Q.Find dx2d2y, if y=x3+tanx.
Concept understanding — Successive Differentiation
Successive Differentiation — Repeated Slopes
Differentiate a function, then differentiate the result, then differentiate that, and so on. Each pass produces a new function describing a deeper layer of change. The physics picture makes it concrete: position → velocity (1st derivative) → acceleration (2nd) → jerk (3rd). Every step asks the same question: "how does the previous rate of change itself change?"
The definition and notation
If y=f(x), its successive derivatives are written y1,y2,…,yn, equivalently f′(x),f′′(x),…,f(n)(x) or dxdy,dx2d2y,…,dxndny. Each one is the derivative of the previous:
dxndny=dxd(dxn−1dn−1y).
| Order | Leibniz | Lagrange | Newton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | dxdy | f′(x) | y˙ |
| 2nd | dx2d2y | f′′(x) | y¨ |
| nth | dxndny | f(n)(x) | — |
Seeing the pattern
Take y=x4: y1=4x3,y2=12x2,y3=24x,y4=24,y5=0. Each differentiation drops the degree by one, so a degree-n polynomial has a constant nth derivative and vanishing higher ones. Other families behave differently: eax never dies out (dxndneax=aneax), and sinx cycles every four steps (sin→cos→−sin→−cos).
Power rule applied n times: dxndn(xm)=m(m−1)⋯(m−n+1)xm−n for n≤m.
dx2d2y is not (dxdy)2 — a second derivative is not the square of the first derivative.
Why it matters
Higher derivatives power the second-derivative test for maxima and minima, Taylor and Maclaurin expansions, Leibniz's theorem for the nth derivative of a product, and differential equations such as F=ma (a second derivative of position).
Successive (higher-order) differentiation is its own named section in the NCERT Class 12 Continuity and Differentiability chapter, and finding a general nth-derivative pattern for polynomials, exponentials or sine is a recurring CBSE board and JEE Main question type. Students searching 'successive differentiation class 12 examples' or 'nth derivative formula' will recognize this repeated-differentiation notation (y₁, y₂, ..., yₙ) as the standard exam convention.
Concept: Second Derivative (Existence) — we differentiate twice in succession.
First derivative:
dxdy=3x2+sec2x
Second derivative (differentiate term by term):
dx2d2y=6x+dxd(sec2x)
Recall dxd(sec2x)=2secx⋅secxtanx=2sec2xtanx.
Thus:
dx2d2y=6x+2sec2xtanx
The second derivative is 6x+2sec2xtanx.
Since y is a simple sum of a polynomial and a trigonometric function, we differentiate term-by-term twice. The second derivative is dx2d2y=6x+2sec2xtanx.
The question asks for dx2d2y, the second derivative of y with respect to x. When a function is given explicitly as y=f(x), the second derivative is just the derivative of the first derivative. There’s no chain rule complication here — each term is standard.
Why this works:
The second derivative measures the rate of change of the slope. For y=x3+tanx, both x3 and tanx are differentiable everywhere (except at points where tanx blows up, but the formula itself is valid wherever the function is defined). We just differentiate twice, carefully handling the derivative of tanx.
- First derivative Differentiate term by term:
dxdy=dxd(x3)+dxd(tanx)
We know dxd(x3)=3x2 and dxd(tanx)=sec2x.
So
dxdy=3x2+sec2x.
- Second derivative Now differentiate dxdy:
dx2d2y=dxd(3x2)+dxd(sec2x).
The first part is easy: dxd(3x2)=6x.
For dxd(sec2x), recall that sec2x=(secx)2. Use the chain rule:
dxd(sec2x)=2secx⋅dxd(secx)=2secx⋅(secxtanx)=2sec2xtanx.
(If you prefer, you can also remember the direct formula: dxd(sec2x)=2sec2xtanx.)
- Combine
dx2d2y=6x+2sec2xtanx.
A common mistake is to forget the chain rule on sec2x and write its derivative as 2secx or 2secxtanx (missing one factor of secx). Always treat sec2x as (secx)2 and differentiate the outer square first.
If you ever forget the derivative of tanx, derive it: tanx=cosxsinx, then use quotient rule to get sec2x. Similarly, dxd(secx)=secxtanx comes from secx=cosx1.
The second derivative is 6x+2sec2xtanx.
Method: Computing a Second Derivative by Differentiating Twice
This method applies whenever a function y=f(x) is given explicitly and you need dx2d2y.
Steps
Step 1: Find the first derivative dxdy
Differentiate y term by term using the standard rules (power rule, standard trig derivatives, etc.), producing a new function of x.
