MATRICES AND CALCULUS B

UNIT-II: GEOMETRICAL APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
Definition 1.
Suppose f is a real valued function and a is a point in its domain of definition. The derivative
1
of f at a is defined by lim  f (a + h) − f (a) provided this limit exists. Derivative of f ( x) at
h →0 h

x = a is denoted by f (a ) . Observe that f (a ) ) quantifies the change in f ( x) at a with respect
to x. Differentiation
Definition: 2 first principle of derivative.
1
Suppose f is a real valued function, the function defined by lim  f ( x + h) − f ( x) wherever
h →0 h

the limit exists is defined to be the derivative of f at x and is denoted by f ( x) . This definition
1
of derivative is also called the first principle of derivative. Thus f ( x) = lim  f ( x + h) − f ( x) 
h →0 h

Clearly the domain of definition of f ( x) is wherever the above limit exists. There are different
notations for derivative of a function. Sometimes f ( x) is denoted by f ( x) dx or y = f ( x) it is
dy
denoted by or y( x) . This is referred to as derivative of f ( x) or y with respect to x
dx
The rate at which a function changes with respect to the independent variable is called the
derivative of the function.
(i.e) If y = f ( x) be a function, where x and y are real variables which are independent and
dependent variables respectively, then the derivative of y with respect to x is y or f ( x)
We now present a geometric interpretation of derivative of a function at a point. Let y = f ( x)
be a function and let P  ( a, f (a) ) and Q  ( a + h, f (a + h) ) be two points close to each other
on the graph of this function. The Figure is now self-
explanator
1
f (a) = lim
h →0 h
 f ( a + h) − f ( a ) 
From the triangle PQR, it is clear that the ratio whose
limit we are taking is precisely equal to tan(QPR) which
is the slope of the chord PQ. In the limiting process, as h
tends to 0, the point Q tends to P and we have
1 QR
lim  f (a + h) − f (a)  = lim This is equivalent to the
h →0 h h →0 PR

fact that the chord PQ tends to the tangent at P of the curve y = f ( x) . Thus the limit turns out
to be equal to the slope of the tangent. Hence f (a) = tan . For a given function f we can
find the derivative at every point. If the derivative exists at every point, it defines a new function
called the derivative of f
Rules (Algebra) of derivatives
If u ( x) and v( x) are two functions of x then
Rule 1. Linearity
u( x)  v( x) = u( x)  v( x)
Rule 2. (Leibnitz or product rule)
u( x)v( x) = v( x)u( x) + u( x)v( x)
Rule 3. Quotient rule
 u ( x)  v( x)u( x) + u ( x)v( x)
 v( x)  =
( v( x) )
3
 
Derivatives of composite functions (Chain Rule)
Let f be a real valued function which is a composite of two functions u and v ; i.e f = v u
dt dv
,ie f ( x) = v u ( x )  , .suppose t = u ( x) and if both and exists then
dx dt
df  dv   dt 
=   
dx  dt   dx 
Extended Chain rule. Suppose f is a real valued function which is a composite of three
functions u , v and w ; i.e., f = ( w u ) o v . If t = v( x) and s = u (t ) ,then
df d ( w u ) dt  dw  ds  dt 
= =    provided all the derivatives in the statement exists
dx dt dx  ds  dt  dx 
Derivative of logarithmic function
dy
Example: compute if y = x x
dx
Solution: given y = x x

Taking logarithm on both sides, we have

log y = log ( x x )
 log y = x ( log x )
Now, differentiating both sides w.r.t. x, we get
1 dy 1
 = x   + ( log x )(1) ( uv ) = uv + vu
y dx x
dy  1 
 = y  x   + ( log x )(1) 
dx  x 
dy
 = x x (1 + log x )
dx
Example: Compute the slope of the curve y = log7 ( log x )
Solution: y = log7 ( log x ) = log a p where p = log x
log ( log x ) logb p
y= log a p = change of base rule
log 7 logb a
d d  log ( log x )  1 d
 ( y) =  = log ( log x ) 
dx dx  log 7  log 7 dx
dy 1 1 1 1 1
 = =
dx log 7 ( log x ) x log 7 x ( log x )
Derivatives of implicit functions
If the dependent variable y is function of the independent variable x ,then we say
that y = f ( x) y is given as an explicit function of x and if f ( x, y ) = 0 or f ( x, y, z ) = 0 , then
its implicit that y is a function of x
An implicit function is a function that is defined by an implicit equation which and can have
more than one variable, which cannot be separated as a dependent variable and independent
variable
The differentiation of implicit function involves two simple steps. First differentiate the
entire expression f ( x, y ) = 0 , with reference to one independent variable x. As a second step,
find the dy / dx of the expression by algebraically moving the variables
Example: compute the derivative of y with respect to x if y = 3x 2 − 5e y
Solution: the given equation is an implicit equation f ( x, y ) = 0 where
f ( x, y ) = y − 3x + 5e = 0
2 y

differentiating both the sides with respect to x , we get,

dy dy
− 6 x + 5e y =0
dx dx
dy
 (1 + 5e y ) − 6 x = 0
dx
dy 6x
 =
dx 1 + 5e y
cos 2 (a + y )
Example: If cos y = x cos ( a + y ) with cos a  1, prove that that slope is
sin a
Solution cos y = x cos ( a + y ) -------(1)
differentiating both the sides with respect to x , we get
dy  dy 
− sin y = x  − sin ( a + y )  + cos ( a + y ) (1)
dx  dx 
dy dy
 − sin y + x sin ( a + y ) = cos ( a + y )
dx dx
dy
 x sin ( a + y ) − sin y  = cos ( a + y )
dx 
dy  cos y 
 sin ( a + y ) − sin y  = cos ( a + y ) us ing (1) cos y = x cos (a + y), prove
dx  cos ( a + y ) 
dy
cos y sin ( a + y ) − sin y cos ( a + y )  = cos 2 ( a + y )
dx 
dy
sin ( a + y ) − y   = cos 2 ( a + y )
dx  
dy cos 2 (a + y )
=
dx sin a

Derivatives of Functions in Parametric Forms:

A relation between x and y can be expressible in the form x = f(t) and y = g(t) is a parametric
form representation with parameter as t.
dy  dy   dx 
By chain rule =   
dt  dx   dt 
dy dy / dt y(t )
 = = : x(t )  0
dx dx / dt x(t )
Second order derivative:
d 2 y d  dy  d  dy  1
 2 =  =   : x(t )  0
dx dx  dx  dt  dx  dx / dt
dy
Example 1 : Compute If x = a ( cos +  sin ) , y = a ( sin –  cos )
dx
Solution: given x = a ( cos +  sin ) , y = a ( sin –  cos )
x = a ( cos +  sin ) , y = a ( sin –  cos )
dy dy / d
=
dx dx / d
dy / d = a ( − sin +  cos  + sin ) = a ( cos  )
dx / d = a cos − ( − sin + cos )  = a sin
dy a ( cos  )
 = = a cot 
dx a sin
d 2 y d  dy  d  dy  1
 2 =  =   : x( )  0
dx dx  dx  d  dx  dx / d
d2y d 1
 = ( a cot  )
dx 2
d a sin
2
d y 1 1
 2 = a ( − cos ec 2 ) =−
dx a sin  sin3
Example 2: Determine slope of the curve given by x = a cos  , y = a sin  ,
Solution: given x = a cos  , y = a sin 
dy dy / d
=
dx dx / d
dy a cos 
 = = − cot 
dx −a sin 
d 2 y d  dy  d  dy  1
 2 =  =   : x( )  0
dx dx  dx  d  dx  dx / d
d2y d 1
 2 = ( − cot  )
dx d −a sin 
2
d y 1 1
 2 = ( cos ec 2 ) =
dx −a sin  −a sin 3 
Example 2: Determine slope of the curve given by x = a cos  , y = b sin  ,
Solution: given x = a cos  , y = b sin 
dy dy / d
=
dx dx / d
dy b cos  b
 = = − cot 
dx −a sin  a
2
d y d  dy  d  dy  1
 2 =  =   : x( )  0
dx dx  dx  d  dx  dx / d
d2y d b  1
 = − cot  
dx 2 d
 a  −a sin 
2
d y b 1 b 1
 2 = ( cos ec 2 ) =− 2
dx a −a sin  a sin 3 

