Calculus is divided into two main branches: differentiation (finding rates of change) and integration (finding areas and reversing differentiation). This topic is central to Paper 1 at Both levels.
Differentiation: Tangent Lines
Adjust the parameters in the graph above to explore the relationships between variables.
The derivative of a function f ( x ) f(x) f ( x ) measures the instantaneous rate of change of f f f with respect to x x x . It is denoted f ′ ( x ) f'(x) f ′ ( x ) , d f d x \frac{df}{dx} d x df Or x ˙ \dot{x} x ˙ in the context of time.
Geometrically, f ′ ( a ) f'(a) f ′ ( a ) is the gradient of the tangent to the curve y = f ( x ) y = f(x) y = f ( x ) at the point x = a x = a x = a .
The derivative is defined as:
F ′ ( x ) = lim h → 0 f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) h F'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} F ′ ( x ) = h → 0 lim h f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) This limit, when it exists, gives the slope of the secant line through ( x , f ( x ) ) (x, f(x)) ( x , f ( x )) and ( x + h , f ( x + h ) ) (x+h, f(x+h)) ( x + h , f ( x + h )) as the two points converge.
Example (HL): Prove from first principles that d d x [ x 2 ] = 2 x \frac{d}{dx}[x^2] = 2x d x d [ x 2 ] = 2 x .
F ′ ( x ) = lim h → 0 ( x + h ) 2 − x 2 h = lim h → 0 x 2 + 2 x h + h 2 − x 2 h = lim h → 0 2 x h + h 2 h = lim h → 0 ( 2 x + h ) = 2 x F'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{(x+h)^2 - x^2}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{x^2 + 2xh + h^2 - x^2}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{2xh + h^2}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0}(2x + h) = 2x F ′ ( x ) = h → 0 lim h ( x + h ) 2 − x 2 = h → 0 lim h x 2 + 2 x h + h 2 − x 2 = h → 0 lim h 2 x h + h 2 = h → 0 lim ( 2 x + h ) = 2 x Example (HL): Prove from first principles that d d x [ cos x ] = − sin x \frac{d}{dx}[\cos x] = -\sin x d x d [ cos x ] = − sin x .
Using the compound angle formula cos ( A + B ) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B \cos(A+B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B cos ( A + B ) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B :
F ′ ( x ) = lim h → 0 cos ( x + h ) − cos x h = lim h → 0 cos x cos h − sin x sin h − cos x h F'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\cos(x+h) - \cos x}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\cos x \cos h - \sin x \sin h - \cos x}{h} F ′ ( x ) = h → 0 lim h cos ( x + h ) − cos x = h → 0 lim h cos x cos h − sin x sin h − cos x = cos x ⋅ lim h → 0 cos h − 1 h − sin x ⋅ lim h → 0 sin h h = \cos x \cdot \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{\cos h - 1}{h} - \sin x \cdot \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{\sin h}{h} = cos x ⋅ h → 0 lim h cos h − 1 − sin x ⋅ h → 0 lim h sin h Using the standard limits lim h → 0 sin h h = 1 \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{\sin h}{h} = 1 lim h → 0 h s i n h = 1 and lim h → 0 cos h − 1 h = 0 \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{\cos h - 1}{h} = 0 lim h → 0 h c o s h − 1 = 0 :
F ′ ( x ) = cos x ⋅ 0 − sin x ⋅ 1 = − sin x F'(x) = \cos x \cdot 0 - \sin x \cdot 1 = -\sin x F ′ ( x ) = cos x ⋅ 0 − sin x ⋅ 1 = − sin x Example (HL): Prove from first principles that d d x [ x ] = 1 2 x \frac{d}{dx}[\sqrt{x}] = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} d x d [ x ] = 2 x 1 For x > 0 x > 0 x > 0 .
F ′ ( x ) = lim h → 0 x + h − x h F'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{x+h} - \sqrt{x}}{h} F ′ ( x ) = h → 0 lim h x + h − x Rationalise the numerator by multiplying top and bottom by x + h + x \sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x} x + h + x :
= lim h → 0 ( x + h ) − x h ( x + h + x ) = lim h → 0 h h ( x + h + x ) = lim h → 0 1 x + h + x = 1 2 x = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{(x+h) - x}{h(\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x})} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{h}{h(\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x})} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{1}{\sqrt{x+h} + \sqrt{x}} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} = h → 0 lim h ( x + h + x ) ( x + h ) − x = h → 0 lim h ( x + h + x ) h = h → 0 lim x + h + x 1 = 2 x 1 We wish to prove d d x [ f ( x ) g ( x ) ] = f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) + f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) \frac{d}{dx}[f(x)g(x)] = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x) d x d [ f ( x ) g ( x )] = f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) + f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) .
Let h ( x ) = f ( x ) g ( x ) h(x) = f(x)g(x) h ( x ) = f ( x ) g ( x ) . Then:
H ′ ( x ) = lim h → 0 f ( x + h ) g ( x + h ) − f ( x ) g ( x ) h H'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h)g(x+h) - f(x)g(x)}{h} H ′ ( x ) = h → 0 lim h f ( x + h ) g ( x + h ) − f ( x ) g ( x ) The trick is to add and subtract f ( x + h ) g ( x ) f(x+h)g(x) f ( x + h ) g ( x ) :
= lim h → 0 f ( x + h ) g ( x + h ) − f ( x + h ) g ( x ) + f ( x + h ) g ( x ) − f ( x ) g ( x ) h = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h)g(x+h) - f(x+h)g(x) + f(x+h)g(x) - f(x)g(x)}{h} = h → 0 lim h f ( x + h ) g ( x + h ) − f ( x + h ) g ( x ) + f ( x + h ) g ( x ) − f ( x ) g ( x ) = lim h → 0 [ f ( x + h ) ⋅ g ( x + h ) − g ( x ) h + g ( x ) ⋅ f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) h ] = \lim_{h \to 0} \left[ f(x+h) \cdot \frac{g(x+h) - g(x)}{h} + g(x) \cdot \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \right] = h → 0 lim [ f ( x + h ) ⋅ h g ( x + h ) − g ( x ) + g ( x ) ⋅ h f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) ] Since f f f is differentiable (and hence continuous), lim h → 0 f ( x + h ) = f ( x ) \lim_{h \to 0} f(x+h) = f(x) lim h → 0 f ( x + h ) = f ( x ) Giving:
= f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) + g ( x ) f ′ ( x ) = f(x)g'(x) + g(x)f'(x) = f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) + g ( x ) f ′ ( x ) For n ∈ R n \in \mathbb{R} n ∈ R :
d d x [ x n ] = n x n − 1 \frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1} d x d [ x n ] = n x n − 1 Function f ( x ) f(x) f ( x ) Derivative f ′ ( x ) f'(x) f ′ ( x ) c c c (constant)0 0 0 x n x^n x n n x n − 1 nx^{n-1} n x n − 1 e x e^x e x e x e^x e x ln x \ln x ln x 1 x \frac{1}{x} x 1 sin x \sin x sin x cos x \cos x cos x cos x \cos x cos x − sin x -\sin x − sin x tan x \tan x tan x sec 2 x \sec^2 x sec 2 x
Sum/Difference Rule:
d d x [ f ( x ) ± g ( x ) ] = f ′ ( x ) ± g ′ ( x ) \frac{d}{dx}[f(x) \pm g(x)] = f'(x) \pm g'(x) d x d [ f ( x ) ± g ( x )] = f ′ ( x ) ± g ′ ( x ) Constant Multiple Rule:
d d x [ c f ( x ) ] = c f ′ ( x ) \frac{d}{dx}[cf(x)] = cf'(x) d x d [ c f ( x )] = c f ′ ( x ) Product Rule (HL):
d d x [ f ( x ) ⋅ g ( x ) ] = f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) + f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) \frac{d}{dx}[f(x) \cdot g(x)] = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x) d x d [ f ( x ) ⋅ g ( x )] = f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) + f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) Example (HL): Differentiate x 2 e x x^2 e^x x 2 e x .
