show that the gradient of f is greater than 3 for all points on the curve of f
other than the point found in a.

20 A curve with equation of the form y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d has zero gradient at the point
1 4
, and also touches, but does not cross, the x-axis at the point (1, 0).
3 27
a Find a, b, c and d.
b Find the values of x for which the curve has a negative gradient.
c Sketch the curve.

21 The volume of water, V m3 , in a reservoir when the depth indicator shows y metres is
given by the formula
π
V = (y + 630)3 − 6303
3
a Find the volume of water in the reservoir when y = 40.
b Find the rate of change of volume with respect to depth, y.
c Sketch the graph of V against y for 0 ≤ y ≤ 60.
d If y = 60 m is the maximum depth of the reservoir, ﬁnd the capacity (m3 ) of the
reservoir.
dV
e If = 20 000 − 0.005π(y + 630)2 , where t is the time in days from 1 January,
dt
dV
sketch the graph of against y for 0 ≤ y ≤ 60.
dt

Review
22 A cone is made by cutting out a sector with central angle θ from a circular piece of
cardboard of radius 1 m and joining the two cut edges to form a cone of slant height
1 m as shown in the following diagrams.

1m hm
θ 1m

1 2
The volume of a cone is given by the formula V = πr h.
3
a i Find r in terms of θ.
ii Find h in terms of θ.
1 2π − θ 2 2π − θ 2
iii Show that V = π 1− .
3 2π 2π
π
b Find the value of V when θ = .
4
c Find the value(s) of θ for which the volume of the cone is 0.3 m3 .
d i Use a calculator to determine the value of θ that maximises the volume of
the cone.
ii Find the maximum volume.
e Determine the maximum volume using calculus.

23 a For the function with rule f (x) = x3 + ax2 + bx, plot the graph of each of the
following using a calculator. (Give axis intercepts, coordinates of stationary points
and the nature of stationary points.)
i a = 1, b = 1 ii a = −1, b = −1
iii a = 1, b = −1 iv a = −1, b = 1
b i Find f (x).
ii Solve the equation f (x) = 0 for x, giving your answer in terms of a and b.
c i Show that the graph of y = f (x) has exactly one stationary point if a2 − 3b = 0.
ii If b = 3, ﬁnd the corresponding value(s) of a which satisfy a2 − 3b = 0. Find the
coordinates of the stationary points and state the nature of each.
iii Using a calculator, plot the graph(s) of y = f (x) for these values of a and b.
iv Plot the graphs of the corresponding derivative functions on the same set of axes.
d State the relationship between a and b if no stationary points exist for the graph
of y = f (x).
loge x
24 For what value of x is a maximum? That is, when is the ratio of the logarithm of
x
a number to the number a maximum?

26 For the quartic function f with rule f (x) = (x − a)2 (x − b)2 , where a > 0 and b > 0:

a Show that f (x) = 2(x − a)(x − b) 2x − (b + a) .
b i Solve the equation f (x) = 0 for x. ii Solve the equation f (x) = 0 for x.
c Hence ﬁnd the coordinates of the stationary points of the graph of y = f (x).
d Plot the graph of y = f (x) on a calculator for several values of a and b.
e i If a = b, then f (x) = (x − a)4 . Sketch the graph of y = f (x).
ii If a = −b, ﬁnd the coordinates of the stationary points.
iii Plot the graph of y = f (x) for several values of a, given that a = −b.

