Q.Find dxdy in the following: 2x+3y=sinx
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.
The classic mistake is dropping the dxdy factor — writing dxd(y2)=2y treats y as if it were x. If a term contains y and you are differentiating with respect to x, the chain rule always applies.
Implicit differentiation is not a new rule; it is the chain rule used systematically whenever y is tangled up with x.
Implicit differentiation is a named subtopic of the NCERT Class 12 Continuity and Differentiability chapter and shows up regularly in CBSE board 'find dy/dx' questions involving equations like x² + y² = 25 that can't easily be solved for y. Students searching 'implicit differentiation class 12 examples' or preparing this technique for JEE Main will recognize this as simply the chain rule applied systematically to every y-term.
Concept: Implicit Differentiation — differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x, then solve for dxdy.
Differentiate term by term:
dxd(2x)+dxd(3y)=dxd(sinx)
This gives:
2+3dxdy=cosx
Isolate dxdy:
3dxdy=cosx−2
dxdy=3cosx−2
The derivative is dxdy=3cosx−2.
We treat y as a function of x and differentiate both sides term-by-term. Using implicit differentiation, the derivative is dxdy=3cosx−2.
This is a straightforward implicit differentiation problem. The equation 2x+3y=sinx already has y mixed with x, but we can still differentiate both sides with respect to x — the key is to remember that y is a function of x, so when we differentiate 3y, we use the chain rule.
Let’s walk through it.
-
Differentiate every term on both sides with respect to x.
- The derivative of 2x is 2.
- The derivative of 3y is 3⋅dxdy (because y depends on x, we multiply by dxdy).
- The derivative of sinx is cosx.
So we get:
2+3dxdy=cosx
- Isolate dxdy. Subtract 2 from both sides:
3dxdy=cosx−2
- Divide by 3:
dxdy=3cosx−2
That’s it. No extra manipulation needed because the equation is linear in y.
A common mistake is to forget the chain rule on 3y and write 3 instead of 3dxdy. Always ask: “Is y a function of x?” If yes, differentiate y as dxdy.
In this case, you could also solve for y explicitly: y=3sinx−2x, then differentiate directly. You’ll get the same result. Implicit differentiation is just a shortcut that avoids solving for y first — here it’s barely faster, but the method is essential for equations where y can’t be isolated.
The derivative is dxdy=3cosx−2.
Method: Implicit Differentiation for an Equation Linear in y
Use this method whenever y appears in an equation only to the first power — never squared, never inside a trig/exponential function, and never multiplied by x. This is the simplest case of implicit differentiation.
Steps
Step 1: Differentiate every term on both sides of the equation with respect to x
Treat y as an unknown function of x, not as an independent variable — this matters even though y appears "by itself" here.
Step 2: Apply the chain rule to the y-term
Because y=y(x), differentiating a term like ky (a constant times y) gives k⋅dxdy, not just k. This single extra factor is the whole difference between implicit and explicit differentiation.
Step 3: Differentiate every x-only term using ordinary rules
Terms containing only x (no y) differentiate exactly as in single-variable calculus — no extra chain-rule factor is needed for these.
Step 4 (Applying to this problem): Isolate dxdy algebraically
Since y appears only linearly, dxdy shows up in exactly one term after differentiating. Move every other term to the opposite side of the equation, then divide by the constant coefficient in front of dxdy to solve for it directly.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Differentiating 3y as 3 instead of 3dxdy
Why it's wrong: because y looks like a "plain variable," it's tempting to differentiate it the same way as a constant times x — but y is secretly a function of x, so the chain rule adds the factor dxdy that must not be dropped. Correct approach: whenever a term contains y, always ask "am I differentiating with respect to x or y?" — since the answer is x, every y picks up a dxdy.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to isolate dxdy by dividing by its full coefficient
Why it's wrong: after differentiating, the equation reads 2+3dxdy=cosx; leaving the answer as 3dxdy=cosx−2 without the final division by 3 is an incomplete answer, not a wrong method — but it costs marks since the question asks for dxdy itself. Correct approach: always finish by dividing through by the coefficient so dxdy stands alone.