d d x [ x 2 e x ] = 2 x ⋅ e x + x 2 ⋅ e x = e x ( x 2 + 2 x ) \frac{d}{dx}[x^2 e^x] = 2x \cdot e^x + x^2 \cdot e^x = e^x(x^2 + 2x) d x d [ x 2 e x ] = 2 x ⋅ e x + x 2 ⋅ e x = e x ( x 2 + 2 x ) Chain Rule (HL):
d d x [ f ( g ( x ) ) ] = f ′ ( g ( x ) ) ⋅ g ′ ( x ) \frac{d}{dx}[f(g(x))] = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) d x d [ f ( g ( x ))] = f ′ ( g ( x )) ⋅ g ′ ( x ) Example (HL): Differentiate ( 3 x + 1 ) 5 (3x + 1)^5 ( 3 x + 1 ) 5 .
d d x [ ( 3 x + 1 ) 5 ] = 5 ( 3 x + 1 ) 4 ⋅ 3 = 15 ( 3 x + 1 ) 4 \frac{d}{dx}[(3x+1)^5] = 5(3x+1)^4 \cdot 3 = 15(3x+1)^4 d x d [( 3 x + 1 ) 5 ] = 5 ( 3 x + 1 ) 4 ⋅ 3 = 15 ( 3 x + 1 ) 4 Example (HL): Differentiate e sin x e^{\sin x} e s i n x .
d d x [ e sin x ] = e sin x ⋅ cos x \frac{d}{dx}[e^{\sin x}] = e^{\sin x} \cdot \cos x d x d [ e s i n x ] = e s i n x ⋅ cos x Example (HL): Differentiate ln ( x 2 + 1 ) \ln(x^2 + 1) ln ( x 2 + 1 ) .
d d x [ ln ( x 2 + 1 ) ] = 1 x 2 + 1 ⋅ 2 x = 2 x x 2 + 1 \frac{d}{dx}[\ln(x^2 + 1)] = \frac{1}{x^2 + 1} \cdot 2x = \frac{2x}{x^2 + 1} d x d [ ln ( x 2 + 1 )] = x 2 + 1 1 ⋅ 2 x = x 2 + 1 2 x Quotient Rule (HL):
d d x [ f ( x ) g ( x ) ] = f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) − f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) [ g ( x ) ] 2 \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}\right] = \frac{f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)}{[g(x)]^2} d x d [ g ( x ) f ( x ) ] = [ g ( x ) ] 2 f ′ ( x ) g ( x ) − f ( x ) g ′ ( x ) Example (HL): Differentiate x x + 1 \frac{x}{x + 1} x + 1 x .
d d x [ x x + 1 ] = 1 ⋅ ( x + 1 ) − x ⋅ 1 ( x + 1 ) 2 = 1 ( x + 1 ) 2 \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{x}{x+1}\right] = \frac{1 \cdot (x+1) - x \cdot 1}{(x+1)^2} = \frac{1}{(x+1)^2} d x d [ x + 1 x ] = ( x + 1 ) 2 1 ⋅ ( x + 1 ) − x ⋅ 1 = ( x + 1 ) 2 1 Example (HL): Differentiate sin x x \frac{\sin x}{x} x s i n x .
d d x [ sin x x ] = x cos x − sin x x 2 \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{\sin x}{x}\right] = \frac{x\cos x - \sin x}{x^2} d x d [ x sin x ] = x 2 x cos x − sin x We can derive d d x [ tan x ] = sec 2 x \frac{d}{dx}[\tan x] = \sec^2 x d x d [ tan x ] = sec 2 x from the quotient rule:
d d x [ sin x cos x ] = cos x ⋅ cos x − sin x ⋅ ( − sin x ) cos 2 x = cos 2 x + sin 2 x cos 2 x = 1 cos 2 x = sec 2 x \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{\sin x}{\cos x}\right] = \frac{\cos x \cdot \cos x - \sin x \cdot (-\sin x)}{\cos^2 x} = \frac{\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x} = \frac{1}{\cos^2 x} = \sec^2 x d x d [ cos x sin x ] = cos 2 x cos x ⋅ cos x − sin x ⋅ ( − sin x ) = cos 2 x cos 2 x + sin 2 x = cos 2 x 1 = sec 2 x For a > 0 a > 0 a > 0 Write a x = e x ln a a^x = e^{x \ln a} a x = e x l n a . Then:
d d x [ a x ] = e x ln a ⋅ ln a = a x ln a \frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = e^{x \ln a} \cdot \ln a = a^x \ln a d x d [ a x ] = e x l n a ⋅ ln a = a x ln a When a function is not given explicitly as y = f ( x ) y = f(x) y = f ( x ) Differentiate both sides with respect to x x x Treating y y y as a function of x x x .
Example: Find d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y when x 2 + y 2 = 25 x^2 + y^2 = 25 x 2 + y 2 = 25 .
Differentiating both sides: 2 x + 2 y d y d x = 0 2x + 2y\frac{dy}{dx} = 0 2 x + 2 y d x d y = 0
d y d x = − x y \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y} d x d y = − y x Example (HL): Find d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y when x 3 + y 3 = 6 x y x^3 + y^3 = 6xy x 3 + y 3 = 6 x y (folium of Descartes).
3 x 2 + 3 y 2 d y d x = 6 y + 6 x d y d x 3x^2 + 3y^2\frac{dy}{dx} = 6y + 6x\frac{dy}{dx} 3 x 2 + 3 y 2 d x d y = 6 y + 6 x d x d y d y d x ( 3 y 2 − 6 x ) = 6 y − 3 x 2 \frac{dy}{dx}(3y^2 - 6x) = 6y - 3x^2 d x d y ( 3 y 2 − 6 x ) = 6 y − 3 x 2 d y d x = 2 y − x 2 y 2 − 2 x \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2y - x^2}{y^2 - 2x} d x d y = y 2 − 2 x 2 y − x 2 Example (HL): Find d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y when e x y + y = x 2 e^{xy} + y = x^2 e x y + y = x 2 .
