Q.Find the derivative of 99x at x=100.
Concept understanding — Derivative at a Point
Derivative at a Point: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you're driving a car. Your speedometer doesn't tell you your average speed over the whole trip — it tells you your speed right now, at this exact instant. That's the core idea of a derivative at a point: it measures how fast something is changing at a single moment.
The Intuition: Instantaneous Rate of Change
Let's start with something simpler. Suppose you drop a ball from a height. The distance it has fallen after t seconds is given by s(t)=4.9t2 metres (ignoring air resistance).
If I ask you "how fast was the ball falling after exactly 2 seconds?", you can't just divide distance by time — that gives an average speed over an interval. You need the speed at t=2, not between t=1 and t=3.
Here's the trick: take a very small time interval around t=2, say from t=2 to t=2+h where h is tiny. The average speed over that interval is:
hs(2+h)−s(2)
If h=0.1, you get one number. If h=0.01, you get a slightly different number. As h gets closer and closer to 0, these average speeds approach a single value — that's the instantaneous speed at t=2.
This "shrinking interval" idea is the heart of the derivative. We're not setting h=0 (that would give 00, which is meaningless). We're letting h approach 0 and seeing what the ratio approaches.
The Precise Definition
For a function f(x), the derivative at a point x=a is defined as:
f′(a)=limh→0hf(a+h)−f(a)
provided this limit exists.
Let's break this down piece by piece:
- f(a+h)−f(a) is the change in the function's value when you move from a to a+h.
- Dividing by h gives the average rate of change over that interval.
- Taking the limit as h→0 shrinks the interval to a single point, giving the instantaneous rate of change.
f′(a)=limh→0hf(a+h)−f(a)
Geometric Interpretation
There's also a beautiful geometric meaning. The average rate of change hf(a+h)−f(a) is the slope of the secant line through the points (a,f(a)) and (a+h,f(a+h)).
As h→0, these two points get closer together, and the secant line approaches a line that just touches the curve at x=a — the tangent line. So:
The derivative at a point equals the slope of the tangent line to the curve at that point.
A Concrete Example
Let's compute the derivative of f(x)=x2 at x=3.
Using the definition:
f′(3)=limh→0h(3+h)2−32
Expand (3+h)2=9+6h+h2:
f′(3)=limh→0h9+6h+h2−9=limh→0h6h+h2
Factor h:
f′(3)=limh→0hh(6+h)=limh→0(6+h)
Since h→0, this approaches 6.
The derivative of x2 at x=3 is 6. This means:
- At x=3, the function is increasing at a rate of 6 units per unit change in x.
- The tangent line to y=x2 at (3,9) has slope 6.
Notation
You'll see several notations for "the derivative of f at x=a":
- f′(a) — Lagrange notation (most common)
- dxdfx=a — Leibniz notation
- f˙(a) — Newton notation (used mainly in physics for time derivatives)
All mean the same thing.
What If the Limit Doesn't Exist?
Not every function has a derivative at every point. The derivative fails to exist when:
- The function has a sharp corner (like ∣x∣ at x=0)
- The function has a vertical tangent
- The function is discontinuous at that point
In such cases, we say the function is not differentiable at that point.
Why This Matters
The derivative at a point is the foundation of all of differential calculus. From it, you'll build:
- The derivative as a function (the derivative at every point)
- Rules for differentiation (product rule, chain rule, etc.)
- Applications: finding maxima/minima, related rates, curve sketching
But every single one of those starts here — with the idea of zooming in on a single point and asking: "How fast is this changing, right now?"
Derivative at a Point is introduced in the NCERT Class 11 Mathematics chapter on Limits and Derivatives and revisited in Class 12's Continuity and Differentiability, matching searches like "derivative definition using limits" or "differentiation important questions class 11 class 12 maths". This first-principles definition is a favourite CBSE board and JEE Main question type, since it tests genuine understanding rather than memorised differentiation rules.
Concept: Derivative at a Point — The derivative of a linear function is constant, equal to its slope.
The function is f(x)=99x. Its derivative is f′(x)=99, the coefficient of x.
Since the derivative is constant, its value at any point is the same.
Thus, at x=100, the derivative is 99.
The derivative of 99x at x=100 is 99.
The derivative of a linear function f(x)=99x is constant — it's the slope 99 everywhere. So at x=100, the derivative is simply 99.