Step 2: Differentiate the first derivative again, term by term
dx2d2y=dxd(dxdy).
Treat dxdy as an ordinary function and differentiate it exactly as you would any function — watch for any term that is itself a composite function (like sec2x=(secx)2), which needs the chain rule.
Step 3: Combine and simplify
Add the individually differentiated terms together. If a term required the chain rule, double-check the extra factor from the inner function was actually included, not just the outer-function derivative.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Dropping the chain-rule factor when differentiating sec2x
Why it's wrong: sec2x=(secx)2 is a composite function, so its derivative is 2secx⋅dxd(secx)=2secx⋅secxtanx=2sec2xtanx — students often stop after the outer power rule and write just 2secx or 2secxtanx, missing one factor of secx. Correct approach: always treat sec2x as "outer square of secx" and multiply by the derivative of secx (namely secxtanx).
Mistake 2: Confusing (dxdy)2 with dx2d2y
Why it's wrong: the second derivative is the derivative of the derivative, not the square of the first derivative — these are conceptually and numerically completely different quantities. Correct approach: always compute dx2d2y by differentiating dxdy as a fresh function, never by squaring it.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] The second derivative of sin3xcos5x is:
(A) 2sin2x+32sin8x (B) 2sin2x+16sin8x (C) 2sin2x−16sin8x (D) 2sin2x−32sin8x›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to rewrite the product sin3xcos5x as a sum using a product-to-sum identity, then differentiate twice. The second derivative simplifies to 2sin2x−32sin8x, which matches option (D).
We start with the function f(x)=sin3xcos5x. Differentiating a product of trig functions directly would involve the product rule twice, which is messy. Instead, we use a trigonometric identity to turn the product into a sum — this makes differentiation straightforward.
Concept & Intuition:
The product-to-sum identity for sine and cosine is:
sinAcosB=21[sin(A+B)+sin(A−B)].
This converts a product into a sum of two sine functions, each of which is easy to differentiate. After that, we just take the second derivative term by term.
Step-by-step solution:
- Rewrite the product as a sum. Let A=3x and B=5x. Then:
sin3xcos5x=21[sin(3x+5x)+sin(3x−5x)]=21[sin8x+sin(−2x)].
Since sin(−θ)=−sinθ, we have:
sin3xcos5x=21(sin8x−sin2x).
- Find the first derivative. Differentiate term by term:
f′(x)=21(8cos8x−2cos2x)=4cos8x−cos2x.
- Find the second derivative. Differentiate f′(x):
f′′(x)=4⋅(−8sin8x)−(−2sin2x)=−32sin8x+2sin2x.
Rearranging:
f′′(x)=2sin2x−32sin8x.
- Match with the options. This expression is exactly option (D).
Watch outA common mistake is forgetting the chain rule when differentiating sin8x and sin2x, or mishandling the sign from sin(−2x). Always check that the derivative of sin(kx) is kcos(kx), and that sin(−θ)=−sinθ is applied correctly.
TipUsing product-to-sum identities early saves time and reduces errors — especially when the second derivative is required. For products like sin(ax)cos(bx), this is almost always the cleanest path.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.If logy=log(sinx)−x2, then dx2d2y+4xdxdy+4x2y= (A) −2y (B) −3y (C) 3y (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to first solve for y explicitly, then compute its first and second derivatives, and substitute into the given expression. The result simplifies to −3y, so the correct option is (B).
We start with
logy=log(sinx)−x2.
Exponentiating both sides (using base e) gives
y=elog(sinx)−x2=elog(sinx)⋅e−x2=sinx⋅e−x2.
So y=e−x2sinx. This is a product of an exponential decay and a sine wave — a classic damped oscillation.
Now we need dx2d2y+4xdxdy+4x2y.
- First derivative Using the product rule:
dxdy=e−x2cosx+sinx⋅(−2xe−x2)=e−x2(cosx−2xsinx).
- Second derivative Differentiate dxdy again, again using product rule on e−x2 times (cosx−2xsinx):
dx2d2y=e−x2⋅dxd(cosx−2xsinx)+(cosx−2xsinx)⋅(−2xe−x2).
Compute the derivative inside:
dxd(cosx)=−sinx,
dxd(−2xsinx)=−2sinx−2xcosx.
So together:
dxd(cosx−2xsinx)=−sinx−2sinx−2xcosx=−3sinx−2xcosx.
Thus
dx2d2y=e−x2(−3sinx−2xcosx)−2xe−x2(cosx−2xsinx).
Factor e−x2:
dx2d2y=e−x2[−3sinx−2xcosx−2xcosx+4x2sinx].