Differentiate both sides with respect to x x x :
E x y ( y + x d y d x ) + d y d x = 2 x E^{xy}\left(y + x\frac{dy}{dx}\right) + \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x E x y ( y + x d x d y ) + d x d y = 2 x E x y ⋅ y + e x y ⋅ x d y d x + d y d x = 2 x E^{xy} \cdot y + e^{xy} \cdot x \frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x E x y ⋅ y + e x y ⋅ x d x d y + d x d y = 2 x d y d x ( x e x y + 1 ) = 2 x − y e x y \frac{dy}{dx}(xe^{xy} + 1) = 2x - ye^{xy} d x d y ( x e x y + 1 ) = 2 x − y e x y d y d x = 2 x − y e x y x e x y + 1 \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x - ye^{xy}}{xe^{xy} + 1} d x d y = x e x y + 1 2 x − y e x y The second derivative f ′ ′ ( x ) = d 2 y d x 2 f''(x) = \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} f ′′ ( x ) = d x 2 d 2 y is the derivative of f ′ ( x ) f'(x) f ′ ( x ) . Higher derivatives Are defined recursively.
Example: Find f ′ ′ ( x ) f''(x) f ′′ ( x ) when f ( x ) = x 3 ln x f(x) = x^3 \ln x f ( x ) = x 3 ln x .
First derivative (product rule):
F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 ln x + x 3 ⋅ 1 x = 3 x 2 ln x + x 2 F'(x) = 3x^2 \ln x + x^3 \cdot \frac{1}{x} = 3x^2 \ln x + x^2 F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 ln x + x 3 ⋅ x 1 = 3 x 2 ln x + x 2 Second derivative:
F ′ ′ ( x ) = 6 x ln x + 3 x 2 ⋅ 1 x + 2 x = 6 x ln x + 3 x + 2 x = 6 x ln x + 5 x F''(x) = 6x \ln x + 3x^2 \cdot \frac{1}{x} + 2x = 6x \ln x + 3x + 2x = 6x \ln x + 5x F ′′ ( x ) = 6 x ln x + 3 x 2 ⋅ x 1 + 2 x = 6 x ln x + 3 x + 2 x = 6 x ln x + 5 x Stationary points occur where f ′ ( x ) = 0 f'(x) = 0 f ′ ( x ) = 0 . Use the second derivative to classify:
Condition Type f ′ ( x ) = 0 f'(x) = 0 f ′ ( x ) = 0 , f ′ ′ ( x ) > 0 f''(x) > 0 f ′′ ( x ) > 0 Local minimum f ′ ( x ) = 0 f'(x) = 0 f ′ ( x ) = 0 , f ′ ′ ( x ) < 0 f''(x) < 0 f ′′ ( x ) < 0 Local maximum f ′ ( x ) = 0 f'(x) = 0 f ′ ( x ) = 0 , f ′ ′ ( x ) = 0 f''(x) = 0 f ′′ ( x ) = 0 Test inconclusive
Example (OL): Find and classify the stationary points of f ( x ) = x 3 − 6 x 2 + 9 x + 1 f(x) = x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + 1 f ( x ) = x 3 − 6 x 2 + 9 x + 1 .
F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 − 12 x + 9 = 3 ( x 2 − 4 x + 3 ) = 3 ( x − 1 ) ( x − 3 ) = 0 F'(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 9 = 3(x^2 - 4x + 3) = 3(x - 1)(x - 3) = 0 F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 − 12 x + 9 = 3 ( x 2 − 4 x + 3 ) = 3 ( x − 1 ) ( x − 3 ) = 0 x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 or x = 3 x = 3 x = 3 .
F ′ ′ ( x ) = 6 x − 12 F''(x) = 6x - 12 F ′′ ( x ) = 6 x − 12 At x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 : f ′ ′ ( 1 ) = − 6 < 0 f''(1) = -6 < 0 f ′′ ( 1 ) = − 6 < 0 — local maximum. f ( 1 ) = 1 − 6 + 9 + 1 = 5 f(1) = 1 - 6 + 9 + 1 = 5 f ( 1 ) = 1 − 6 + 9 + 1 = 5 .
At x = 3 x = 3 x = 3 : f ′ ′ ( 3 ) = 6 > 0 f''(3) = 6 > 0 f ′′ ( 3 ) = 6 > 0 — local minimum. f ( 3 ) = 27 − 54 + 27 + 1 = 1 f(3) = 27 - 54 + 27 + 1 = 1 f ( 3 ) = 27 − 54 + 27 + 1 = 1 .
Example (HL) — Inconclusive second derivative: Find and classify the stationary points of f ( x ) = x 4 f(x) = x^4 f ( x ) = x 4 .
F ′ ( x ) = 4 x 3 = 0 ⟹ x = 0 F'(x) = 4x^3 = 0 \implies x = 0 F ′ ( x ) = 4 x 3 = 0 ⟹ x = 0 F ′ ′ ( x ) = 12 x 2 , f ′ ′ ( 0 ) = 0 F''(x) = 12x^2, \quad f''(0) = 0 F ′′ ( x ) = 12 x 2 , f ′′ ( 0 ) = 0 The second derivative test is inconclusive. Use the first derivative test: for x < 0 x < 0 x < 0 , f ′ ( x ) < 0 f'(x) < 0 f ′ ( x ) < 0 And for x > 0 x > 0 x > 0 , f ′ ( x ) > 0 f'(x) > 0 f ′ ( x ) > 0 So x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 is a local minimum.
Example (HL) — Point of inflexion: Consider f ( x ) = x 3 f(x) = x^3 f ( x ) = x 3 .
F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 = 0 ⟹ x = 0 F'(x) = 3x^2 = 0 \implies x = 0 F ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 = 0 ⟹ x = 0 F ′ ′ ( x ) = 6 x , f ′ ′ ( 0 ) = 0 F''(x) = 6x, \quad f''(0) = 0 F ′′ ( x ) = 6 x , f ′′ ( 0 ) = 0 For x < 0 x < 0 x < 0 : f ′ ′ ( x ) < 0 f''(x) < 0 f ′′ ( x ) < 0 (concave down). For x > 0 x > 0 x > 0 : f ′ ′ ( x ) > 0 f''(x) > 0 f ′′ ( x ) > 0 (concave up). So x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 is a Point of inflexion with a horizontal tangent (a “saddle point”).
If f f f is continuous on [ a , b ] [a, b] [ a , b ] and differentiable on ( a , b ) (a, b) ( a , b ) Then there exists c ∈ ( a , b ) c \in (a, b) c ∈ ( a , b ) Such that:
F ′ ( c ) = f ( b ) − f ( a ) b − a F'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a} F ′ ( c ) = b − a f ( b ) − f ( a ) Intuition: The MVT guarantees that at some point in the interval, the instantaneous rate of Change equals the average rate of change. This is the “mean” in “Mean Value Theorem.”