dy d2y
Example : Determine and of the curve given by x = a sec , y = b tan
dx dx 2
Solution; x = a sec , y = b tan
dy dy / d
= dy / d = b sec 2  , dx / d = a sec  tan 
dx dx / d
dy b sec 2  b b
 = = = cos ec
dx a sec  tan  a sin  a
 d 2 y d  dy  d  dy  1
 2 =  =   : x( )  0
dx dx  dx  d  dx  dx / d
d2y d  b  1
 2 =  
dx d  a sin   a sec  tan 
d2y b 1 b cos 3
 2 = ( − cos ec cot  ) =− 2
dx a a sec  tan  a sin3
Note:
. If u, v and w are functions of x, then  ( uvw) = u ( vw) + uvw + uvw

standard derivatives
y dy / dx y dy / dx
1 k − constant 0 12 sec x sec x tan x
2 xn nx n −1 13 cos ecx − cos ec x cot x
3 log e x 1/ x 14 sin x
−1
1
1 − x2
4 1/ x −1/ x 2 15 cos −1 x −1
1 − x2
5 x 1 16 tan −1 x 1
2 x 1 + x2
6 𝑎 𝑥
(𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎)𝑎 𝑥 17 cot −1 x −1
1 + x2
7 ex ex 18 sec −1 x 1
x 1 − x2
8 sin x cos x 19 cos ec −1 x −1
x 1 − x2
9 cos x − sin x
10 tan x sec2 x
11 cot x − cos ec 2 x

Problems
I. Ordinary Differentiation Problems
𝟏
1. Differentiate 𝐱 +
𝐱
1
Solution Let 𝑦 = x + x
1
dy d(x + ) d(x) d(x−1 ) 1
Then dx = x
= + =1 − x2
dx dx dx

2. Differentiate 𝟑𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐱 + 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐱 − 𝐞𝐱 + 𝟓

Solution:
Let y = 3tan x + 2 cos x − ex + 5
dy d(3tan x+2 cos x−ex +5) d(tan x) d(cos x) d(ex ) d(5)
Then dx = =3 +2 − +
dx dx dx dx dx
2 x
= 3𝑠𝑒𝑐 x − 2 sin x − e

3. Differentiate 𝐲 = 𝐞𝟐𝐱 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟑𝐱

dy d(e2x cos3x) d(e2x ) d(cos3x)
Solution: = = cos3x dx + e2x
dx dx dx
= 2cos3x e2x − 3e2x sin3x
4. Differentiate 𝐲 = 𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐱 𝐱 𝟐
dy d(esinx x2 )
Solution: dx = dx
d(esinx ) d(x2 )
= x 2 dx + esinx dx
= x e (cosx) + 2xesinx
2 sinx

5. Differentiate y = 𝐱 𝟑 𝐞−𝐱 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐱

dy d( x3 e−x tanx)
Solution: dx = dx
d( x3 ) d( e−x ) d(tanx)
= e tanx dx + x 3 tanx dx + x 3 e−x
−x
dx
= 3x 2 e−x tanx − x 3 e−x tanx + x 3 e−x sec 2 x
𝐞𝐱
6. Differentiate 𝐲 =
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐱
ex
dy d( ) cosx ex −ex (−sinx)
cosx
Solution: = =
dx dx cos2 x
cosx ex +ex (sinx)
= cos2 x
𝐚𝐱+𝐛
7. Differentiate 𝐲 =
𝐜𝐱+𝐝
dy (cx+d)a−(ax+b)c
Solution:dx = (by quotient rule)
(cx+d)2
𝐱 𝟐 +𝟐𝐱+𝟑
8. Differentiate
√𝐱
1 −1 1
dy √x (2x+2)−(x2 +2x+3) x ⁄2 2√x (x+1)−(x2 +2x+3)
2√x
Solution: = 2
2
= 2
dx (√x) (√x)
2√x ×2√x (x+1)−(x2 +2x+3) 4x(x+1)−(x2 +2x+3)
= 2 = 3
2√x (√x) 2x ⁄2
4x2 +4x−x2 −2x−3 3x2 +2x−3
= 3 = 3
2x ⁄2 2x ⁄2
𝟐 𝟑
9. Differentiate 𝐲 = (𝟑𝐱 − 𝟏)
Solution: Given y = (3x 2 − 1)3
Differentiating w.r.to x, we get
dy
⇒ dx = 3(3x 2 − 1)2 6x
= 3(9x 4 − 6x 2 + 1) = 27x 4 − 18x 2 + 3
𝟏+𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐱
10. Differentiate: 𝐥𝐨𝐠 ( )
𝟏−𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐱
1+sinx
Solution: Let y = log (1−sinx)
⇒ 𝑦 = log(1 + sinx) − log (1 − sinx)
Differentiate y w.r.to x, we get
dy 1 1
= cosx − (−cosx)
dx 1+sinx 1−sinx

(1−sinx)cosx+cosx(1+sinx)
= (1+sinx)(1−sinx)

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥+ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

= 1−𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 1
= = 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥

II. Differentiation Problems on Logarithmic Functions

1. Differentiate 𝐱 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐱
Solution: Let y = x sinx
Taking log on both sides, we get logy = sinx logx
Now differentiating with respect to x
1 dy 1
⇒ = logx(cosx) + sinx x (Using product rule)
y dx
 dy 1
⇒ = y (logx( cosx) + sinx x)
dx
dy y(xcosx logx+sinx)
⇒ =
dx x
𝑑𝑦 sinx xcosx logx+sinx
⇒ =x ( )
𝑑𝑥 x
𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐱
2. If 𝐱 𝐲 = 𝐞𝐱−𝐲 , prove that = (𝟏+𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐱)𝟐
𝐝𝐱
Solution: Given x y = ex−y
Taking log on both sides, we get logx y = logex−y
⇒ ylogx = (x − y)log e e
⇒ ylogx = (x − y)………(1)
1 dy dy
⇒ x y + logx dx = 1 − dx
dy dy y
⇒ logx dx + dx = 1 − x
dy x−y
⇒ (logx + 1) =
dx x
dy x−y
⇒ = x(1+logx)
dx
dy ylogx
⇒ = x(1+logx)….(2)
dx
Again from (1) y + ylogx = x
y 1
⇒ y(1 + logx) = x, x = 1+logx
dy logx
⇒ = (1+logx)2
dx
𝐱 …∞ 𝐝𝐲
3. If y = 𝐱 𝐱 , then find 𝐝𝐱
Solution:
x…∞
Given y = x x = xy
Taking log on both sides
logy = ylogx
Differentiating w. r. to x we get
1 dy 1 dy
⇒ y dx = y x + logx dx
1 dy y
⇒(y − logx) dx = x
1−ylogx dy y
⇒( ) dx = x
y

dy y y y2
⇒ = ( )=
dx x 1−ylogx x(1−ylogx)

𝐱 𝟐 +𝟏
4. Differentiate 𝐲 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 (𝐱𝟐 −𝟏)
Solution:
y = log(x 2 + 1) − log(x 2 − 1)
dy 1 1
⇒dx = x2+1 2x − x2 −1 2x
dy 1 1
⇒dx = 2x (x2 +1 − x2 −1)
dy x2 −1−(x2 +1) x2 −1−x2 −1) −2) −4x
⇒dx = 2x ((x2+1)(x2 −1)) = 2x ( ) = 2x (x4−1) = x4 −1
x4 −1
𝟐
5. Differentiate 𝐲 = 𝐞𝟑𝐱 +𝟐𝐱+𝟑
dy 2
Solution: dx = e3x +2x+3 (6x + 2)
 III. Differentiation of Implicit functions
If two variables x and y are connected by the relation f(x, y) = 0 and none of the variable is
directly expressed in terms of the other, then the relation is called an implicit function.

