Chapter 17

17

Differentiation and
antidifferentiation of
polynomials
Objectives








To understand the concept of limit.

To understand the definition of the derivative of a function.
To understand and use the notation for the derivative of a polynomial function.
To find the gradient of a tangent to a polynomial function by calculating its derivative.
To apply the rules for differentiating polynomials to solving problems.
To be able to differentiate expressions of the form xn where n is a negative integer.
To understand and use the notation for the antiderivative of a polynomial function.

It is believed that calculus was discovered independently in the late seventeenth century
by two great mathematicians: Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz. Like most scientific
breakthroughs, the discovery of calculus did not arise out of a vacuum. In fact, many
mathematicians and philosophers going back to ancient times made discoveries relating
to calculus.
In the previous chapter, we investigated the rate of change of one quantity with respect to
another quantity. In this chapter, a technique will be developed for calculating the rate of
change for polynomial functions.
To illustrate the idea, we start with an introductory example:
On planet X, an object falls a distance of y metres in t seconds, where y = 0.8t2 .
Can we find a general expression for the speed of such an object after t seconds?
(Note that, on Earth, the commonly used model is y = 4.9t2 .)

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Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

In the previous chapter, we found that

we could approximate the gradient of a
curve at a given point P by finding the
gradient of a secant PQ, where Q is a
point on the curve as close as possible
to P.

575

The gradient of PQ approximates the

speed of the object at P. The closer we
make the point Q to the point P, the
better the approximation.

y = 0.8t 2
Q

P
0

(5 + h)

Let P be the point on the curve where t = 5. Let Q be the point on the curve corresponding to
h seconds after t = 5. That is, Q is the point on the curve where t = 5 + h.
0.8(5 + h)2 0.8 52
(5 + h) 5


0.8 (5 + h)2 52
=
h

Gradient of PQ =

= 0.8(10 + h)
The table gives the gradient of PQ for different values of h.
Use your calculator to check these.

Gradient of PQ

0.7

8.56

If we take values of h with smaller and smaller magnitude,

then the gradient of PQ gets closer and closer to 8. So, at the
point where t = 5, the gradient of the curve is 8.

0.6

8.48

0.5

8.40

0.4

8.32

Thus the speed of the object at the moment t = 5 is 8 m/s.

0.3

8.24

The speed of the object at the moment t = 5 is the limiting

value of the gradients of PQ, as Q approaches P.

0.2

8.16

0.1

8.08

We want to find a general formula for the speed of the object at any time t.
Let P be the point with coordinates (t, 0.8t2 ) on the curve and let Q be the point with
coordinates (t + h, 0.8(t + h)2 ).
Gradient of PQ =

0.8(t + h)2 0.8t2

(t + h) t

= 0.8(2t + h)
Now consider the limit as h approaches 0, that is, the value of 0.8(2t + h) as h becomes
arbitrarily small. This limit is 1.6t.
So the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point corresponding to time t is 1.6t. Hence
the speed at time t is 1.6t m/s.
This technique can be used to investigate the gradient of the tangent at a given point for
similar functions.

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576 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

17A The derivative

We first recall that a chord of a curve is a line segment

joining points P and Q on the curve. A secant is a line
through points P and Q on the curve.
Q1
Q2

In the previous chapter we considered what

happened when we looked at a sequence of secants
PQ1 , PQ2 , . . . , PQn , . . . , where the points Qi get
closer and closer to P. The idea of instantaneous rate
of change at P was introduced.
In this section we focus our attention on the gradient
of the tangent at P.

Q3
Qn
P
x

 The tangent to a curve at a point

Consider the function f : R R, f (x) = x2 .
y
f (x) = x2
(a + h, (a + h)2)

P(a, a2)
0

The gradient of the secant PQ shown on the graph is

gradient of PQ =

(a + h)2 a2
a+ha

a2 + 2ah + h2 a2
h
= 2a + h

The limit of 2a + h as h approaches 0 is 2a, and so the gradient of the tangent at P is said to
be 2a.
The straight line that passes through the point P and has gradient 2a is called the tangent to
the curve at P.
It can be seen that there is nothing special about a here. The same calculation works for any
real number x. The gradient of the tangent to the graph of y = x2 at any point x is 2x.
We say that the derivative of x2 with respect to x is 2x, or more briefly, we can say that the
derivative of x2 is 2x.
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17A The derivative

577

Example 1
y

By first considering the gradient of the

secant PQ, find the gradient of the tangent
line to y = x2 2x at the point P with
coordinates (3, 3).

y = x2 2x
(3 + h, (3 + h)2 2(3 + h))

P(3, 3)
0

Solution
Gradient of PQ =

(3 + h)2 2(3 + h) 3
3+h3

9 + 6h + h2 6 2h 3
h

4h + h2
h

=4+h
Now consider the gradient of PQ as h approaches 0. The gradient of the tangent line at the
point P(3, 3) is 4.

Example 2
Find the gradient of the
secant PQ and hence find the
derivative of x2 + x.

y
y = x2 + x
Q(x + h, (x + h)2 + (x + h))

P(x, x2 + x)
x

Solution
Gradient of PQ =

(x + h)2 + (x + h) (x2 + x)
x+hx

x2 + 2xh + h2 + x + h x2 x
h
2
2xh + h + h
=
h

= 2x + h + 1
From this it is seen that the derivative of x2 + x is 2x + 1.
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578 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Limit notation
The notation for the limit of 2x + h + 1 as h approaches 0 is
lim (2x + h + 1)

h0

The derivative of a function with rule f (x) may be found by:

1 finding an expression for the gradient of the line through P x, f (x) and Q x + h, f (x + h)
2 finding the limit of this expression as h approaches 0.

Example 3
Consider the function f (x) = x3 . By first finding the gradient of the secant through P(2, 8)


and Q 2 + h, (2 + h)3 , find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point (2, 8).
Solution
Gradient of PQ =

(2 + h)3 8
2+h2

8 + 12h + 6h2 + h3 8
h

12h + 6h2 + h3
h

= 12 + 6h + h2
The gradient of the tangent line at (2, 8) is lim (12 + 6h + h2 ) = 12.
h0

The following example provides practice in determining limits.

Example 4
Find:
3x2 h + 2h2
h0
h

a lim (22x2 + 20xh + h)

b lim

c lim 3x

d lim 4

h0
h0

h0

Solution
a lim (22x2 + 20xh + h) = 22x2
h0

3x2 h + 2h2
= lim (3x2 + 2h)
h0
h0
h
= 3x2

b lim

c lim 3x = 3x
h0

d lim 4 = 4
h0

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17A The derivative

579

Using the TI-Nspire

To calculate a limit, use menu > Calculus >
Limit and complete as shown.

t.
When you insert the limit template, you will notice a superscript field (small box)
on the template generally this will be left empty.

Note: The limit template can also be accessed from the 2D-template palette

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, enter and highlight the expression
3x2 h + 2h2
h
Note: Use h from the

Var

keyboard.

 Select ; from the Math2 keyboard and tap EXE .

 Enter h and 0 in the spaces provided as shown.

Definition of the derivative

y

In general, consider the graph y = f (x) of a

function f : R R.
f (x + h) f (x)
Gradient of secant PQ =
x+hx
=

y = f (x)
Q
(x + h, f (x + h))

f (x + h) f (x)
h

The gradient of the tangent to the graph of

y = f (x) at the point P(x, f (x)) is the limit of this
expression as h approaches 0.