Corollary: If f ′ ( x ) = 0 f'(x) = 0 f ′ ( x ) = 0 for all x x x in an interval, then f f f is constant on that interval. This justifies the + C +C + C in indefinite integration.
Example (HL): Verify the MVT for f ( x ) = x 2 f(x) = x^2 f ( x ) = x 2 on [ 1 , 3 ] [1, 3] [ 1 , 3 ] .
f ( 3 ) − f ( 1 ) 3 − 1 = 9 − 1 2 = 4 \frac{f(3) - f(1)}{3 - 1} = \frac{9 - 1}{2} = 4 3 − 1 f ( 3 ) − f ( 1 ) = 2 9 − 1 = 4 We need f ′ ( c ) = 2 c = 4 f'(c) = 2c = 4 f ′ ( c ) = 2 c = 4 So c = 2 c = 2 c = 2 . Since 1 < 2 < 3 1 < 2 < 3 1 < 2 < 3 The MVT is verified.
Example (OL): The radius of a circle is increasing at 3\mathrm{ cm/s . Find the rate of increase Of the area when r = 5\mathrm{ cm .
A = \pi r^2 \implies \frac{dA}{dt} = 2\pi r \frac{dr}{dt} = 2\pi(5)(3) = 30\pi \mathrm{ cm^2/\mathrm{s Example (HL): A conical tank with height 10 m and base radius 5 m is being filled with water at A rate of 3\mathrm{ m^3/\mathrm{min . How fast is the water level rising when the water is 4 m deep?
The tank has similar cross-sections, so r h = 5 10 = 1 2 \frac{r}{h} = \frac{5}{10} = \frac{1}{2} h r = 10 5 = 2 1 Giving r = h / 2 r = h/2 r = h /2 .
V = 1 3 π r 2 h = 1 3 π ( h 2 ) 2 h = π h 3 12 V = \frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h = \frac{1}{3}\pi\left(\frac{h}{2}\right)^2 h = \frac{\pi h^3}{12} V = 3 1 π r 2 h = 3 1 π ( 2 h ) 2 h = 12 π h 3 d V d t = π h 2 4 ⋅ d h d t \frac{dV}{dt} = \frac{\pi h^2}{4} \cdot \frac{dh}{dt} d t d V = 4 π h 2 ⋅ d t d h 3 = \frac{\pi(16)}{4} \cdot \frac{dh}{dt} \implies \frac{dh}{dt} = \frac{3}{4\pi} \approx 0.239 \mathrm{ m/min The tangent at a point has gradient f ′ ( a ) f'(a) f ′ ( a ) .
The normal at a point has gradient − 1 f ′ ( a ) -\frac{1}{f'(a)} − f ′ ( a ) 1 (the negative reciprocal).
Example (HL): Find the equation of the tangent to y = x 3 − 2 x y = x^3 - 2x y = x 3 − 2 x at x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 .
y = 1 − 2 = − 1 y = 1 - 2 = -1 y = 1 − 2 = − 1 , d y d x = 3 x 2 − 2 = 1 \frac{dy}{dx} = 3x^2 - 2 = 1 d x d y = 3 x 2 − 2 = 1 at x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 .
Equation: y − ( − 1 ) = 1 ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = x − 2 y - (-1) = 1(x - 1) \implies y = x - 2 y − ( − 1 ) = 1 ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = x − 2 .
The normal has gradient − 1 m = − 1 -\frac{1}{m} = -1 − m 1 = − 1 .
Equation of normal: y + 1 = − ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = − x y + 1 = -(x - 1) \implies y = -x y + 1 = − ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = − x .
Example (HL): Find the equation of the tangent to y = e x y = e^x y = e x at the point where y = e y = e y = e .
When y = e y = e y = e : e x = e e^x = e e x = e So x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 . The gradient is d y d x = e x = e \frac{dy}{dx} = e^x = e d x d y = e x = e at x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 .
Equation: y − e = e ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = e x y - e = e(x - 1) \implies y = ex y − e = e ( x − 1 ) ⟹ y = e x .
Note the tangent passes through the origin. This is a special property: the tangent to e x e^x e x at x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 is y = e x y = ex y = e x .
Example (HL): A rectangular box with a square base has a surface area of 150\mathrm{ cm^2 . Find The dimensions that maximise the volume.
Let the base have side x x x and the height be h h h . Then:
Surface area: x 2 + 4 x h = 150 x^2 + 4xh = 150 x 2 + 4 x h = 150 So h = 150 − x 2 4 x h = \frac{150 - x^2}{4x} h = 4 x 150 − x 2 .
Volume: V = x 2 h = x 2 ⋅ 150 − x 2 4 x = x ( 150 − x 2 ) 4 = 150 x − x 3 4 V = x^2 h = x^2 \cdot \frac{150 - x^2}{4x} = \frac{x(150 - x^2)}{4} = \frac{150x - x^3}{4} V = x 2 h = x 2 ⋅ 4 x 150 − x 2 = 4 x ( 150 − x 2 ) = 4 150 x − x 3 .
d V d x = 150 − 3 x 2 4 = 0 ⟹ x 2 = 50 ⟹ x = 50 = 5 2 \frac{dV}{dx} = \frac{150 - 3x^2}{4} = 0 \implies x^2 = 50 \implies x = \sqrt{50} = 5\sqrt{2} d x d V = 4 150 − 3 x 2 = 0 ⟹ x 2 = 50 ⟹ x = 50 = 5 2 d 2 V d x 2 = − 6 x 4 = − 3 x 2 \frac{d^2V}{dx^2} = \frac{-6x}{4} = \frac{-3x}{2} d x 2 d 2 V = 4 − 6 x = 2 − 3 x At x = 5 2 x = 5\sqrt{2} x = 5 2 : d 2 V d x 2 = − 15 2 2 < 0 \frac{d^2V}{dx^2} = \frac{-15\sqrt{2}}{2} < 0 d x 2 d 2 V = 2 − 15 2 < 0 Confirming a maximum.
H = 150 − 50 4 ⋅ 5 2 = 100 20 2 = 5 2 = 5 2 2 H = \frac{150 - 50}{4 \cdot 5\sqrt{2}} = \frac{100}{20\sqrt{2}} = \frac{5}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{5\sqrt{2}}{2} H = 4 ⋅ 5 2 150 − 50 = 20 2 100 = 2 5 = 2 5 2 The optimal box has base 5 2 × 5 2 5\sqrt{2} \times 5\sqrt{2} 5 2 × 5 2 and height 5 2 2 \frac{5\sqrt{2}}{2} 2 5 2 .