The key idea here is that the derivative of a function at a point measures the instantaneous rate of change — the slope of the tangent line. For a linear function like f(x)=99x, the graph is a straight line with constant slope. That means the derivative is the same number at every point: it's just the coefficient of x.
Let's walk through it formally.
- Recall the definition of the derivative at a point. For a function f(x), the derivative at x=a is defined as:
f′(a)=limh→0hf(a+h)−f(a)
This limit gives the slope of the tangent line at x=a.
- Plug in our function and the point. Here f(x)=99x and a=100. So:
f′(100)=limh→0h99(100+h)−99(100)
- Simplify the numerator. Expand: 99(100+h)=9900+99h. Subtract 99(100)=9900:
h(9900+99h)−9900=h99h
- Cancel h (since h=0 in the limit). This gives:
h99h=99
The expression simplifies to the constant 99, independent of h.
- Take the limit. As h→0, the value stays 99. So:
f′(100)=99
For any linear function f(x)=mx+c, the derivative is m everywhere. You never need the limit definition — just read the slope. Here m=99, so f′(100)=99 instantly.
A common mistake is to think the derivative depends on x because the function has x in it. But for a straight line, the slope is constant — the derivative is the same at x=100, x=0, or x=−50. Don't overcomplicate.
The derivative of 99x at x=100 is 99.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=1−3x+3x2x3, then limn→∞n2∑r=1nf(nr) (A) 21 (B) 23 (C) 1 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The limit is a Riemann sum for ∫01f(x)dx, and after simplifying f(x) via polynomial division and partial fractions, the integral evaluates to 1, so the answer is (C).
We are asked to compute
limn→∞n2∑r=1nf(nr),f(x)=1−3x+3x2x3.
1. Recognize the Riemann sum structure
The factor n1∑r=1nf(r/n) is a standard right‑endpoint Riemann sum for ∫01f(x)dx.
Here we have an extra factor of 2, so
limn→∞n2∑r=1nf(nr)=2∫01f(x)dx.
Thus the problem reduces to evaluating 2∫011−3x+3x2x3dx.
2. Simplify the integrand
The denominator 1−3x+3x2 looks like part of (1−x)3 expansion:
(1−x)3=1−3x+3x2−x3.
So
1−3x+3x2=(1−x)3+x3.
Hence
f(x)=(1−x)3+x3x3.
This symmetric form suggests a clever trick.
3. Use the substitution x↦1−x
Consider the integral I=∫01f(x)dx.
Let t=1−x, then dx=−dt and when x=0, t=1; when x=1, t=0. So
I=∫01(1−x)3+x3x3dx=∫10t3+(1−t)3(1−t)3(−dt)=∫01t3+(1−t)3(1−t)3dt.
Renaming the dummy variable back to x, we have
I=∫01x3+(1−x)3(1−x)3dx.
4. Add the two expressions for I
I+I=∫01x3+(1−x)3x3+(1−x)3dx=∫011dx=1.
Thus 2I=1, so I=21.
5. Apply the factor of 2 from the original limit
The limit is 2I=2⋅21=1.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the factor 2 outside the sum, or to mis‑identify the Riemann sum as ∫02f(x)dx instead of 2∫01f(x)dx. Always check the width Δx=1/n and the factor in front.
TipThe symmetry f(x)+f(1−x)=1 is a beautiful shortcut: it immediately gives ∫01f(x)dx=1/2 without any messy algebra.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.The derivative of 1+x21−x2 with respect to 1+x22x at x=2 is (A) 0 (B) 34 (C) 1 (D) −34
›Reveal solutionSolution
dvdu=34 at x=2.
Let u=1+x21−x2 and v=1+x22x; we need dvdu=dv/dxdu/dx.
Differentiate u (quotient rule):
dxdu=(1+x2)2(−2x)(1+x2)−(1−x2)(2x)=(1+x2)2−2x−2x3−2x+2x3=(1+x2)2−4x.
Differentiate v:
dxdv=(1+x2)22(1+x2)−2x(2x)=(1+x2)22−2x2=(1+x2)22(1−x2).
Divide:
dvdu=2(1−x2)−4x=1−x2−2x.
At x=2:
dvdu=1−4−2(2)=−3−4=34.
✓Final answerdvdux=2=34 — option (B).
