.

C. OTHER APPLICATIONS OF
DIFFERENTIATION

EXAMPLES
Source: A First Course in Analytic Geometry and Calculus,

Department of Mathematics and Statistics , MSU-IIT

 TANGENT & NORMAL LINES

Find the equations of the tangent line and the normal line to the
curve y = 3x2 − 2x − 1 at the point P0(1, 0).

SOLUTION
Let f (x) = 3x2 − 2x − 1. The derivative of f (at x) is f 0(x) =
6x−2. Let mLT and mLN be the slopes of the tangent line and the
normal line, respectively. We have mLT = f 0(1) = 6(1) − 2 = 4
1 1
and mLN = − 0 = − . Now, using the point-slope form, we
f (1) 4
have
y − y0 = mLT (x − x0)
y − 0 = 4(x − 1)
y = 4x − 4.
Therefore, an equation of the tangent line is 4x−y−4 = 0. Again,
by using the point-slope form, we have
y − y0 = mLN (x − x0)
1
y − 0 = − (x − 1)
4
4y = −x + 1.
Thus, an equation of the normal line is x + 4y − 1 = 0.
 TANGENT & NORMAL LINES

Find the equations of the tangent line and the normal line to the
curve y = 5 sin 2x at the point P0( π4 , 5).

SOLUTION
Let f (x) = 5 sin 2x. The derivative of f (at x) is f 0(x) =
(5)(cos 2x)(2) = 10 cos 2x. Let mTL be the slope of the tangent
line. We have
0 π π
mL = f ( ) = 10 cos( ) = (10)(0) = 0 .
T 4 2
Using the point-slope form, we get
y − y0 = mLT (x − x0)
 π
y−5 = 0 x−
4
y = 5.
Therefore, an equation of the tangent line is y = 5 (a horizontal
π
line). It follows that the normal line is the line x = (a vertical
4
line).
 TANGENT & NORMAL LINES

Find the equations of the lines which are normal to the curve
y = x3 − 3x that is parallel to the line 2x + 18y − 9 = 0.

SOLUTION
Set f (x) = x3 −3x. Then f 0(x) = 3x2 −3. Let LN be normal to
the curve at the point P0(x0, y0) and L the line 2x + 18y − 9 = 0.
Solving for y from the equation 2x + 18y − 9 = 0, we get
1 1
y =− x+ .
9 2
1
Thus, mL = − . Since LN is parallel to L, their slopes are equal,
9
 1
that is, mLN = mL = − . Now, the slope of LN is
9
1 1
mLN = − 0 =− 2 .
f (x0) 3x0 − 3
1 1
Therefore, − = − 2 , that is, 3x20 − 3 = 9. It follows that
9 3x0 − 3
x0 = 2 or x0 = −2. Now, if x0 = 2, then y0 = f (2) = 23 − 3(2) =
2. Thus, an equation of the normal line to the curve at P0(2, 2) is
1
y − 2 = − (x − 2)
9
or equivalently, x + 9y − 20 = 0. On the other hand, if x0 = −2,
then
y0 = f (−2) = (−2)3 − 3(−2) = −2 .
Thus, an equation of the normal line to the curve at P0(−2, −2)
is
1
y + 2 = − (x + 2)
9
or equivalently,
x + 9y + 20 = 0 .
 OPTIMIZATION

Find a number that exceeds its square by the greatest possible

amount. What is the greatest possible amount of excess?

SOLUTION

Let x be a number satisfying the given property. Denote by E

the difference x − x2, that is, E = E(x) = x − x2. Note that
x2 = 0 when x = 0 and x2 = 1 when x = 1. Since the problem
requires that x exceeds its square x2, the difference x−x2 must be
positive. In other words, x − x2 > 0 or 0 < x < 1. This implies
that the value of x that will correspond to the greatest value of
E(x) = x − x2 (E is to be maximized) is in the closed interval
[0, 1]. Since E(x) is continuous on [0, 1], such a value exists by the
Extreme-Value Theorem.
Now, the first derivative of E at x is E 0(x) = 1 − 2x. Set-
ting this to zero, we get x = 21 , the critical value of E on [0, 1].
Since E 00(x) = −2, E 00( 21 ) = −1 < 0. This implies that x = 21
corresponds to a relative maximum value of E. Straightforward
calculations will give us E( 12 ) = 41 , and E(0) = E(1) = 0 (at the
endpoints). Thus, the desired value is x = 12 (hence, x2 = 14 ) and
the greatest value of E is 41 .
 OPTIMIZATION
A rectangular field having an area of 2400 sq.m. is to be enclosed
by a fence, and then divided into two lots by another fence set
parallel to one of the sides (see Figure below). What must be the
dimensions of the field if the total amount of fencing material is to
be smallest as possible? What is the smallest amount of fencing
material needed?
 OPTIMIZATION
SOLUTION
Let x be the number of meters on one side of the lot and y the
number of meters on the other side. Here, we assume without
loss of generality that x ≤ y and that the additional fencing is
to be made parallel to the side with x number of meters. Since
2400
xy = 2400 sq.m., y = m. If we denote by F the number of
x
meters of fencing material, then
 