Simplify:
dx2d2y=e−x2(−3sinx−4xcosx+4x2sinx).
- Now form the expression We have:
dx2d2y+4xdxdy+4x2y.
Substitute each term:
- dx2d2y=e−x2(−3sinx−4xcosx+4x2sinx)
- 4xdxdy=4x⋅e−x2(cosx−2xsinx)=e−x2(4xcosx−8x2sinx)
- 4x2y=4x2⋅e−x2sinx=e−x2(4x2sinx)
Add them:
e−x2[(−3sinx−4xcosx+4x2sinx)+(4xcosx−8x2sinx)+(4x2sinx)].
-
Simplify inside the brackets
- sinx terms: −3sinx+4x2sinx−8x2sinx+4x2sinx=−3sinx+(4−8+4)x2sinx=−3sinx+0.
- cosx terms: −4xcosx+4xcosx=0.
So the whole expression becomes:
e−x2(−3sinx)=−3⋅e−x2sinx=−3y.
Thus the expression simplifies to −3y.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the chain rule when differentiating e−x2 or to mishandle the product rule for the second derivative. Keeping the factor e−x2 throughout avoids sign errors.
TipNotice how the 4xcosx and 4x2sinx terms cancel beautifully — this is a designed cancellation, typical in such problems. Always look for patterns that simplify.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.If y=(sin−1x)2+(cos−1x)2, then (1−x2)dx2d2y−xdxdy= (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 0 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiating twice gives the identity (1−x2)y′′−xy′=4.
Let y=(sin−1x)2+(cos−1x)2. Then
y′=1−x22sin−1x−1−x22cos−1x=1−x22(sin−1x−cos−1x).
Multiply through by 1−x2:
1−x2y′=2(sin−1x−cos−1x).
Differentiate both sides. The left side gives −1−x2xy′+1−x2y′′; the right side gives 2(1−x21+1−x21)=1−x24. So
−1−x2xy′+1−x2y′′=1−x24.
Multiplying by 1−x2:
(1−x2)y′′−xy′=4.
✓Final answer(1−x2)dx2d2y−xdxdy=4, which is option (D).
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.If y=x+ex then dy2d2x= (A) ex (B) (1+ex)2−ex (C) (1+ex)3−ex (D) (1+ex)3−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
We need the second derivative of x with respect to y, given y=x+ex. The key is to invert the relationship using implicit differentiation: dydx=dy/dx1, then differentiate again with respect to y. The final result is (1+ex)3−ex, which corresponds to option (C).
Concept & Intuition
When a function is given as y in terms of x, but we need derivatives of x with respect to y, we can’t just “flip” the derivative naively. Instead, we use the fact that
dydx=dxdy1
provided dxdy=0. For the second derivative, we differentiate dydx with respect to y, which requires the chain rule because dydx is expressed in terms of x, and x itself depends on y. This avoids solving for x explicitly (which is impossible here anyway).
Step-by-step solution
- Find dxdy Given y=x+ex, differentiate with respect to x:
dxdy=1+ex
- Find dydx Using the reciprocal relation:
dydx=dxdy1=1+ex1
- Set up for dy2d2x The second derivative is the derivative of dydx with respect to y:
dy2d2x=dyd(1+ex1)
Since the expression is in terms of x, we use the chain rule:
dyd=dxd⋅dydx
- Differentiate with respect to x Let u=1+ex. Then u1 differentiates to −u21⋅dxdu:
dxd(1+ex1)=−(1+ex)2ex
- Multiply by dydx From step 2, dydx=1+ex1. So:
dy2d2x=(−(1+ex)2ex)⋅(1+ex1)=−(1+ex)3ex
Watch outA common mistake is to think dy2d2x=dx2d2y1. That is false — second derivatives do not invert like first derivatives do. Always use the chain-rule method shown above.
TipYou can remember the pattern:
dy2d2x=−(dxdy)3dx2d2y
Here dx2d2y=ex and dxdy=1+ex, giving the same result instantly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If y=loge(e2x2), then dx2d2y is equal to
(A) −x22 (B) −x1 (C) −x21 (D) x22›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify the logarithmic expression using logarithm rules before differentiating; the second derivative is −x22, so the correct option is (A).
Concept & Intuition
When a function involves a logarithm of a quotient or power, it’s almost always easier to expand it using properties of logs before differentiating. Here, y=log(e2x2) can be rewritten as log(x2)−log(e2)=2logx−2. That turns a messy quotient into a simple difference, making differentiation straightforward. The first derivative will be a simple rational function, and the second derivative follows directly.
Step-by-step solution
- Simplify the expression Use the logarithm rules:
y=log(e2x2)=log(x2)−log(e2)=2logx−2.