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=cx+dax+b, then dydx= (A) (ax+b)2ad−bc (B) (a−cy)2ad−bc (C) (cx+d)2ad+bc (D) (a+cy)2ad+bc
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to differentiate the given rational function with respect to y by first finding dxdy and then using the reciprocal relation dydx=1/dxdy. The final answer is (a−cy)2ad−bc, which corresponds to option (B).
We have y=cx+dax+b. This is a rational function where x is the independent variable and y is expressed in terms of x. The question asks for dydx, which is the derivative of x with respect to y. A direct approach would be to solve for x in terms of y and then differentiate, but that can be messy. Instead, we use a cleaner method: find dxdy first, then take its reciprocal.
The logic is simple: if y is a function of x, then dydx=dy/dx1, provided dxdy=0. This works because the derivative of the inverse function is the reciprocal of the derivative of the original function. So we compute dxdy using the quotient rule, then flip it.
- Differentiate y with respect to x Using the quotient rule: if y=vu, then dxdy=v2u′v−uv′. Here u=ax+b and v=cx+d, so u′=a and v′=c. Therefore:
dxdy=(cx+d)2a(cx+d)−(ax+b)c=(cx+d)2acx+ad−acx−bc=(cx+d)2ad−bc.
Notice the acx terms cancel neatly. The numerator ad−bc is a constant — it's the determinant of the coefficients, and it determines whether the function is invertible.
- Take the reciprocal to get dydx Since dydx=dy/dx1, we have:
dydx=ad−bc(cx+d)2.
But this expression is in terms of x, and the answer choices are in terms of y. We need to eliminate x and express everything in y.
- Express cx+d in terms of y From the original equation y=cx+dax+b, cross-multiply:
y(cx+d)=ax+b⇒cxy+dy=ax+b.
Bring terms involving x together:
cxy−ax=b−dy⇒x(cy−a)=b−dy.
Solve for x:
x=cy−ab−dy.
Now we need cx+d. Substitute this x:
cx+d=c⋅cy−ab−dy+d=cy−ac(b−dy)+d(cy−a).
Expand the numerator:
c(b−dy)+d(cy−a)=bc−cdy+cdy−ad=bc−ad.
So:
cx+d=cy−abc−ad=−cy−aad−bc.
Notice bc−ad=−(ad−bc).
- Substitute back into dydx We have dydx=ad−bc(cx+d)2. Replace cx+d:
dydx=ad−bc(−cy−aad−bc)2=ad−bc(ad−bc)2/(cy−a)2.
Cancel one factor of (ad−bc):
dydx=(cy−a)2ad−bc.
But cy−a=−(a−cy), and squaring removes the sign: (cy−a)2=(a−cy)2. So:
dydx=(a−cy)2ad−bc.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget to square the denominator when substituting back, or to mishandle the sign. Also, note that ad−bc must be non-zero for the derivative to exist — if it's zero, the function is constant and not invertible.
TipAn alternative shortcut: directly differentiate the inverse function by solving for x in terms of y and then differentiating. From x=cy−ab−dy, differentiate with respect to y using the quotient rule — you'll get the same result faster, but the reciprocal method is conceptually elegant.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B): (a−cy)2ad−bc.
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-FN1 markMCQQ.Let f(x) be differentiable function for all x∈R and f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y)−3xy. If limh→0hf(h)=7, then f′(x)= (A) −3x+7 (B) 3x−7 (C) 3x+7 (D) −7−3x
›Reveal solutionSolution
The functional equation f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y)−3xy together with the given limit implies f is quadratic. Using the definition of the derivative and the given limit, we find f′(x)=−3x+7, so option (A) is correct.
The key here is to recognise that the functional equation is not just any equation — it tells us how f behaves under addition. The term −3xy is a symmetric bilinear form, which strongly suggests f contains a quadratic part. The given limit limh→0f(h)/h=7 is simply f′(0), because by definition f′(0)=limh→0(f(h)−f(0))/h, and we can find f(0) from the functional equation itself.
Let’s work through it cleanly.
- Find f(0). Put x=y=0 in the given equation:
f(0+0)=f(0)+f(0)−3(0)(0)⇒f(0)=2f(0).
Hence f(0)=0.
- Interpret the given limit. The limit h→0limhf(h)=7 is exactly f′(0), because f(0)=0:
f′(0)=limh→0hf(h)−f(0)=limh→0hf(h)=7.