Showing the 12 most recent of 27 on this concept.
- CBSE 2026Set 65/2/11 markMCQQ.If e−x+e−y=2, then dxdy is (A) ex−y (B) ey−x (C) −ex−y (D) −ey−x
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find dxdy for an implicitly defined function, we differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x, treating y as a function of x and applying the chain rule. The result is −ey−x.
When an equation relates x and y but does not explicitly express y as a function of x (like y=f(x)), we use a technique called implicit differentiation to find dxdy. The core idea is that even though y isn't isolated, it is still a function of x.
This means that when we differentiate a term involving y with respect to x, we must apply the chain rule. For example, if we differentiate g(y) with respect to x, we get dxd[g(y)]=g′(y)⋅dxdy. This dxdy term is crucial and often the source of errors if overlooked.
Let's apply this to the given equation.
- Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x. The given equation is e−x+e−y=2. We apply the derivative operator dxd to every term:
dxd(e−x)+dxd(e−y)=dxd(2)
-
Evaluate each derivative.
-
For the first term, dxd(e−x):
Using the chain rule, if u=−x, then dxdu=−1.
So, dxd(e−x)=e−x⋅dxd(−x)=e−x⋅(−1)=−e−x.
-
For the second term, dxd(e−y):
This is where implicit differentiation comes in. We treat y as a function of x.
Using the chain rule, if v=−y, then dxdv=dxd(−y)=−1⋅dxdy.
So, dxd(e−y)=e−y⋅dxd(−y)=e−y⋅(−dxdy)=−e−ydxdy.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the dxdy term when differentiating expressions involving y with respect to x. Remember, y is a function of x.
-
For the right-hand side, dxd(2):
The derivative of a constant is always 0.
-
-
Substitute the derivatives back into the equation.
Combining the results from Step 2, we get:
−e−x−e−ydxdy=0
- Isolate dxdy. We want to solve for dxdy. First, move the −e−x term to the right side:
−e−ydxdy=e−x
Now, divide both sides by $-e^{-y}$:dxdy=−e−ye−x
- Simplify the expression. Using the exponent rule an1=a−n (or a−n=an1), we can rewrite e−y in the denominator as ey in the numerator:
dxdy=−e−xey
Finally, using the exponent rule $a^m a^n = a^{m+n}$:dxdy=−ey−x
This matches option (D).
✓Final answerThe derivative dxdy is −ey−x.
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.If y=sinx+sinx+sinx+… then dxdy=(a) 2y−11(b) 2y−1cosx(c) 2y−1sinx(d) cosx2y−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
dxdy=2y−1cosx.
The infinite nested radical satisfies y=sinx+y, so
y2=sinx+y.
Differentiate both sides implicitly with respect to x:
2ydxdy=cosx+dxdy.
Collect dxdy:
(2y−1)dxdy=cosx⇒dxdy=2y−1cosx.
✓Final answer(b) 2y−1cosx.
- CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQQ.If xn+yn=an then dxdy=(a) −yn−1xn−1(b) yn−1xn−1(c) −xn−1yn−1(d) nxn−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
dxdy=−yn−1xn−1.
Differentiate xn+yn=an implicitly (a constant):
nxn−1+nyn−1dxdy=0.
Solve:
dxdy=−nyn−1nxn−1=−yn−1xn−1.
✓Final answer(a) −yn−1xn−1.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.If 2x+3y=siny, then dxdy is equal to(a) siny−23(b) cosy−32(c) 2cosy+3(d) cosy2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x, then solve for dy/dx.
2x+3y=siny
Differentiating: 2+3dxdy=cosydxdy
2=dxdy(cosy−3)
dxdy=cosy−32
✓Final answerThe correct option is (b) cosy−32.
- CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Find dxdy for the following : 2x+3y=siny
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate both sides of 2x+3y=siny with respect to x (using the chain rule for the y-terms), then collect dxdy on one side.
