Q.Find dxdy in the following: (5x)3cos2x
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 (with logarithmic differentiation, since the variable appears in both the base and the exponent).
Let y=(5x)3cos2x. Take the natural logarithm of both sides:
logy=3cos2x⋅log(5x)
Differentiate both sides with respect to x (using the product rule on the right):
y1dxdy=3[(−sin2x⋅2)log(5x)+cos2x⋅x1]
Simplify the bracket:
y1dxdy=3(−2sin2xlog(5x)+xcos2x)
Multiply through by y=(5x)3cos2x:
dxdy=(5x)3cos2x⋅3(xcos2x−2sin2xlog(5x))
The derivative is 3(5x)3cos2x(xcos2x−2sin2xlog(5x)).
We use logarithmic differentiation to handle a variable exponent. Taking the natural log of both sides, differentiating implicitly, and solving for dxdy gives dxdy=(5x)3cos2x[x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x)].
When you see a function where both the base and the exponent contain the variable — like (5x)3cos2x — the standard differentiation rules (power rule, exponential rule) don't apply directly. The power rule assumes a constant exponent; the exponential rule assumes a constant base. Here, both are moving.
The trick is to use logarithmic differentiation. By taking the natural log, we turn the exponent into a product, which we can then differentiate using the product rule and chain rule. This is the cleanest, most reliable method for this type of problem.
Let’s work through it.
- Set up the equation. Let y=(5x)3cos2x. Take the natural logarithm of both sides:
logy=log((5x)3cos2x)
Using the power property of logs, log(ab)=bloga, we get:
logy=3cos2x⋅log(5x)
- Differentiate both sides with respect to x. On the left, dxd[logy]=y1⋅dxdy (chain rule). On the right, we have a product: 3cos2x times log(5x). Use the product rule:
dxd[3cos2x⋅log(5x)]=(dxd[3cos2x])⋅log(5x)+3cos2x⋅(dxd[log(5x)])
-
Compute the derivatives in the product.
- For dxd[3cos2x]: The derivative of cos2x is −sin2x⋅2=−2sin2x, so multiplied by 3 gives −6sin2x.
- For dxd[log(5x)]: log(5x)=log5+logx, so its derivative is x1. (Or directly: derivative of log(5x) is 5x1⋅5=x1.)
So the right-hand side becomes:
(−6sin2x)⋅log(5x)+3cos2x⋅x1
- Put it together. We have:
y1dxdy=x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x)
- Solve for dxdy. Multiply both sides by y:
dxdy=y(x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x))
Now substitute back y=(5x)3cos2x:
dxdy=(5x)3cos2x(x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x))
A common mistake is to forget that log(5x) differentiates to x1, not 5x1. The factor of 5 cancels because of the chain rule. Always simplify: dxd[log(ax)]=x1 for any constant a>0.
If you ever see a function of the form [f(x)]g(x), logarithmic differentiation is your go-to. It converts the exponent into a multiplier, making the product rule straightforward.
The derivative is dxdy=(5x)3cos2x(x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x)).
Method: Logarithmic Differentiation for y=[f(x)]g(x)
When BOTH the base and the exponent of a power contain x, neither the power rule (needs constant exponent) nor the exponential rule (needs constant base) applies directly. Logarithmic differentiation converts the exponent into a product, which can then be handled with the ordinary rules.
Steps
Step 1: Take the natural log of both sides
logy=g(x)⋅logf(x)
using the power property of logs, log(ab)=bloga.
Step 2: Differentiate both sides with respect to x
On the left, dxdlogy=y1dxdy (chain rule, since y is a function of x). On the right, apply the product rule (since it's now g(x) times logf(x)), with the chain rule on logf(x) itself.
Step 3: Solve for dxdy by multiplying both sides by y
Step 4: Substitute the original expression for y back in
Applying to this problem: for y=(5x)3cos2x, logy=3cos2x⋅log(5x); differentiating the right side needs the product rule (with the chain rule bringing down a factor of 2 from cos2x's argument, and log(5x) differentiating to x1), giving dxdy=(5x)3cos2x(x3cos2x−6sin2xlog(5x)).
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Trying to apply the power rule directly since the exponent "looks constant-ish".
Why it's wrong: 3cos2x genuinely depends on x — the power rule's requirement of a fixed exponent is not met, and applying it anyway gives a completely wrong derivative shape. Correct approach: always check whether the exponent contains x before choosing a differentiation method.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the chain-rule factor of 2 when differentiating cos2x inside the product-rule expansion.
Why it's wrong: dxd(3cos2x)=−6sin2x, not −3sin2x — the inner 2x contributes its own factor of 2. Correct approach: differentiate cos2x as its own mini chain-rule step before multiplying by the constant 3.
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- 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
dxd(xx+xa+ax+aa)=xx(1+logx)+axa−1+axloga+0
Watch outA common mistake is to treat xx as x⋅xx−1 (like a power rule) or as xxlogx (like an exponential rule). Neither works — xx has the variable in both base and exponent, so logarithmic differentiation is necessary.
TipNotice that aa is a red herring — it's constant, so it contributes nothing. Many students waste time trying to differentiate it.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
- KCET 2020Set A-11 markMCQQ.If (xe)y=ex, then dxdy is (A) (1+logx)2logx (B) (1+logx)21 (C) (1+logx)logx (D) x(y−1)ex
›Reveal solutionSolution
Logarithmic differentiation: take log of both sides to free y from the exponent, solve for y explicitly, then differentiate.
Step 1 — Take natural logarithms (why: y sits in an exponent, and log brings it down).
(xe)y=ex⟹ylog(xe)=xloge=x.
Step 2 — Simplify log(xe).
log(xe)=logx+loge=logx+1.