- Set up the derivative at a general x. By definition,
f′(x)=limh→0hf(x+h)−f(x).
Use the functional equation with y=h:
f(x+h)=f(x)+f(h)−3xh.
Substitute this into the difference quotient:
f′(x)=limh→0hf(x)+f(h)−3xh−f(x)=limh→0hf(h)−3xh.
- Separate the limit. Since the limit of a sum is the sum of limits (provided each exists),
f′(x)=limh→0hf(h)−limh→0h3xh=limh→0hf(h)−3x.
The first limit is f′(0)=7, so
f′(x)=7−3x.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that f(h)/h is not f′(h) — it’s the difference quotient at 0. The given limit is a number, not a function. Don’t try to differentiate the functional equation directly without first checking differentiability conditions; the approach above is safer and uses only the definition.
TipNotice we never needed to find f(x) explicitly. The derivative came directly from the functional equation and the single known value f′(0). This is a classic trick: use the definition of the derivative with the functional equation to express f′(x) in terms of f′(0).
✓Final answerThe derivative is f′(x)=−3x+7, which corresponds to option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=x1+cos2x, then dx2d2y= (A) x32+4y−x4 (B) 4y−x4−x32 (C) x32+x4−4y (D) 4y−x4−x31
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find the second derivative, we differentiate the given function y twice with respect to x. We then substitute the original expression for y back into the second derivative to match the given options. The result is x32+x4−4y.
The problem asks us to find the second derivative of the function y=x1+cos2x with respect to x. This involves applying the rules of differentiation twice. We will first find the first derivative, dxdy, and then differentiate that result to find the second derivative, dx2d2y. Finally, we will manipulate the expression for dx2d2y to express it in terms of y and x to match one of the given options.
The key concepts involved are:
- Power Rule: For a term of the form xn, its derivative is nxn−1. This is useful for x1=x−1.
- Chain Rule: For a composite function f(g(x)), its derivative is f′(g(x))⋅g′(x). This is essential for differentiating cos2x and sin2x.
- Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions: Recall that dxd(cosx)=−sinx and dxd(sinx)=cosx.
Let's proceed with the differentiation.
-
Rewrite the function for easier differentiation:
The given function is y=x1+cos2x.
It's often easier to differentiate terms like x1 by writing them as powers of x.
So, y=x−1+cos2x.
-
Find the first derivative, dxdy:
We differentiate each term separately.
- For x−1, we use the power rule dxd(xn)=nxn−1: dxd(x−1)=(−1)x−1−1=−x−2=−x21.
- For cos2x, we use the chain rule. Let u=2x. Then dxdu=2. dxd(cosu)=−sinu⋅dxdu=−sin(2x)⋅2=−2sin2x. Combining these, the first derivative is:
dxdy=−x21−2sin2x
- Find the second derivative, dx2d2y: Now we differentiate dxdy with respect to x.
dx2d2y=dxd(−x21−2sin2x)
Again, we differentiate each term: * For $-\frac{1}{x^2}$, which is $-x^{-2}$, we use the power rule: $\frac{d}{dx}(-x^{-2}) = -(-2)x^{-2-1} = 2x^{-3} = \frac{2}{x^3}$. * For $-2\sin 2x$, we use the constant multiple rule and the chain rule. Let $u = 2x$. Then $\frac{du}{dx} = 2$. $\frac{d}{dx}(-2\sin 2x) = -2 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(\sin 2x) = -2 \cdot (\cos u \cdot \frac{du}{dx}) = -2 \cdot (\cos(2x) \cdot 2) = -4\cos 2x$. Combining these, the second derivative is:dx2d2y=x32−4cos2x
- Express dx2d2y in terms of y and x: The options provided involve y. We need to substitute the original expression for y back into our result for dx2d2y. Recall the original function: y=x1+cos2x. From this, we can express cos2x as:
cos2x=y−x1
Now, substitute this into the expression for $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}$:dx2d2y=x32−4(y−x1)
Distribute the $-4$:dx2d2y=x32−4y+x4
Rearranging the terms to match the options:dx2d2y=x32+x4−4y
Comparing this with the given options:
(A) x32+4y−x4
(B) 4y−x4−x32
(C) x32+x4−4y
(D) 4y−x4−x31
Our result matches option (C).
✓Final answerThe second derivative is x32+x4−4y.
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