CHAPTER 54 SOME APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

© 2014, John Bird

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CHAPTER 54 SOME APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

EXERCISE 230 Page 625

1. An alternating current, i amperes, is given by i = 10 sin 2πft, where f is the frequency in hertz and t the time in seconds. Determine the rate of change of current when t = 20 ms, given that f = 150 Hz. Current, i = 10 sin 2πft

Rate of change of current, [ ]3d (10)(2 )cos 2 (10)(2 150)cos 2 150 20 10d

i f ftt

π π π π −= = × × × ×

= 3000π cos 6π = 3000π A/s

2. The luminous intensity, I candelas, of a lamp is given by I = 6 × 10–4 V2, where V is the voltage. Find (a) the rate of change of luminous intensity with voltage when V = 200 volts, and (b) the voltage at which the light is increasing at a rate of 0.3 candelas per volt. (a) The rate of change of luminous intensity with voltage,

( )4 4d (6 10 )(2 ) (6 10 ) 2 200d

I VV

− −= × = × × = 0.24 /cd V

(b) 4d (6 10 )(2 )d

I VV

−= × hence, 0.3 = 4(6 10 )(2 )V−×

from which, voltage, V = 4

0.36 10 2−× ×

= 250 V

3. The voltage across the plates of a capacitor at any time t seconds is given by v = Ve–t/CR, where V, C and R are constants. Given V = 300 volts, C = 0.12 × 10–6 farads and R = 4 × 106 ohms, find (a) the initial rate of change of voltage, and (b) the rate of change of voltage after 0.5 s.

(a) If v = Vet

CR− , then d 1 e

d

tCR

v Vt CR

− = −

Initial rate of change of voltage, (i.e. when t = 0), 06 6

d 1(300) ed 0.12 10 4 10

vt −

= − × × ×

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= – 3000.48

= –625 V/s

(b) When t = 0.5 s, 0.50.48

d 300e ed 0.48

tCR

v Vt CR

− − = − = −

= –220.5 V/s

4. The pressure p of the atmosphere at height h above ground level is given by p = p0 e–h/c, where p0 is the pressure at ground level and c is a constant. Determine the rate of change of pressure with height when p0 = 1.013 × 105 pascals and c = 6.05 × 104 at 1450 metres.

Pressure, p = 0ehcp −

Rate of change of pressure with height, ( ) 41450

5 6.05 1004

d 1 1( ) e 1.013 10 ed 6.05 10

hc

p ph c

− −×

= − = × − ×

= –1.635 Pa/m

5. The volume, v cubic metres, of water in a reservoir varies with time t, in minutes. When a valve

is opened the relationship between v and t is given by: v = 4 2 32 10 20 10t t× − − . Calculate the rate

of change of water volume at the time when t = 3 minutes. Volume of water, v = 4 2 32 10 20 10t t× − −

The rate of change of water volume, 2d 0 40 30d

v t tt= − −

When t = 3 min, 2d 40(3) 30(3)d

vt= − − = –120 – 270 = –390 3m /min

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1. A missile fired from ground level rises x metres vertically upwards in t seconds and

x = 100t – 252

t2. Find (a) the initial velocity of the missile, (b) the time when the height of the

missile is a maximum, (c) the maximum height reached, (d) the velocity with which the missile

strikes the ground.

(a) Distance, 2251002

x t t= −

Initial velocity, (i.e. when t = 0), d 100 25 100 25(0)d

x tt= − = − = 100 m/s

(b) When height is a maximum, velocity = 0, i.e. d 100 25 0d

x tt= − =

from which, 100 = 25t and time t = 4 s

(c) When t = 4 s, maximum height, x = 225100(4) (4) 400 2002

− = − = 200 m

(d) When x = 0 (i.e. on the ground), 2250 1002

t t= −

i.e. 25100 02

t t − =

Hence, either t = 0 (at the start) or 25 25100 0 i.e. 1002 2

t t− = =

and 20025

t = = 8 s

Velocity, i.e. dd

xt

, when t = 8 s is given by dd

xt

= 100 – 25t = 100 – 25(8)

= 100 – 200 = –100 m/s (negative indicating

reverse direction to the starting velocity)

2. The distance s metres travelled by a car in t seconds after the brakes are applied is given by s = 25t – 2.5t2. Find (a) the speed of the car (in km/h) when the brakes are applied, and (b) the distance the car travels before it stops.

© 2014, John Bird

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(a) Distance, s = 25t – 2.5t2. Hence, velocity, v = dd

st

= 25 – 5t

At the instant the brakes are applied, time = 0

Hence, velocity, v = 25 m/s = 25 60 601000× × km/h = 90 km/h

(b) When the car finally stops, the velocity is zero

i.e. v = 25 – 5t = 0, from which, 25 = 5t, giving t = 5 s

Hence the distance travelled before the car stops is given by:

s = 25t – 2.5t2 = 25(5) – 2.5(5)2 = 125 – 62.5 = 62.5 m

3. The equation θ = 10π + 24t – 3t2 gives the angle θ, in radians, through which a wheel turns in t seconds. Determine (a) the time the wheel takes to come to rest, and (b) the angle turned through in the last second of movement. Angle, 210 24 3t tθ π= + −

(a) When the wheel comes to rest, angular velocity = 0, i.e. d 0d tθ=

Hence, d 24 6 0d

ttθ= − = from which, time, t = 4 s

(b) Distance moved in the last second of movement = (distance after 4 s) – (distance after 3 s)