Given: 2x+3y=siny
Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x:
dxd(2x)+dxd(3y)=dxd(siny)
2+3dxdy=cosy⋅dxdy
Collect all dxdy terms on one side:
3dxdy−cosydxdy=−2
dxdy(3−cosy)=−2
dxdy=3−cosy−2=cosy−32
✓Final answerdxdy=cosy−32=3−cosy−2
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.If x2+y2=2, then dxdy is equal to -(a) 2y1−2x(b) 1−2x2y(c) −yx(d) −xy
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate x2+y2=2 implicitly with respect to x, treating y as a function of x.
dxd(x2+y2)=dxd(2)
2x+2ydxdy=0
dxdy=−yx
✓Final answerThe correct option is (c) −yx.
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Find dxdy, if ax+by2=cosy. OR Find the integral ∫xlogxdx.
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate both sides with respect to x, treating y as a function of x.
Start from ax+by2=cosy and differentiate w.r.t. x:
dxd(ax)+dxd(by2)=dxd(cosy)
a+2bydxdy=−sinydxdy.
Gather the dxdy terms:
2bydxdy+sinydxdy=−a
dxdy(2by+siny)=−a.
Hence
dxdy=2by+siny−a.
✓Final answerdxdy=2by+siny−a
Alternative (Or):
Substitute t=logx so dt=xdx.
For I=∫xlogxdx, let t=logx, so dt=x1dx. Then
I=∫tdt=2t2+C=2(logx)2+C.
✓Final answer∫xlogxdx=2(logx)2+C
- CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.The value of dy/dx at (4, 1) of y³ − √x = 5 is ......................(a) 5/4(b) 1/12(c) 1/24(d) 1/3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate the implicit relation y3−x=5 term by term with respect to x, then substitute the point (4,1).
Given: y3−x=5
Step 1 — differentiate implicitly w.r.t. x:
3y2dxdy−2x1=0
Step 2 — solve for dy/dx:
dxdy=2x⋅3y21=6y2x1
Step 3 — substitute x=4,y=1: 4=2, y2=1
dxdy=6(1)(2)1=121
✓Final answerdxdy(4,1)=121 (Option b).
- CBSE 2024Set D1 markMCQQ.If y=sinx+sinx+sinx+… to ∞ then dxdy=(a) 2y−1sinx(b) y−1cosx(c) 2y−1cosx(d) 2y−11
›Reveal solutionSolution
dxdy=2y−1cosx.
The infinite nested radical satisfies y=sinx+y because the expression inside the outer root repeats. Square both sides:
y2=sinx+y.
Differentiate implicitly with respect to x:
2ydxdy=cosx+dxdy.
Collect the dxdy terms:
dxdy(2y−1)=cosx⇒dxdy=2y−1cosx.
✓Final answer(C) 2y−1cosx.
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markMCQQ.If 2x+8y=sinx, then dxdy is:(a) 8sinx−2(b) 8cosx−2(c) 2cosx+2(d) 3cosx+2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate both sides of 2x+8y=sinx implicitly with respect to x and isolate dxdy.
2x+8y=sinx
Differentiating both sides w.r.t. x:
2+8dxdy=cosx
8dxdy=cosx−2
dxdy=8cosx−2
✓Final answer(b) 8cosx−2
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.Find dxdy for the following : 2x+3y=siny
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate both sides with respect to x (implicit differentiation) and solve for dxdy.
Given 2x+3y=siny. Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x:
dxd(2x)+dxd(3y)=dxd(siny)
2+3dxdy=cosydxdy.
Collect the dxdy terms:
2=cosydxdy−3dxdy=(cosy−3)dxdy.
Therefore
dxdy=cosy−32.
✓Final answerdxdy=cosy−32
- CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markQ.If y=ex+y2, then find dxdy.
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is an implicit relation; differentiate both sides with respect to x and collect the dxdy terms.
Given y=ex+y2.
Differentiate both sides with respect to x:
dxdy=ex+2ydxdy
Collect the dxdy terms on one side:
dxdy−2ydxdy=ex
dxdy(1−2y)=ex
dxdy=1−2yex
✓Final answerdxdy=1−2yex.
🎓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.