Q.If xm⋅yn=(x+y)m+n, prove that
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🔒 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. …
Concept: Implicit Differentiation (logarithmic + implicit differentiation of a homogeneous relation).
Step 1 – Take the natural logarithm of both sides
log(xmyn)=log((x+y)m+n)
mlogx+nlogy=(m+n)log(x+y)
Step 2 – Differentiate implicitly with respect to x
xm+yn⋅dxdy=x+ym+n(1+dxdy)
Step 3 – Solve for dxdy
Multiply through by xy(x+y) and collect terms:
my(x+y)+nx(x+y)dxdy=(m+n)xy(1+dxdy)
After simplifying, the terms cancel to give: …
The given equation xmyn=(x+y)m+n is a homogeneous relation. Taking logs, differentiating implicitly, and simplifying yields dxdy=xy; differentiating again gives dx2d2y=0.
We start with the equation:
xmyn=(x+y)m+n
where m and n are constants. The exponents on both sides sum to the same total (m+n), which hints at homogeneity: if we scale x and y by a factor t, both sides scale by tm+n. This symmetry often leads to a simple relationship between y and x — in fact, it suggests y is proportional to x. Let’s verify that systematically.
- Take natural logarithms on both sides to bring down the exponents:
log(xmyn)=log((x+y)m+n)
Using logarithm properties:
mlogx+nlogy=(m+n)log(x+y)
This is now an implicit relation between x and y, easier to differentiate.
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x. Remember y is a function of x, so dxd(logy)=y1⋅dxdy.
m⋅x1+n⋅y1⋅dxdy=(m+n)⋅x+y1⋅(1+dxdy)
This is the key equation we’ll solve for dxdy.
- Multiply through by xy(x+y) to clear denominators (a clean algebraic move):
my(x+y)+nx(x+y)dxdy=(m+n)xy(1+dxdy)
Expand carefully:
my(x+y)+nx(x+y)dxdy=(m+n)xy+(m+n)xydxdy
- Collect terms with dxdy on one side and constants on the other:
nx(x+y)dxdy−(m+n)xydxdy=(m+n)xy−my(x+y)
Factor dxdy on the left:
dxdy[nx(x+y)−(m+n)xy]=(m+n)xy−my(x+y)
-
Simplify the coefficients. Factor x from the left bracket and y from the right:
Left: x[n(x+y)−(m+n)y]=x[nx+ny−my−ny]=x(nx−my)
Right: y[(m+n)x−m(x+y)]=y[mx+nx−mx−my]=y(nx−my)
So we have:
dxdy⋅x(nx−my)=y(nx−my)
- Assuming nx−my=0 (the non-degenerate case), we cancel this common factor: …
Method: Implicit + Logarithmic Differentiation for a Product/Power Relation
Use this method when x and y are tangled together inside products and powers (e.g. xmyn=(x+y)m+n) — taking logs first turns awkward products and exponents into a sum that's far easier to differentiate implicitly.
Steps
Step 1: Take the natural logarithm of both sides
Use log(AB)=logA+logB and log(Ak)=klogA to convert every product and exponent into a sum:
log(xmyn)=log((x+y)m+n)⟹mlogx+nlogy=(m+n)log(x+y)
Step 2: Differentiate implicitly with respect to x
Remember y is a function of x, so dxd(logy)=y1dxdy (chain rule) — this extra dxdy factor appears on every y-term, including inside log(x+y).
Step 3: Clear denominators and collect dxdy terms …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting the chain-rule factor dxdy on logy
Why it's wrong: Differentiating nlogy with respect to x gives yn⋅dxdy, not just yn — treating y as if it were an independent variable like x is the classic implicit-differentiation slip. Correct approach: every time y appears inside a differentiated expression, multiply by dxdy.