= 2[10 24(4) 3(4) ]π + − – 2[10 24(3) 3(3) ]π + −

= [10 96 48]π + − – [10 72 27]π + −

= 96 – 48 –72 + 27 = 3 rad

4. At any time t seconds the distance x metres of a particle moving in a straight line from a fixed point is given by: x = 4t + ln (1 – t). Determine (a) the initial velocity and acceleration, (b) the velocity and acceleration after 1.5 s, (c) the time when the velocity is zero. (a) Distance, x = 4t + ln(1 – t)

Velocity, v = ( ) 1d 14 ( 1) 4 1d 1

x tt t

−= + − = − −−

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Initial velocity, i.e. when t = 0, v = 141

− = 3 m/s

Acceleration, a = 2

22 2

d 1(1 ) ( 1)d (1 )

x tt t

−= − − = −−

Initial acceleration, i.e. when t = 0, a = 11

− = –1 2m/s

(b) After 1.5 s, velocity, v = 1 1 14 4 4 4 2(1 ) (1 1.5) ( 0.5)t

− = − = − = +− − −

= 6 m/s

and acceleration, a = 2 2 2

1 1 1 1(1 ) (1 1.5) ( 0.5) 0.25t

− = − = − = −− − −

= –4 2m/s

(c) When the velocity is zero, 14 0(1 )t

− =−

i.e. 14(1 )t

=−

i.e. 4 – 4t = 1 and 4 – 1 = 4t

from which, time, t = 3 s4

5. The angular displacement θ of a rotating disc is given by: θ = 6 sin 4t , where t is the time in

seconds. Determine (a) the angular velocity of the disc when t is 1.5 s, (b) the angular acceleration

when t is 5.5 s and (c) the first time when the angular velocity is zero.

(a) Angular displacement, θ = 6 sin 4t rad

Angular velocity ω = dd tθ = 1(6) cos

4 4t

= 1.5 cos4t rad/s

When time t = 1.5 s, ω = 1.5 cos1.54

= 1.40 rad/s

(b) Angular acceleration, α = 2

2

dd tθ = (1.5) 1 sin 0.375sin

4 4 4t t − = −

rad/s 2

When time t = 5.5 s, α = 5.50.375sin4

− = –0.37 rad/s2

(c) When the angular acceleration is zero, 1.5 cos4t = 0

from which, cos 04t= i.e.

4t = 1cos 0− =

2π

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i.e. time, t = 42π

× = 6.28 s

6. x = 320

3t –

2232t + 6t + 5 represents the distance, x metres, moved by a body in t seconds.

Determine (a) the velocity and acceleration at the start, (b) the velocity and acceleration when

t = 3 s, (c) the values of t when the body is at rest, (d) the value of t when the acceleration is

37 m/s2, and (e) the distance travelled in the third second.

(a) Distance, x = 320

3t –

2232t + 6t + 5

Velocity, v = 2d 20 23 6d

x t tt= − + m/s. At the start, t = 0, hence v 0 = 6 m/s

Acceleration, a = 2

2

d 40 23d

x tt

= − m/s 2 . At the start, t = 0, hence a 0 = –23 m/s 2

(b) When t = 3 s, velocity, v = 2d 20(3) 23(3) 6d

xt= − + = 180 – 69 + 6 = 117 m/s

and acceleration, a = 2

2

d 40(3) 23d

xt

= − = 120 – 23 = 97 m/s 2

(c) When the body is at rest, velocity, v = 0 i.e. 220 23 6 0t t− + =

Using the quadratic formula, time, t = ( )223 23 4(20)(6) 23 49 23 72(20) 40 40

− − ± − − ± ±= =

= 3040

or 1640

= 34

s or 25

s

(d) When the acceleration is 37 m/s2, then 37 = 40t – 23 i.e. 37 + 23 = 40t

i.e. 60 = 40t and time, t = 6040

= 1 12

s or 1.5 s

(e) Distance travelled in third second = (distance travelled after 3 s) – (distance travelled after 2 s)

= 3 2 3 220(3) 23(3) 20(2) 23(2)6(3) 5 6(2) 5

3 2 3 2 − + + − − + +

© 2014, John Bird

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= 99 12

– 24 13

= 75 16

m

7. A particle has a displacement s given by: s = 2 330 27 3t t t+ − metres, where time t is in seconds.

Determine the time at which the acceleration will be zero. Displacement, s = 2 330 27 3t t t+ − m

Velocity, v = 2d 30 54 9d

s t tt= + − m/s

Acceleration, a = 2

2

d 54 18d

s tt

= −

When acceleration is zero, 54 – 18t = 0 from which, 54 = 18t

and time, t = 5418

= 3 s

© 2014, John Bird

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1. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = x2 – 6x

Since y = x2 – 6x then d 2 6 0d

y xx= − = for a turning point

i.e. 2x = 6 and x = 3

When x = 3, y = x2 – 6x = 32 – 6(3) = 9 – 18 = –9

Hence, (3, –9) are the coordinates of the turning point 2

2

d 2d

yx

= , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (3, –9)

2. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 8 + 2x – x2

Since y = 8 + 2x – x2 then d 2 2 0d


i.e. 2 = 2x and x = 1

When x = 1, 28 2(1) (1)y = + − = 8 + 2 – 1 = 9

Hence, (1, 9) are the coordinates of the turning point 2

2

d 2d

yx

= − , which is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (1, 9)

3. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = x2 – 4x + 3

Since y = x2 – 4x + 3 then d 2 4 0d


i.e. 2x = 4 and x = 2

When x = 2, y = 22 – 4(2) + 3 = 4 – 8 + 3 = –1

Hence, (2, –1) are the coordinates of the turning point 2

2

d 2d

yx

= , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (2, –1)

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4. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 3 + 3x2 – x3

Since y = 3 + 3x2 – x3 then 2d 6 3 0d

y x xx= − = for a turning point

i.e. 3x(2 – x) = 0 from which, 3x = 0 or 2 – x = 0

i.e. x = 0 or x = 2

When x = 0, y = 3 + 3(0)2 – (0)3 = 3

When x = 2, y = 3 + 3(2)2 – (2)3 = 3 + 12 – 8 = 7

Hence, (0, 3) and (2, 7) are the coordinates of the turning points

2

2

d 6 6d

y xx

= − When x = 0, 2

2

dd

yx

is positive, hence a minimum occurs at (0, 3)

When x = 2, 2

2

dd

yx

is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (2, 7)

5. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 3x2 – 4x + 2

Since y = 3x2 – 4x + 2 then d 6 4 0d


i.e. 6x = 4 and x = 4 26 3=

When x = 23

, y = 22 2 4 8 23 4 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 − + = − + =

Hence, 2 2,3 3

are the coordinates of the turning point

2

2

d 6d

yx

= , which is positive, hence a minimum occurs at 2 2,3 3

6. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: x = θ(6 – θ)

2(6 ) 6x θ θ θ θ= − = −

d 6 2 0d

x θθ= − = for a turning point, from which, θ = 3

© 2014, John Bird

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When θ = 3, 2 26 6(3) 3 18 9 9x θ θ= − = − = − =

Hence, (3, 9) are the coordinates of the turning point 2

2

d 2d

xθ

= − , which is negative, hence a maximum occurs at (3, 9)

7. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 4x3 + 3x2 – 60x – 12

3 24 3 60 12y x x x= + − −

2d 12 6 60 0d

y x xx= + − = for a turning point

i.e. 22 10 0x x+ − = i.e. (2x + 5)(x – 2) = 0

from which, 2x + 5 = 0 i.e. x = –2.5

and x – 2 = 0 i.e. x = 2

When x = –2.5, 3 24( 2.5) 3( 2.5) 60( 2.5) 12 94.25y = − + − − − − =

When x = 2, 3 24(2) 3(2) 60(2) 12 88y = + − − = −

Hence, (–2.5, 94.25) and (2, –88) are the coordinates of the turning points

2

2

d 24 6d

x xθ

= + When x = –2.5, 2

2

dd

xθ

is negative, hence (–2.5, 94.25) is a maximum point

When x = 2, 2

2

dd

xθ

is positive, hence (2, –88) is a minimum point

8. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 5x – 2 ln x.

Since y = 5x – 2 ln x then d 25 0d

yx x= − = for a turning point

i.e. 5 = 2x

and x 2 0.45

= =

When x = 0.4, y = 5(0.4) – 2 ln 0.4 = 3.8326

Hence, (0.4000, 3.8326) are the coordinates of the turning point

1d 25 5 2d

y xx x

−= − = − hence

22

2 2

d 22d

y xx x

−= = and when x = 0.4 2

2

dd

yx

is positive, hence a

minimum occurs at (0.4000, 3.8326)

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9. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = 2x – ex

2 exy x= − hence, d 2 e 0d

xyx= − = for a turning point

i.e. 2 ex= and x = ln 2 = 0.6931

When x = 0.6931, 0.69312(0.6931) e 0.6137y = − = −

Hence, (0.6931, –0.6137) are the coordinates of the turning point

2

2

d ed

xyx

= − When x = 0.6931, 2

2

dd

yx

is negative, hence (0.6931, –0.6137) is a maximum point

10. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: y = t3 – 2

2t – 2t + 4

y = t3 – 2

2t – 2t + 4

2d 3 2 0d

y t tt= − − = for a turning point

i.e. (3t + 2)(t – 1) = 0

from which, 3t + 2 = 0 i.e. 3t = –2 and t = 23

−

and t – 1 = 0 i.e. t = 1

When t = 23

− ,

2

32

2 2 223 2 4 43 2 3 27

y

− = − − − − + =

When t = 1, ( )2

31

(1) 2(1) 4 2.52

y = − − + =

Hence, 2 22,43 27

−

and (1, 2.5) are the coordinates of the turning points

2

2

d 6 1d

y tt

= − When x = 23

− , 2

2

dd

yt

is negative, hence 2 22,43 27

−

is a maximum point

When x = 1, 2

2

dd

xθ

is positive, hence (1, 2.5) is a minimum point

© 2014, John Bird

939

11. Find the turning point(s) and distinguish between them: x = 8t + 2

12t

Since x = 8t + 22

1 182 2

t tt

−= +

then 3d 8 0d

x tt

−= − = for a turning point

i.e. 8 – 3

1t

= 0 i.e. 8 = 3

1t

and 3 18

t = and t = 318

= 12

or 0.5

When t = 0.5, x = 8(0.5) + 2

12(0.5)

= 6

Hence, (0.5, 6) are the coordinates of the turning point

3d 8d

x tt

−= − hence

24

2 4

d 33d

y tx t

−= = and when x = 0.5 2

2

dd

yx

is positive, hence a minimum occurs

at (0.5, 6)