Solved Problems
𝒅𝒚
1. Find 𝒅𝒙 , if 𝒙𝟑 +𝒚𝟑 = 𝟑𝒂𝒙𝒚
Solution:
Differentiating w.r.to x, we get
dy dy
⇒ 3x 2 + 3y 2 dx = 3a [x dx + y]
dy dy
⇒ 3y 2 dx − 3ax dx = 3ay − 3x 2
dy
⇒ dx (3y 2 − 3ax) = 3ay − 3x 2
dy (3ay−3x2 ) 3(ay−x2 ) (ay−x2 )
⇒ dx = = 3(y2−ax) = (y2 −ax)
3y2 −3ax
𝐝𝐲
2. Find 𝐝𝐱 , 𝐢𝐟 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔
Solution:
Given x 2 + y 2 = 16
⇒ y 2 = 16 − x 2
⇒ y = √16 − x 2
dy 1 −1⁄
⇒ dx = 2 (16 − x 2 ) 2 × (−2x)
dy x x
⇒ dx = − √16−x2 = − y
𝒅𝒚
3. Find , if 𝐱 = 𝐚𝐭 𝟐 , 𝐲 = 𝟐𝐚𝐭
𝒅𝒙
Solution: Given x = at 2 , y = 2at
dx dy
= 2at, dt = 2a
dt
dy dy dx 2a 1
Now dx = / = 2at =
dt dt t
𝐝𝐲
4. Find 𝐝𝐱 , if 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐱 𝟑 − 𝐱𝐲 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲 = 𝟎
Solution:
Given y 2 + x 3 − xy + cosy = 0
dy d dy
⇒ 2y dx + 3x 2 − dx (xy) − siny dx = 0
dy dy
⇒ (2y − siny) dx + 3x 2 − (x dx + y × 1) = 0
dy
⇒ (2y − siny − x) dx + 3x 2 − y = 0
dy
⇒ (2y − siny − x) dx = y − 3x 2
dy y−3x2
⇒ dx = 2y−siny−x
Example : If y = cos −1 ( x ) compute d 2 y / dx 2 in terms of y alone
Solution: given y = cos −1 ( x )
 cos y = x
differentiating both the sides with respect to x , we get
 dy 
 − sin y   = 1
 dx 
dy 1
 =−
dx sin y
differentiating both the sides with respect to x , we get
 d  dy  d  1 
  =−  
dx  dx  dx  sin y 
d2y  1   dy 
 2
= −− 2  cos y  
dx  sin y  dx 
d2y  1   1 
 2 = −− 2  cos y  − 
dx  sin y  sin y 
d2y cos y
 2 =− 3
dx sin y

Example : Differentiate sin 2 x with respect to ecos x compute d 2 y / dx 2 in terms of y alone

Solution: let u (x) = sin 2 x and v ( x ) = e cos x

We have to differentiate u with respect to v

du du / dx
= : du / dx = 2sin x cos x, dv / dx = e cos x ( − sin x )
dv dv / dx
du 2sin x cos x 2 cos x
 = = − cos x
dv − sin xe cos x
e
 APPLICATION OF DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In the late seventeenth century the invention of Calculus by Newton and Leibnitz has
turned the house of math into a metropolis. Differential geometry and curvature were natural
applications for the calculus because they provided words to its music. More specifically,
Calculus methods of infinitesimals and limits were the perfect tools for the problem of
curvature because most curves have a different degree of bending at every point. The use of
infinitesimals to study rates of change can be found in Indian Mathematics, Perhaps as early as
500 AD, when the astronomer and Mathematician Aryabhata (476 – 550) used infinitesimals
to study the motion of the moon. The motivation of optics in Differential geometry yielded
concept of involutes and evolutes (Huygens in 1673) and later envelope, a representative of
family of curves.

Curvature

Nature is too beautiful for words. Many curves in the plane and in space are simply
beautiful. Mathematicians have developed several ways of describing them. One of the elegant
method of describing a curve is to say that how much the curve “bends” at each point. This
measure of bending is known by the technical word “Curvature”. In many practical problems,
we are concerned with comparision of bending of two curves or bending of a curve at its
different points, for example, is laying the rail tracks and calculating the maximum speed that
a train can have when it turns or designing high ways or constructing curved focal planes of
telescope.

Fig 2.1

For getting the idea of Curvature let us consider two curves APB and A ' PB ' as shown
in the figure. The curve APB is bending more rapidly than A ' PB ' in the neighborhood of P.

In otherwords it may be said that the curvature of APB is greater than that of A ' PB ' .
Here if we consider the curves of arcs of circles then it is very clear that radius of APB is lesser
than that of A ' PB ' .
 Fig 2.2

The curvature of a given curve at a particular point is the curvature of the approximating circle
at the point. The radius of curvature of the curve is defined as the radius of the approximating
circle. This radius changes as we move along the curve. The approximating circle is said to be
circle of curvature. The formal definitions of above terms can be given as follows.

Definition of Curvature

Fig 2.3

Let P and Q be any two close points on a plane curve. Let the arcual distances of P and
Q measured from a fixed point A on the given curve be s and s + Δs, so that PQ (The arcual
length of PQ) is Δs.

Let the tangent at P and Q to the curve make angles  and Ψ + ΔΨ with a fixed line in
the plane of the curve, say the x-axis.

Then the angle between the tangents at P and Q is ΔΨ .

Thus for a change of Δs in the arcual length of the curve, the direction of the tangent to
the curve changes by ΔΨ .

ΔΨ
Hence is the average rate of bending of the curve (or average rate of change of
Δs
direction of the tangent to the curve in the arcual interval PQ ) or average curvature of the arc
PQ.
 limit  ΔΨ  dΨ
 = is the rate of bending of the curve with respect to arcual distance
Δs → 0  ΔS  ds
at P called the curvature of the curve at the point P and is denoted by K.

For example, Let us find the curvature of a circle of radius at any point on it.

Let the arcual distances of points on the circle be measured from A, the lower point of
the circle and let the tangent at A be chosen as the x-axis. Let AP = s and let the tangent at P
makes an angle  with the x-axis

Fig 2.4

Then s = a ACP

= aΨ

1
or Ψ = s [ The angle between CA and CP equals the angle
a
between the respective perpendicular AT and PT.]
dΨ 1
=
ds a

Thus the Curvature of a circle at any point on it equals the reciprocal of its radius. Equivalently,
the radius of a circle equals the reciprocal of the curvature at any point on it.

Radius of curvature of a curve at any point on it is defined as the reciprocal of the

1 ds
curvature of the curve at that point and denoted by ρ Thus ρ = = .
K dΨ

To find K or ρ of a curve at any point on it, we should know the relation between s and
 for that curve, which is not easily derivable in most cases.