2400 4800
F = F (x) = 3x + 2 = 3x + .
x x
2
√
Since x ≤ y, x ≤ 2400 (hence, x ≤ 20 6). Because x and y are
nonnegative, the value of x that will correspond
√ to the minimum
value of F must be in the interval (0, 20 6] (F is not defined at
x = 0).
 0 4800
Now, the derivative of F at x is F (x) = 3 − 2 . Setting
x
this to zero, we obtain the critical value x = 40. From F 0, we
00 9600
find that the second derivative of F at x is F (x) = 3 . Since
x
00 9600
F (40) = 3
> 0, x = 40 corresponds to the relative minimum
(40) √
value of F on (0, 20 6] by the second derivative test. Using the
first derivative test, √
we find that F is decreasing on (0, 40) and
increasing on (40, 20 6). This implies that the value of x that√will
make F an absolute minimum is in any closed interval √ [a, 20 6],
where 0 < a < 40. In particular,
√ such an x is in [1, 20 6]. Clearly,
F is continuous on [1, 20 6]. By the Extreme-Value√Theorem,
the absolute minimum value of F is attained on [1, 20 6]. Now,
because
√ √
F (40) = 240 < F (20 6) = 100 6 < F (1) = 4803,
F has an absolute minimum value at x = 40. Thus, the desired
value of x is 40 m and hence, the desired dimension of the field is
40 m by 60 m. The minimum fencing material needed is
4800
F (40) = 3(40) + = 240 m .
40
 OPTIMIZATION

Find the coordinates of the point on the curve y = 2x2 which

are closest to the point (9, 0).
 OPTIMIZATION
SOLUTION
Let P (a, b) be a point on the curve y = 2x2. Then b = 2a2, that
is, P (a, 2a2). Let d be the distance between P and (9, 0). Then
q q
d = d(a) = (2a2 − 0)2 + (a − 9)2 = 4a4 + (a − 9)2 .
Since we are looking for the point (a, b) on the curve that is closest
to (9, 0), the point (a, b) is either the point of origin or a point
located in the first quadrant. If a = 0, then b = 0, and if a = 9,
then b = 162. The distance between (0, 0) and (9, 0) is 9 units
and that of (9, 162) and (9, 0) is 162 units. This means that the
minimum value of d is at most 9 and the value of a that will make
the value of d an absolute minimum is in the closed interval [0, 9]
(corresponding to the abscissas of (0, 0) and (9, 162), respectively).
Since d is continuous on [0, 9], the absolute minimum value of d
on this interval exists (Extreme-Value Theorem).

Now, the derivative of d at a is

0 1 4 − 1
2
d (a) = [4a + (a − 9) ] 2 [16a3 + 2(a − 9)] .
2
Setting this to zero, we obtain the equation
16a3 + 2a − 18 = 2(a − 1)(8a2 + 8a + 9) = 0 .
This implies that a = 1 or 8a2 +8a+9 = 0. Since 8a2 +8a+9 = 0
does not have any real roots, it follows that a = 1 is the only
critical value of d on [0, 9]. Since d is decreasing on [0, 1) and
increasing on (1, 9] (by the first derivative test), it follows that
a = 1 corresponds to the relative minimum value of d. Moreover,
because √
d(9) = 162 > d(0) = 9 > d(1) = 68 ,
d has an absolute minimum value at a = 1. Therefore, the point
(a, b) closest to (9, 0) is the point (1, 2).
 OPTIMIZATION

