Q.If 1−x2+1−y2=a(x−y), prove that dxdy=1−x21−y2.
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Implicit Differentiation
When y isn't alone
You can differentiate y=x2+3x term by term because y is written explicitly in terms of x. But an equation like x2+y2=25, or x3+y3=6xy, does not give y by itself — solving for y is messy or downright impossible.
Implicit differentiation finds dxdy without isolating y: treat y as an unknown function of x, differentiate the whole equation as it stands, then solve for dxdy.
The one key move: y is really y(x)
Wherever y appears, picture y(x) hiding inside. Differentiating a y-term therefore needs the chain rule, which tacks on a factor of dxdy:
dxd(y2)=2ydxdy.
That extra dxdy on every y-term is the whole trick.
The procedure
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as y(x).
- Each time you differentiate a y-term, multiply by dxdy (chain rule); use the product rule on mixed terms such as xy.
- Gather all dxdy terms on one side, everything else on the other.
- Factor out dxdy and divide.
Worked example
For x2+y2=25:
2x+2ydxdy=0⇒dxdy=−yx.
The answer naturally contains both x and y — that is normal here. To get the slope at a point on the curve, substitute the coordinates after differentiating; there is no need to solve for y first. …
Concept: Implicit Differentiation — differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x.
Step 1: Differentiate term by term.
For 1−x2, derivative is 21−x21⋅(−2x)=−1−x2x.
For 1−y2, derivative is −1−y2y⋅dxdy.
Right-hand side derivative: a(1−dxdy).
Step 2: So we have
−1−x2x−1−y2y⋅dxdy=a(1−dxdy).
Step 3: Collect terms with dxdy:
dxdy(a−1−y2y)=a+1−x2x. …
We use implicit differentiation on the given equation, cleverly substituting trigonometric identities to simplify the derivative, and obtain dxdy=1−x21−y2.
The problem asks us to prove a relationship between the derivatives of x and y that are linked by an equation involving square roots. The direct approach — differentiating term by term — will work, but we need to handle the square roots carefully. The key insight is that expressions like 1−x2 naturally suggest a trigonometric substitution: let x=sinθ and y=sinϕ. This turns the messy radicals into simple cosines, and the equation becomes a clean trigonometric identity. Then differentiating becomes straightforward.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Set up the trigonometric substitution Since 1−x2 and 1−y2 appear under square roots, we assume ∣x∣≤1 and ∣y∣≤1 (so the radicals are real). Let
x=sinθ,y=sinϕ
where θ,ϕ∈[−π/2,π/2] to keep the principal values. Then
1−x2=cosθ,1−y2=cosϕ
(positive because cosine is non-negative on that interval).
- Rewrite the given equation The equation becomes:
cosθ+cosϕ=a(sinθ−sinϕ)
- Use sum-to-product identities Recall:
cosθ+cosϕ=2cos2θ+ϕcos2θ−ϕ
sinθ−sinϕ=2cos2θ+ϕsin2θ−ϕ
Substituting:
2cos2θ+ϕcos2θ−ϕ=a⋅2cos2θ+ϕsin2θ−ϕ
- Simplify the equation If cos2θ+ϕ=0, we can cancel 2cos2θ+ϕ from both sides:
cos2θ−ϕ=asin2θ−ϕ
This gives:
cot2θ−ϕ=aortan2θ−ϕ=a1
So 2θ−ϕ is constant (since a is constant). Hence θ−ϕ is constant.
If cos2θ+ϕ=0, then θ+ϕ=π (mod 2π), which would make the original equation hold for any a? Check: then cosθ+cosϕ=0 and sinθ−sinϕ=0? Actually if θ+ϕ=π, then sinθ=sinϕ, so x=y, and the RHS becomes a(0)=0, LHS is 2cosθ which is not zero generally. So this case is not valid unless a is special. We ignore it for the general proof.
- Differentiate the relation θ−ϕ=constant …
Method: Implicit Differentiation of an Equation Involving Square-Root Terms
Use this method whenever y is tangled up with x inside radicals or transcendental expressions and you are asked to find or prove a formula for dxdy.
Steps
Step 1: Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as y(x)
Every term containing only x differentiates normally. Every term containing y picks up an extra factor of dxdy by the chain rule — e.g. for a radical, dxd1−y2=1−y2−y⋅dxdy.