27 For the quartic function f with rule f (x) = (x − a)3 (x − b), where a > 0 and b > 0:

a Show that f (x) = (x − a)2 4x − (3b + a) .
b i Solve the equation f (x) = 0. ii Solve the equation f (x) = 0.
c Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the graph of y = f (x) and state the
nature of the stationary points.
d Using a calculator, plot the graph of y = f (x) for several values of a and b.
e If a = −b, state the coordinates of the stationary points in terms of a.
f i State the relationship between b and a if there is a local minimum for x = 0.
ii Illustrate this for b = 1 and a = −3 on a calculator.
a+b
g Show that, if there is a turning point for x = , then b = a and f (x) = (x − a)4 .
2
28 A psychologist hypothesised that the ability of a mouse to memorise during the
ﬁrst 6 months of its life can be modelled by the function f given by f : (0, 6) → R,
f (x) = x loge x + 1, i.e. the ability to memorise at age x months is f (x).
a Find f (x).
b Find the value of x for which f (x) = 0 and hence ﬁnd when the mouse’s ability to
memorise is a minimum.
c Sketch the graph of f .
d When is the mouse’s ability to memorise a maximum in this period?

Review
29 A cylinder is to be cut from a sphere. The cross-section
through the centre of the sphere is as shown. The radius of
the sphere is 10 cm. Let r cm be the radius of the cylinder.
O
a i Find y in terms of r and hence the height, h cm, of
the cylinder. 10 cm
y cm
ii The volume of a cylinder is given by V = πr2 h. r cm
Find V in terms of r.
b i Plot the graph of V against r using a calculator.
ii Find the maximum volume of the cylinder and the corresponding values of r
and h. (Use a calculator.)
iii Find the two possible values of r if the volume is 2000 cm3 .
dV
c i Find .
dr
ii Hence find the exact value of the maximum volume and the volume of r for
which this occurs.
dV
d i Plot the graph of the derivative function against r, using a calculator.
dr
dV
ii From the calculator, find the values of r for which is positive.
dr
dV
iii From the calculator, find the values of r for which is increasing.
dr
30 A wooden peg consists of a cylinder of length r cm
h cm and a hemispherical cap of radius r cm,
and so the volume, V cm3 , of the peg is given by h cm
2
V = πr2 h + πr3 . If the surface area of the peg
3
is 100π cm:
a Find h in terms of r. b Find V as a function of r.
c Find the possible values of r (i.e. find the domain of the function defined in b).
dV
d Find . e Sketch the graph of V against r.
dr
31 A triangular prism has dimensions as shown in A 13x B
the diagram. All lengths are in centimetres.
The volume of the prism is 3000 cm3 . 12x 5x
C
a i Find y in terms of x.
y
ii Find the surface area of the prism, S cm2 ,
in terms of x.
dS
b i Find .
dx 13x
ii Find the minimum surface area, correct to D E
two decimal places. 12x 5x
c Given that x is increasing at 0.5 cm/s find the F
rate at which the surface area is increasing when x = 10.

100 000
Review

32 The kangaroo population in a certain conﬁned region is given by f (x) = ,

1 + 100e−0.3x
where x is the time in years.
a Find f (x).
b Find the rate of growth of the kangaroo population when:
i x=0 ii x = 4

33 Consider the function f : { x : x < a } → R, f (x) = 8 loge (6 − 0.2x) where a is the largest
value for which f is deﬁned.
a What is the value of a?
b Find the exact values for the coordinates of the points where the graph of y = f (x)
crosses each axis.
c Find the gradient of the tangent to the graph of y = f (x) at the point where x = 20.
d Find the rule of the inverse function f −1 .
e State the domain of the inverse function f −1 .
f Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

34 a Using a calculator, plot the graphs of f (x) = sin x and g(x) = esin x on the one screen.
b Find g (x) and hence ﬁnd the coordinates of the stationary points of y = g(x) for
x ∈ [0, 2π].
c Give the range of g. d State the period of g.