∫ x n d x = x n + 1 n + 1 + C , n ≠ − 1 \int x^n \, dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C, \quad n \neq -1 ∫ x n d x = n + 1 x n + 1 + C , n = − 1 | Function | Integral | | ------------- | ------------------------- | --- | ---- | | x n x^n x n | x n + 1 n + 1 + C \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C n + 1 x n + 1 + C | | e x e^x e x | e x + C e^x + C e x + C | | 1 x \frac{1}{x} x 1 | ln ∣ x ∣ + C \ln | x | + C ln ∣ x ∣ + C | | cos x \cos x cos x | sin x + C \sin x + C sin x + C | | sin x \sin x sin x | − cos x + C -\cos x + C − cos x + C | | sec 2 x \sec^2 x sec 2 x | tan x + C \tan x + C tan x + C |
:::note The absolute value in ∫ 1 x d x = ln ∣ x ∣ + C \int \frac{1}{x}\,dx = \ln|x| + C ∫ x 1 d x = ln ∣ x ∣ + C is essential. It accounts for the Fact that d d x [ ln x ] = 1 x \frac{d}{dx}[\ln x] = \frac{1}{x} d x d [ ln x ] = x 1 for x > 0 x > 0 x > 0 and d d x [ ln ( − x ) ] = − 1 − x = 1 x \frac{d}{dx}[\ln(-x)] = \frac{-1}{-x} = \frac{1}{x} d x d [ ln ( − x )] = − x − 1 = x 1 for x < 0 x < 0 x < 0 . :::
∫ a b f ( x ) d x = F ( b ) − F ( a ) \int_a^b f(x) \, dx = F(b) - F(a) ∫ a b f ( x ) d x = F ( b ) − F ( a ) The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. If F ′ ( x ) = f ( x ) F'(x) = f(x) F ′ ( x ) = f ( x ) Then ∫ a b f ( x ) d x = F ( b ) − F ( a ) \int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a) ∫ a b f ( x ) d x = F ( b ) − F ( a ) . This connects differentiation and integration: they are inverse operations.
Example (OL): Evaluate ∫ 1 3 ( 2 x + 1 ) d x \int_1^3 (2x + 1) \, dx ∫ 1 3 ( 2 x + 1 ) d x .
[ x 2 + x ] 1 3 = ( 9 + 3 ) − ( 1 + 1 ) = 12 − 2 = 10 \left[x^2 + x\right]_1^3 = (9 + 3) - (1 + 1) = 12 - 2 = 10 [ x 2 + x ] 1 3 = ( 9 + 3 ) − ( 1 + 1 ) = 12 − 2 = 10 The area between y = f ( x ) y = f(x) y = f ( x ) and the x x x -axis from x = a x = a x = a to x = b x = b x = b is:
A = ∫ a b ∣ f ( x ) ∣ d x A = \int_a^b |f(x)| \, dx A = ∫ a b ∣ f ( x ) ∣ d x :::caution If the curve crosses the x x x -axis between a a a and b b b Split the integral and take the Absolute value of each part. The integral itself gives the signed area. :::
Example (OL): Find the area enclosed by y = x 2 y = x^2 y = x 2 The x x x -axis, x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 And x = 3 x = 3 x = 3 .
A = \int_0^3 x^2 \, dx = \left[\frac{x^3}{3}\right]_0^3 = \frac{27}{3} = 9 \mathrm{ square units Example (OL): Find the total area between y = x 2 − 4 y = x^2 - 4 y = x 2 − 4 and the x x x -axis.
The curve crosses the x x x -axis when x 2 = 4 x^2 = 4 x 2 = 4 I.e. x = − 2 x = -2 x = − 2 and x = 2 x = 2 x = 2 .
A = ∫ − 2 2 ∣ x 2 − 4 ∣ d x = ∫ − 2 2 ( 4 − x 2 ) d x = [ 4 x − x 3 3 ] − 2 2 = ( 8 − 8 3 ) − ( − 8 + 8 3 ) = 32 3 A = \int_{-2}^{2} |x^2 - 4| \, dx = \int_{-2}^{2} (4 - x^2) \, dx = \left[4x - \frac{x^3}{3}\right]_{-2}^{2} = \left(8 - \frac{8}{3}\right) - \left(-8 + \frac{8}{3}\right) = \frac{32}{3} A = ∫ − 2 2 ∣ x 2 − 4∣ d x = ∫ − 2 2 ( 4 − x 2 ) d x = [ 4 x − 3 x 3 ] − 2 2 = ( 8 − 3 8 ) − ( − 8 + 3 8 ) = 3 32 If f ( x ) ≥ g ( x ) f(x) \geq g(x) f ( x ) ≥ g ( x ) on [ a , b ] [a, b] [ a , b ] :
A = ∫ a b [ f ( x ) − g ( x ) ] d x A = \int_a^b [f(x) - g(x)] \, dx A = ∫ a b [ f ( x ) − g ( x )] d x Example (HL): Find the area between y = x 2 y = x^2 y = x 2 and y = 2 x y = 2x y = 2 x .
Intersection: x 2 = 2 x ⟹ x = 0 , 2 x^2 = 2x \implies x = 0, 2 x 2 = 2 x ⟹ x = 0 , 2 .
A = ∫ 0 2 ( 2 x − x 2 ) d x = [ x 2 − x 3 3 ] 0 2 = 4 − 8 3 = 4 3 A = \int_0^2 (2x - x^2) \, dx = \left[x^2 - \frac{x^3}{3}\right]_0^2 = 4 - \frac{8}{3} = \frac{4}{3} A = ∫ 0 2 ( 2 x − x 2 ) d x = [ x 2 − 3 x 3 ] 0 2 = 4 − 3 8 = 3 4 Example (HL): Find the area between y = sin x y = \sin x y = sin x and y = cos x y = \cos x y = cos x from x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 to x = π / 2 x = \pi/2 x = π /2 .
Intersection: sin x = cos x ⟹ x = π / 4 \sin x = \cos x \implies x = \pi/4 sin x = cos x ⟹ x = π /4 .
On [ 0 , π / 4 ] [0, \pi/4] [ 0 , π /4 ] : cos x ≥ sin x \cos x \geq \sin x cos x ≥ sin x . On [ π / 4 , π / 2 ] [\pi/4, \pi/2] [ π /4 , π /2 ] : sin x ≥ cos x \sin x \geq \cos x sin x ≥ cos x .