Some Basic Results

Let P(x, y) and Q ( x + Δx, y + Δy ) be any two close points on a curve y = f ( x ) . Let

AP = s and AQ = s + s where A is a fixed point on the curve. Let a chord PQ make an angle
θ with the x-axis.
 Fig 2.5

RQ RQ Δs
From ΔPQR, sin = = . (1)
Chord PQ Δs Chord PQ
where PQ = Δs

Δy Δs
= .
Δs Chord PQ

and

PR Chord PR Δs
cos = = .
Chord PQ Δs Chord PQ
Δx Δs
= . (2)
Δs PQ

s
when Q approaches P chord PQ → tangent at P and hence  →  . Also →1.
PQ

Thus in the limiting case when Q → P, (1) and (2) becomes

dy dx
sin  = and cos  =
ds ds

dy
 tan  =
dx
I. Formula for Radius of Curvature in Cartesian co-ordinates

Let  be the angle made by the tangent at any point (x, y) on the curve y = f ( x ) .

dy
Then tan  = ______(1)
dx

Differentiating both sides of (1) w.r.t x, we get

dΨ d 2 y
sec2Ψ =
dx dx 2

dΨ ds d 2 y
i.e, sec2Ψ . =
ds dx dx 2 Fig 2.6

1 d2y  dx 1 
sec2Ψ .secΨ =  cosΨ = ds , cosΨ = secΨ 
 dx 2

3
2
( ) = (1+ tan2Ψ )
3/2

sec3Ψ sec2Ψ
 =
d2 y
=
d2y d2y
( sec2 = 1+ tan 2 )
dx 2 dx 2 dx 2

3
2
 2
 dy  
1+
   
  dx  
= by eqn (1)
d2 y
dx 2

=
(1+ y1 ) 2 2
where y =
dy
and y =
d2y
1 dx 2
y2 dx 2

Note :

This formula does not hold good where the tangent at the point (x, y) is parallel to y
dy
axis. In that case is not defined. Since the value of ρ is independent of the choice of axis of
dx
co-ordinates, in this case we take the formula for ρ as

3
  dx 2  2
1 +   
  dy  
= 
d 2x
dy 2
II. Formula for Radius of Curvature in Parametric co-ordinates

Let the parametric equation of the curve be x = f ( t ) and y =  ( t ) .

dy dy / dt
Then =
dx dx / dt

dx dy
Let x' = and y ' =
dt dt

dy y '
 =
dx x '

d 2 y d  dy 
=  
dx 2 dx  dx 
d  dy   dt 
=   
dt  dx   dx 
d  dy 
 
=  
dt dx
dx
dt

d  y' 
 
=  
dt x'
x'
 d d 
1  dt ( ) dt ( ) 
x' y' - y' x'
=   Using Quotient Rule of differention
x'  x'2 
 

d2y 1
= ( x ' y ''− y ' x '')
dx 2 x '3
3
  dy 2  2
1 +   
 dx  
  =
d2y
dx 2
3
2
  y'  2

1 +   
 x'  
= 
1
( x ' y ''− y ' x '')
x '3
 3
2
 x' + y' 
2 2
x '3  
 x '2 
=
x ' y ''− y ' x ''

= x '3
( x '2 + y '2 ) 2
3

( x ' ) ( x ' y ''− y ' x '')

2 2

3
x '3 ( x '2 + y '2 ) 2
=
x '3 ( x ' y ''− y ' x '' )

 =
(x' + y' )
2 2 2

( x ' y ''− y ' x '')

Examples

1. Find the Curvature and radius of curvature of x 2 + y 2 = 25 .

Solution:

x 2 + y 2 = 25 represents a circle of radius 5. We know that the curvature of a circle of

1
radius r is
r

1
Hence curvature of x 2 + y 2 = 25 is
5

Also the radius of curvature is the reciprocal of the curvature

 Radius of curvature of the circle

x 2 + y 2 = 25 is 5.

2. Find the radius of curvature at any point (x, y) on the curve y = c log sec ( x / c ) .

Solution:

y = c log sec ( x / c )

Differentiating y w.r.t x we get

1
y' = c .sec ( x c ) tan ( x c )1 c
sec ( x / c )

x
= tan  
c
 x 1
y '' = sec 2   .
c c

Radius of curvature =
(1 + y ' ) 2 2

y ''

3
 2  x 
2
1 + tan  c  
 
=
1 2x
sec  
c c
3
 2  x  2
 sec  c  
 
=
1 2 x
sec  
c c

x
c sec3  
=  c  = c sec  x  .
 
x c
sec 2  
c

3. Find the radius of curvature at (a, 0) of the curve xy 2 = a 3 − x 3 .

Solution:

Differentiating xy 2 = a 3 − x3 with respect to x we get,

2 xyy '+ y 2 = −3x 2

− ( 3x 2 + y 2 )
y = 1

2 xy
At ( a, 0 ) , y ' = .

dx −2 xy
Hence we find = 2
dy 3 x + y 2

 dx 
  =0
 dy ( a ,0)

  dx   dx 
−  2 ( 3x 2 + y 2 )  x + y  − 2 xy  6 x + 2 y  
2
d x   dy   dy 
Now =
( 3x + y )
2 2
dy 2 2

d 2 x −6a3 −2
( a, 0 ) , 2 = 4 =
dy 9a 3a
 3
  dx 2  2
1 +   
  dy  
= 2

d x
dy 2

1 3a
= = .
−2 2
3a

 3a 3a 
4. Find the radius of curvature at the point  ,  on the curve x 3 + y 3 = 3axy.
 2 2 

Solution:

Differentiating x 3 + y 3 = 3axy with respect to x, we get

dy  dy 
3x 2 + 3 y 2 = 3a  x + y 
dx  dx 
dy dy
x2 + y 2 = ax + ay
dx dx
dy dy
y2 − ax = ay − x 2
dx dx
dy 2
dx
( y − ax ) = ay − x 2

dy ay − x 2
=
dx y 2 − ax

2
 3a   3a 
a  − 
 3a 3a  dy
At  ,  , =  2  
2 2
 2 2  dx  3a   3a 
  − a 
 2   2 
−3 2
a
 dy  4
  3 a 3 a  = 3 = −1
 dx  ,  a 2
 2 2 
4
 dy   dy 
2
d y
( y 2 − ax )  a − 2 x  − ( ay − x 2 )  2 y − a 
 dx   dx 
=
( y 2 − ax )
2 2
dx

  3a 2  3a     3a     3a   3a     3a 
2

   − a    − a − 2           −2   − a  
− a −
 d2y    2   2     2    2   2    2   
 2 = 2
 dx    3a 2  3a  
   − a   
 3a 3a 
 , 
 2 2 

 2   2 
 3 2  −3a 2 
a ( −a − 3a ) −   ( −3a − a )
4  4 
=
9a 4
16

=
( −3a − 3a ) 16 = −32
3 3

9a 4 3a
3

(1 + y ' )
3

=
2 2

=
(1 + 1) 2 2 2
= 
32  3a
y ''  32 
3a
3 2
 = a.
16

ax
5. Show that for the curve y = , the radius of curvature ρ at (x, y) related as
a+x
2
 2  3 x
2
y2
  = + .
 a  y 2 x2

Solution:

ax
The given equation is y = ;
a+x

Differentiating y w.r.t to x, we get

y' =
( a + x ) .a − ax (1)
=
a2 y2  y
= 2 =
a 
(a + x) ( a + x ) x  x a + x 
2 2

( a + x ) ( 0 ) − a 2 ( 2 ( a + x ) ) −2a 2
2

y '' = =
(a + x) (a + x)
4 3

−2 y 3
=
a x3

=
(1 + y ' ) 2 2

y ''

3 3
 y4 2  y 4  2 x3
 1 +  1 +  .
 x4  x4  y3
= =
−2 y 3 2
a x3 a
  3

a  y 4  2 x3 
 = 1 + 4  3
2  x  y 
 
3
2  y 4  2 x3
= 1 + 4  3
a  x  y
2
3
2 3

 2  3
  y 4  x3 
2  y 4   x2 
= 1 + = 1 +

 a 
  
x4  y3 


 
x4   y 2 
 
2
 2  3 x
2
y2
  = 2+ 2.
 a  y x

2 2 2

( 3
)
6. Find the radius of curvature at the point a cos  , a sin  on the curve x + y = a .
3 3 3 3

Solution:

The parametric equations of the given curve are x = acos 3 and y = a sin 3 

Differentiating twice with respect to  ,

dx
x= = 3a cos 2  ( − sin  )
d

dy
y= = 3a sin 2  (cos  )
d

d 2x
x= = − 3a ( cos3  + 2 cos  ( − sin  ) sin  )
d 2

= − 3a ( cos3  − 2 cos  sin 2  )

d2y
y = 2 = 3a ( sin 2  (− sin  ) + 2sin  cos 2  )
d

= 3a ( − sin 3  + 2sin  cos 2  )

=
(x 2
+y )
2 2

xy − yx
 3

=
( 9a 2
cos  sin  + 9a sin  cos  )
4 2 2 4 2 2

( −3a cos  sin  ) (3a ( 2sin  cos  − sin  ) )

2 2 3

+ ( 3a sin  (cos  ) ) ( − 3a ( cos  − 2 cos  sin  ) )

2 3 2

3 3 3

=
( 9a ) ( sin
2 2 2
 cos  ) ( cos  + sin  )
2 2 2 2 2

(
9a 2 cos 2  sin 2  − ( cos 2  + sin 2  ) )
= 3a sin  cos  .