P (x, f (x))
0

Derivative of a function

The derivative of the function f is denoted f  and is defined by

f  (x) = lim

h0

f (x + h) f (x)
h

The tangent line to the graph of the function f at the point (a, f (a)) is defined to be the
line through (a, f (a)) with gradient f  (a).
Warning: This definition of the derivative assumes that the limit exists. For polynomial

functions, such limits always exist. But it is not true that for every function you can find the
derivative at every point of its domain. This is discussed further in Sections 17F and 17G.
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580 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

I Differentiation by first principles

Determining the derivative of a function by evaluating the limit is called differentiation by
first principles.

Example 5
For f (x) = x2 + 2x, find f 0 (x) by first principles.
Solution
f 0 (x) = lim

h0

f (x + h) f (x)
h

(x + h)2 + 2(x + h) (x2 + 2x)

h0
h

= lim

= lim

h0

x2 + 2xh + h2 + 2x + 2h x2 2x
h

2xh + h2 + 2h
h0
h

= lim

= lim (2x + h + 2)
h0

= 2x + 2

f 0 (x) = 2x + 2

Example 6
For f (x) = 2 x3 , find f 0 (x) by first principles.
Solution
f 0 (x) = lim

h0

f (x + h) f (x)
h

2 (x + h)3 (2 x3 )
h0
h

= lim

2 (x3 + 3x2 h + 3xh2 + h3 ) (2 x3 )

h0
h

= lim

3x2 h 3xh2 h3
h0
h

= lim

= lim (3x2 3xh h2 )

h0

= 3x2

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17A

17A The derivative

581

Using the TI-Nspire

 Define f (x) = 2 x3 .

 Use menu > Calculus > Limit or the

2D-template palette t, and complete

as shown.

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, enter and highlight the expression 2 x3 .
Select Interactive > Define and tap OK .
 Now enter and highlight the expression

f (x + h) f (x)
h
Note: Select f from the abc keyboard and x, h from
the Var keyboard.
 Select ; from the Math2 keyboard and tap EXE .
 Enter h and 0 in the spaces provided as shown.

Section summary
 The derivative of the function f is denoted f  and is defined by

f  (x) = lim

h0

f (x + h) f (x)
h

 The tangent line to the graph of the function f at the point (a, f (a)) is defined to be the

line through (a, f (a)) with gradient f  (a).

Exercise 17A
Example 1

1 Let f (x) = x2 + 4x. The graph

of y = f (x) is shown opposite.
a Find the gradient of PQ.
b Find the gradient of the
curve at the point P by
considering what happens as
h approaches 0.

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y
P(3, 3)
Q(3 + h, (3 + h)2 + 4(3 + h))
0

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582 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

2

Example 2

Example 3

17A

Let f (x) = x2 3x. Then the points P(4, 4) and Q 4 + h, (4 + h)2 3(4 + h) are on the
curve y = f (x).
a Find the gradient of the secant PQ.
b Find the gradient of the tangent line to the curve at the point P by considering what
happens as h approaches 0.


The points P(x, x2 2x) and Q x + h, (x + h)2 2(x + h) are on the curve y = x2 2x.
Find the gradient of PQ and hence find the derivative of x2 2x.


By first considering the gradient of the secant through P(2, 16) and Q 2 + h, (2 + h)4
for the curve y = x4 , find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point (2, 16).
Hint: (x + h)4 = x4 + 4x3 h + 6x2 h2 + 4xh3 + h4

Example 4

A space vehicle moves so that the distance travelled over its first minute of motion is
given by y = 4t4 , where y is the distance travelled in metres and t the time in seconds.
By finding the gradient of the secant through the points where t = 5 and t = 5 + h,
calculate the speed of the space vehicle when t = 5.

A population of insects grows so that the size of the population, P, at time t (days) is
given by P = 1000 + t2 + t. By finding the gradient of the secant through the points
where t = 3 and t = 3 + h, calculate the rate of growth of the insect population at
time t = 3.

Find:
2x2 h3 + xh2 + h
h0
h
30hx2 + 2h2 + h
d lim
h0
h
a lim

3x2 h 2xh2 + h
h0
h

b lim

c lim (20 10h)

e lim 5

f lim

h0

h0

30hx3 + 2h2 + 4h
h0
h

Find:
(x + h)2 + 2(x + h) (x2 + 2x)
i.e. the derivative of y = x2 + 2x
h0
h
(5 + h)2 + 3(5 + h) 40
b lim
i.e. the gradient of y = x2 + 3x at x = 5
h0
h
(x + h)3 + 2(x + h)2 (x3 + 2x2 )
c lim
i.e. the derivative of y = x3 + 2x2
h0
h
a lim

For the curve with equation y = 3x2 x:

a Find the gradient of the secant PQ, where P is the point (1, 2) and Q is the point


1 + h, 3(1 + h)2 (1 + h) .
b Find the gradient of PQ when h = 0.1.
c Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at P.

10

2
:
x

a Find the gradient of the chord AB, where A = (2, 1) and B = 2 + h,

For the curve with equation y =

b Find the gradient of AB when h = 0.1.

c Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at A.
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.
2+h

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17B Rules for differentiation 583

11

For the curve with equation y = x2 + 2x 3:

a Find the gradient of the secant PQ, where P is the point (2, 5) and Q is the point


2 + h, (2 + h)2 + 2(2 + h) 3 .
b Find the gradient of PQ when h = 0.1.
c Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at P.

Example 5, 6

12

For each of the following, find f 0 (x) by finding lim

h0

a f (x) = 3x2
d f (x) = 3x2 + 4x + 3
g f (x) = 3 2x + x2
13

b f (x) = 4x
e f (x) = 2x3 4

f (x + h) f (x)
:
h
c f (x) = 3
f f (x) = 4x2 5x

By first considering the gradient of the secant through P(x, f (x)) and Q(x + h, f (x + h))
for the curve f (x) = x4 , find the derivative of x4 .
Hint: f (x + h) = x4 + 4x3 h + 6x2 h2 + 4xh3 + h4

17B Rules for differentiation

The derivative of xn where n is a positive integer
From your work in the first section of this chapter, you may have noticed that differentiating
from first principles gives the following:
 For f (x) = x, f 0 (x) = 1.
 For f (x) = x2 , f 0 (x) = 2x.
 For f (x) = x3 , f 0 (x) = 3x2 .

This suggests the following general result:

For f (x) = xn , f 0 (x) = nxn1 , where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
We can prove this result using the binomial theorem, which was introduced in Section 10E.
The proof is not required to be known.
Proof Let f (x) = xn , where n N with n 2.
f (x + h) f (x) = (x + h)n xn

Then

= xn + nC1 xn1 h + nC2 xn2 h2 + + nCn1 xhn1 + hn xn

= nC1 xn1 h + nC2 xn2 h2 + + nCn1 xhn1 + hn
= nxn1 h + nC2 xn2 h2 + + nCn1 xhn1 + hn

f (x + h) f (x) 1  n1
= nx h + nC2 xn2 h2 + + nCn1 xhn1 + hn
h
h
= nxn1 + nC2 xn2 h + + nCn1 xhn2 + hn1

and so

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lim

h0



f (x + h) f (x)
= lim nxn1 + nC2 xn2 h + + nCn1 xhn2 + hn1
h0
h
= nxn1
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584 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

The derivative of a polynomial function
The following results are very useful when finding the derivative of a polynomial function.
We will prove two of these results in the final section of this chapter.
 Constant function: If f (x) = c, then f 0 (x) = 0.
 Linear function: If f (x) = mx + c, then f 0 (x) = m.
 Multiple: If f (x) = k g(x), where k is a constant, then f 0 (x) = k g0 (x).