So
y(1+logx)=x⟹y=1+logxx.
Step 3 — Differentiate with the quotient rule.
With u=x,v=1+logx, we have u′=1 and v′=x1:
dxdy=v2vu′−uv′=(1+logx)2(1+logx)(1)−x⋅x1.
Step 4 — Simplify.
dxdy=(1+logx)21+logx−1=(1+logx)2logx.
Check at x=1: then y=1/(1+0)=1 and the formula gives dxdy=0. Implicitly, y(1+logx)=x differentiates to y′(1+logx)+y/x=1; at x=1,y=1: y′(1)+1=1⇒y′=0. ✓ Consistent.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — (1+logx)2logx.
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.If y=sinx+y, then dy/dx = (A) 2y−1cosx (B) 1−2ycosx (C) cosx2y−1 (D) cosx1−2y
›Reveal solutionSolution
dxdy=2y−1cosx.
Given y=sinx+y, square both sides: y2=sinx+y.
Differentiate implicitly w.r.t. x:
2ydxdy=cosx+dxdy⟹(2y−1)dxdy=cosx.
Hence dxdy=2y−1cosx.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 2y−1cosx
- 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
dydx=cos2(a+y)cosa⟹dxdy=cosacos2(a+y)
Evaluating at x=0,y=0:
dxdy=cosacos2a=cosa
✓Final answerdxdyx=0=cosa — option (C).
- 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:
dxdy(0,1)=2(1)−1cos0=2−11=11=1
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that y is a function of x when differentiating the y inside the square root. If you differentiate sinx+y directly, you must apply the chain rule to the y term as well — but the implicit method above avoids that pitfall cleanly.
TipThe step of squaring both sides is safe here because the original equation defines y as the positive square root, so y≥0. At the point (0,1), this holds, and the squared equation is equivalent locally.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- 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.
Substitute x=1, y=21:
dxdy=1+12(1)−21=223=43.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — 43
- 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
eθsinθ=eθcosθ⇒sinθ=cosθ
We do not need the actual value of θ — only this relation. Substituting it into Step 3:
dxdy=cosθ+sinθcosθ−sinθ=2cosθ0=0
(The denominator cosθ+sinθ=2cosθ=0, since cosθ=0 would force sinθ=0 too, impossible.)
Step 5 — Interpret
dxdy=0 means the tangent to the curve at (1,1) is horizontal.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 0.
ANSWER: D
- 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)):
2x⋅y2+x2⋅2ydxdy=0.
Factor 2:
2xy2+2x2ydxdy=0.
Divide through by 2xy (valid since x=0,y=0 from x2y2=1):
1y+xdxdy=0⇒xdxdy=−y.
Thus:
dxdy=−xy.
4. Match with options
This matches option (B).
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the minus sign or to confuse dy/dx with dx/dy. Always check: if x2y2=1, then y=±1/x, so dy/dx=∓1/x2=−y/x indeed.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- 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):
dv/dx = (2 sin x cos x) / sqrt(1 - sin^4 x)
At x = 0: sin 0 = 0, so dv/dx | 0 = 0.
Therefore y'(0) = du/dx + dv/dx = 1 + 0 = 1.
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
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — x+y=1
ANSWER: A
- 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:
-(1 + a)/(-a) = 2 => (1 + a)/a = 2 => 1 + a = 2a => a = 1
then b = -1 - 1 = -2
Check: curve xy + x - 2y = 0 through (1,1): 1 + 1 - 2 = 0. Slope = -(1+1)/(1-2) = -2/-1 = 2. Correct.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — a=1,b=−2
ANSWER: B
- KCET 2020Set A-11 markMCQQ.If the curves 2x=y2 and 2xy=K intersect perpendicularly, then the value of K2 is (A) 4 (B) 22 (C) 2 (D) 8
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiate each curve implicitly to get its slope at the common point, impose m1m2=−1, and solve for the intersection — then read off K.
Step 1 — Slope of the parabola 2x=y2.
Differentiate implicitly w.r.t. x:
2=2ydxdy⟹m1=dxdy=y1.
Step 2 — Slope of the hyperbola 2xy=K.
Differentiate implicitly (product rule):
2(y+xdxdy)=0⟹m2=dxdy=−xy.
Step 3 — Impose orthogonality (why: two curves cut at right angles ⟺ the product of their tangent slopes at the common point is −1).
m1m2=−1⟹(y1)(−xy)=−1⟹−x1=−1⟹x=1.
Step 4 — Find y at that point, from the parabola.
y2=2x=2⟹y=±2.
Step 5 — Get K and then K2.
The point (1,±2) must also lie on 2xy=K:
K=2(1)(±2)=±22⟹K2=(22)2=4×2=8.
The question asks for K2 precisely because K itself is sign-ambiguous, while K2=8 is unique.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D) — 8.
ANSWER: D
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.The curve y−exy+x=0 has a vertical tangent at the point (A) (e, 0) (B) (1, 1) (C) (1, 0) (D) (0, 1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Vertical tangent occurs where xexy=1; the point (1,0) satisfies both the curve and this condition.
Curve: y−exy+x=0. Differentiate implicitly:
dxdy−exy(y+xdxdy)+1=0.
Collect terms:
dxdy(1−xexy)=yexy−1⇒dxdy=1−xexyyexy−1.
A vertical tangent requires the denominator =0: xexy=1 (with numerator =0).
Test (1,0): on curve? 0−e0+1=0−1+1=0 ✓. Condition: 1⋅e0=1 ✓, and numerator =0−1=−1=0. Vertical tangent confirmed.
(Point (0,1) is also on the curve but gives xexy=0, a horizontal tangent; (e,0) and (1,1) are not on the curve.)
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — (1, 0)
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