7. Show that the radius of curvature at the point ‘θ’ on the curve x = 3a cos  − a cos 3 ,
y = 3a sin  − a sin 3 is 3a sin  .

Solution:

Differentiating with respect to ‘θ’, we get

x = 3a ( − sin  ) − a ( −3sin 3 )
= − 3a sin  + 3a sin 3

y = 3a cos  − a ( 3cos 3 )
= 3a cos  − 3a cos 3

dy y 3a ( cos  − cos 3 )
= =
dx x 3a ( sin 3 − sin  )

2sin 2 sin 
= = tan 2
2cos 2 sin 

d2y d d
= ( tan 2 ) .
dx d
2
dx
1
= 2sec 2 2 .
3a ( sin 3 − sin  )

2sec 2 2
=
3a ( 2 cos 2 sin  )
2sec 2 2
=
6a cos 2 sin 
sec 2 2
=
3a sin 
3 3

=
(1 + y ' ) = (1 + tan
2 2 2
2 ) 2
3a sin 
y '' sec3 2
= 3a sin  .
EXERCISES

Part – A

1 1
1. Find the radius of curvature at the point  ,  on the curve x + y = 1.
4 4


2. Find the radius of curvature at x = on the curve y = 4sinx.
2

3. Find the radius of curvature of y = logsinx.

y2
4. Show that the radius of curvature at any point of the catenary y = c cosh ( x / c ) is .
c

5. Find the radius of curvature at any point of the curve x = a cos , y = a sin  .

6. Find the radius of curvature for the curve x = at 2 , y = 2at.

7. Find the radius of curvature on y = e x at the point where the curve cuts the y-axis

Part – B

log x
1. Find the radius of curvature for y = at x = 1
x

2. Find the radius of curvature at any point of the parabola y 2 = 4ax .

x y
3. Show that the measure of curvature of the curve + = 1 at any point (x, y) on it is
a b
ab
3
.
2 ( ax + by ) 2

4. Find the radius of curvature of the curve y = x 2 ( x − 3) at the points where the tangent is
parallel to the x – axis

5. Find the radius of curvature at  on the curve x = a ( − sin  ) , y = a (1 − cos  ) .

6. For the curve x = x = a ( cos  +  sin  ) , y = a ( sin  −  cos  ) prove that the radius of
curvature is a

7. Prove that the radius of curvature at any point of the cycloid


x = a ( + sin  ) , y = a (1 − cos  ) is 4a cos
2
 ANSWER

Part A

1
1.
2

1
2.
4

3. cosec x

5. a

3
6. 2a (1+ t )
2 2

7. 2 2

Part B

2 2
1.
3

2 3
2. ( x + a)2
a

1
4.
b


5. 4a sin
2

8. 2 et
 CENTRE AND CIRCLE OF CURVATURE

Fig 2.7

Let APB be a curve y = f ( x ) and P be a point (x, y) on the curve y = f ( x ) . Draw the tangent
TP and the normal PN at P(x, y). Along PN, cut off a length PC = ρ, such that C and the curve lie on
the same side of the tangent TP. Note that ρ is the radius of curvature of the curve at P. The point C is
called the centre of curvature at P for the curve.

The circle whose centre is at C and radius ρ is called the circle of curvature.

( )
Let C x, y be the co-ordinates of the centre of curvature of the curve at point P(x, y).

Then x = OC '
= OP '− C ' P '
= OP '− PQ
PQ
From CPQ,sin  =
CP
PQ
= ( CP =  )

i.e, PQ =  sin 
 x = x −  sin 
3

= x−
(1 + y12 ) 2 .sin 
y2

dy
We know that tan  = = y1
dx

sin 
Hence sin  = .cos 
cos 

tan  tan 
= =
sec  1 + tan 2 
 y1
i.e,sin  =
1 + y12

1 1
cos  = =
sec  1 + tan 2 

1
=
1 + y12
3

x = x −
(1 + y12 ) 2 y1
y2 1 + y12

y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 )

Also y = C 'C
= P 'P + QC
= y + QC
from CPQ
QC QC
cos = = ( CP =  )
CP 
i.e, QC =  cos 
 y = y +  cos 

= y+
sec 

=y+
1 + tan 2 

We know that  =
(1 + y 12 ) 2 , y1 =
dy d2y
and y2 = 2
y2 dx dx
3

y = y+
(1 + y12 ) 2 .
1
y2 1 + y12

= y+
(1 + y ) 1
2

y2
Therefore the equation of circle curvature is given by

( x − x) + ( y − y)
2 2
= 2

y1
where x = x −
y2
(1 + y12 )
1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )
Example 1

Find the centre of curvature of the curve y = x3 − 6 x 2 + 3x + 1 at the point (1, −1) .

Solution:

Given y = x 3 - 6x 2 + 3x +1
y = 3x 2 -12x + 3
1

y (1,-1) = 3-12 + 3
1
= -6

y = 6x -12
2
y (1, -1) = 6 -12 = -6
2

( )
y
 x = x - 1 1+ y 2
y 1
2
6 2
x (1,-1) = 1- 1+ ( -6 ) 
6 
= -36

y = y+
y
1
2
(
1+ y 2
1 )
1 2
y (1,-1) = -1- 1+ ( -6 ) 
6  
-6 - 37 -43
= =
6 6

−43 

(
 Centre of curvature x, y =  −36,
 6 
)
Example 2

Find the equation of the circle of curvature of the rectangular hyperbola xy = 12 at the point (3,
4).

Solution:

Given xy = 12

Differentiating with respect to x

xy1 + y.1 = 0
−y
y1 =
x
−4
y1( 3,4) =
3
  x . y − y.1 
y2 = −  1 2 
 x 

  −4  
 3.  3  − 4  8
y2(3,4) = −    =
 9  9
 

y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 )

4
 16  25
= 3 + 3 1 +  = 3 +
8  9 6
9
43
=
6

1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )

1  25  9  25 
= 4+   = 4+  
8  9  8 9 
9
57
y=
8

Radius of curvature  =
(1 + y ) 1
2 2

y2

3
 16  2
1 + 
9
=
89
3

=
( 9)25 2

8
9
125
=
24

Circle of curvature is

( x − x) + ( y − y)
2 2
= 2
2 2 2
 43   57   125 
x−  + y−  =  
 6   8   24 
Example 3
a a
Find the centre and circle of curvature for the curve x + y = a at  , 
4 4
Solution:
Given x+ y = a
Differentiating with respect to x,
1 1
+ y1 = 0
2 x 2 y
y
( or ) y1 = −
x
a/4
Hence y1 a a
=− = −1
 , 
 4 4
a/4