35 a Show that the tangent to the graph of y = e x for x = 0 has equation y = x + 1.

b Plot the graphs of y = e x and y = x + 1 on a calculator.
c Let f (x) = e x and g(x) = x + 1. Use a calculator to investigate functions of the form
h(x) = a f (x − b) + c and k(x) = ag(x − b) + c
Comment on your observations.
d Use the chain rule and properties of transformations to prove that, if the tangent to
the curve y = f (x) at the point (x1, y1 ) has equation y = mx + c, then the tangent to
x1
the curve y = a f (bx) at the point , y1 a has equation y = a(mbx + c).
b
36 A certain chemical starts to dissolve in water at time t = 0. It is known that, if x is the
number of grams not dissolved after t hours, then
60 1 6
x = λt , where λ = loge
5e − 3 2 5
a Find the amount of chemical present when:
i t=0 ii t = 5
dx
b Find in terms of t.
dt
dx λx2
c i Show that = −λx − .
dt 20
dx
ii Sketch the graph of against x for x ≥ 0.
dt
iii Write a short explanation of your result.

Review
37 A straight line is drawn through the y
point (8, 2) to intersect the positive y-axis at Q
and the positive x-axis at P. (In this problem
Q
we will determine the minimum value of
OP + OQ.) θ (8, 2)
N
1
a Show that the derivative of is θ
tan θ x
− cosec θ.
2 O M P
b Find MP in terms of θ.
c Find NQ in terms of θ.
d Hence ﬁnd OP + OQ in terms of θ. Denote OP + OQ by x.
dx
e Find .
dθ
f Find the minimum value of x and the value of θ for which this occurs.

38 Let f : R → R, f (x) = e x − e−x .

a Find f (x). b Find { x : f (x) = 0 }.
c Show that f (x) > 0 for all x. d Sketch the graph of f .

39 a Find all values of x for which (loge x)2 = 2 loge x.

b Find the gradient of each of the curves y = 2 loge x and y = (loge x)2 at the
point (1, 0).
c Use these results to sketch, on one set of axes, the graphs of y = 2 loge x and
y = (loge x)2 .

d Find x : 2 loge x > (loge x)2 .

40 A cone is inscribed inside a sphere as illustrated. V

The radius of the sphere is a cm, and the
magnitude of ∠OAB = magnitude of ∠CAB = θ.
The height of the cone is h cm and the radius of
h cm
the cone is r cm. A
a Find h, the height of the cone, in terms of a θ θ
and θ. r
O C
b Find r, the radius of the cone, in terms of a B
and θ.
1 2
The volume, V cm3 , of the cone is given by V = πr h.
3
c Use the results from a and b to show that
1
V = πa3 sin2 θ · (1 + cos θ)
3
dV
d Find (a is a constant) and hence ﬁnd the value of θ for which the volume is a
dθ
maximum.
e Find the maximum volume of the cone in terms of a.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
474 Chapter 10: Applications of differentiation
Review
41 Some bacteria are introduced into a supply of fresh milk. After t hours there are
y grams of bacteria present, where
Aebt
y= (1)
1 + Aebt
and A and b are positive constants.
a Show that 0 < y < 1 for all values of t.
dy
b Find in terms of t.
dt
y
c From equation (1), show that Aebt = .
1−y
dy
d i Show that = by(1 − y).
dt dy
ii Hence, or otherwise, show that the maximum value of occurs when y = 0.5.
dt
e If A = 0.01 and b = 0.7, ﬁnd when, to the nearest hour, the bacteria will be
increasing at the fastest rate.
ex
42 Let f : R+ → R, f (x) = .
x
a Find f (x).
b Find { x : f (x) = 0 }.
c Find the coordinates of the one stationary point and state its nature.
f (x) f (x)
d i Find . ii Find lim and comment.
f (x) x→∞ f (x)
e Sketch the graph of f .
f Over a period of years, the number of birds (n) in an island colony decreased and
increased with time (t years) according to the approximate formula
aekt
n=
t
where t is measured from 1900 and a and k are constant. If during this period the
population was the same in 1965 as it was in 1930, when was it least?