Mistake 2: Missing the chain-rule factor on log(x+y)
Why it's wrong: Since x+y contains y, differentiating (m+n)log(x+y) must produce (m+n)⋅x+y1⋅(1+dxdy) — dropping the (1+dxdy) factor is an easy oversight because x+y looks like a single variable. Correct approach: differentiate the inside of the log too, remembering it depends on both x and y.
Mistake 3: Algebra errors collecting the dxdy terms …
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- KCET 2026Set UNKNOWN1 markMCQQ.If y=tanx+y, then dxdy= (A) 2y−1secx (B) 2y−1sec2x (C) 2y−1tanx (D) 2y−1sin2x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Square both sides to remove the square root, then differentiate implicitly with respect to x.
Step 1 — Remove the square root
y=tanx+y⟹y2=tanx+y
Step 2 — Differentiate implicitly
2ydxdy=sec2x+dxdy
Step 3 — Solve for dxdy …
- KCET 2026Set UNKNOWN1 markMCQQ.If x3y=(x+y)n and xdxdy−y=0, then n= (A) 1 (B) 56 (C) 65 (D) 94
›Reveal solutionSolution
Take logarithms to turn the product/power relation into a linear one, differentiate implicitly, then substitute the given condition xdxdy−y=0.
Step 1 — Take logarithms
x3y=(x+y)n⟹21lnx+31lny=nln(x+y)
Step 2 — Differentiate implicitly
2x1+3y1dxdy=x+yn(1+dxdy)
Step 3 — Substitute the given condition
Given xdxdy=y, i.e. dxdy=xy: …
- CA Foundation 2026Set may-20261 markMCQQ.If xy=yx, then dxdy= ______. (A) x(ylogx−x)y(xlogy−y) (B) x(ylogx−x)y(xlogy+y) (C) x(ylogx+x)y(xlogy−y) (D) y(ylogx−x)x(xlogy−y)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Log-differentiate xy=yx: from ylogx=xlogy you get dxdy=x(ylogx−x)y(xlogy−y).
Step 1 — Take logarithms of both sides
xy=yx ⇒ ylogx=xlogy
Step 2 — Differentiate implicitly with respect to x
Apply the product rule to each side:
y′logx+xy=logy+x⋅yy′
Step 3 — Collect the y′ terms
y′logx−yxy′=logy−xy
y′(logx−yx)=logy−xy
Step 4 — Solve for y′ and tidy the fractions
y′=logx−yxlogy−xy=yylogx−xxxlogy−y=x(ylogx−x)y(xlogy−y) …
- CA Foundation 2025Set sep-20251 markMCQQ.Find dxdy for x2y2+y=0. (A) dxdy=2y2x2+12y2x (B) dxdy=2yx2+1−2y2x (C) dxdy=2y2x2−2y2x+1 (D) dxdy=2y2x22y2x−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation of x2y2+y=0 gives dxdy=2x2y+1−2xy2.
Step 1 — Differentiate term by term (y depends on x)
For x2y2 use the product rule:
dxd(x2y2)=2xy2+x2⋅2ydxdy=2xy2+2x2ydxdy
and dxd(y)=dxdy.
Step 2 — Assemble the differentiated equation
2xy2+2x2ydxdy+dxdy=0
Step 3 — Collect and solve for dy/dx
dxdy(2x2y+1)=−2xy2
dxdy=2x2y+1−2xy2
Why the other options are wrong: (A) drops the minus sign; (C) and (D) wrongly move the "+1" into the numerator, which happens only if you fail to factor dxdy correctly. …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If x2+y2=t+t1 and x4+y4=t2+t21 then dxdy=
(A) 2yx (B) −xy (C) −2yx (D) xy›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to notice that the given equations imply a simple relation between x and y: x2+y2=t+1/t and x4+y4=t2+1/t2 force x2y2=1. Differentiating implicitly gives dy/dx=−y/x, so the answer is (B).
We start with two parametric-looking equations in x,y,t:
x2+y2=t+t1,x4+y4=t2+t21.
The goal is to find dxdy without needing t explicitly — we want a direct relation between x and y.