(Recall log(e2)=2.) This is much cleaner.
- First derivative Differentiate term by term:
dxdy=2⋅x1−0=x2.
- Second derivative Differentiate x2 (which is 2x−1):
dx2d2y=2⋅(−1)x−2=−x22.
- Match with options The result −x22 corresponds exactly to option (A).
TipA common mistake is to differentiate the original form without simplifying, leading to unnecessary chain-rule complications. Always expand logs first — it’s faster and less error-prone.
Watch outDon’t forget that log(e2)=2 is a constant, so its derivative is zero. Some students mistakenly treat it as a variable term.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- KCET 2022Set C-41 markMCQQ.If θ+xy=e the ordered pair (dxdy,dx2d2y) at x=0 is equal to (A) (e−1,e2−1) (B) (e1,e2−1) (C) (e−1,e21) (D) (e1,e21)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate the implicit relation ey+xy=e twice, then substitute the point x=0,y=1 found from the curve itself.
(Note: the first term of the printed stem is a corrupted glyph; the relation is the standard implicit curve ey+xy=e, which is the only reading consistent with the four printed options.)
Step 1 — Find y at x=0.
Put x=0 in ey+xy=e:
ey=e⟹y=1.
So the point of interest is (0,1).
Step 2 — First derivative (implicit differentiation).
Differentiate both sides w.r.t. x, using the chain rule on ey and the product rule on xy:
eydxdy+(y+xdxdy)=0.
At (0,1): e1y′+1+0=0, so
y′(0)=−e1
Step 3 — Second derivative.
Differentiate the equation of Step 2 again w.r.t. x:
ey(dxdy)2+eydx2d2y+dxdy+dxdy+xdx2d2y=0.
(The first two terms come from differentiating eyy′ as a product; the last two from differentiating y+xy′.)
Substitute x=0, y=1, y′=−e1:
e⋅e21+ey′′+2(−e1)=0
e1+ey′′−e2=0⟹ey′′=e1⟹y′′(0)=e21.
Step 4 — Assemble the ordered pair.
(dxdy, dx2d2y)x=0=(−e1, e21).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — (e−1,e21).
ANSWER: C
- KCET 2021Set A-11 markMCQQ.If y=(x−1)2(x−2)3(x−3)5 then dxdy at x=4 is equal to (A) 108 (B) 54 (C) 36 (D) 516
›Reveal solutionSolution
Take logs to turn the triple product into a sum, differentiate term by term, then evaluate at x=4.
Step 1 — Why logarithmic differentiation.
y is a product of three powers. Using the product rule directly on three factors is messy and error-prone. Taking log converts products into sums and powers into multipliers, which is far cleaner:
logy=2log(x−1)+3log(x−2)+5log(x−3).
Step 2 — Differentiate implicitly.
Using dxdlog(u)=uu′ on both sides:
y1⋅dxdy=x−12+x−23+x−35
⟹dxdy=y[x−12+x−23+x−35].
Step 3 — Evaluate y at x=4.
y(4)=(4−1)2(4−2)3(4−3)5=32⋅23⋅15=9⋅8⋅1=72.
Step 4 — Evaluate the bracket at x=4.
4−12+4−23+4−35=32+23+5.
Common denominator 6:
=64+69+630=643.
Step 5 — Multiply.
dxdyx=4=72×643=12×43=516.
(Note x=4 is safely away from x=1,2,3, so no denominator blows up and the method is valid.)
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 516.
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.If y=e2x, then dx2d2ydy2d2x= (A) e2x2 (B) 1 (C) −2e−2x (D) −2/y
›Reveal solutionSolution
[!TLDR]
Computing both second derivatives and multiplying gives −2/y=−2e−2x, i.e. option (C).
Concept
For a function and its inverse you differentiate each in its own variable; a second derivative with respect to the other variable is found from x=x(y) (CBSE/NCERT Class 12 Continuity and Differentiability).
Solution
With y=e2x:
dxdy=2e2x,dx2d2y=4e2x=4y.
Inverting, x=21lny, so
dydx=2y1,dy2d2x=−2y21.
Multiplying the two second derivatives:
dx2d2y⋅dy2d2x=4y⋅(−2y21)=−y2=−2e−2x.
Note that −2/y and −2e−2x are the same value since y=e2x; the fully evaluated closed form is −2e−2x.
[!ANSWER]
(C) −2e−2x (equivalently −2/y)
NoteThis solution was worked out by our team and independently cross-checked by a second solve. The official answer key on record for this question could not be confirmed, so please cross-verify with the official paper where possible.
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