That is, the derivative of a number multiple is the multiple of the derivative.
For example: if f (x) = 5x2 , then f 0 (x) = 5(2x) = 10x.
 Sum: If f (x) = g(x) + h(x), then f 0 (x) = g0 (x) + h0 (x).

That is, the derivative of the sum is the sum of the derivatives.
For example: if f (x) = x2 + 2x, then f 0 (x) = 2x + 2.
 Difference: If f (x) = g(x) h(x), then f 0 (x) = g0 (x) h0 (x).

That is, the derivative of the difference is the difference of the derivatives.
For example: if f (x) = x2 2x, then f 0 (x) = 2x 2.
You will meet rules for the derivative of products and quotients in Mathematical Methods
Units 3 & 4.
The process of finding the derivative function is called differentiation.

Example 7
Find the derivative of x5 2x3 + 2, i.e. differentiate x5 2x3 + 2 with respect to x.
Solution
f (x) = x 2x + 2
5

Let

Then f 0 (x) = 5x4 2(3x2 ) + 0

= 5x4 6x2

Explanation
We use the following results:
 the derivative of xn is nxn1
 the derivative of a number is 0
 the multiple, sum and difference rules.

Example 8
Find the derivative of f (x) = 3x3 6x2 + 1 and thus find f 0 (1).
Solution
Let

f (x) = 3x3 6x2 + 1

Then

f 0 (x) = 3(3x2 ) 6(2x) + 0

= 9x2 12x

f 0 (1) = 9 12
= 3

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17B Rules for differentiation

585

Using the TI-Nspire

For Example 7:
 Use menu > Calculus > Derivative and

complete as shown.

Note: The derivative template can also be accessed from the 2D-template palette

Alternatively, using

shift

t.

will paste the derivative template to the screen.

For Example 8:
 Define f (x) = 3x3 6x2 + 1.

 Use menu > Calculus > Derivative to

differentiate as shown.
 To find the value of the derivative at x = 1,
use menu > Calculus > Derivative at a
Point.

Using the Casio ClassPad

For Example 7:
 In M, enter and highlight the expression

x5 2x3 + 2.
 Go to Interactive > Calculation > diff and tap

OK .

For Example 8:
 In M, enter and highlight the expression

3x3 6x2 + 1.
 Go to Interactive > Calculation > diff and tap OK ;
this will give the derivative only.
 To find the value of the derivative at x = 1, tap the
stylus at the end of the entry line. Select | from
the Math3 keyboard and type x = 1. Then tap EXE .
 Alternatively, define the derivative as g(x) and

find g(1).

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586 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Finding the gradient of a tangent line
We discussed the tangent line at a point on a graph in Section 17A. We recall the following:
The tangent line to the graph of the function f at the point (a, f (a)) is defined
to be the line through (a, f (a)) with gradient f  (a).

Example 9
For the curve determined by the rule f (x) = 3x3 6x2 + 1, find the gradient of the tangent
line to the curve at the point (1, 2).
Solution
Now f  (x) = 9x2 12x and so f  (1) = 9 12 = 3.
The gradient of the tangent line at the point (1, 2) is 3.

 Alternative notations
It was mentioned in the introduction to this chapter that the German mathematician Gottfried
Leibniz was one of the two people to whom the discovery of calculus is attributed. A form of
the notation he introduced is still in use today.

Leibniz notation
An alternative notation for the derivative is the following:
If y = x3 , then the derivative can be denoted by

dy
dy
, and so we write
= 3x2 .
dx
dx

In general, if y is a function of x, then the derivative of y with respect to x is denoted by

Similarly, if z is a function of t, then the derivative of z with respect to t is denoted

dz
.
dt

Warning: In this notation, the symbol d is not a

factor and cannot be cancelled.

This notation came about because, in the

eighteenth century, the standard diagram for
finding the limiting gradient was labelled
as shown:

y
P

 x means a small difference in x

 y means a small difference in y

dy
.
dx

x
x

where (delta) is the lowercase Greek letter d.

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17B Rules for differentiation 587

Example 10
a If y = t2 , find

dy
.
dt

b If x = t3 + t, find

dx
.
dt

c If z =

1 3
dz
x + x2 , find
.
3
dx

Solution
a

y = t2

dy
= 2t
dt

x = t3 + t

dx
= 3t2 + 1
dt

z=

1 3
x + x2
3

dz
= x2 + 2x
dx

Example 11
dy
.
dx
x2 + 3x
dy
c For y =
, find
.
x
dx

b For z = (2t 1)2 (t + 2), find

a For y = (x + 3)2 , find

dz
.
dt

d Differentiate y = 2x3 1 with respect to x.

Solution
a It is first necessary to write y = (x + 3)2
in expanded form:

b Expanding:
z = (4t2 4t + 1)(t + 2)

y = x2 + 6x + 9

= 4t3 4t2 + t + 8t2 8t + 2

dy
= 2x + 6
dx

= 4t3 + 4t2 7t + 2

y= x+3

y = 2x3 1

c First simplify:

dy
=1
dx

(for x , 0)

dz
= 12t2 + 8t 7
dt

dy
= 6x2
dx

(for x , 0)

Operator notation
d
Find the derivative of 2x2 4x with respect to x can also be written as find
(2x2 4x).
dx


d
f (x) = f 0 (x).
In general:
dx

Example 12
Find:
d
a
(5x 4x3 )
dx
Solution
d
a
(5x 4x3 )
dx
= 5 12x2
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d
(5z2 4z)
dz
d
(5z2 4z)
dz
= 10z 4

d
(6z3 4z2 )
dz
d
(6z3 4z2 )
dz
= 18z2 8z

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588 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 13
For each of the following curves, find the coordinates of the points on the curve at which
the gradient of the tangent line at that point has the given value:
a y = x3 , gradient = 8
b y = x2 4x + 2, gradient = 0
c y = 4 x3 , gradient = 6
Solution
a y = x3 implies

dy
= 3x2
dx

3x2 = 8

8 2 6

x=
=
3
3

 2 6 166 
 26 166 
The points are
,
and
,
.
3
9
3
9
r

b y = x2 4x + 2 implies

2x 4 = 0

x=2

dy
= 2x 4
dx

The only point is (2, 2).

c y = 4 x3 implies

3x2 = 6

x2 = 2

dy
= 3x2
dx

x= 2
 1
 1
3
3
The points are 2 2 , 4 2 2 and 2 2 , 4 + 2 2 .

Using the TI-Nspire

 Define f (x) = 4 x3 .

d
f (x) = 6.
dx
 Substitute in f (x) to find the y-coordinates.
 Solve the equation

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17B

17B Rules for differentiation

589

Using the Casio ClassPad

 In M, enter and highlight the expression 4 x3 .
 Go to Interactive > Define and tap OK .

 In the next entry line, type and highlight f (x).

 Go to Interactive > Calculation > diff and tap OK .


d
f (x) . Highlight the equation
dx
and use Interactive > Equation/Inequality > solve.

 Enter f ( 2) and f ( 2) to find the required

y-values.
 Type = 6 after

Section summary
 For f (x) = xn , f  (x) = nxn1 , where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
 Constant function: If f (x) = c, then f  (x) = 0.
 Linear function: If f (x) = mx + c, then f  (x) = m.
 Multiple: If f (x) = k g(x), where k is a constant, then f  (x) = k g (x).

That is, the derivative of a number multiple is the multiple of the derivative.
 Sum: If f (x) = g(x) + h(x), then f  (x) = g (x) + h (x).
That is, the derivative of the sum is the sum of the derivatives.
 Difference: If f (x) = g(x) h(x), then f  (x) = g (x) h (x).
That is, the derivative of the difference is the difference of the derivatives.
For example, if f (x) = 5x3 10x2 + 7, then f  (x) = 5(3x2 ) 10(2x) + 0 = 15x2 20x.