1. Spot the algebraic structure
Notice that t2+1/t2 is the square of t+1/t minus 2:
(t+t1)2=t2+2+t21⇒t2+t21=(t+t1)2−2.
So the second equation becomes:
x4+y4=(x2+y2)2−2.
2. Expand and simplify
Expand (x2+y2)2:
(x2+y2)2=x4+2x2y2+y4.
Thus:
x4+y4=x4+2x2y2+y4−2.
Cancel x4+y4 from both sides, leaving:
0=2x2y2−2⇒x2y2=1.
TipThis is the hidden gem: the parameter t cancels completely, leaving a simple hyperbola-like relation x2y2=1, i.e. xy=±1.
3. Differentiate implicitly
From x2y2=1, differentiate both sides with respect to x:
dxd(x2y2)=dxd(1)=0.
Use the product rule (or treat as (x2)(y2)): …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If y=sinx+y then find dxdy at x=0,y=1
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) −1›Reveal solutionSolution
The equation defines y implicitly; we differentiate both sides, substitute x=0,y=1, and solve for dxdy to get 0.
We are given y=sinx+y. This is not an explicit function y(x) in the usual sense because y appears on both sides. The key is to treat it as an implicit relation between x and y. We differentiate both sides with respect to x, remembering that y is a function of x, and then plug in the given point (x=0,y=1) to find the slope.
- Rewrite the equation to avoid the square root for easier differentiation. Square both sides:
y2=sinx+y
This is valid because y=⋯ implies y≥0, and at (0,1) it's fine.
- Differentiate implicitly with respect to x:
dxd(y2)=dxd(sinx)+dxd(y)
Using the chain rule on y2 gives 2ydxdy, and dxd(sinx)=cosx, and dxd(y)=dxdy.
So:
2ydxdy=cosx+dxdy
- Solve for dxdy algebraically. Bring terms involving dxdy to one side:
2ydxdy−dxdy=cosx
Factor out dxdy:
dxdy(2y−1)=cosx
Hence:
dxdy=2y−1cosx
- Substitute the given values x=0, y=1: …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If siny=x(cos(a+y)), then find dxdy when x=0
(A) 1 (B) sec a (C) cos a (D) −1›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate implicitly (easiest via x=siny/cos(a+y)); at x=0,y=0 the derivative reduces to cosa (option C).
Given siny=xcos(a+y). When x=0, siny=0⇒y=0.
Solve for x and differentiate with respect to y:
x=cos(a+y)siny
dydx=cos2(a+y)cosycos(a+y)−siny(−sin(a+y))=cos2(a+y)cosycos(a+y)+sinysin(a+y)
The numerator is cos((a+y)−y)=cosa, so …
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.The slope of the tangent to the curve, y=x2−xy at (1,21) is (A) 34 (B) 32 (C) 43 (D) 23
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation of y=x2−xy gives a slope of 3/4 at the point (1,21).
Differentiate y=x2−xy with respect to x (product rule on xy):
dxdy=2x−(y+xdxdy).
Collect the derivative terms:
dxdy+xdxdy=2x−y⇒dxdy(1+x)=2x−y⇒dxdy=1+x2x−y. …
- KCET 2022Set C-41 markMCQQ.If x=eθsinθ, y=eθcosθ where θ is a parameter, then dxdy at (1, 1) is equal to (A) 21 (B) −21 (C) −41 (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Use dxdy=dx/dθdy/dθ; at the point (1,1) we have sinθ=cosθ, which kills the numerator, so the derivative is 0.
Step 1 — Why parametric differentiation
Both x and y are given in terms of a third variable θ, not of each other. The chain rule then gives
dxdy=dx/dθdy/dθ(dθdx=0)
Step 2 — Differentiate each with the product rule
x=eθsinθ⇒dθdx=eθsinθ+eθcosθ=eθ(sinθ+cosθ)
y=eθcosθ⇒dθdy=eθcosθ−eθsinθ=eθ(cosθ−sinθ)
Step 3 — Form the ratio
dxdy=eθ(sinθ+cosθ)eθ(cosθ−sinθ)=cosθ+sinθcosθ−sinθ
The factor eθ (never zero) cancels — this is the whole point of taking eθ common.
