Q.Find dxdy in the following: x=sint,y=cos2t
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: Parametric Differentiation — when both x and y are given in terms of a third variable t, we use dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt.
First, differentiate each with respect to t:
dtdx=cost,dtdy=−2sin2t
Now apply the chain rule:
dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt=cost−2sin2t
Use the identity sin2t=2sintcost to simplify:
dxdy=cost−2(2sintcost)=−4sint
The derivative is −4sint.
For parametric equations x=sint, y=cos2t, we use dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt to get dxdy=−4sint.
Why parametric differentiation works
When x and y are both given in terms of a third variable t, we cannot directly write y as a function of x — and we don't need to. The chain rule gives us a clean way:
dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt, provided dx/dt=0.
Think of it this way: a small change in t causes a small change in both x and y. The ratio of those changes (as dt→0) is exactly the derivative we want.
Step-by-step solution
1. Differentiate x with respect to t
x=sint
dtdx=cost
2. Differentiate y with respect to t
y=cos2t
Using the chain rule: dtdy=−sin(2t)⋅2=−2sin2t
You can also use the double-angle identity sin2t=2sintcost to rewrite −2sin2t=−4sintcost. This will simplify nicely later.
3. Apply the parametric derivative formula
dxdy=dx/dtdy/dt=cost−2sin2t
4. Simplify using the identity sin2t=2sintcost
dxdy=cost−2(2sintcost)=cost−4sintcost
5. Cancel cost (provided cost=0, i.e., t=2π+nπ)
dxdy=−4sint
A common mistake is to forget the chain rule when differentiating cos2t — the derivative is −2sin2t, not −sin2t. Also, never cancel cost without noting where it is zero; those points correspond to vertical tangents where dx/dt=0.
The derivative is dxdy=−4sint.
Method: Differentiating a Parametric Curve
This method applies whenever a curve is given through a third variable (a parameter — commonly t or θ) instead of y written directly as a function of x.
Steps
Step 1: Recognise the parametric form
If you are given x=f(param) and y=g(param) instead of y=h(x), do not try to eliminate the parameter first — it is often messy or impossible. Differentiate each equation separately with respect to the parameter instead.
Step 2: Differentiate x and y with respect to the parameter
Use the ordinary rules (product rule, chain rule, standard derivatives) to find dθdx (or dtdx) and dθdy (or dtdy).
Step 3: Divide — the parametric-derivative formula
dxdy=dx/dθdy/dθ,dθdx=0.
This is justified by the chain rule: dθdy=dxdy⋅dθdx, so dividing recovers dxdy.
Step 4: Simplify with trigonometric identities where possible
Parametric answers built from sin,cos of the parameter very often simplify with a double-angle or half-angle identity (sin2θ=2sinθcosθ, 1−cosθ=2sin22θ, 1+cosθ=2cos22θ, etc.) — always look for one before leaving the answer as a raw ratio.
Applying to this problem: with x=sint, y=cos2t, the inner derivative of cos2t carries a chain-rule factor of 2 (giving −2sin2t), and the double-angle identity sin2t=2sintcost then cancels the cost in the denominator cleanly, leaving a one-variable answer in t alone.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Dropping the chain-rule factor of 2 on cos2t.
Why it's wrong: dtdcos2t=−2sin2t, not −sin2t — the inner function 2t has derivative 2, which must be multiplied in. Correct approach: always write the chain rule explicitly for a multiple angle before simplifying.
Mistake 2: Cancelling cost without excluding where it vanishes.
Why it's wrong: the simplification cost−2sin2t=−4sint is only valid for cost=0, i.e. t=2π+nπ — those points are exactly where dx/dt=0. Correct approach: state the domain restriction alongside the simplified answer.
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.
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