12. Determine the maximum and minimum values on the graph y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ in the range θ = 0 to θ = 360°. Sketch the graph over one cycle showing relevant points. y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ

d 12sin 5cos 0d

y θ θθ= − − = for a maximum or minimum value

i.e. –12 sin θ = 5 cos θ from which, sin 5cos 12

θθ= − i.e. tan θ = 5

12−

Hence, 1 5tan12

θ − = −

= –22.62°

Tangent is negative in the 2nd and 4th quadrants as shown in the diagram below

Hence, θ = 180° – 22.62° = 157.38° and 360° – 22.62° = 337.38°

When θ = 157.38°, y = 12 cos 157.38° – 5 sin 157.38° = –13

© 2014, John Bird

940

When θ = 337.38°, y = 12 cos 337.38° – 5 sin 337.38° = 13

Hence, (157.38°, –13) and (337.38°, 13) are the coordinates of the turning points

2

2

d 12cos 5sind

yx

θ θ= − +

When θ = 157.38°, 2

2

dd

yx

is positive, hence (157.38°, –13) is a minimum point

When θ = 337.38°, 2

2

dd

yx

is negative, hence (337.38°, 13) is a maximum point

A sketch of y = 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ is shown below. (When y = 0, 12 cos θ – 5 sin θ = 0 and

12 cos θ = 5 sin θ; hence, sin 12cos 5

θθ= from which, tan θ = 2.4 and θ = 1tan 2.4 67.4− = ° and

247.4°; also, at θ = 0, y = 12 cos 0 – 5 sin 0 = 12)

13. Show that the curve y = 23

(t – 1)3 + 2t(t – 2) has a maximum value of 23

and a minimum value of

–2

3 3 22 2( 1) 2 ( 2) ( 1) 2 43 3

y t t t t t t= − + − = − + −

2d 2( 1) 4 4 0d

y t tx= − + − = for a turning point

i.e. ( )22 2 1 4 4 0t t t− + + − =

i.e. 22 4 2 4 4 0t t t− + + − =

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i.e. 22 2 0t − = from which, 2 1t = and t = ±1

When t = 1, 32 (1 1) 2(1 2) 23

y = − + − = −

When t = –1, 32 16 2( 1 1) 2( 1)( 1 2) 63 3 3

y = − − + − − − = − + =

2

2

d 4( 1) 4d

y tt

= − + When t = 1, 2

2

dd

yt

is positive, hence (1, –2) is a minimum point

When t = –1, 2

2

dd

yt

is negative, hence 21,3

−

is a maximum point

Hence, the maximum value of 32 ( 1) 2 ( 2)3

y t t t= − + − is 23

and the minimum value is –2

© 2014, John Bird

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1. The speed v of a car (in m/s) is related to time t s by the equation v = 3 + 12t – 3t2. Determine the

maximum speed of the car in km/h.

Speed, 23 12 3v t t= + −

d 12 6 0d

v tt= − = for a maximum value, from which, 12 = 6t and t = 2 s

When t = 2, 23 12(2) 3(2) 3 24 12v = + − = + − = 15 m/s

2

2

d 6d

vt

= − , which is negative, hence indicating that v = 15 m/s is the maximum speed

15 m/s = 60 60 s/h15m/s 15 3.61000 m/km

×× = × = 54 km/h = maximum speed

2. Determine the maximum area of a rectangular piece of land that can be enclosed by 1200 m of

fencing.

Let the dimensions of the rectangular piece of land be x and y. Then the perimeter of the rectangle is (2x + 2y). Hence 2x + 2y = 1200 or x + y = 600 (1) Since the rectangle is to enclose the maximum possible area, a formula for area A must be obtained in terms of one variable only. Area A = xy. From equation (1), x = 600 – y Hence, area A = (600 – y)y = 600y – y2

dd

Ay

= 600 – 2y = 0 for a turning point, from which, y = 300 m

2

2

dd

Ay

= –2, which is negative, giving a maximum point

When y = 300 m, x = 300 m, from equation (1) Hence the length and breadth of the rectangular area are each 300 m, i.e. a square gives the maximum possible area. When the perimeter of a rectangle is 1200 m, the maximum possible area is 300 × 300 = 90 000 m2

© 2014, John Bird

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3. A shell is fired vertically upwards and its vertical height, x metres, is given by: x = 24t – 3t2, where

t is the time in seconds. Determine the maximum height reached.

Height, x = 24t – 23t

d 24 6 0d

x tt= − = for a maximum value, from which, 24 = 6t and t = 4 s

2

2

d 6d

xt

= − , which is negative – hence a maximum value

Maximum height = 24(4) – 23(4) = 96 – 48 = 48 m

4. A lidless box with square ends is to be made from a thin sheet of metal. Determine the least area of

the metal for which the volume of the box is 3.5 m3

A lidless box with square ends is shown in the diagram below, having dimensions x by x by y.

Volume of box, V = 2 33.5mx y = (1)

Area of metal, A = 2 22

3.52 3 2 3x xy x xx

+ = +

from equation (1)

i.e. A = 2 12 10.5x x−+

2d 4 10.5 0

dA x xx

−= − = for a maximum or minimum value

i.e. 32

10.5 10.54 i.e. 2.6254

x xx

= = = from which, 3 2.625x = = 1.3795

23

2

d 4 21d

A xx

−= + When x = 1.3795, 2

2

dd

Ax

is positive – hence a minimum value

Minimum or least area of metal = 2 210.5 10.52 2(1.3795)1.3795

xx

+ = + = 11.42 2m

© 2014, John Bird

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5. A closed cylindrical container has a surface area of 400 cm2. Determine the dimensions for

maximum volume.