Exercise 17B
Example 7

1 Find the derivative of each of the following with respect to x:

a x2 + 4x
1
d x2 3x + 4
2

b 2x + 1

c x3 x

e 5x3 + 3x2

f x3 + 2x2

2 For each of the following, find f  (x):

Example 8

a f (x) = x12
d f (x) = 5x + 3

b f (x) = 3x7
e f (x) = 3

g f (x) = 10x5 + 3x4

1
1
h f (x) = 2x4 x3 x2 + 2
3
4

c f (x) = 5x
f f (x) = 5x2 3x

3 For each of the following, find f  (1):

a f (x) = x6
d f (x) = 5x2 + 3

b f (x) = 4x5
e f (x) = 3

g f (x) = 10x4 3x3

1
h f (x) = 2x4 x3
3

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c f (x) = 5x
f f (x) = 5x2 3x
i f (x) = 10x3 2x2 + 2

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590 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

4

For each of the following, find f 0 (2):

a f (x) = 5x3

Example 9

b f (x) = 4x2

1 3
(x 3x + 6)
3
10x5 + 3x4
g y=
,x,0
2x2

d y=

b f (x) = 3x2 4x, (1, 1)

d f (x) = x3 x, (2, 6)

dy
:
dx
b y = 10

c y = 4x3 3x + 2

e y = (x + 1)(x + 2)

f y = 2x(3x2 4)

a For y = (x + 4)2 , find

dy
.
dx

b For z = (4t 1)2 (t + 1), find

c For y =
8

d f (x) = 5x4 2x2

For each of the following, find

a y = x

c f (x) = 5x3 3x

Find the gradient of the tangent line to the graph of f at the given point:
a f (x) = x2 + 3x, (2, 10)
c f (x) = 2x2 4x, (3, 30)

Example 10, 11

17B

dy
x3 + 3x
, find
.
x
dx

dz
.
dt

a For the curve with equation y = x3 + 1, find the gradient of the tangent line at points:
i (1, 2)
ii (a, a3 + 1)
b Find the derivative of x3 + 1 with respect to x.

10

dy
dy
. Hence show that
0 for all x, and
dx
dx
3
2
interpret this in terms of the graph of y = x 3x + 3x.
x2 + 2x
dy
b Given that y =
, for x , 0, find
.
x
dx
c Differentiate y = (3x + 1)2 with respect to x.
a Given that y = x3 3x2 + 3x, find

For each of the following curves, find the y-coordinate of the point on the curve with
the given x-coordinate, and find the gradient of the tangent line at that point:
a y = x2 2x + 1, x = 2
c y = x2 2x, x = 1
e y = 3x2 2x3 , x = 2

11

b y = x2 + x + 1, x = 0
d y = (x + 2)(x 4), x = 3
f y = (4x 5)2 , x = 12

a For each of the following, first find f 0 (x) and f 0 (1). Then, for y = f (x), find the set
{ (x, y) : f 0 (x) = 1 }. That is, find the coordinates of the points where the gradient of
the tangent line is 1.
1
1
i f (x) = 2x2 x
ii f (x) = 1 + x + x2
2
3
3
4
iii f (x) = x + x
iv f (x) = x 31x
b What is the interpretation of { (x, y) : f 0 (x) = 1 } in terms of the graphs?

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17C Differentiating xn where n is a negative integer

Example 12

Example 13

12 Find:
d 2
a
(3t 4t)
dt
d
d
(3y2 y3 )
dy
13

d
(4 x2 + x3 )
dx
d
e
(2x3 4x2 )
dx

591

d
(5 2z2 z4 )
dz
d
f
(9.8t2 2t)
dt

For each of the following curves, find the coordinates of the points on the curve at
which the gradient of the tangent line has the given value:
a y = x2 , gradient = 8
c y = x(2 x), gradient = 2
e y = x3 6x2 + 4, gradient = 12

b y = x3 , gradient = 12
d y = x2 3x + 1, gradient = 0
f y = x2 x3 , gradient = 1

17C Differentiating xn where n is a negative integer

Skillsheet

In the previous sections we have seen how to differentiate polynomial functions. In this
section we add to the family of functions that we can differentiate. In particular, we will
consider functions which involve linear combinations of powers of x, where the indices may
be negative integers.
e.g.

f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x1

f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = 2x + x1

f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x + 3 + x2
Note: We have reintroduced function notation to emphasise the need to consider domains.

Example 14
Let f : R \ {0} R, f (x) =

1
. Find f  (x) by first principles.
x

Solution
The gradient of secant PQ is given by
f (x + h) f (x)  1
1 1
=

x+hx
x+h x
h
=

x (x + h) 1

(x + h)x
h

h
1

(x + h)x h

1
(x + h)x

P x, 1x

1
Q x + h,
x+h
x

So the gradient of the curve at P is

1
1
= 2 = x2
h0 (x + h)x
x
lim

Hence f  (x) = x2 .
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592 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 15
Let f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x3 . Find f  (x) by first principles.
Solution
The gradient of secant PQ is given by

(x + h)3 x3
h
=

P(x, x3)

x3 (x + h)3 1

h
(x + h)3 x3

x3 (x3 + 3x2 h + 3xh2 + h3 ) 1

=
h
(x + h)3 x3
=

3x2 h 3xh2 h3 1

h
(x + h)3 x3

3x2 3xh h2
(x + h)3 x3

Q (x + h, (x + h)3)
x

So the gradient of the curve at P is given by

3x2 3xh h2 3x2
= 6 = 3x4
h0
(x + h)3 x3
x
lim

Hence f  (x) = 3x4 .

We are now in a position to state the generalisation of the result we found in Section 17B.
For f (x) = xn , f  (x) = nxn1 , where n is a non-zero integer.
For f (x) = c, f  (x) = 0, where c is a constant.
When n is positive, we take the domain of f to be R, and when n is negative, we take the
domain of f to be R \ {0}.
Notes:
 This result can be proved by again using the binomial theorem the previous example

gives the idea of the proof.

 We will consider rational indices in Chapter 20.

Example 16
Find the derivative of x4 2x3 + x1 + 2, x  0.
Solution
If

f (x) = x4 2x3 + x1 + 2

then f  (x) = 4x3 2(3x4 ) + (x2 ) + 0

= 4x3 + 6x4 x2

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(for x  0)

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17C Differentiating xn where n is a negative integer 593

17C
Example 17

Find the derivative f 0 of f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = 3x2 6x2 + 1.

Solution
f 0 : R \ {0} R,

f 0 (x) = 3(2x) 6(2x3 ) + 0

= 6x + 12x3

Example 18
Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve determined by the function f : R \ {0} R,
1
f (x) = x2 + at the point (1, 2).
x
Solution
f 0 : R \ {0} R,

f 0 (x) = 2x + (x2 )
= 2x x2

Therefore f 0 (1) = 2 1 = 1. The gradient of the curve is 1 at the point (1, 2).

Example 19
Show that the derivative of the function f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x3 is always negative.
Solution
f 0 : R \ {0} R,

f 0 (x) = 3x4
3
= 4
x

Since x4 is positive for all x , 0, we have f 0 (x) < 0 for all x , 0.

Section summary
For f (x) = xn , f 0 (x) = nxn1 , where n is a non-zero integer.
For f (x) = c, f 0 (x) = 0, where c is a constant.