43 A culture contains 1000 bacteria and 5 hours later the number has increased to 10 000.
The number, N, of bacteria present at any time, t hours, is given by N = Aekt .
a Find the values of A and k.
b Find the rate of growth at time t.
c Show that, at time t, the rate of growth is proportional to the number of bacteria
present.
d Find this rate of growth when:
i t=4 ii t = 50

44 The populations of two ant colonies, A and B, are increasing according to the rules:
A population = 2 × 104 e0.03t
B population = 104 e0.05t
After how many years will their populations:
a be equal b be increasing at the same rate?
Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
Chapter 10 review 475

Review
45 A particle on the end of a spring, which is hanging vertically, is oscillating such that its
height, h metres, above the floor after t seconds is given by
y = 0.5 + 0.2 sin(3πt), t≥0
a Find the greatest height above the floor and the time at which this height is first
reached.
b Find the period of oscillation.
1 2 1
c Find the speed of the particle when t = , , .
3 3 6
46 The length of night on Seal Island varies between 20 hours in midwinter and 4 hours
in midsummer. The relationship between T , the number of hours of night, and t, the
number of months past the longest night in 2010, is given by
T (t) = p + q cos(πrt)
T
where p, q and r are constants. (hours)
20
Assume that the year consists of 12 months
of equal length.
The graph of T against t is illustrated.
4
a Find the value of:
i r ii p and q O 6 12 t(months)

b Find T (3) and T (9) and ﬁnd the rate of change of hours of night with respect to the
number of months.
c Find the average rate of change of hours of night from t = 0 to t = 6.
d After how many months is the rate of change of hours of night a maximum?

47 A section of the graph of y = 2 cos(3x) is shown y

in the diagram.
2
a Show that the area, A, of the rectangle OABC B(x, 2 cos 3x)
C
in terms of x is 2x cos(3x).
dA
b i Find .
dx
dA π
ii Find when x = 0 and x = .
dx 6 x
c i On a calculator, plot the graph of O A π
π 6
A = 2x cos(3x) for x ∈ 0, .
6
ii Find the two values of x for which the area of the rectangle is 0.2 square units.
iii Find the maximum area of the rectangle and the value of x for which this occurs.
dA 1
d i Show that = 0 is equivalent to tan(3x) = .
dx 3x π
1
ii Using a calculator, plot the graphs of y = tan(3x) and y = for x ∈ 0, and
3x 6
ﬁnd the coordinates of the point of intersection.

Cambridge Senior Maths AC/VCE ISBN 978-1-107-56747-4 © Evans et al. 2016 Cambridge University Press
Mathematical Methods 3&4 Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party.
476 Chapter 10: Applications of differentiation
Review
48 a A population of insects grows according to the model
t
N(t) = 1000 − t + 2e 20 for t ≥ 0
where t is the number of days after 1 January 2000.
i Find the rate of growth of the population as a function of t.
ii Find the minimum population size and value of t for which this occurs.
iii Find N(0).
iv Find N(100).
v Sketch the graph of N against t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 100.
b It is found that the population of another species is given by
1
1 t2
N2 (t) = 1000 − t2 + 2e 20
i Find N2 (0).
ii Find N2 (100).
iii Plot the graph of y = N2 (t) for t ∈ [0, 5000] on a calculator.
iv Solve the equation N2 (t) = 0 and hence give the minimum population of this
species of insects.
c A third model is
3 t
N3 (t) = 1000 − t 2 + 2e 20
Use a calculator to:
i plot a graph for 0 ≤ t ≤ 200
ii ﬁnd the minimum population and the time at which this occurs.
d i For N3 , ﬁnd N3 (t).
√
ii Show that N3 (t) = 0 is equivalent to t = 20 loge (15 t).

49 a Consider the curve with equation y = (2x2 − 5x)eax . If the curve passes through the
point with coordinates (3, 10), find the value of a.
b i For the curve with equation y = (2x2 − 5x)eax , find the x-axis intercepts.
ii Use calculus to find the x-values for which there is a turning point, in terms of a.

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