A = ∫ 0 π / 4 ( cos x − sin x ) d x + ∫ π / 4 π / 2 ( sin x − cos x ) d x A = \int_0^{\pi/4} (\cos x - \sin x)\,dx + \int_{\pi/4}^{\pi/2} (\sin x - \cos x)\,dx A = ∫ 0 π /4 ( cos x − sin x ) d x + ∫ π /4 π /2 ( sin x − cos x ) d x = [ sin x + cos x ] 0 π / 4 + [ − cos x − sin x ] π / 4 π / 2 = \left[\sin x + \cos x\right]_0^{\pi/4} + \left[-\cos x - \sin x\right]_{\pi/4}^{\pi/2} = [ sin x + cos x ] 0 π /4 + [ − cos x − sin x ] π /4 π /2 = ( 2 2 + 2 2 − 0 − 1 ) + ( 0 − 1 + 2 2 + 2 2 ) = \left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} - 0 - 1\right) + \left(0 - 1 + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right) = ( 2 2 + 2 2 − 0 − 1 ) + ( 0 − 1 + 2 2 + 2 2 ) = ( 2 − 1 ) + ( 2 − 1 ) = 2 2 − 2 = (\sqrt{2} - 1) + (\sqrt{2} - 1) = 2\sqrt{2} - 2 = ( 2 − 1 ) + ( 2 − 1 ) = 2 2 − 2 \int f(g(x))g'(x) \, dx = \int f(u) \, du \quad \mathrm{where u = g(x) Example: Evaluate ∫ 2 x x 2 + 1 d x \int 2x\sqrt{x^2 + 1} \, dx ∫ 2 x x 2 + 1 d x .
Let u = x 2 + 1 u = x^2 + 1 u = x 2 + 1 Then d u = 2 x d x du = 2x \, dx d u = 2 x d x .
∫ u d u = 2 3 u 3 / 2 + C = 2 3 ( x 2 + 1 ) 3 / 2 + C \int \sqrt{u} \, du = \frac{2}{3}u^{3/2} + C = \frac{2}{3}(x^2 + 1)^{3/2} + C ∫ u d u = 3 2 u 3/2 + C = 3 2 ( x 2 + 1 ) 3/2 + C Example (HL): Evaluate ∫ 0 1 x x 2 + 1 d x \int_0^1 \frac{x}{x^2 + 1} \, dx ∫ 0 1 x 2 + 1 x d x .
Let u = x 2 + 1 u = x^2 + 1 u = x 2 + 1 Then d u = 2 x d x du = 2x\,dx d u = 2 x d x So x d x = d u 2 x\,dx = \frac{du}{2} x d x = 2 d u .
When x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 : u = 1 u = 1 u = 1 . When x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 : u = 2 u = 2 u = 2 .
∫ 0 1 x x 2 + 1 d x = ∫ 1 2 1 2 u d u = 1 2 [ ln u ] 1 2 = 1 2 ln 2 \int_0^1 \frac{x}{x^2 + 1} \, dx = \int_1^2 \frac{1}{2u} \, du = \frac{1}{2}\left[\ln u\right]_1^2 = \frac{1}{2}\ln 2 ∫ 0 1 x 2 + 1 x d x = ∫ 1 2 2 u 1 d u = 2 1 [ ln u ] 1 2 = 2 1 ln 2 Key point: When using substitution with definite integrals, either change the limits of Integration (as above) or substitute back to x x x before evaluating.
∫ u d v = u v − ∫ v d u \int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du ∫ u d v = uv − ∫ v d u Use LIATE (Logarithmic, Inverse trig, Algebraic, Trigonometric, Exponential) to choose u u u .
Example: Evaluate ∫ x e x d x \int x e^x \, dx ∫ x e x d x .
Let u = x$$dv = e^x \, dx . Then du = dx$$v = e^x .
∫ x e x d x = x e x − ∫ e x d x = x e x − e x + C = e x ( x − 1 ) + C \int x e^x \, dx = x e^x - \int e^x \, dx = x e^x - e^x + C = e^x(x - 1) + C ∫ x e x d x = x e x − ∫ e x d x = x e x − e x + C = e x ( x − 1 ) + C Example: Evaluate ∫ x 2 cos x d x \int x^2 \cos x \, dx ∫ x 2 cos x d x .
Let u = x^2$$dv = \cos x \, dx . Then du = 2x \, dx$$v = \sin x .
∫ x 2 cos x d x = x 2 sin x − ∫ 2 x sin x d x \int x^2 \cos x \, dx = x^2 \sin x - \int 2x \sin x \, dx ∫ x 2 cos x d x = x 2 sin x − ∫ 2 x sin x d x Apply integration by parts again for ∫ x sin x d x \int x \sin x \, dx ∫ x sin x d x :
Let u = x$$dv = \sin x \, dx . Then du = dx$$v = -\cos x .
∫ x sin x d x = − x cos x + ∫ cos x d x = − x cos x + sin x + C \int x \sin x \, dx = -x\cos x + \int \cos x \, dx = -x\cos x + \sin x + C ∫ x sin x d x = − x cos x + ∫ cos x d x = − x cos x + sin x + C Therefore:
∫ x 2 cos x d x = x 2 sin x − 2 ( − x cos x + sin x ) + C = x 2 sin x + 2 x cos x − 2 sin x + C \int x^2 \cos x \, dx = x^2 \sin x - 2(-x\cos x + \sin x) + C = x^2 \sin x + 2x\cos x - 2\sin x + C ∫ x 2 cos x d x = x 2 sin x − 2 ( − x cos x + sin x ) + C = x 2 sin x + 2 x cos x − 2 sin x + C Example (HL): Evaluate ∫ e x sin x d x \int e^x \sin x \, dx ∫ e x sin x d x using the “cyclic” integration by parts Technique.
Let u = \sin x$$dv = e^x\,dx . Then du = \cos x\,dx$$v = e^x .
I = ∫ e x sin x d x = e x sin x − ∫ e x cos x d x I = \int e^x \sin x\,dx = e^x \sin x - \int e^x \cos x\,dx I = ∫ e x sin x d x = e x sin x − ∫ e x cos x d x Apply integration by parts to ∫ e x cos x d x \int e^x \cos x\,dx ∫ e x cos x d x : let u = \cos x$$dv = e^x\,dx .
∫ e x cos x d x = e x cos x + ∫ e x sin x d x = e x cos x + I \int e^x \cos x\,dx = e^x \cos x + \int e^x \sin x\,dx = e^x \cos x + I ∫ e x cos x d x = e x cos x + ∫ e x sin x d x = e x cos x + I Substituting back:
I = e x sin x − e x cos x − I I = e^x \sin x - e^x \cos x - I I = e x sin x − e x cos x − I 2 I = e x ( sin x − cos x ) 2I = e^x(\sin x - \cos x) 2 I = e x ( sin x − cos x ) I = e x ( sin x − cos x ) 2 + C I = \frac{e^x(\sin x - \cos x)}{2} + C I = 2 e x ( sin x − cos x ) + C ∫ tan x d x = − ln ∣ cos x ∣ + C = ln ∣ sec x ∣ + C \int \tan x \, dx = -\ln|\cos x| + C = \ln|\sec x| + C ∫ tan x d x = − ln ∣ cos x ∣ + C = ln ∣ sec x ∣ + C ∫ cot x d x = ln ∣ sin x ∣ + C \int \cot x \, dx = \ln|\sin x| + C ∫ cot x d x = ln ∣ sin x ∣ + C ∫ sec x d x = ln ∣ sec x + tan x ∣ + C \int \sec x \, dx = \ln|\sec x + \tan x| + C ∫ sec x d x = ln ∣ sec x + tan x ∣ + C Derivation of ∫ tan x d x \int \tan x\,dx ∫ tan x d x . Write tan x = sin x cos x \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} tan x = c o s x s i n x and let u = cos x u = \cos x u = cos x d u = − sin x d x du = -\sin x\,dx d u = − sin x d x :
∫ tan x d x = ∫ sin x cos x d x = − ∫ d u u = − ln ∣ u ∣ + C = − ln ∣ cos x ∣ + C \int \tan x\,dx = \int \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}\,dx = -\int \frac{du}{u} = -\ln|u| + C = -\ln|\cos x| + C ∫ tan x d x = ∫ cos x sin x d x = − ∫ u d u = − ln ∣ u ∣ + C = − ln ∣ cos x ∣ + C Example (HL): Evaluate ∫ sin 2 x d x \int \sin^2 x\,dx ∫ sin 2 x d x .