Exercise 17C
Example 14

Example 15

1
. Find f 0 (x) by first principles.
x3
1
b Let f : R \ {2} R, f (x) =
. Find f 0 (x) by first principles.
x+2
a Let f : R \ {3} R, f (x) =

a Let f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x2 . Find f 0 (x) by first principles.

b Let f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x4 . Find f 0 (x) by first principles.
Hint: Remember that (x + h)4 = x4 + 4x3 h + 6x2 h2 + 4xh3 + h4 .

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594 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 16

3 Differentiate each of the following with respect to x:

3
a 3x2 + 5x1 + 6
b 2 + 5x2
x
5
d 3x2 + x4 + 2
e 6x2 + 3x
3
4

Find the derivative of each of the following:

3z2 + 2z + 4
3+z
a
, z0
b
, z0
z2
z3
d 9z2 + 4z + 6z3 , z  0

Example 17

Example 18

e 9 z2 , z  0

5
4
+
+1
x3 x2
3x2 + 2
f
x

2z2 + 3z
, z0
4z
5z 3z2
f
, z0
5z

a Find the derivative f  of f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = 3x4 6x3 + x1 .

b Find the derivative f  of f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = 5x4 + 4x2 + x1 .

Carefully sketch the graph of f (x) =

1
, x  0.
x2


a Let P be the point (1, f (1)) and Q the point 1 + h, f (1 + h) . Find the gradient of the
secant PQ.
1
b Hence find the gradient of the tangent line to the curve y = 2 at x = 1.
x

7 For each of the following curves, find the gradient of the tangent line to the curve at the
given point:
x2
, x  0, at (4, 12 )
a y = x2 + x3 , x  0, at (2, 8 14 )
b y=
x
1
c y = x2 , x  0, at (1, 0)
d y = x(x1 + x2 x3 ), x  0, at (1, 1)
x
8 For the curve with equation f (x) = x2 , find the x-coordinate of the point on the curve
at which the gradient of the tangent line is:
b 16

a 16
Example 19

Show that the derivative of the function f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = x1 is always negative.

17D Graphs of the derivative function

Skillsheet

 Increasing and decreasing functions

We say a function f is strictly increasing on an interval
if x2 > x1 implies f (x2 ) > f (x1 ).

For example:
 The graph opposite shows a strictly increasing function.
 A straight line with positive gradient is strictly increasing.
 The function f : (0, ) R, f (x) = x is strictly increasing.
2

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17D Graphs of the derivative function

595

We say a function f is strictly decreasing on an interval

if x2 > x1 implies f (x2 ) < f (x1 ).
For example:
 The graph opposite shows a strictly decreasing function.
 A straight line with negative gradient is strictly decreasing.
 The function f : (, 0) R, f (x) = x is strictly decreasing.
2

Note: The word strictly refers to the use of the strict inequality signs <, > rather than , .

If f  (x) > 0, for all x in the interval, then the function is strictly increasing.
(Think of the tangents at each point they each have positive gradient.)
If f  (x) < 0, for all x in the interval, then the function is strictly decreasing.
(Think of the tangents at each point they each have negative gradient.)
Warning: The function f : R R, f (x) = x3 is strictly increasing, but f  (0) = 0. This means

that strictly increasing does not imply f  (x) > 0.

We can see that f (x) = x3 is strictly increasing from its graph.

Alternatively, consider
a3 b3 = (a b)(a2 + ab + b2 )
 
 


= a b a2 + ab + 12 b 2 + b2 12 b 2




= a b a + 12 b 2 + 34 b2

Hence a > b implies a3 > b3 .

 Sign of the derivative

y

Consider the graph of y = g(x) shown

opposite.
At a point (a, g(a)) on the graph, the
gradient is g (a).
By noting whether the curve is sloping
upwards or downwards at a particular
point, we can tell the sign of the
derivative at that point:

R(b, g (b))

y = g (x)
a

S(a, g(a))

 For x < b, g (x) > 0. This implies that g is strictly increasing on the interval (, b).
 For x = b, g (b) = 0.
 For b < x < a, g (x) < 0. This implies that g is strictly decreasing on the interval (b, a).
 For x = a, g (a) = 0.
 For x > a, g (x) > 0. This implies that g is strictly increasing on the interval (a, ).

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596 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 20
y

For the graph of f : R R, find:

(5, 6)

a { x : f  (x) > 0 }
b { x : f  (x) < 0 }
c { x : f  (x) = 0 }

y = f (x)

(1, 7)

Solution
a { x : f  (x) > 0 } = { x : 1 < x < 5 } = (1, 5)
b { x : f  (x) < 0 } = { x : x < 1 } { x : x > 5 } = (, 1) (5, )
c { x : f  (x) = 0 } = {1, 5}

Example 21
Sketch the graph of y = f  (x) for each of the following. (It is impossible to determine all
features.)
a

y = f (x)

y = f (x)
1
0

y = f (x)

(1.5, 16.25)

(3, 1)

(1, 15)

Solution
a f  (x) > 0 for x > 3

c f  (x) > 0 for x > 1

b f  (x) = 1 for all x

f  (x) < 0 for x < 3

f  (x) < 0 for 1.5 < x < 1

f  (x) = 0 for x = 3

f  (x) > 0 for x < 1.5

f  (1.5) = 0 and f  (1) = 0

y

y
y = f' (x)
0

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x
0

y = f (x)

y = f (x)
x

1.5

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17D Graphs of the derivative function 597

If the rule for the function is given, then a CAS calculator can be used to plot the graph of its
derivative function.

Using the TI-Nspire

Plot the graphs of
f1 (x) = x3 2x2 + x 1


d
f2 (x) =
f1 (x)
dx

I An angle associated with the gradient of a curve at a point

The gradient of a curve at a point is the gradient of the tangent at that point. A straight line,
the tangent, is associated with each point on the curve.
If is the angle a straight line makes with the positive direction of the x-axis, then the
gradient, m, of the straight line is equal to tan . That is, m = tan .
For example:
 If = 45 , then tan = 1 and the gradient is 1.
 If = 20 , then the gradient of the straight line is tan 20 .
 If = 135 , then tan = 1 and the gradient is 1.

Example 22
Find the coordinates of the points on the curve with equation y = x2 7x + 8 at which the
tangent line:
a makes an angle of 45 with the positive direction of the x-axis
b is parallel to the line y = 2x + 6.
Solution
dy
a
= 2x 7
dx
2x 7 = 1

b The line y = 2x + 6 has gradient 2.

(as tan 45 = 1)

2x = 8

x=4
y = 42 7 4 + 8 = 4

The coordinates are (4, 4).

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2x 7 = 2
2x = 5
5
x=
2
The coordinates are

5
2

13 
.
4

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598 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 23
The planned path for a flying saucer leaving a planet is defined by the equation
1
2
y = x4 + x3 for x > 0
4
3
The units are kilometres. (The x-axis is horizontal and the y-axis vertical.)
a Find the direction of motion when the x-value is:
i 2
ii 3
b Find a point on the flying saucers path where the path is inclined at 45 to the positive
x-axis (i.e. where the gradient of the path is 1).
c Are there any other points on the path which satisfy the situation described in part b?
Solution
dy
a
= x3 + 2x2
dx
dy
= 8 + 8 = 16
dx
tan1 16 = 86.42 (to the x-axis)

i When x = 2,

dy
= 27 + 18 = 45
dx
tan1 45 = 88.73 (to the x-axis)

ii When x = 3,

b, c When the flying saucer is flying at 45 to the positive direction of the x-axis, the
gradient of the curve of its path is given by tan 45 . Thus to find the point at which
this happens we consider the equation
dy
= tan 45
dx
x3 + 2x2 = 1
x3 + 2x2 1 = 0

(x + 1)(x2 + x 1) = 0

1 5
x = 1 or x =
2

1 + 5
The only acceptable solution is x =
0.62, as the other two possibilities
2
give negative values for x and we are only considering positive values for x.