Let the cylinder have radius r and perpendicular height h. Volume of cylinder, V = πr2h Surface area of cylinder, A = 2πrh + 2πr2 (1) Maximum volume means a formula for the volume in terms of one variable only is required. From equation (1), 400 = 2πrh + 2πr2 from which, 2πrh = 400 – 2πr2

and h = 2400 2

2r

rπ

π− (2)

Hence volume, V = πr2h = ( )2

2 2 3400 2 400 2 2002 2

r rr r r rrππ π π

π− = − = −

ddVr

= 200 – 3πr 2 = 0, for a turning point

Hence, 200 = 3πr 2 and 2 2003

rπ

= and r = 2003π

= 4.607 cm

2

2

dd

Vr

= –6πr. When r = 4.607 cm, 2

2

dd

Vr

is negative, giving a maximum value

From equation (2), when r = 4.607 cm, h = 2400 2 (4.607)

2 (4.607)π

π− = 9.212 cm

Hence for the least surface area, a cylinder of surface area 400 cm2 has a radius of 4.607 cm and height of 9.212 cm 6. Calculate the height of a cylinder of maximum volume that can be cut from a cone of height 20 cm

and base radius 80 cm.

A sketch of a cylinder within a cone is shown below. Cylinder volume, V = 2r hπ

© 2014, John Bird

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A section is shown below

By similar triangles, 2080 80

hr

=−

from which, h = 20(80 ) 80 2080 4 4

r r r− −= = −

Hence, cylinder volume, V = 3

2 220 204 4r rr r ππ π − = −

2d 340 0d 4V rrr

ππ= − = for a maximum or minimum value

i.e. 23 3 16040 i.e. 40 and

4 4 3r rr rππ = = =

2

2

d 640d 4

V rr

ππ= − When r = 1603

, 2

2

dd

Vr

is negative, hence a maximum value

Hence, height of cylinder, h = 20 –

16040320 20

4 4 3r= − = − = 6.67 cm

7. The power developed in a resistor R by a battery of emf E and internal resistance r is given by

P = 2

2( )E R

R r+. Differentiate P with respect to R and show that the power is a maximum when

R = r.

( )2

2E RP

R r=

+ hence

2 2 2

4

d ( ) ( ) (2)( ) 0d ( )

P R r E E R R rR R r

+ − += =

+ for a maximum value

Thus, [ ]2 2( ) 2 ( ) 0E R r R R r+ − + =

© 2014, John Bird

946

i.e. 2 2 22 2 2 0R Rr r R Rr+ + − − =

i.e. 2 2 0r R− =

and R = r

[ ]2 2 2

4

dd ( )

E r RPR R r

−=

+ and [ ] [ ]4 2 2 2 2 32

2 8

( ) 2 4( )dd ( )

R r E R E r R R rPR R r

+ − − − +=

+

When R = r, 2

2

dd

PR

is negative, hence power is a maximum when R = r

8. Find the height and radius of a closed cylinder of volume 125 cm3 which has the least surface area.

Let the cylinder have radius r and perpendicular height h Volume of cylinder, V = πr2h = 125 (1) Surface area of cylinder, A = 2πrh + 2πr2 Least surface area means minimum surface area and a formula for the surface area in terms of one variable only is required

From equation (1), h = 2

125rπ

(2)

Hence surface area, A = 2πr2

125rπ

+ 2πr2 = 250r

+ 2πr2 = 250r–1 + 2πr2

dd

Ar

= 2

250r

− + 4πr = 0, for a turning point

Hence, 4πr = 2

250r

and r3 = 2504π

, from which, r = 32504π

= 2.71 cm

2

2

dd

Ar

= 3

500r

+ 4π. When r = 2.71 cm, 2

2

dd

Ar

is positive, giving a minimum value

From equation (2), when r = 2.71 cm, h = 2

125(2.71)π

= 5.42 cm

Hence for the least surface area, a cylinder of volume 125 cm3 has a radius of 2.71 cm and height of 5.42 cm

© 2014, John Bird

947

9. Resistance to motion, F, of a moving vehicle, is given by: F = 5x

+ 100x. Determine the minimum

value of resistance.

F = 5 100xx+ = 15 100x x− +

2

2

d 55 100 100 0d

F xx x

−= − + = − + = for a maximum or minimum value

i.e. 100 = 2

5x

and 2 5 0.05 and 0.05 0.2236100

x x= = = =

2

32 3

d 1010d

F xx x

−= = which is positive when x = 0.2236, hence x = 0.2236 gives a minimum value of

resistance

Minimum resistance to motion, F = 5 100xx+ = 5 100(0.2236)

0.2236+ = 44.72

10. An electrical voltage E is given by: E = (15 sin 50πt + 40 cos 50πt) volts, where t is the time in

seconds. Determine the maximum value of voltage.