A Norman window is in the shape of a rectangle surmounted by

a semi-circle. Find the dimensions of the rectangle and the radius
of the semi-circle when the perimeter is 12 ft. and the area is as
large as possible.
 OPTIMIZATION
SOLUTION
Let A and P the area and the perimeter of the window. Let r be
the radius of the semi-circle, and l and w be the length and width of
the rectangle, respectively. Then l = 2r, and P = 12 = 2w+2r+r
(hence, 0 < r = 12−2w
2+π < 12 ). It follows that w = 12−2r−πr .
2+π 2
The area of the window is
A = area of the rectangle + area of the semi-circle,
that is,
πr2 πr 2
A = A(r) = 2rw + = 12r − 2r2 − .
2 2
12 ](A
We shall now look for the value of r in the interval [0, 2+π
is defined in the endpoints) that will correspond to the absolute
maximum value of A. The derivative of A at r is
A0(r) = 12 − 4r − πr .
Setting this to zero, we get
12
r=
4+π
(the critical value of A). The second derivative of A at r is A00(r) =
−(4 + π) and so,
00 12
A (r)( ) = −(4 + π) < 0 .
4+π
12 corresponds to the relative
By the second derivative test, r = 4+π
maximum value of A. Since
12 12
A(0) < A( ) < A( ),
2+π 4+π
it follows that r = 4+π12 corresponds to the absolute maximum
12 ]. Thus, the desired values are
value of A on the interval [0, 2+π
r = 4+π12 ft, l = 24 ft and w = 12 ft.
4+π 4+π
 OPTIMIZATION
A box will be built with a square base and an open top. Material
for the base costs P 8.00 per square foot, while the material for the
sides costs P 2.00 per square foot. Find the dimensions of the box
of maximum volume that can be built for P 2400.
 OPTIMIZATION

SOLUTION
Let s and h be the length and height of the box, respectively. If C
denotes the total cost of the material, then C = 2400 pesos. The
cost of the base of the box is 8s2 pesos and the total cost of the
sides of the box is 2(4hs) = 8hs pesos. It follows that C = 2400√ =
8s2 + 8hs pesos (and hence, 8s2 < 2400, i.e., 0 < s < 10 3).
2400 − 8s2
Solving this equation for h in terms of s yields h = or
8s
300 − s 2
h= . Therefore, if V is the measure of the volume of the
s
box, then
!
300 − s2
V = V (s) = s2h = s2 = 300s − s3.
s
We shall now find the value of s that will make the value of V an
absolute maximum. Since s is nonnegative, the value of s that√will
make V an absolute maximum is in the closed interval [0, 10 3].
The first derivative of V at s is V 0(s) = 300 − 3s2. Setting
V 0(s) = 0, we find√ that s = 10 is the only critical value of00 V on
the interval [0, 10 3]. The second derivative of V at s is V (s) =
−6s. Since V 00(10) = −60, s = 10 corresponds√ to the relative
maximum value of V on the interval
√ [0, 10 3). Straightforward
computations show that V (10 3) = V (0) = 0 < V (10) = 2000.
Therefore, s =√ 10 corresponds to the absolute maximum value
of V on [0, 10 3). Consequently, the box will have the largest
 300−(10)2
possible volume if s = 10 ft and h = 10 = 20 ft. Thus, the
largest possible volume is 2000 cu f t.
 RELATED RATES

A cylindrical tank of radius 10 feet is being filled with water at

the rate of 314 cubic feet per minute. How fast is the depth of the
water increasing?
 RELATED RATES

SOLUTION
Let V be the volume of water at time t, h the depth of the water
in the tank at time t, and r the radius of the tank (r = 10 feet.
dV
Then is the rate at which the volume of water is changing and
dt
dh
is the rate at which the depth of the water is changing. Since
dt
dV
the volume increases as time t increases, = 314 f t3/min (car-
dt
ries a “+” sign). The volume of the tank is given by V = πr2h.
Differentiating both sides with respect to time t, we obtain
dV 2 dh
= πr
dt dt
or equivalently,
dV
dh
= dt2 .
dt πr
dV
Thus, with = 314 f t3/min and r = 10 f t., we have
dt
dh 314 157
= = f t/min .
dt 100π 50π
 RELATED RATES

The top of a 25-foot ladder, leaning against a vertical wall, is

slipping down the wall at the rate of 1 foot per second. How fast
is the bottom of the ladder slipping along the ground when the
bottom of the ladder is 7 feet away from the base of the wall?
 RELATED RATES