Using the identity sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x 2 \sin^2 x = \frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2} sin 2 x = 2 1 − c o s 2 x :
∫ sin 2 x d x = ∫ 1 − cos 2 x 2 d x = x 2 − sin 2 x 4 + C \int \sin^2 x\,dx = \int \frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2}\,dx = \frac{x}{2} - \frac{\sin 2x}{4} + C ∫ sin 2 x d x = ∫ 2 1 − cos 2 x d x = 2 x − 4 sin 2 x + C The volume generated by rotating y = f ( x ) y = f(x) y = f ( x ) about the x x x -axis from x = a x = a x = a to x = b x = b x = b :
V = π ∫ a b [ f ( x ) ] 2 d x V = \pi \int_a^b [f(x)]^2 \, dx V = π ∫ a b [ f ( x ) ] 2 d x Example: Find the volume generated by rotating y = x y = \sqrt{x} y = x about the x x x -axis from x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 to x = 4 x = 4 x = 4 .
V = π ∫ 0 4 x d x = π [ x 2 2 ] 0 4 = 8 π V = \pi \int_0^4 x \, dx = \pi\left[\frac{x^2}{2}\right]_0^4 = 8\pi V = π ∫ 0 4 x d x = π [ 2 x 2 ] 0 4 = 8 π Example (HL): Find the volume generated by rotating y = sin x y = \sin x y = sin x about the x x x -axis from x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 To x = π x = \pi x = π .
V = π ∫ 0 π sin 2 x d x = π [ x 2 − sin 2 x 4 ] 0 π = π ( π 2 − 0 ) = π 2 2 V = \pi \int_0^\pi \sin^2 x\,dx = \pi\left[\frac{x}{2} - \frac{\sin 2x}{4}\right]_0^\pi = \pi\left(\frac{\pi}{2} - 0\right) = \frac{\pi^2}{2} V = π ∫ 0 π sin 2 x d x = π [ 2 x − 4 sin 2 x ] 0 π = π ( 2 π − 0 ) = 2 π 2 An equation of the form d y d x = f ( x ) g ( y ) \frac{dy}{dx} = f(x)g(y) d x d y = f ( x ) g ( y ) can be solved by separating variables:
1 g ( y ) d y = f ( x ) d x \frac{1}{g(y)} \, dy = f(x) \, dx g ( y ) 1 d y = f ( x ) d x Example: Solve d y d x = x y \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x}{y} d x d y = y x Given y = 2 y = 2 y = 2 when x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 .
Y d y = x d x ⟹ y 2 2 = x 2 2 + C Y \, dy = x \, dx \implies \frac{y^2}{2} = \frac{x^2}{2} + C Y d y = x d x ⟹ 2 y 2 = 2 x 2 + C Using y = 2 , x = 0 y = 2, x = 0 y = 2 , x = 0 : 2 = C 2 = C 2 = C .
Y 2 = x 2 + 4 ⟹ y = x 2 + 4 Y^2 = x^2 + 4 \implies y = \sqrt{x^2 + 4} Y 2 = x 2 + 4 ⟹ y = x 2 + 4 (We take the positive root since y = 2 > 0 y = 2 > 0 y = 2 > 0 when x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 .)
Example (HL): Solve d y d x = x y \frac{dy}{dx} = xy d x d y = x y given y = 1 y = 1 y = 1 when x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 .
Separate: 1 y d y = x d x \frac{1}{y}\,dy = x\,dx y 1 d y = x d x .
ln ∣ y ∣ = x 2 2 + C \ln|y| = \frac{x^2}{2} + C ln ∣ y ∣ = 2 x 2 + C Using y = 1 , x = 0 y = 1, x = 0 y = 1 , x = 0 : ln 1 = 0 = C \ln 1 = 0 = C ln 1 = 0 = C .
ln ∣ y ∣ = x 2 2 ⟹ y = e x 2 / 2 \ln|y| = \frac{x^2}{2} \implies y = e^{x^2/2} ln ∣ y ∣ = 2 x 2 ⟹ y = e x 2 /2 d y d t = k y ⟹ y = y 0 e k t \frac{dy}{dt} = ky \implies y = y_0 e^{kt} d t d y = k y ⟹ y = y 0 e k t Example: A bacteria culture doubles every 3 hours. If initially there are 1000 bacteria, when Will there be 10000?
Doubling time T d = 3 T_d = 3 T d = 3 So k = ln 2 3 k = \frac{\ln 2}{3} k = 3 l n 2 .
10000 = 1000 e ( ln 2 / 3 ) t 10000 = 1000 e^{(\ln 2/3)t} 10000 = 1000 e ( l n 2/3 ) t
10 = e ( ln 2 / 3 ) t 10 = e^{(\ln 2/3)t} 10 = e ( l n 2/3 ) t
t = 3 ln 10 ln 2 ≈ 9.97 t = \frac{3 \ln 10}{\ln 2} \approx 9.97 t = l n 2 3 l n 10 ≈ 9.97 hours.
Half-life proof. For exponential decay y = y 0 e − k t y = y_0 e^{-kt} y = y 0 e − k t The half-life t 1 / 2 t_{1/2} t 1/2 satisfies y 0 / 2 = y 0 e − k t 1 / 2 y_0/2 = y_0 e^{-kt_{1/2}} y 0 /2 = y 0 e − k t 1/2 So e − k t 1 / 2 = 1 / 2 e^{-kt_{1/2}} = 1/2 e − k t 1/2 = 1/2 Giving t 1 / 2 = ln 2 k t_{1/2} = \frac{\ln 2}{k} t 1/2 = k l n 2 .