Step 2: Collect all dxdy terms on one side
Move every term containing dxdy to one side, everything else to the other, then factor it out:
dxdy(coefficient from y-terms)=(remaining x-terms)
Step 3: Solve for dxdy
Divide by the factored coefficient. At this stage the result is usually a fraction in both x and y — this is expected, since y was never isolated to begin with.
Step 4: Simplify using the original relation …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Differentiating 1−y2 as if y were an ordinary variable
Why it's wrong: y is a function of x, so differentiating 1−y2 needs the chain rule — it must carry a factor of dxdy: dxd1−y2=−1−y2y⋅dxdy. Dropping that factor leaves an equation with no dxdy to solve for. Correct approach: treat every y-term as y(x) and attach dxdy the instant you differentiate it.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to differentiate the right side as a product
Why it's wrong: the right side is a(x−y); its derivative is a(1−dxdy), not simply a. Skipping the −adxdy piece removes one of the two places dxdy should appear, so the later "collect dxdy terms" step comes out wrong. Correct approach: differentiate the whole right side term by term before rearranging.
Mistake 3: Trying to finish without eliminating a …
Showing the 12 most recent of 50 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.If x−xy+y−xy=1, then dxdy= (A) −x−x2y−y2 (B) −1−x21−y2 (C) −1−x1−y (D) −x+yx−y
›Reveal solutionSolution
Squaring the constraint reveals that it forces x+y=1 identically, so dxdy=−1 throughout; matching this against the options singles out −x−x2y−y2, since it equals −1 for every point satisfying y=1−x.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than blindly grinding through implicit differentiation of two square roots, it pays to first understand the curve itself. Squaring x−xy+y−xy=1 carefully (using s=x+y,p=xy) collapses to a perfect square equalling zero, revealing that the relation is nothing but the straight line x+y=1. Once we know that, dxdy=−1 is immediate, and we just need to find which option reduces to −1 on this line.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Square the given equation:
x(1−y)+y(1−x)+2xy(1−x)(1−y)=1
x+y−2xy+2xy(1−x)(1−y)=1
- Let s=x+y, p=xy. Then:
2p(1−x)(1−y)=1−s+2p
Note (1−x)(1−y)=1−s+p. Squaring again:
4p(1−s+p)=(1−s+2p)2
Let q=1−s. Expanding both sides: LHS =4pq+4p2; RHS =q2+4pq+4p2. So 0=q2, i.e. q=0, i.e. s=1.
3. Hence x+y=1 is forced — the given relation is the line y=1−x (restricted to the domain where the square roots are real, 0≤x,y≤1).
4. Differentiating y=1−x directly: dxdy=−1.
5. Check which option gives −1 identically along y=1−x:
- (A): y−y2=y(1−y). Substituting y=1−x: y(1−y)=(1−x)⋅x=x−x2. So the ratio is exactly 1, and −1=−1 for every x. ✓ …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If x2+y2=t−t1 and x4+y4=t2+t21, then dxdy= (A) xy (B) x2y2 (C) xy (D) −xy
›Reveal solutionSolution
Eliminating the parameter t between the two given equations produces the direct relation x2y2=−1 between x and y, whose implicit derivative is −y/x.
Concept and Intuition
When x and y are both linked to a parameter t through two equations, differentiating each with respect to t separately (and dividing) works, but it is often faster — and here it is exact — to first eliminate t algebraically to get a direct x–y relation, then differentiate that implicitly in the ordinary way.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Square the first equation: (x2+y2)2=(t−t1)2=t2−2+t21, i.e. x4+2x2y2+y4=t2+t21−2.
- The second equation says x4+y4=t2+t21. Substitute this in: (t2+t21)+2x2y2=t2+t21−2.
- This forces 2x2y2=−2⇒x2y2=−1 — a t-free relation directly linking x and y. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-27-FN1 markMCQQ.If (a+2bcosx)(a−2bcosy)=a2−b2 where a>b>0, then at (4π,4π), dxdy= (A) a−ba+b (B) a+ba−b (C) a+2ba−2b (D) 2a−b2a+b
›Reveal solutionSolution
Expand the product, simplify by dividing by the common factor b, then implicitly differentiate and evaluate at x=y=π/4. Answer: a+ba−b.
Concept and Intuition
The given relation looks intimidating as a product, but expanding it cancels the a2 on both sides (since the RHS is a2−b2) and leaves a much simpler equation relating cosx,cosy, and cosxcosy. From there it's routine implicit differentiation; the special evaluation point x=y=π/4 is chosen because sin and cos coincide there, which cancels neatly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand: a2−a2bcosy+a2bcosx−2b2cosxcosy=a2−b2.