SOLUTION

Let y be the distance of the top of the ladder from the ground
at time t, x the distance of the bottom of the ladder from the
base of the wall at time t, and z the length of the ladder. Then
z = 25 feet, dy dt is the rate at which the top of the ladder is
slipping down the wall, and dx dt is the rate at which the bottom
of the ladder is sliding along the ground. Since y decreases as t
increases, dy
dt = −1 f t/sec.
Next, we will find the value of dxdt at that instant when x = 7 ft.
To do this, first note that by the Pythagorean Theorem, we have
x2 + y 2 = z 2, that is, x2 + y 2 = (25)2. Differentiating both sides
of the equation with respect to t, we get
dx dy
2x + 2y = 0
dt dt
or equivalently,  
dy
dx −y dt
= .
dt x
From x2 + y 2 = (25)2, we find that y = 24 when x = 7. Thus,
when x = 7 f t., we have
dx −(24)(−1)
= .
dt 7
dx 24
Therefore, = f t/sec.
dt 7
 RELATED RATES
The length of a rectangle is being lengthened at the rate of 2
inches per second while the width is shortened in such a way that
the figure remains a rectangle with a constant area of 50 square
inches. What is the rate of change of the perimeter when the
length is 5 inches?
 RELATED RATES

SOLUTION

Let l, w, and P be, respectively, the length, width and perimeter

of the rectangle at any time t. Denote by A the constant area of
the rectangle. Since A = lw = 50 in2, it follows that
50
w= .
l
dP
Note that in this problem we are asked to find given that
dt
l = 5 in and the rate of change of the length of the rectangle is
dl
= 2 in/sec .
dt
 50
Since the perimeter of the rectangle is P = 2l + 2w and w = ,
l
we have  
50
P = 2l + 2 = 2l + 100l−1 .
l
Differentiating both sides of the equation with respect to t, we
obtain
dP dl   dl
= 2 + 100 −l−2 .
dt dt dt
dl
Thus, when l = 5 in and = 2, we have
dt
dP
= 2(2) − 100(5)−2(2) = −4 in/sec.
dt
Note that the negative “−” sign just simply indicates that the
perimeter is decreasing with respect to time t. Therefore, the rate
of change of the perimeter at the given instant is 4 in/sec..
 RELATED RATES

A bus moving at 60 miles per hour along a straight road passes

under a weather balloon rising vertically at 20 miles per hour. If
the balloon is 1 mile up when the bus is directly below it, how
fast is the distance between the bus and the balloon increasing 1
minute later?
 RELATED RATES

SOLUTION
Let x be the distance of the bus from the point on the ground
below the balloon at any time t, y the distance of the balloon
from the ground at any time t, and z the distance between the
dz
bus and the balloon at any time t. We want to find one minute
dt
dx
after the bus passed under the balloon, where = 60 mi/hr
dt
dy
and = 20 mi/hr. Let t = 0 when x = 0 and y = 1 mi. After
dt
1
one minute, that is when t = 1 min = hr, we have
  60 
dx 1
x= t = (60 mi/hr) hr = 1 mi
dt 60
and
   
1 1 4
y = (20 mi/hr) hr + 1 = +1 mi = mi.
60 3 3
From the Pythagorean Theorem, we have x2 + y 2 = z 2. Differen-
tiating both sides of the equation with respect to t, we obtain
dz dx dy
2z = 2x + 2y
dt dt dt
or equivalently,
dz dx dy
z =x +y .
dt dt dt
5 4
Note that z = mi when y = mi and x = 1 mi. Therefore, at
3 3
the given instant, the rate of change of the distance between the
bus and the balloon is
 
dz (1)(60) + 43 (20)
= 5
= 52 mi/hr
dt 3
 RELATED RATES

A small funnel in the shape of a cone is being emptied of fluid

at the rate of 12 cubic centimeters per second. The height of the
funnel is 20 centimeters and the radius of the top is 4 centime-
ters. How fast is the fluid level dropping when the level stands 5
centimeters above the vertex of the cone?
 RELATED RATES

SOLUTION

Let V be the volume of the fluid inside the cone at any time t, r
the radius of the cone formed at any time t, and h the fluid level
at any time t. The volume of the fluid at any time t is given by
1 2
V = πr h .
3
By ratio and proportion, we find that
r 4
= ,
h 20
1 1 3
that is, r = h and V = πh . Differentiating both sides of
5 75
 1 3
V = πh with respect to t, we get
75
dV 1 2 dh
= πh .
dt 25 dt
It follows that
dh 25 dV
= 2 .
dt πh dt
Since the volume of the fluid is decreasing,
dV
= −12 cm3/sec
dt
(it carries a negative sign). Therefore, at that instant when h =
5 cm., we have
dh 25(−12) −12
= 2
= cm/sec.
dt π(5) π
 This means that the fluid is dropping (h is decreasing) at the
rate of 12
π cm/sec.
.

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