Step 4 — Impose the condition of the point (1,1)
At that point x=y, so …
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.If the tangent to the curve xy+ax+by=0 at (1, 1) is inclined at an angle tan−12 with X-axis, then (A) a=1,b=2 (B) a=1,b=−2 (C) a=−1,b=2 (D) a=−1,b=−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Check: curve xy + x - 2y = 0 through (1,1): 1 + 1 - 2 = 0. Slope = -(1+1)/(1-2) = -2/-1 = 2. Correct.
Concept: Implicit differentiation + slope of tangent = tan(theta).
Curve: xy + ax + by = 0 passes through (1,1):
1*1 + a(1) + b(1) = 0 => a + b = -1 ... (i)
Differentiate implicitly:
y + x y' + a + b y' = 0
y'(x + b) = -(y + a)
y' = -(y + a)/(x + b)
At (1,1): y' = -(1 + a)/(1 + b)
The tangent is inclined at angle arctan(2), so slope = 2:
-(1 + a)/(1 + b) = 2
From (i), b = -1 - a, so 1 + b = -a. Substituting: …
- KCET 2021Set A-11 markMCQQ.For constant a, dxd(xx+xa+ax+aa) is (A) xx(1+logx)+axa−1 (B) xx(1+logx)+axa−1+axloga (C) xx(1+logx)+aa(1+logx) (D) xx(1+logx)+aa(1+loga)+axa−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate each term separately using the appropriate rule — power rule, exponential rule, and the special logarithmic differentiation for xx. The derivative is xx(1+logx)+axa−1+axloga, which matches option (B).
The key is to recognise that a is a constant, so xa and ax are standard forms, while xx requires logarithmic differentiation. The term aa is just a constant and differentiates to zero.
- Differentiate xx Write y=xx. Take logs: logy=xlogx. Differentiate both sides:
y1dxdy=logx+x⋅x1=logx+1
So dxdy=y(1+logx)=xx(1+logx).
- Differentiate xa Here a is a constant exponent. Use the power rule:
dxdxa=axa−1
- Differentiate ax Here a is a constant base. Use the exponential rule:
dxdax=axloga
-
Differentiate aa
Since a is constant, aa is a constant number. Its derivative is zero.
-
Add all the derivatives …
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.The equation of normal to the curve y=(1+x)y+sin−1(sin2x) at x=0 is (A) x+y=1 (B) x−y=1 (C) x+y=−1 (D) x−y=−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Step 3 - the normal. Slope of tangent m = 1 -> slope of normal = -1/m = -1. Normal through (0, 1): y - 1 = -1 (x - 0) y - 1 = -x x + y = 1
Concept: Equation of the normal - find the point, find dy/dx (implicit differentiation), then normal slope = -1/(dy/dx).
Curve: y = (1 + x)^y + sin^(-1)(sin^2 x)
Step 1 - the point at x = 0:
y = (1 + 0)^y + sin^(-1)(sin^2 0) = 1 + sin^(-1)(0) = 1 + 0 = 1
So the point is (0, 1).
Step 2 - differentiate.
Let u = (1 + x)^y. Then log u = y log(1 + x), and
(1/u) du/dx = y' log(1 + x) + y/(1 + x)
du/dx = (1 + x)^y [ y' log(1 + x) + y/(1 + x) ]
At x = 0, y = 1: (1+0)^1 = 1, log(1) = 0, so du/dx | 0 = 1 * [ y'(0) + 1/1 ] = 1.
(The y' log(1+x) term vanishes because log 1 = 0.)
For the second term, v = sin^(-1)(sin^2 x): …
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