Differentiating y1 with respect to x, we get

 1 1 
 x . y − y .
2 x
1
2 y
y2 = −  
 x 
 
 
 −1 1 
− − 
2 2 4
y2  a a  =  =
 ,  a a
4 4
4
3

(1 + ( −1) )
3

(1 + y )
2 2
2 2
1
= =
y2 4
a
a a
= 2 2=
4 2
a a
Centre of curvature at  , 
4 4
y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 )

a a
= + (1 + 1)
4 4
3a
=
4
1
y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2
a a
= + (1 + 1)
4 4
3a
=
4
 Hence the centre of curvature is x, y =  ( )  3a 3a 
, 
 4 4 
Equation of circle of curvature is

( x − x) + ( y − y)
2 2
= 2
2 2 2
 3a   3a   a  a2
 x−  + y−  =  =
 4   4   2  2
Example 4
  
Find the radius and centre of curvature of any point on x = log tan  +  , y = a sec 
 4 2
Solution:
  
Given x = a log tan  +  , y = a sec 
 4 2
dx 1    1
= a. sec 2  +  .
d     4 2 2
tan  + 
 4 2
  
a cos  + 
 4 2 . 1
=
     
2sin  +  cos 2  + 
 4 2  4 2

a
=
     
2sin  +  cos  + 
 4 2  4 2

a
= [ 2sin A cos A = sin 2 A]
 
sin  +  
2 

a
=
cos 
dy
= a sec  .tan 
d
dy dy d a sec  tan 
y1 = = . =
dx d dx a
cos 
cos 
= a sec  tan  
a
= tan 
d2y d
y2 = 2
= sec 2 
dx dx
cos  sec 
= sec 2  =
a a

y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 )
     tan 
= a log tan  +  −
 4 2 sec  (1 + tan 2  )

   a sin 
= a log tan  +  − sec2 
 4 2  cos  .sec 

    a sin 
= a log tan  +  − .sec 
 4 2  cos 

  
= a log tan  +  − a tan  sec 
 4 2

1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )

1
= a sec  +
 sec  
(1 + tan 2  )
 
 a 
a
= a sec  + sec 2 
sec 
= a sec  + a sec  = 2a sec 

    
Centre of curvature =  a log tan  +  − a tan  sec  , 2a sec  
  4 2 

Radius of curvature =
(1 + y12 ) 2
y2

=
(1 + tan  ) 2 2

 sec  
 
 a 
3
a
= ( sec 2  ) 2  = a sec 2 
sec 

Example 5
Find the equation of the circle of curvature of the parabola y = 12 x , at the point (3, 6)
2

Solution:
Given y = 12 x
2

Differentiating with respect to x, we get

2 yy1 = 12
6
( or ) y1 =
y
6
y1( 3,6) = =1
6
 Differentiating again with respect to x, we get

−6
y2 = y1
y2
−1
y2( 3,6) =
6
3

( )
3

(1 + y ) 1 + ( −1)
2 2
2 2
1
 = =
y2 −1
6
3
= −6 ( 2 ) 2
= −6  2 2
= −12 2

So radius of curvature =  = 12 2

Centre of curvature

y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 )

1
x at (3, 6) = 3 − (1 + 1)
 −1 
 
 6 

= 3 + 6 2
= 15
1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )

1
= 6+ (1 + 1) = −6
 −1 
 
 6 
Circle of curvature

( x − x) + ( y − y)
2 2
= 2

( )
2
 ( x − 15 ) + ( y + 6 ) = 12 2
2 2

 x 2 − 30 x + 152 + y 2 + 12 y + 62 = 144  2

 x 2 + y 2 − 30 x + 12 y − 27 = 0
 EXERCISES
Part – A
Find the x-coordinate of the centre of curvature of the curve y = x at the origin.
2
1.
2. Find the y-coordinate of the centre of curvature of the curve xy = 1 at (1, 1).
3. State the formula for finding the centre of curvature at any point (x, y) on a given curve.
Find the centre of curvature of y = x at the origin.
2
4.
PART – B
x2 y 2
1. Find the equation of the circle of curvature at the point (2, 3) on + = 2.
4 9
Find the co-ordinates of the centre of curvature at the point (a, 2a) on the parabola y = 4ax
2
2.

3. Find the equation of the circle of curvature of the curve x 3 + y 3 = 3axy at the point  3a , 3a  .
 2 2 

x2
4. Show that the circle of curvature of the parabola y = mx + at (0, 0) is
a
x 2 + y 2 = a (1 + m2 ) ( y − mx ) .

Find the centre of curvature of y = x at  1 , 1  .

2
5.
2 4
Find the centre of curvature of xy = c at ( c, c ) .
2
6.

7. Find the centre of curvature of x = a ( cos t + t sin t ) , y = a ( sin t − t cos t ) at ' t ' .
8. Find the centre of curvature of y = x log x at the point where y ' = 0 .
ANSWERS
Part A:
1. zero
2. 2
 y1 1 + y12 
 x − (1 + y1 ) , y +
2
3. 
 y2 y2 

 1
4.  0, 
 2
Part B:
2 2
 5  5  132
1. x+  + y−  = 2
 4  6  12
2. ( 5a, − 2a )
2 2
 21a   21a  9a 2
3.  x − +
  y −  =
 16   16  128
 −1 3 
5.  , 
 2 4
6. ( 2c, 2c )
7. ( a cos t , a sin t )
1 
8.  ,0
e 
 Evolute

( )
Let C x, y be the centre of curvature of the given curve C1 at the point P ( x, y ) . When P
moves on the curve C1 , centre of curvature will also take different position and move on another curve
C2 which is called as evolute of the given curve C1. Hence evolute is defined as the locus of centres of
curvature of a curve.
Involute
If C 2 is evolute of the given curve C1 then the given curve C1 is called the involute of C 2 .
Procedure
Let the given curve be
f ( x, y, a, b ) = 0 (1)
2
dy d y
Find y1 = at point P and y2 = at point P
dx dx 2
Find the centre of curvature x, y ( )
y1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 ) ( 2)
1
y = y + (1 + y12 ) ( 3)
y2
Eliminate x & y from (1) , (2) & (3) we get

(
f x, y, a, b = 0 ) ( 4)
( )
Locus of x, y is the required evolute.

PARAMETRIC REPRESENTATION OF SOME STANDARD CURVES

Curve Cartesian Form Parametric Equations

Parabola (Horizontal) y 2 = 4ax x = at 2 ; y = 2at
Parabola (Vertical) x 2 = 4ay x = 2at ; y = at 2
Ellipse x2 y 2 x = acos ; y = b sin 
+ =1
a 2 b2
Hyperbola x2 y2 x = a sec  ; y = b tan 
− =1
a 2 b2
Rectangular Hyperbola xy = c 2 c
x = ct ; y =
t
Circle
( x − a) + ( y − b)
2 2
= r2 x = a + r cos  ; y = b + r sin 

Astroid 2 2 2
x = a cos3  ; y = a sin 3 
x3 + y3 = a3
Cycloid - x = a ( − sin  ) ; y = a (1 − cos  )
( or )
x = a ( + sin  ) ; y = − a (1 − cos  )

Tractrix -  
x = a  cos  + log tan  ; y = a sin 
 2
PROPERTIES OF EVOLUTE
I. The involute of a curve is orthogonal to all the tangents of that curve.
II. The evolute of the curve is independent of parametrization of any differentiable function
III. The evolute of the curve is the envelope of the normal to the given curve.
Problems
Find the evolute of the parabola y = 4ax .
2
1.
Solution:
The parametric form of the parabola y = 4ax is x = at , y = 2at
2 2

dx dy
 = 2at , = 2a
dt dt
dy
dy 2a
y1 = = dt =
dx dx 2at
dt
1
= (1)
t
d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =   =   .
dx  dx  dt  dx  dx
dt
d 1 1
=  .
dt  t  2at
 1 1
= − 2 
 t  2at
1
y2 = − (2)
2at 3
( )
The co-ordinates of centre of curvature x, y is given by

y1 1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 ) , y = y + (1 + y12 ) .
y2

x = 2at −
( 1t )  1
( from (1) and (2) ) 
1 + 2 
( −1
2at 3 )  t 

 t2 +1
= at + 2at  2 
2 3

 t 
x = at 2 + 2at 2 + 2a
 x = 2a + 3at 2
 3at 2 = x − 2a
x − 2a
 t2 = ( 3)
3a

1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )

1  1
= 2at + 1 + 2 
−1 3 
t 
2at
  t2 +1 
= 2at − 2at  2  3

 t 
= 2at − 2at 2 − 2at

y = −2at 3

( ) = ( −2at ) = 4a 2 ( t 2 )
2
3 2 3
 y
3
 x − 2a 
= 4a  2
  from ( 3) 
 3a 
( x − 2a )
3

( )
2
 y = 4a 2
27 a 3
( ) ( )
2 3
 27 a y = 4 x − 2a

( )
The Locus of x, y is 27ay = 4 ( x − 2a ) is the required evolute of y = 4ax .
2 2 2

x2 x2
2. Find the evolute of the ellipse + =1.
a 2 b2
Solution:
x2 x2
The parametric form of the ellipse 2 + 2 = 1 is x = a cos  , y = b sin 
a b
dx dy
 = −a sin  , = b cos 
d d
dy
dy d
 y1 = =
dx dx
d
−b cos  −b
y1 = = cot  (1)
− a sin  a
d 2 y d  dy 
y2 = 2 =  
dx dx  dx 
d  dy  1
=  .
d  dx  dx
d
d  −b cos   1
=  
d  a sin   −a sin 
b  1 
= cos ec 2  
a  −a sin  
b b
y2 = − 2 cos ec 3 = − 2 3 (2)
a a sin 
y
( )
The co-ordinates of centre of curvature x, y is given by x = x − 1 (1 + y12 ) ,
y2
1
y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2

x = a cos  −
( −b cos a sin  ) 1 + b cos   2 2
 from (1) and ( 2 ) 
( )
 
−b  a 2 sin 2  
a 2 sin 3 
 1  a 2 sin 2  + b 2 cos 2  
= a cos  − cos  sin 2   
a  a 2 sin 2  
1
= a cos  − cos   a 2 (1 − cos 2  ) + b 2 cos 2  
a
1
= a cos  − cos   a 2 − a 2 cos 2  + b 2 cos 2  
a
b2
= a cos  − a cos  + a cos3  − cos 3 
a
 a −b 
2 2
x = cos3   
 a 
1
 a x 3
 cos  =  2 2  (3)
 a −b 
  2 2
  a sin  + b cos  
2 2
1
y = b sin  +   from (1) and ( 2 ) 
 −b 2 3   a 2 sin 2  

 a sin  

b sin  − a 2 sin 3   a sin  + b (1 − sin  ) 

2 2 2 2

=  
b  a 2 sin 2  
sin  2 2
= b sin  −
b
( a sin  + b 2 − b 2 sin 2  )

a2
= b sin  − sin 3  − b sin  + b sin 3 
b
 b − a2 
2
y = sin 3   
 b 
1
 by 3
 sin  =   (4)
 − ( a − b ) 
2 2

(3) 2 + (4) 2

2 2
 ax   −b y  3 3
 cos 2  + sin 2  =  2 2  +  2 2 
a −b  a −b 

2
 2 2

 1 3
1=  2 2 
 a −b 

 ax  3
+ b y 3
( )

 
2 2 2

 (a − b
2
) = ( ax ) + ( b y )
2 3 3 3
(5)

( ) = ( a 2 − b 2 ) 3 which is the required evolute of the given ellipse

2 2 2
The locus of x, y is ( ax ) 3
+ ( by ) 3

x2 y 2
+ = 1.
a 2 b2
 x2 y2
3. Find the evolute of the hyperbola 2 − 2 = 1 .
a b
Solution:

x2 y2
The parametric form of the hyperbola − = 1 is x = a sec , y = b tan 
a 2 b2
dx dy
 = a sec  tan  , = b sec 2 
d d

dy
dy d a sec  tan 
y1 = = =
dx dx b sec 2 
d

b sec  b
 y1 = = cos ec (1)
a tan  a

d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =  =   . dx
dx  dx  d  dx  (
d )
d b  1
=  cos ec  .
d  a  a sec  .tan 

b  1 
= − cos ec cot   
a  a sec  tan  
b
y2 = − 2 cot 3  (2)
a

The co-ordinates of the centre of curvature x, y ( )

y1 1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 ) , y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2

using (1) & (2)

 b sec  
   b 2 sec2  
x = a sec  −  a tan   1 + 2 
 2 −b 3   a tan  
2

 a tan  
 a 2 tan 2  + b 2 sec2  
= a sec  + a sec  tan  
2

 a 2 tan 2  
 sec  2
= a sec  +  a ( sec 2  − 1) + b 2 sec 2  
a  
2
b
= a sec  + a sec3  − a sec  + sec3 
a
 b 
2
x = sec3   a + 
 a 
1
 ax  3
 sec  =  2 2 
(3)
 a +b 

1  a 2 tan 2  + b 2 sec2  
y = b tan  +
( −b a tan  )
 a 2tan 2 
2 3  

a 2 tan 3   a 2 tan 2  + b 2 (1 + tan 2  ) 

 y = b tan  −  
b  a 2tan 2 

1
= b tan  − tan  ( a 2 tan 2  + b 2 + b 2 tan 2  )
b

a2
= b tan  − tan 3  − b tan  − b tan 3 
b

 a2 
= tan 3   − − b 
 b 

 a 2 + b2 
= − tan 3   
 b 
2
 −b y  3
 tan  =  2 2  (4)
 a +b 

(3) 2 − (4) 2
2 2
 ax  3  −b y  3
 sec2  − tan 2  =  2 2  −  2 2 
a +b  a +b 

 2 2

1=
1
2 ( ) ( )
 ax
3
− by 3 
(a 2
+b )
2 3  

2 2 2
 ax ( ) − (b y ) = ( a
3 3 2
+ b2 ) 3 (5)

( x, y ) is ( ax )
2 2 2
The locus of 3 − ( by ) 3 = ( a 2 + b 2 ) 3 which is the required evolute of the given by
x2 y2
hyperbola − = 1.
a 2 b2
 Find the evolute of the rectangular hyperbola xy = c .
2
4.

Solution:

c
The parametric form of the rectangular hyperbola xy = c is x = ct y =
2

dx dy −c
 =c & =
dt dt t 2

dy −c 2
dt 1
y1 = = t =− 2 (1)
dx c t
dt

d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =   =   . dx
dx  dx  dt  dx 
dt( )
d 1 1
=  − 2 .
dt  t  c
2
= 3 (2)
ct

( )
The co-ordinates of centre of curvature x, y is given by
y1
x = x−
y2
(
1 + y12 ) , y = y + y1 (1 + y ) 2
1
2

( t ) 1 + 1 
−1 2
x = ct −  from (1) and ( 2 ) 
( 2 ct )  t 
  4
3

ct  1
= ct + 1 + 4 
2 t 
ct c
= ct + + 3
2 2t

c 1
x =  3t + 3  (3)
2 t 
c 1  1
y= + 1 + 4   from (1) and ( 2 ) 
t
( )
2 3  t 
ct

c ct 3 c
= + +
t 2 2t
c3 
y =  + t3  (4)
2 t 

c 3 3 1
(3) + (4)  x + y =  t + 3t + + 3 
2 t t 
1
3
c  1 1 2 3
 x + y = t +   t + =  x + y 
2 t  t c 
( ) (5)
 Similarly
1
3
−c  1 
x− y =
1  2 3
 t −   t − = − x − y 
2  t t  c 
( ) (6)

(5) 2 − (6) 2
2  
2 2 2 2
 1  1
  t +  −  t −  = ( 2c ) 3  x + y
 t  t
( ) − ( x − y)
3 3

 
2
 1   1    2  3  
2 2

 ( t + ) + ( t − )   t +  −  t −   =    x + y
1
t
1
t
 t   t    c  
( ) (
3
)
− x− y 3

2
2 2 3  
2 2

 ( 2t )   = 2  x + y
t c 3 
( ) − ( x − y)
3 3


2 2 2
4c
( ) ( )
3
 2
= x+ y 3
− x− y 3
(7)
2 3

( )
2 2 2
The locus of x, y is ( x + y ) 3 − ( x − y ) 3 = ( 4c ) 3

which is the required evolute of xy = c .