E = (15 sin 50πt + 40 cos 50πt) d (15)(50 cos50 ) (40)( 50 sin 50 ) 0dE t tt

π π π π= + − = for a maximum or minimum value

i.e. 750 cos50 2000 sin 50 0t tπ π π π− = i.e. 750 cos50 2000 sin 50t tπ π π π=

i.e. 750 sin 502000 cos50

tt

π ππ π=

i.e. 0.375 = tan 50πt

from which, 150 tan 0.375 0.35877tπ −= =

and t = 0.3587750π

= 2.284 310−×

2

2

d (750 )(50 sin 50 ) (2000 )(50 cos50 )d

E t tt

π π π π π π= − − which is negative when t = 2.284 310−× ,

hence t = 2.284 310−× gives a maximum voltage Maximum voltage, E = 15 sin[50π(2.284 310−× )] + 40 cos[50π(2.284 310−× )] = 5.267 + 37.453 = 42.72 volts

© 2014, John Bird

948

11. The fuel economy E of a car, in miles per gallon, is given by: E = 21 + 2 2 6 42.10 10 3.80 10v v− −× − × where v is the speed of the car in miles per hour. Determine, correct to 3 significant figures, the most economical fuel consumption, and the speed at which it is achieved. E = 21 + 2 2 6 42.10 10 3.80 10v v− −× − ×

2 6 3d 4.20 10 4(3.80) 10 0d

E v vv

− −= × − × = for a maximum (most economical fuel consumption).

i.e. 2 6 34.20 10 4(3.80) 10v v− −× = ×

i.e. 2

26

4.20 10 2763.1584(3.80) 10

v−

−

×= =

×

from which, speed, v = 2763.158 = 52.6 mph

22 6 2

2

d 4.20 10 12(3.80) 10d

E vv

− −= × − × and when v = 52.6, 2

2

dd

Ev

is negative, hence v is the

maximum speed Maximum fuel economy, E = 21 + 2 2 6 42.10 10 3.80 10v v− −× − × = 21 + 2 2 6 42.10 10 (52.6) 3.80 10 (52.6)− −× − × = 50.0 miles/gallon

12. The horizontal range of a projectile x launched with velocity u at an angle θ to the horizontal

is given by: 22 sin cosux

gθ θ

= . To achieve maximum horizontal range, determine the angle

the projectile should be launched at.

2 22 sin cos sin 2u ux

g gθ θ θ= =

since 2 sin θ cos θ = 2 sin 2θ

Hence, ( )2d 2cos 2

dx u

gθ

θ

=

= 0 for a turning point

© 2014, John Bird

949

i.e. cos 2θ = 0 from which, 2θ = 1cos 0− = 90° and θ = 90°/2 = 45°

( )2 2

2

d 4sin 2d

x ug

θθ

= −

and when θ = 45°, 2

2

dd

xθ

is negative – hence maximum range

Hence, to achieve maximum horizontal range, the angle the projectile should be launched at is 45°

13. The signalling range x of a submarine cable is given by the formula: x = 2 1lnrr

where r is

the ratio of the radii of the conductor and cable. Determine the value of r for maximum range.

Range of cable, x = 2 1lnrr

( ) ( )2

2d 1ln 21dx rr rR r

r

− − = +

by the product rule

= ( )22

12 lnrr rr r− +

= 12 lnr r

r − +

= 0 for a maximum/minimum value

i.e. 12 lnr rr

=

i.e. 1 1ln2r

=

and 12

1 er= i.e. r =

12e−

( )2 2

2

d 1 11 (2 ) ln 2 1 2 2ln1dx rr

r r rr

− − = − + + = − − +

When r = 12e− ,

2

2

dd

xr

is negative, hence a maximum range

Hence, for maximum range, r = 12e− = 0.607

© 2014, John Bird

950


1. Find the points of inflexion (if any) on the graph of the function 3 21 1 123 2 12

y x x x= − − +

(i) Given 3 21 1 123 2 12

y x x x= − − + , d

d andy

x= 2 2x x− − and

2

2

dd

yx

= 2x – 1

(ii) Solving the equation 2

2

dd

yx

= 0 gives: 2x – 1 = 0 from which, 2x = 1 and x = 12

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = 12

(iii) Taking a value just less than 12

, say, 0.4: 2

2

dd

yx

= 2x – 1 = 2(0.4) – 1, which is negative

Taking a value just greater than 12

, say, 0.6: 2

2

dd

yx

= 2x – 1 = 2(0.6) – 1, which is positive

(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = 12

When x = 12

, 3 21 1 1 1 1 12

3 2 2 2 2 12y = − − +

= 1

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates 1 ,12

2. Find the points of inflexion (if any) on the graph of the function 3 2 54 3 188

y x x x= + − −

(i) Given 3 2 54 3 188

y x x x= + − − , d

d andy

x = 212 6 18x x+ − and

2

2

dd

yx

= 24x + 6


2

dd

yx

= 0 gives: 24x + 6 = 0 from which, 24x = –6 and x = 14

−


−

(iii) Taking a value just less than 14

− , say, –0.3: 2

2

dd

yx

= 24x + 6 = 24(–0.3) + 6, which is negative

Taking a value just greater than 14

− , say, –0.2: 2

2

dd

yx

= 24x + 6 = 24(– 0.2) + 6, which is

positive

© 2014, John Bird

951


−

When x = 14

− , 3 21 1 1 54 3 18

4 4 4 8y = − + − − − −

= 4

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates 1 , 44

−

3. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function siny x x= + for 0 2x π⟨ ⟨

(i) Given siny x x= + , d

d andy

x= 1 + cos x and

2

2

dd

yx

= – sin x


2

dd

yx

= 0 gives: – sin x = 0 from which, x = 1sin 0− and x = π

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at x = π

(iii) Taking a value just less than π, say, 3: 2

2

dd

yx

= – sin 3, which is negative

Taking a value just greater than π, say, 3.2: 2

2

dd

yx

= – sin 3.2, which is positive

(iv) Since a change of sign has occurred a point of inflexion exists at x = π

When x = π, y = π + sin π = π

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates ( ),π π

4. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function 3 23 27 15 17y x x x= − + +