Example: Oil is leaking from a tank at a rate proportional to the square root of the volume Remaining. If V = 100 V = 100 V = 100 litres initially and the rate is 2 2 2 L/min initially, find V V V after 9 Minutes.
d V d t = − k V \frac{dV}{dt} = -k\sqrt{V} d t d V = − k V At t = 0 t = 0 t = 0 : − 2 = − k 100 = − 10 k -2 = -k\sqrt{100} = -10k − 2 = − k 100 = − 10 k So k = 0.2 k = 0.2 k = 0.2 .
Separate: d V V = − 0.2 d t \frac{dV}{\sqrt{V}} = -0.2\, dt V d V = − 0.2 d t
2 V = − 0.2 t + C 2\sqrt{V} = -0.2t + C 2 V = − 0.2 t + C At t = 0 t = 0 t = 0 : 2 100 = C = 20 2\sqrt{100} = C = 20 2 100 = C = 20 .
2 V = − 0.2 t + 20 2\sqrt{V} = -0.2t + 20 2 V = − 0.2 t + 20 V = 10 − 0.1 t \sqrt{V} = 10 - 0.1t V = 10 − 0.1 t V = ( 10 − 0.1 t ) 2 V = (10 - 0.1t)^2 V = ( 10 − 0.1 t ) 2 At t = 9 t = 9 t = 9 : V = ( 10 − 0.9 ) 2 = 9.1 2 = 82.81 V = (10 - 0.9)^2 = 9.1^2 = 82.81 V = ( 10 − 0.9 ) 2 = 9. 1 2 = 82.81 litres.
See the examples integrated throughout the sections above.
Forgetting the + C +C + C in indefinite integrals. This is equivalent to losing the constant of integration and makes it impossible to apply initial conditions.Chain rule errors — always multiply by the derivative of the inner function.Sign errors with sin x \sin x sin x and cos x \cos x cos x derivatives/integrals. Remember: ∫ sin x d x = − cos x \int \sin x\,dx = -\cos x ∫ sin x d x = − cos x (the integral has a negative sign).Not splitting integrals when a curve crosses the x x x -axis. Use the absolute value.Integration by parts: choosing the wrong u u u and d v dv d v . Apply LIATE.Limits in definite integrals — substitute the upper limit first, then subtract the lower limit result.Forgetting to change limits when using substitution in a definite integral.Confusing d d x [ ln x ] = 1 x \frac{d}{dx}[\ln x] = \frac{1}{x} d x d [ ln x ] = x 1 with ∫ 1 x d x = ln ∣ x ∣ \int \frac{1}{x}\,dx = \ln|x| ∫ x 1 d x = ln ∣ x ∣ — the absolute value in the integral is essential.Cyclic integration by parts — when integrating e x sin x e^x \sin x e x sin x or e x cos x e^x \cos x e x cos x The integral reappears. Move it to one side and divide by 2. Do not loop forever.Stationary point classification — when f ′ ′ ( x ) = 0 f''(x) = 0 f ′′ ( x ) = 0 The second derivative test is inconclusive. Use the first derivative test instead.Domain issues with implicit differentiation — when finding d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y implicitly, always check that the point lies on the curve before substituting.Differentiate f ( x ) = 3 x 4 − 2 x 2 + 7 x − 1 f(x) = 3x^4 - 2x^2 + 7x - 1 f ( x ) = 3 x 4 − 2 x 2 + 7 x − 1 . Find the gradient of the tangent to y = x 2 − 3 x y = x^2 - 3x y = x 2 − 3 x at x = 2 x = 2 x = 2 . Find the stationary points of f ( x ) = x 3 − 3 x + 2 f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 2 f ( x ) = x 3 − 3 x + 2 and classify them. Evaluate ∫ 0 2 ( 3 x 2 − 2 x + 1 ) d x \int_0^2 (3x^2 - 2x + 1) \, dx ∫ 0 2 ( 3 x 2 − 2 x + 1 ) d x . Find the area under y = 4 x − x 2 y = 4x - x^2 y = 4 x − x 2 above the x x x -axis. Find the equation of the normal to y = x 2 + 1 y = x^2 + 1 y = x 2 + 1 at x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 . Evaluate ∫ 3 x d x \int \frac{3}{x}\,dx ∫ x 3 d x and hence evaluate ∫ 1 4 3 x d x \int_1^4 \frac{3}{x}\,dx ∫ 1 4 x 3 d x . The radius of a sphere is increasing at 2\mathrm{ cm/s . Find the rate of increase of the volume when r = 5\mathrm{ cm . Differentiate f ( x ) = ln x x f(x) = \frac{\ln x}{x} f ( x ) = x l n x using the quotient rule. Evaluate ∫ 0 1 x e 2 x d x \int_0^1 x e^{2x} \, dx ∫ 0 1 x e 2 x d x using integration by parts. Find d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y when x 3 + y 3 = 6 x y x^3 + y^3 = 6xy x 3 + y 3 = 6 x y (implicit differentiation). Prove from first principles that d d x [ cos x ] = − sin x \frac{d}{dx}[\cos x] = -\sin x d x d [ cos x ] = − sin x . Solve d y d x = x y \frac{dy}{dx} = xy d x d y = x y given y = 1 y = 1 y = 1 when x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 . Find the volume of revolution of y = sin x y = \sin x y = sin x about the x x x -axis from x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 to x = π x = \pi x = π . Evaluate ∫ 2 x x 2 + 1 d x \int \frac{2x}{x^2 + 1} \, dx ∫ x 2 + 1 2 x d x using substitution. Find the area between the curves y = e x y = e^x y = e x and y = e − x y = e^{-x} y = e − x and the lines x = 0 x = 0 x = 0 and x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 . Find d 2 y d x 2 \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} d x 2 d 2 y when y = x 3 ln x y = x^3 \ln x y = x 3 ln x . Evaluate ∫ 0 π / 2 sin 2 x d x \int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^2 x \, dx ∫ 0 π /2 sin 2 x d x using the identity sin 2 x = 1 − cos 2 x 2 \sin^2 x = \frac{1 - \cos 2x}{2} sin 2 x = 2 1 − c o s 2 x . Evaluate ∫ e x cos x d x \int e^x \cos x\,dx ∫ e x cos x d x using integration by parts. Find d y d x \frac{dy}{dx} d x d y when e x y + y = x 2 e^{xy} + y = x^2 e x y + y = x 2 and evaluate it at ( 1 , 0 ) (1, 0) ( 1 , 0 ) . A cylindrical can is to hold 500\mathrm{ cm^3 . Find the dimensions that minimise the surface area. Prove the product rule from first principles. Find the volume generated by rotating y = 1 x y = \frac{1}{x} y = x 1 about the x x x -axis from x = 1 x = 1 x = 1 to x = e x = e x = e . This topic covers the mathematical techniques and concepts related to calculus, including key theorems, methods, and problem-solving approaches.
Key concepts include:
differentiation from first principles product, quotient, and chain rules integration techniques (by parts, substitution) differential equations applications to kinematics Regular practice with a variety of question types is essential to build fluency and confidence in applying these mathematical techniques.