Section summary
 A function f is strictly increasing on an interval if x2 > x1 implies f (x2 ) > f (x1 ).
 A function f is strictly decreasing on an interval if x2 > x1 implies f (x2 ) < f (x1 ).
 If f 0 (x) > 0 for all x in the interval, then the function is strictly increasing.
 If f 0 (x) < 0 for all x in the interval, then the function is strictly decreasing.

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17D

17D Graphs of the derivative function

599

Exercise 17D
1

For which of the following curves is

y

0
y

dy
negative for all values of x?
dx
y
c

y
x

0
x

0
0

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b f  (x) = 0

c f  (x) > 0

3 For the function f (x) = 2(x 1)2 , find the values of x for which:
a f (x) = 0

For which of the following curves is

a

dy
positive for all values of x?
dx
y
c

d f  (x) < 0

e f  (x) = 2

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600 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 20

17D
y

4 For the graph of y = h(x) shown here, find:

3, 5 12

a { x : h (x) > 0 }
b { x : h (x) < 0 }
c { x : h (x) = 0 }

(4, 6)

0
1
, 3
2

Which of the graphs labelled AF correspond to each of the graphs labelled af?
y
y
y
a
b
c

dy
dx

D dy

dy
dx

dx

0
0

dy
dx

dy
dx

x
dy
dx

0
x
0

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17D
Example 21

17D Graphs of the derivative function

601

6 Sketch the graph of y = f  (x) for each of the following:

a

(3, 4)

(3, 4)
y = f (x)

1
0 1

0 1

3
x

y = f (x)

(1, 3)

For the graph of y = f (x) shown on the right, find:



a { x : f (x) > 0 }
b { x : f  (x) < 0 }
c { x : f  (x) = 0 }

(1.5, 3)

(1, 2)
Example 22

8 Find the coordinates of the points on the curve y = x2 5x + 6 at which the tangent:
a makes an angle of 45 with the positive direction of the x-axis
b is parallel to the line y = 3x + 4.

Find the coordinates of the points on the parabola y = x2 x 6 at which:

a the gradient of the tangent is zero

b the tangent is parallel to the line x + y = 6.

10 Use a calculator to plot the graph of y = f  (x) where:

a f (x) = sin x
Example 23

b f (x) = cos x

c f (x) = 2 x

1
2
11 The path of a particle is defined by the equation y = x3 + x2 , for x > 0. The units are
3
3
metres. (The x-axis is horizontal and the y-axis vertical.)
a Find the direction of motion when the x-value is:
i 1
ii 0.5
b Find a point on the particles path where the path is inclined at 45 to the positive
direction of the x-axis.
c Are there any other points on the path which satisfy the situation described in part b?
12

A car moves away from a set of traffic lights so that the distance, S (t) metres, covered
after t seconds is modelled by S (t) = 0.2 t3 .
a Find its speed after t seconds.

13

b What will its speed be when t = 1, 3, 5?

The curve with equation y = ax2 + bx has a gradient of 3 at the point (2, 2).

a Find the values of a and b.

b Find the coordinates of the point where the gradient is 0.
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602 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

14

A rocket is launched from Cape York Peninsula so that after t seconds its height,
h(t) metres, is given by h(t) = 20t2 , 0 t 150. After 2 12 minutes this model is no
longer appropriate.
a Find the height and the speed of the rocket when t = 150.
b After how long will its speed be 1000 m/s?

17E Antidifferentiation of polynomial functions

The derivative of x2 with respect to x is 2x. Conversely, given that an unknown expression
has derivative 2x, it is clear that the unknown expression could be x2 . The process of finding
a function from its derivative is called antidifferentiation.
Now consider the functions f (x) = x2 + 1 and g(x) = x2 7.

We have f  (x) = 2x and g (x) = 2x. So the two different functions have the same derivative
function.
Both x2 + 1 and x2 7 are said to be
antiderivatives of 2x.
If two functions have the same derivative
function, then they differ by a constant.
So the graphs of the two functions can be
obtained from each other by translation
parallel to the y-axis.
The diagram shows several antiderivatives
of 2x.

y = x2 + 1
y = x2
y = x2 1

y = x2 7

distance
7 units

Each of the graphs is a translation of y = x2

parallel to the y-axis.

1
x

0
1

distance
7 units
7

Notation
The general antiderivative of 2x is x2 + c, where c is an arbitrary real number. We use the
notation of Leibniz to state this with symbols:

2x dx = x2 + c

This is read as the general antiderivative of 2x with respect to x is equal to x2 + c or as

the indefinite integral of 2x with respect to x is x2 + c.
To be more precise, the indefinite integral is the set of all antiderivatives and to emphasise
this we could write:

2x dx = { f (x) : f  (x) = 2x } = { x2 + c : c R }

This set notation is not commonly used, but it should be clearly understood that there is not a
unique antiderivative for a given function. We will not use this set notation, but it is advisable
to keep it in mind when considering further results.
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17E Antidifferentiation of polynomial functions 603

In general:
If F 0 (x) = f (x), then

f (x) dx = F(x) + c, where c is an arbitrary real number.

Rules for antidifferentiation

We know that:
f (x) = x3

implies

f 0 (x) = 3x2

f (x) = x8

implies

f 0 (x) = 8x7

f (x) = x

implies

f 0 (x) = 1

f (x) = xn

implies

f 0 (x) = nxn1

Reversing this process we have:





3x2 dx = x3 + c

where c is an arbitrary constant

8x7 dx = x8 + c

where c is an arbitrary constant

1 dx = x + c

where c is an arbitrary constant

nxn1 dx = xn + c

where c is an arbitrary constant

We also have:




x2 dx =

1 3
x +c
3

x7 dx =

1 8
x +c
8

1 dx = x + c

xn1 dx =

1 n
x +c
n

From this we see that:

xn dx =

xn+1
+ c,
n+1

n N {0}

Note: This result can be extended to include xn where n is a negative integer other than 1.

The extension is covered in Chapter 20. You will see the antiderivative of x1 in
Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4.
We also record the following results, which follow immediately from the corresponding
results for differentiation:
Sum
Difference
Multiple

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f (x) + g(x) dx = f (x) dx + g(x) dx



f (x) g(x) dx = f (x) dx g(x) dx


k f (x) dx = k

f (x) dx, where k is a real number

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604 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 24
Find the general antiderivative (indefinite integral) of each of the following:
a 3x5

b 3x2 + 4x3 + 3

Solution
a

3x5 dx = 3

x5 dx

x6
+c
=3
6
x6
+c
=
2

3x2 + 4x3 + 3 dx

=3

x2 dx + 4

x3 dx + 3

3x
4x
3x
+
+
+c
3
4
1

1 dx

= x3 + x4 + 3x + c

Given extra information, we can find a unique antiderivative.

Example 25
It is known that f  (x) = x3 + 4x2 and f (0) = 0. Find f (x).
Solution

x3 + 4x2 dx =

Thus f (x) =

x4 4x3
+
+c
4
3

x4 4x3
+
+c
4
3

for some real number c.

Since f (0) = 0, we have c = 0.

f (x) =

x4 4x3
+
4
3

Using the Casio ClassPad

 To find the general antiderivative of x3 + 4x2 ,

enter and highlight the expression in M.

 Select Interactive > Calculation > .
 Ensure that Indefinite integral is selected, as
shown below.