(i) Given 3 23 27 15 17y x x x= − + + , dd and

yx

= 29 54 15x x− + and 2

2

dd

yx

= 18x – 54


2

dd

yx

= 0 gives: 18x – 54 = 0 from which, 18x = 54 and x = 3


(iii) Taking a value just less than 3, say, 2.9: 2

2

dd

yx

= 18x – 54 = 18(2.9) – 54, which is negative

Taking a value just greater than 3, say, 3.1: 2

2

dd

yx

= 18x – 54 = 18(3.1) – 54, which is positive


© 2014, John Bird

952

When x =3, 3 23(3) 27(3) 15(3) 17y = − + + = –100

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates ( )3, 100−

5. Find the point(s) of inflexion on the graph of the function 2 e xy x −=

(i) Given 2 e xy x −= , dd and

yx

= ( ) ( )(2 ) e e (2) 2e (1 )x x xx x− − −− + = −

and 2

2

dd

yx

= ( )( ) ( )( )2e 1 1 2e 2e 2e 2 e 2e ( 2)x x x x x xx x x− − − − − −− + − − = − − + = −


2

dd

yx

= 0 gives: 2e ( 2)x x− − = 0

from which, 2e 0x− = (which is indeterminate) or (x – 2) = 0 from which, x = 2



2

dd

yx

= 2e ( 2)x x− − = 1.92e (1.9 2)− − , which is

negative


2

dd

yx

= 2e ( 2)x x− − = 2.12e (2.1 2)− − , which is

positive


When x = 2, 22 e 2(2)exy x − −= = = 0.541

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates ( )2,0.541

6. The displacement s of a particle is given by: s = 3 23 9 10t t− + . Determine the maximum,

minimum and point of inflexion of s.

(i) Given s = 3 23 9 10t t− + , dd

st

= 29 18t t− and 2

2

dd

st

= 18t – 18


2

dd

st

= 0 gives: 18t – 18 = 0 from which, 18t =18 and t = 1

Hence, if there is a point of inflexion, it occurs at t = 1

© 2014, John Bird

953


2

dd

st

= 18t – 18 = 18(0.9) – 18, which is negative


2

dd

st

= 18t – 18 = 18(1.1) – 18, which is positive


When x = 1, s = 3 23(1) 9(1) 10− + = 4

i.e. a point of inflexion occurs at the coordinates (1, 4)

From above, dd

st

= 29 18 0t t− = for a turning point

i.e. 9 ( 2) 0t t − = from which, 9t = 0 or (t – 2) = 0

i.e. t = 0 or t = 2

Since s = 3 23 9 10t t− + , then when t = 0, s = 10

and when t = 2, s = 3 23(2) 9(2) 10− + = –2

Hence, there are turning points at (0, 10) and at (2, –2)

Since 2

2

dd

st

= 18t – 18, when x = 0, 2

2

dd

st

= 18(0) – 18 which is negative – hence a maximum point

and when x = 2,

2

2

dd

st

= 18(2) – 18 which is positive – hence a minimum point

Thus, (0, 10) is a maximum point and (2, –2) is a minimum point

© 2014, John Bird

954


1. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve: y = 2x2 at the point (1, 2)

(a) y = 22x Gradient, m = d 4d

y xx=

At the point (1, 2), x = 1, hence, m = 4(1) = 4

Equation of tangent is: 1 1( )y y m x x− = −

i.e. y – 2 = 4(x – 1)

i.e. y – 2 = 4x – 4

and y = 4x – 2

(b) Equation of normal is: 1 11 ( )y y x xm

− = − −

i.e. 12 ( 1)4

y x− = − −

i.e. 4(y – 2) = – x + 1

i.e. 4y – 8 = – x + 1

and 4y + x = 9

2. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve: y = 3x2 – 2x at the point (2, 8)

(a) y = 23 2x x− Gradient, m = d 6 2d

y xx= −

At the point (2, 8), x = 2, hence, m = 6(2) – 2 = 10


i.e. y – 8 = 10(x – 2)

i.e. y – 8 = 10x – 20

and y = 10x – 12

© 2014, John Bird

955


− = − −

i.e. 18 ( 2)10

y x− = − −

i.e. 10(y – 8) = – x + 2

i.e. 10y – 80 = – x + 2

and 10y + x = 82

3. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

y = 3

2x at the point (–1, – 1

2)

(a) y = 3

2x Gradient, m = 2d 3

d 2y xx=

At the point (–1, – 12

), x = –1, hence, m = 23 3( 1)2 2− =


i.e. y – – 12

= 32

(x – –1)

i.e. y + 12

= 32

(x + 1)

i.e. 2y + 1 = 3(x + 1)

i.e. 2y + 1 = 3x + 3

i.e. 2y = 3x + 2

or y = 32

x + 1


− = − −

i.e. y – – 12

= 132

− (x – –1)

i.e. y + 12

= 23

− (x + 1)

© 2014, John Bird

956

i.e. 6y + 3 = – 4(x + 1)

i.e. 6y + 3 = – 4x – 4

and 6y + 4x + 7 = 0

4. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve: y = 1 + x – x2 at the point (–2, –5)