2

2 2 2
5. Find the evolute of the asteroid x + y = a . 3 3 3

Solution:
2 2 2
The parametric equation of the astroid x 3 + y 3 = a 3 is x = a cos  , y = a sin 
3 3

dx dy
 = −3a cos 2  sin  , = 3a sin 2  cos 
d d

dy
dy 3a sin 2  cos 
 y1 = = d =
dx dx −3a cos 2  sin 
d
− sin 
y1 = = − tan  (1)
cos 

d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =  =  .
dx  dx  d  dx  dx
d

d 1
y2 = (− tan  )
d −3a cos 2  sin 

1
= − sec 2 
−3a cos 2  sin 

1
y2 = (2)
3a cos  sin 
4
 The co-ordinates of centre of curvature ( x, y ) is given by
y1 1
x = x− (1 + y12 ), y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2 y2

 − sin  
   sin 2  
x = a cos3  −  cos    from (1) and ( 2 ) 
1 + 
 1   cos 2  
 
 3a cos  sin 
4


 cos 2  + sin 2  
= a cos  + 3a cos  sin  
3 3 2

 cos 2  

= a cos3  + 3cos  sin 2   (3)

1  cos 2  + sin 2  
y = a sin 3  +    from (1) and ( 2 ) 
 1  cos 2  
 
 3a cos 4
 sin  

 1 
= a sin 3  + 3a cos 4  sin   
 cos  
2

= a sin 3  + 3cos 2  sin   (4)

(3) + (4)

 x + y = a cos3  + 3cos  sin 2  + 3cos 2  sin  + sin 3  

= a (cos  + sin  )3
1
 x + y 3
 cos  + sin  =   (5)
 a 

(3) - (4)

 x − y = a cos3  + 3cos  sin 2  − 3cos 2  sin  − sin 3  

= a (cos  − sin  )3
1
 x − y 3
 cos  − sin  =   (6)
 a 
(5)2 + (6)2
2 2
 x+ y  x− y 3 3
 (cos  + sin  ) 2 + (cos  − sin  ) 2 =   + 
 a   a 

 cos 2  + 2 cos  sin  + sin 2  + cos 2  − 2 cos  sin  + sin 2 

2 2
( x + y) 3 ( x − y) 3
= 2
+ 2
a 3
a 3
 1  2 2

 2(cos 2  + sin 2  ) = 2 
( x + y ) 3
+ ( x − y ) 3

a 3 
2 2 2
 ( x + y ) + ( x − y ) = 2a
3 3 3
(7)
2 2 2

( )
The locus of x, y is ( x + y ) + (x − y ) = 2a 3 3 3
, which the required evolute of the asteroid
2 2 2
x3 + y3 = a3 .

6. Prove that the evolute of the cycloid x = a ( − sin  ) , y = a (1 − cos  ) is another cycloid.

Solution:

Given x = a( − sin  ), y = a(1 − cos  )

dx dy
 = a (1 − cos  ) , = a sin 
d d
  
= 2a sin 2 = 2a sin cos
2 2 2

dy  
2a sin cos
dy d 2 2
 y1 = = =
dx dx 
2a sin 2
d 2


cos
y1 = 2 = cot  (1)
 2
sin
2
d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =   =   . dx
dx  dx  d  dx 
d
d    1
=  cot  .
d  2  2a sin 2 
2
 1 1
= − cos ec 2  
2  2  2a sin 2 
2
1
y2 = − (2)

4a sin 4
2

( )
The co-ordinates of centre of curvature x, y is given by

y1 1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 ) , y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2
  
 cos 2 
  
 sin   cos 2  
x = a ( − sin  ) −  2  1 + 2  from (1) and ( 2 ) 
 
   sin 2  
 −1   2
  
 4a sin 4 
 2

 2 
 sin + cos 2 
 2 2
= a − a sin  + 4a cos sin 3  
2 2 2
 sin
 2 
 
= a − a sin  + 4a sin cos
2 2
= a − a sin  + 2a sin 
x = a ( + sin  ) (3)

1
y = y+
y2
(1 + y12 )

 2 2 
1  sin 2 + cos 2 
= a (1 − cos  ) +    from (1) and ( 2 ) 
  2
sin 
 −1   2 
  
 4a sin 4 
 2

  
= a  2sin 2  − 4a sin 2
 2 2

= −2a sin 2
2
y = −2a (1 − cos  ) (4)

( )
The locus of x, y is x = a( + sin  ), y = −2a(1 − cos  ) which is another cycloid.
 t
7. Find the evolute of the tractrix x = a(cos t + log tan ), y = a sin t .
2
Solution:

t
Given x = a(cos t + log tan ), y = a sin t
2

 
dx  1 t  1  
 = a  − sin t + sec 2 .   
dt t 2  2 
 tan
 2 
 
 1 
= a  − sin t +
t t 
 2sin cos 
 2 2

 1 
= a  − sin t + 
 sin t 

 1 − sin 2 t 
= a 
 sin t 

dx a cos 2 t
=
dt sin t
dy
y = a sin t  = a cos t
dt
dy
dy dt a cos t
y1 = = =
dx dx  a cos 2 t 
dt  sin t 
sin t
= = tan t (1)
cos t

d  dy  d  dy  1
y2 =   =  .
dx  dx  dt  dx  dx
dt

d 1
= ( tan t ) .
dt  a cos 2 t 
 
 sin t 

sin t
= s ec 2t
a cos 2 t
sin t
y2 = (2)
a cos 4 t

( )
The co-ordinates of centre of curvature x, y is given by

y1 1
x = x−
y2
(1 + y12 ) , y = y + (1 + y12 )
y2
  sin t 
 t   cos t   sin 2 t 
x = a  cos t + log tan  −  1 +   from (1) and ( 2 ) 
 2   sin t   cos 2 t 
 4 
 a cos t 
3  cos t + sin t 
2 2
t
= a cos t + a log tan − a cos t  
2  cos 2 t 
t
= a cos t + a log tan − a cos t
2

t t x
x = a log tan  log tan =
2 2 a
x
t
 tan = ea (3)
2

1  cos 2 t + sin 2 t 
y = a sin t +    from (1) and ( 2 ) 
 sin t   cos 2 t 
 4 
 a cos t 

a cos 2 t a sin 2 t + a cos 2 t

= a sin t + =
sin t sin t
a a
y= =
sin t  t 
 2 tan 2 
 t 
 1 + tan 2 
 2

 t
a 1 + tan 2
2 
y= 
t
2 tan
2

 2
x

a  1+ e a 
=   using (3)
2  ax 
 e 
a  − ax x

y = e + e a
2  

a x  1 x −x 
y=
2
2 cosh
a  cosh x = 2 ( e + e )  (4)

( ) x
The locus of x, y is y = a cosh which is a catenary.
a
EXERCISES

1. Show that the evolute of the cycloid x = a ( + sin  ) , y = a (1 − cos  ) is another cycloid
given by x = a ( − sin  ) , y − 2a = a (1 + cos  ) .

2. Prove that the evolute of the curve x = a ( cos  +  sin  ) , y = a ( sin  −  cos  ) is a circle
x2 + y 2 = a2 .