- Cancel a2 from both sides: 2ab(cosx−cosy)−2b2cosxcosy=−b2.
- Divide through by b (nonzero): 2a(cosx−cosy)−2bcosxcosy+b=0.
- Differentiate implicitly w.r.t. x (treat y=y(x)):
2a(−sinx+siny⋅y′)−2b(−sinxcosy−cosxsiny⋅y′)=0.
- Group y′ terms: y′(2asiny+2bcosxsiny)=2asinx−2bsinxcosy.
- So y′=siny(2a+2bcosx)sinx(2a−2bcosy).
- At x=y=4π: sinx=siny=cosx=cosy=21. Substitute: …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If Tan−1x2+Tan−1y2=2π, then (dxdy)(−1,2)= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 21 (D) −21
›Reveal solutionSolution
Reducing to y2=x−2 gives dxdy=−x3y1, which at (−1,2) equals 21.
Concept and Intuition
If Tan−1a+Tan−1b=2π with a,b>0, then Tan−1b=2π−Tan−1a=Cot−1a, so b=a1. Applying this to a=x2, b=y2 collapses the relation into an algebraic one.
Step-by-Step Solution
- From Tan−1x2+Tan−1y2=2π we get y2=x21=x−2.
- Differentiate: 2ydxdy=−2x−3.
- Hence dxdy=−x3y1. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-AN1 markMCQQ.If log(1+x2−x)=y(1+x2), then (1+x2)dxdy+xy= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) −1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation of log(1+x2−x)=y1+x2, using (1+x2−x)(1+x2+x)=1, collapses directly to the requested combination. Answer: −1.
Concept and Intuition
Writing s=1+x2 turns the relation into log(s−x)=ys, a compact form whose derivative — after using the identity s2−x2=1 — telescopes into exactly the expression (1+x2)y′+xy asked for.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let s=1+x2; then s′=sx and s2−x2=1⇒(s−x)(s+x)=1⇒s−x1=s+x.
- Given: log(s−x)=ys. Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x: s−xs′−1=y′s+ys′ …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-FN1 markMCQQ.If sinxcosy−cosysinx=0, then dxdy= (A) tanx (B) 1 (C) −1 (D) −cotx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given relation simplifies to sinx=cosy; implicit differentiation of this simpler relation gives dxdy=−1.
Concept and Intuition
Many implicit-differentiation problems hide a much simpler relation inside a more complicated-looking equation. Recognizing that both sides share a common factor of sinxcosy lets us cancel down to something we can differentiate directly, instead of differentiating the square-root expression term by term.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start with sinxcosy−cosysinx=0, i.e. sinxcosy=cosysinx.
- Divide both sides by sinxcosy (both taken positive for the relevant domain):
sinxsinx=cosycosy⇒sinx=cosy.
- Squaring, sinx=cosy.
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x: cosx=−sinydxdy. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If xycos4α+yxsin4α=2sin2α⋅cos2α, then dxdy= (A) sin3αcosα (B) sin2αcos2α (C) cos2αsin2α (D) sinαcos3α
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given relation is secretly a perfect square in disguise; it forces y=xtan2α, so dy/dx=tan2α.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than differentiating implicitly right away, it pays to recognise the algebraic structure first. Multiplying by xy converts the equation into a quadratic in x and y that factors as a perfect square, revealing y/x is actually a constant (independent of x), which makes the derivative trivial.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start from xycos4α+yxsin4α=2sin2αcos2α.
- Multiply both sides by xy: y2cos4α+x2sin4α=2xysin2αcos2α.
- Rearrange: y2cos4α−2xysin2αcos2α+x2sin4α=0.
- This is (ycos2α−xsin2α)2=0, so ycos2α=xsin2α, i.e. y=xtan2α. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-FN1 markMCQQ.If 3sinxy+4cosxy=5, then dxdy is equal to ____ (A) 3cosxy−4sinxy3sinxy+4cosxy (B) 4cosxy−3sinxy3cosxy+4sinxy (C) x−y (D) yx
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since 3sinθ+4cosθ has maximum value exactly 5 (as 32+42=5), equating it to 5 forces xy to be a fixed constant, so implicit differentiation of xy=c gives dy/dx=−y/x.
Concept and Intuition
asinθ+bcosθ always has amplitude a2+b2 — here 9+16=5. So the equation 3sin(xy)+4cos(xy)=5 isn't a "generic" implicit curve; it can only be satisfied when the expression sits exactly at its maximum, which happens at one specific angle. That pins xy to a single constant value, turning a trigonometric-looking implicit relation into the much simpler xy=const.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Note 32+42=25=52, so 3sinθ+4cosθ has maximum value 5, attained only when θ equals the specific angle ϕ=tan−1(3/4) (mod 2π).
- The given equation demands 3sin(xy)+4cos(xy)=5, i.e. the maximum — so xy=ϕ is fixed, a constant independent of which point on the curve we pick. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-10-05-FN1 markMCQQ.If yyy⋅⋅⋅∞=log{x+log{x+⋯}}, then dxdy at x=e2−2, y=2 equals _____ (A) 22(e2−1)log2 (B) 22(e2−1)1−log2 (C) e2−12(1−log2) (D) 2(e2−1)log2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Both sides define the same implicit quantity u via a self-referential equation; differentiate each side's defining equation implicitly and combine using the chain rule. The answer is (B).
Concept and Intuition
The infinite power tower yyy⋯=u satisfies the self-consistency equation u=yu (the tower "regenerates" itself). Likewise the infinite nested logarithm log{x+log{x+⋯}}=u satisfies u=log(x+u). Since the problem states these two quantities are equal (both equal to the same u), u is implicitly a common function linking x and y; differentiating each defining relation gives du/dy and du/dx, and the chain rule combines them into dy/dx.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Verify u=2 at the given point. Nested log: u=log(x+u) at x=e2−2: try u=2: log(e2−2+2)=log(e2)=2 ✓. Tower: u=yu at y=2: try u=2: (2)2=2 ✓. Both consistent with u=2.
- Differentiate the tower relation u=yu w.r.t. y. Take log: logu=ulogy. Differentiate: u1dydu=dydulogy+yu ⇒(u1−logy)dydu=yu⇒dydu=y(1−ulogy)u2. At y=2, u=2: dydu=2(1−2log2)4=2(1−ln2)4=1−ln222. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.If x2+y2=t+t1 and x4+y4=t2+t21, then x3ydxdy= (A) -1 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The two given relations force x2y2=1 (i.e. xy is constant), from which x3ydy/dx=−1.
Concept and Intuition
Rather than solving for x,y in terms of t explicitly, combine the two given equations algebraically (square the first, subtract the second) to eliminate t entirely and land on a simple constant-product relation between x and y.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Square the first relation: (x2+y2)2=(t+t1)2=t2+2+t21, i.e.
x4+2x2y2+y4=t2+2+t21
- The second given relation is x4+y4=t2+t21.
- Subtract: 2x2y2=(t2+2+t21)−(t2+t21)=2, so x2y2=1.
- This means xy=±1, a constant independent of t. Differentiate xy=const implicitly: …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=logyx, then dxdy= ______ (A) xlogy1 (B) x(1+logy)logy (C) x(1+logy)1 (D) 1+logy1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewriting y=logyx as ylny=lnx and differentiating implicitly gives dxdy=x(1+logy)1.
Concept and Intuition
logyx means "logarithm of x to base y", i.e. lnylnx. So the given relation y=logyx really means y=lnylnx, or equivalently ylny=lnx — a cleaner form to differentiate implicitly, since it avoids a quotient with y in both places.
Step-by-Step Solution
- y=logyx=lnylnx⇒ylny=lnx.
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x:
dxd(ylny)=dxd(lnx)
- LHS (product rule): dxdylny+y⋅y1dxdy=dxdy(lny+1).
- RHS: x1.
- So dxdy(lny+1)=x1⇒dxdy=x(1+lny)1=x(1+logy)1. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=x+x+x+⋯∞, then dxdy= (A) y1 (B) x1 (C) 2x−11 (D) 2y−11
›Reveal solutionSolution
The infinite nested radical satisfies y2=x+y (self-similarity), which is then differentiated implicitly.
Concept and Intuition
An infinitely repeating nested expression under a radical satisfies a self-referential equation: the whole expression y equals the same structure with x+y under the first radical (since removing the outermost layer just reproduces y again).
Step-by-Step Solution
- y=x+x+x+⋯=x+y (the inner infinite tail is again y).
- Square both sides: y2=x+y.
- Differentiate implicitly with respect to x: 2ydxdy=1+dxdy.
- Collect: dxdy(2y−1)=1⇒dxdy=2y−11. …
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