(a) y = 21 x x+ − Gradient, m = d 1 2d

y xx= −

At the point (–2, –5), x = –2, hence, m = 1 – 2(–2) = 5


i.e. y – (–5) = 5(x – –2)

i.e. y + 5 = 5x + 10

and y = 5x + 5


− = − −

i.e. 15 ( 2)5

y x− − = − − −

i.e. 5(y + 5) = –x – 2

i.e. 5y + 25 = –x – 2

and 5y + x + 27 = 0

5. Find (a) the equation of the tangent, and (b) the equation of the normal, for the curve:

θ = 1t

at the point (3, 13

)

(a) 11 tt

θ −= = Gradient, m = 22

d 1d

tt tθ

−= − = −

At the point 13,3

, t = 3, hence, m = 2

1 13 9

− = −

Equation of tangent is: 1 1( )m t tθ θ− = −

© 2014, John Bird

957

i.e. 1 1 ( 3)3 9

tθ − = − −

i.e. 9θ – 3 = –t + 3

and 9θ + t = 6

(b) Equation of normal is: 1 11 ( )t tm

θ θ− = − −

i.e. 1 1 ( 3)139

tθ − = − − −

i.e. 1 9( 3)3

tθ − = −

i.e. 1 9 273

tθ − = −

and 29 263

tθ = − or 3θ = 27t – 80

© 2014, John Bird

958


1. Determine the change in y if x changes from 2.50 to 2.51 when (a) y = 2x – x2 (b) y = 5x

(a) y = 2x – x2 and dd

yx

= 2 – 2x

Approximate change in y, δy ≈ dd

yx

.δx ≈ (2 – 2x)δx

When x = 2.50 and δx = 2.51 – 2.50 = 0.01, δy ≈ [2 – 2(2.50)](0.01) ≈ –0.03

(b) y = 15 5xx

−=

and dd

yx

= 22

55xx

−− = −

Approximate change in y, δy ≈ dd

yx

.δx ≈ 2

5x

−

δx

When x = 2.50 and δx = 2.51 – 2.50 = 0.01, δy ≈ 2

52.50

−

(0.01) ≈ –0.008

2. The pressure p and volume v of a mass of gas are related by the equation pv = 50. If the pressure increases from 25.0 to 25.4, determine the approximate change in the volume of the gas. Find also the percentage change in the volume of the gas.

pv = 50 i.e. v = 150 50 pp

−= and 22

d 5050d

v pp p

−= − = −

Approximate change in volume, 2 2

d 50 50(25.4 25.0) (0.4)d 25.0

vv pp p

δ δ ≈ ⋅ = − − = − =

–0.032

Percentage change in volume = 0.032 3.2 3.2100%50 50 225.0p

− − −× = = = –1.6%

3. Determine the approximate increase in (a) the volume and (b) the surface area of a cube of side x cm if x increases from 20.0 cm to 20.05 cm.

(a) Volume of cube, V = 3x and 2d 3dV xx=

© 2014, John Bird

959

Approximate change in volume, δV ≈ ddVx

.δx ≈ ( 23x )δx

When x = 20.0 and δx = 20.05 – 20.0 = 0.05, δV ≈ [ 23(20.0) ](0.05) ≈ 60 3cm

(b) Surface area of cube, S = 6 2x and d 12d

S xx=

Approximate change in surface area, δS ≈ dd

Sx

.δx ≈ (12x)δx

When x = 20.0 and δx = 20.05 – 20.0 = 0.05, δS ≈ [12(20.0)](0.05) ≈ 12 2cm 4. The radius of a sphere decreases from 6.0 cm to 5.96 cm. Determine the approximate change in (a) the surface area and (b) the volume.

(a) Surface area of sphere, A = 24 rπ and d 8d

A rr

π=

Approximate change in surface area, ( )d 8 (6.0 5.96) 8 (6.0)( 0.04)d

AA r rr

δ δ π π≈ ⋅ = − = −

= –6.03 2cm

(b) Volume of sphere, V = 343

rπ and 2d 4dV rr

π=

Approximate change in volume, ( )2 2d 4 ( 0.04) 4 (6.0) ( 0.04)dVV r rr

δ δ π π≈ ⋅ = − = − = –18.10 3cm

5. The rate of flow of a liquid through a tube is given by Poiseuilles’s equation as: Q = 4

8p r

Lπη

where Q is the rate of flow, p is the pressure difference between the ends of the tube, r is the

radius of the tube, L is the length of the tube and η is the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid. η

is obtained by measuring Q, p, r and L. If Q can be measured accurate to ±0.5%, p accurate to

±3%, r accurate to ±2% and L accurate to ±1%, calculate the maximum possible percentage error

in the value of η.

4

8p rQ

Lπη

= from which, 4

8p r

LQπη =

© 2014, John Bird

960

4 4

2

d ( 0.005 ) ( 0.005)d 8 8

p r p rQ QQ LQ LQη π πδη δ

≈ ⋅ = − ± = ±

4 4d ( 0.03 ) ( 0.03)d 8 8

r p rp pp LQ LQη π πδη δ

≈ ⋅ = ± = ±

3 4d 4 ( 0.02 ) ( 0.08)d 8 8

p r p rr rr LQ LQη π πδη δ

≈ ⋅ = ± = ±

4 4

2

d ( 0.01 ) ( 0.01)d 8 8

p r p rL LL L Q LQη π πδη δ

−≈ ⋅ = ± = ±

Maximum possible percentage error ≈ 0.5% + 3% + 8% + 1% = 12.5%

Documents

CHAPTER 54 SOME APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION