Q.Find dxdy in the following: xy=e(x−y)
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Implicit Differentiation
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. …
Idea: y is tangled inside the exponential, so differentiate both sides with respect to x treating y=y(x), then solve for dxdy.
Left side (product rule): dxd(xy)=y+xdxdy.
Right side (chain rule): dxdex−y=ex−y(1−dxdy).
Set them equal:
y+xdxdy=ex−y(1−dxdy).
Collect the dxdy terms: …
Differentiating xy=ex−y implicitly gives dxdy=x+ex−yex−y−y, which simplifies (using ex−y=xy) to x(1+y)y(x−1).
The equation xy=e(x−y) does not give y explicitly in terms of x — it is buried inside an exponential and also multiplied by x. So we use implicit differentiation: treat y as a function y(x), differentiate both sides with respect to x, and every time a y-term is differentiated, multiply by dxdy (chain rule). Then collect the dxdy terms and solve.
Differentiate the left side
xy is a product of x and y(x), so by the product rule:
dxd(xy)=xdxdy+y.
Differentiate the right side
The exponent is (x−y), whose derivative is 1−dxdy, so by the chain rule:
dxde(x−y)=e(x−y)(1−dxdy).
Set equal and solve
xdxdy+y=e(x−y)−e(x−y)dxdy.
Move all dxdy terms to one side: …
Method: Implicit Differentiation With a Simplification Trick Using the Original Equation
Some implicit-differentiation problems let you simplify the final derivative by substituting the original equation itself back into the answer — always check whether this is possible before calling the answer final.
Steps
Step 1: Differentiate both sides as they stand, term by term
Use the product rule for any xy-type term and the chain rule for any exponential/composite term. Every y you differentiate picks up a factor of dxdy.
Step 2: Watch the sign inside a composite exponent
If the exponent itself is x−y (or similar), its derivative is 1−dxdy — the minus sign belongs to the y-term, not the whole expression. Getting this backwards flips the sign of your final answer.
Step 3: Collect dxdy terms and solve
Move every dxdy-carrying term to one side, factor, divide — the standard implicit-differentiation finish. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Getting the sign wrong on the exponent's derivative
Why it's wrong: the exponent is x−y, so its derivative with respect to x is 1−dxdy — writing 1+dxdy (adding instead of subtracting the y-derivative) is a very common slip, since it's easy to instinctively add the chain-rule term rather than subtract it. Correct approach: differentiate the exponent as its own mini-expression first (x−y→1−dxdy) before plugging it into e(x−y)⋅(that derivative).
Mistake 2: Forgetting the product rule on the left side …
Showing the 12 most recent of 50 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If xxyy=ee, then (dx2d2y)(e,e)= (A) e1(dxdy)(e,e) (B) (dxdy)(e,e)+e1 (C) (dxdy)(e,e)−e1 (D) e(dxdy)(e,e)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Logarithmic differentiation of xxyy=ee twice, evaluated at (e,e), shows the second derivative equals e1 times the first derivative there.
Concept and Intuition
Expressions like xx are best handled by taking logs first (since log(xx)=xlogx is much easier to differentiate than xx directly). Implicit differentiation then relates y′ and y′′ through the resulting equation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Take log: xlogx+ylogy=log(ee)=e (a constant).
- Differentiate w.r.t. x: (logx+1)+(logy+1)y′=0.
- Solve: y′=−logy+1logx+1. At (e,e): loge=1, so y′=−22=−1.
- Differentiate the relation (logx+1)+(logy+1)y′=0 again w.r.t. x: x1+y(y′)2+(logy+1)y′′=0. …
- 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-2021-08-19-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 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 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 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If tan(e3x)=cot(e2y), then at x=0, dxdy= (A) 2−π3 (B) 32−π (C) π−23 (D) 3π−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewrite cot as a shifted tan to turn the equation into an algebraic (exponential) relation between x and y, then implicitly differentiate and evaluate at x=0. Answer: 2−π3.
Concept and Intuition
tanθ1=tanθ2 implies θ1=θ2+nπ for integer n; taking n=0 (the principal relation intended here) converts the trig equation into a clean equation between the exponential expressions, which we can differentiate implicitly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Use the identity cotθ=tan(2π−θ) with θ=e2y: cot(e2y)=tan(2π−e2y).
- Given tan(e3x)=cot(e2y)=tan(2π−e2y), equate arguments (principal branch): e3x=2π−e2y.
- Rearrange: e3x+e2y=2π.
- Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x: 3e3x+2e2ydxdy=0.
- Solve: dxdy=−2e2y3e3x.
- At x=0: e3x=e0=1. From step 3, 1+e2y=2π⇒e2y=2π−1=2π−2. …
- 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 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=(tanx)sinx, then dxdy= (A) (tanx)sinx{secx+(cosx)(log(tanx))} (B) (sinx)tanx{secx+(cosx)(log(tanx))} (C) (tanx)sinx{secx−(cosx)(log(tanx))} (D) (sinx)tanx{secx−(cosx)(log(tanx))}
›Reveal solutionSolution
Logarithmic differentiation of y=(tanx)sinx gives y′=(tanx)sinx{secx+cosxlog(tanx)}.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever both the base and the exponent are functions of x (here base tanx, exponent sinx), take natural log of both sides first — this converts the power into a product, which is easy to differentiate using the product rule.
Step-by-Step Solution
- y=(tanx)sinx. Take log: logy=sinx⋅log(tanx).
- Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x using the product rule on the right: y1dxdy=cosx⋅log(tanx)+sinx⋅tanx1⋅sec2x.
- Simplify the second term: sinx⋅tanxsec2x=sinx⋅cos2x1⋅sinxcosx=cosx1=secx.
- So y1dxdy=cosxlog(tanx)+secx. …
- 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 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.m is the slope of a tangent to the curve ey=1+x2 at x=1 then m= (A) log22 (B) log2 (C) 2 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation of ey=1+x2 gives slope 2x/(1+x2), which is 1 at x=1.
Concept and Intuition
This is a straightforward implicit differentiation: differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x, then substitute the known relation back in to eliminate ey.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Differentiate ey=1+x2 with respect to x: eydxdy=2x.
- So dxdy=ey2x=1+x22x (substituting ey=1+x2 from the original equation). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.If x2y−xy2+x3−y3=0, then dxdy at the point (1,1) is (A) 1 (B) 0 (C) −1 (D) Does not exist
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation of a symmetric cubic curve, evaluated at the point (1,1).
Concept and Intuition
When a curve is given implicitly (not solved for y), differentiate every term with respect to x, treating y as a function of x and applying the product rule wherever x and y appear together. Collecting all the y′ terms on one side isolates the slope as a ratio of two expressions in x,y.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Differentiate term by term: dxd(x2y)=2xy+x2y′; dxd(xy2)=y2+2xyy′; dxd(x3)=3x2; dxd(y3)=3y2y′.
- So 2xy+x2y′−y2−2xyy′+3x2−3y2y′=0.
- Collect y′ terms: y′(x2−2xy−3y2)=−(2xy−y2+3x2), i.e. y′=x2−2xy−3y2−(2xy−y2+3x2)=x2−2xy−3y2y2−2xy−3x2. …
- 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. …
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.