 Remember to add a constant c to the answer.

 To find the specific antiderivative, define the

family of functions f (x).

 Solve f (0) = 0 for c.
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17E Antidifferentiation of polynomial functions 605

Example 26
If the gradient of the tangent at a point (x, y) on a curve is given by 5x and the curve passes
through (0, 6), find the equation of the curve.
Solution
Let the curve have equation y = f (x). Then f 0 (x) = 5x.

5x dx =

5x2
+c
2

5x2
+c
2
This describes the family of curves for which f 0 (x) = 5x. Here we are given the additional
information that the curve passes through (0, 6), i.e. f (0) = 6.
f (x) =

Hence c = 6 and so f (x) =

5x2
+ 6.
2

Example 27
Find y in terms of x if:
dy
a
= x2 + 2x, and y = 1 when x = 1
dx

Solution
a

x2 + 2x dx =

x3
+ x2 + c
3

y=

x3
+ x2 + c
3

As y = 1 when x = 1,
1=

1
+1+c
3

c=
Hence y =

1
3

dy
= 3 x, and y = 2 when x = 4
dx

3 x dx = 3x

x2
+c
2

y = 3x

x2
+c
2

As y = 2 when x = 4,
2=34

42
+c
2

c = 2

x3
1
+ x2
3
3

Hence y = 3x

x2
2
2

Using the TI-Nspire

For Example 27a:
 To find the general antiderivative, define
the function f (x) using menu > Calculus >
Integral as shown.
 Check that c has not been assigned a value.
 For the specific antiderivative, find the value

of c by solving f (1) = 1.

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606 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

17E

Section summary
 Antiderivative of xn , for n N {0}:

xn dx =

xn+1
+c
n+1

 Rules of antidifferentiation:

f (x) + g(x) dx =

f (x) g(x) dx =
k f (x) dx = k

f (x) dx +
f (x) dx




g(x) dx
g(x) dx

f (x) dx, where k is a real number

Exercise 17E
Example 24

Find:
a
d
g

1 3
2x

dx

4 3
5x

2x2 dx

2z2 (z 1) dz








3x2 2 dx

(x 1)2 dx

(2t 3)2 dt





5x3 2x dx
x(x + 1x ) dx, x , 0
(t 1)3 dt

Example 25

It is known that f 0 (x) = 4x3 + 6x2 + 2 and f (0) = 0. Find f (x).

Example 26

If the gradient at a point (x, y) on a curve is given by 6x2 and the curve passes through
(0, 12), find the equation of the curve.

Example 27

Find y in terms of x in each of the following:

dy
= 2x 1, and y = 0 when x = 1
a
dx
dy
b
= 3 x, and y = 1 when x = 0
dx
dy
= x2 + 2x, and y = 2 when x = 0
c
dx
dy
d
= 3 x2 , and y = 2 when x = 3
dx
dy
e
= 2x4 + x, and y = 0 when x = 0
dx

dV
= t2 t for t > 1, and that V = 9 when t = 3.
dt
a Find V in terms of t.
b Calculate the value of V when t = 10.
Assume that

The gradient of the tangent at any point (x, f (x)) on the curve with equation y = f (x) is
given by 3x2 1. Find f (x) if the curve passes through the point (1, 2), i.e. f (1) = 2.

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17E

17E Antidifferentiation of polynomial functions

607

dw
= 2000 20t, t > 0?
dt
CCCdw
DDDDdw
CC
D
dw
dw
dw
dw
dw
dw
dtdtdt
dt
dtdtdt
dt

a Which one of the following graphs represents

A
AAAA
dw
dw
dw
dw
dtdtdt
dt
0000

BBBBdw
dw
dw
dw
dtdtdt
dt
100
100
100
100t t tt

0000

100
100
100
100t t tt

0000

100
100
100
100t t tt

0000

100
100
100
100 t t tt

b Find w in terms of t if when t = 0, w = 100 000.

8

dy
The graph shows
against x for a certain curve with
dx
equation y = f (x).
Find f (x), given that the point (0, 4) lies on the curve.

dy
dx
5

Find the equation of the curve y = f (x) which passes through the point (2, 6) and for
which f  (x) = x2 (x 3).

10

The curve y = f (x) for which f  (x) = 4x + k, where k is a constant, has a turning point
at (2, 1).

a Find the value of k.

b Find the coordinates of the point at which the curve meets the y-axis.
11

dy
dy
= ax2 + 1 and that when x = 1,
= 3 and y = 3, find the value of y
Given that
dx
dx
when x = 2.

dy
= 2x + k, where k is a constant, is such that the tangent at (3, 6)
12 The curve for which
dx
passes through the origin. Find the gradient of this tangent and hence determine:
a the value of k
b the equation of the curve.
13

The curve y = f (x) for which f  (x) = 16x + k, where k is a constant, has a turning point
at (2, 1).
a Find the value of k.
b Find the value of f (x) when x = 7.

14

Suppose that a point moves along some unknown curve y = f (x) in such a way that, at
each point (x, y) on the curve, the tangent line has slope x2 . Find an equation for the
curve, given that it passes through (2, 1).

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608 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

17F Limits and continuity

 Limits
It is not the intention of this course to provide a formal introduction to limits. We require only
an intuitive understanding of limits and some fairly obvious rules for how to handle them.
The notation lim f (x) = p says that the limit of f (x), as x approaches a, is p. We can also
xa
say: As x approaches a, f (x) approaches p.
This means that we can make the value of f (x) as close as we like to p, provided we
choose x-values close enough to a.
We have met a similar idea earlier in the course. For example, we have seen that lim f (x) = 4
x
1
for the function with rule f (x) = + 4. The graph of y = f (x) can get as close as we like to
x
the line y = 4, just by taking larger and larger values of x.
As we will see, for many functions (in particular, for polynomial functions), the limit at a
particular point is simply the value of the function at that point.

Example 28
Find lim 3x2 .
x2

Explanation

Solution
2

lim 3x = 3(2) = 12

As x gets closer and closer to 2, the value

of 3x2 gets closer and closer to 12.

x2

If the function is not defined at the value for which the limit is to be found, a different
procedure is used.

Example 29
For f (x) =

2x2 5x + 2
, x  2, find lim f (x).
x2
x2

Solution
Observe that
f (x) =
=

2x2 5x + 2
x2

(2x 1)(x 2)
x2

= 2x 1

(for x  2)

Hence lim f (x) = 3.

x2

The graph of f : R \ {2} R, f (x) = 2x 1 is shown.

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17F Limits and continuity 609

We can investigate Example 29 further by looking at the values of the function as we take
x-values closer and closer to 2.
Observe that f (x) is defined for x R \ {2}.
Examine the behaviour of f (x) for values of x
close to 2.

x<2

From the table, it is apparent that, as x takes

values closer and closer to 2 (regardless of
whether x approaches 2 from the left or from
the right), the values of f (x) become closer
and closer to 3. That is, lim f (x) = 3.

x>2

f (1.7) = 2.4

f (2.3) = 3.6

f (1.8) = 2.6

f (2.2) = 3.4

f (1.9) = 2.8

f (2.1) = 3.2

f (1.99) = 2.98

f (2.01) = 3.02

f (1.999) = 2.998

f (2.001) = 3.002

x2

Note that the limit exists, but the function is not defined at x = 2.

I Algebra of limits
The following important results are useful for the evaluation of limits.
Suppose that f (x) and g(x) are functions and that a is a real number. Assume that both
lim f (x) and lim g(x) exist.
xa
xa


 Sum: lim f (x) + g(x) = lim f (x) + lim g(x)
xa
xa
xa
That is, the limit of the sum is the sum of the limits.
 Multiple: lim k f (x) = k lim f (x), where k is a given real number.
xa

xa

 Product: lim f (x) g(x) = lim f (x) lim g(x)

xa

xa

xa

That is, the limit of the product is the product of the limits.
f (x)
f (x) lim
xa
 Quotient: lim
=
, provided lim g(x) , 0.
xa g(x)
xa
lim g(x)
xa
That is, the limit of the quotient is the quotient of the limits.

Example 30
Find:
a lim (3h + 4)

b lim 4x(x + 2)

c lim

x2

h0

x3

5x + 2
x2

Solution
a lim (3h + 4) = lim (3h) + lim (4)
h0

h0

h0

b lim 4x(x + 2) = lim (4x) lim (x + 2)

x2

x2

=0+4

=84

=4

= 32

x2

5x + 2
= lim (5x + 2) lim (x 2)
x3
x3
x3 x 2
= 17 1

c lim

= 17
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610 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 31
Find:
a lim

x3

x2 3x
x3

b lim

x2

x2 x 2
x2

c lim

x3

x2 7x + 10
x2 25

Solution
a lim

x2 3x
x(x 3)
= lim
= lim x = 3
x3 x 3
x3
x3

b lim

x2 x 2
(x 2)(x + 1)
= lim
= lim (x + 1) = 3
x2
x2
x2
x2

x3

x2

lim (x 2)
1
x2 7x + 10
(x 2)(x 5) x3
c lim
=
=
= lim
x3
x3 (x + 5)(x 5)
lim (x + 5) 8
x2 25
x3

 Left and right limits

An idea which is useful in the following discussion is the existence of limits from the left and
from the right. This is particularly useful when talking about piecewise-defined functions.
If the value of f (x) approaches the number p as x approaches a from the right-hand side, then
it is written as lim+ f (x) = p.
xa

If the value of f (x) approaches the number p as x approaches a from the left-hand side, then
it is written as lim f (x) = p.
xa

The limit as x approaches a exists only if both the limit from the left and the limit from the
right exist and are equal. Then lim f (x) = p.
xa

Piecewise-defined function
The following is an example of a piecewise-defined function where the limit does not exist
for a particular value.
y

x3 if 0 x < 1

Let f (x) =
5 if x = 1

6 if 1 < x 2
4
It is clear from the graph of f that lim f (x) does not

exist. However, if x is allowed to approach 1 from

the left, then f (x) approaches 1. On the other hand, if
x is allowed to approach 1 from the right, then f (x)
approaches 6. Also note that f (1) = 5.

x1

1
0

Rectangular hyperbola
As mentioned at the start of this section, the notation of limits is used to describe the
asymptotic behaviour of graphs.
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17F Limits and continuity

611

1
First consider f : R \ {0} R, f (x) = 2 . Observe that, as x approaches 0 both from the left
x
and from the right, f (x) increases without bound. The limit notation for this is lim f (x) = .
x0

1
Now consider g : R \ {0} R, g(x) = . The behaviour of g(x) as x approaches 0 from the
x
left is different from the behaviour as x approaches 0 from the right.
y

With limit notation this is written as:

lim g(x) =

and

x0

lim g(x) =

x0+

Now examine this function as the magnitude of x becomes

very large. It can be seen that, as x increases without bound
through positive values, the corresponding values of g(x)
approach zero. Likewise, as x decreases without bound
through negative values, the corresponding values of g(x)
also approach zero.

1
g(x) = x
0

Symbolically this is written as:

lim g(x) = 0+

lim g(x) = 0

and

Many functions approach a limiting value or limit as x approaches .

 Continuity at a point
We only require an intuitive understanding of continuity.
A function with rule f (x) is said to be continuous at x = a if the graph of y = f (x) can be
drawn through the point with coordinates (a, f (a)) without a break. Otherwise, there is
said to be a discontinuity at x = a.
We can give a more formal definition of continuity using limits. A function f is continuous at
the point x = a provided f (a), lim+ f (x) and lim f (x) all exist and are equal.
xa

xa

We can state this equivalently as follows:

A function f is continuous at the point x = a if the following conditions are met:
 f (x) is defined at x = a
 lim f (x) = f (a)
xa

The function is discontinuous at a point if it is not continuous at that point.

A function is said to be continuous everywhere if it is continuous for all real numbers. All
the polynomial functions are continuous everywhere. In contrast, the function

x3 if x < 1

f (x) =
5 if x = 1

6 if x > 1

is defined for all real numbers but is not continuous at x = 1.

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612 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 32
State the values for x for which the functions shown below have a discontinuity:
a

x
1

Solution
a There is a discontinuity at x = 1, since f (1) = 3 but lim+ f (x) = lim f (x) = 2.
x1

x1

b There is a discontinuity at x = 1, since f (1) = 2 and lim f (x) = 2 but lim+ f (x) = 3.
x1

x1

There is also a discontinuity at x = 1, since f (1) = 2 and lim f (x) = 2 but

x1

lim + f (x) = .

x1

c There is a discontinuity at x = 1, since f (1) = 1 and lim f (x) = 1 but lim+ f (x) = 2.
x1

x1

Example 33
For each function, state the values of x for which there is a discontinuity, and use the
definition of continuity in terms of f (a), lim+ f (x) and lim f (x) to explain why:
xa
xa

if x 0
2x
if
x

x
a f (x) =
f
(x)
=
b

2x + 1 if x < 0
2x + 1 if x < 0

x
if x 1

x2 + 1

if x 0

2
c f (x) =
f
(x)
=
d
if
1
<
x
<
0
x

2x + 1 if x < 0

2x + 1 if x 0

if x 0
x
e f (x) =

2x if x < 0
Solution
a f (0) = 0 but lim f (x) = 1, therefore there is a discontinuity at x = 0.
x0

b f (0) = 0 but lim f (x) = 1, therefore there is a discontinuity at x = 0.

x0

c f (1) = 1 but lim + f (x) = 1, therefore there is a discontinuity at x = 1.

x1

f (0) = 1 but lim f (x) = 0, therefore there is a discontinuity at x = 0.

x0

d No discontinuity.
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17F

17F Limits and continuity

613

Section summary
 A function f is continuous at the point x = a if the following conditions are met:
f (x) is defined at x = a
lim f (x) = f (a)
xa

 The function is discontinuous at a point if it is not continuous at that point.

 A function is said to be continuous everywhere if it is continuous for all real numbers.

All the polynomial functions are continuous everywhere.

 Algebra of limits Suppose that f (x) and g(x) are functions and that a is a real number.
Assume that both lim f (x) and lim g(x) exist.
xa
xa


lim f (x) + g(x) = lim f (x) + lim g(x)
xa
xa
xa
That is, the limit of the sum is the sum of the limits.
lim k f (x) = k lim f (x), where k is a given real number.
xa

xa

lim f (x) g(x) = lim f (x) lim g(x)

xa

xa

xa

That is, the limit of the product is the product of the limits.
f (x)
f (x) lim
xa
=
, provided lim g(x)  0.
lim
xa g(x)
xa
lim g(x)
xa
That is, the limit of the quotient is the quotient of the limits.

Exercise 17F
Example 28, 29

1 Find the following limits:

a lim 15

b lim (x 5)

t2
t3 t + 5
t2 1
g lim
t1 t 1
x3 8
j lim
x2 x 2

t2 + 2t + 1
t1
t+1

h lim x + 3

x3

d lim

Example 32

c lim (3x 5)
1
x 2

x6

(x + 2)2 4
x0
x
2
x 2x
i lim
x0
x
2
x 3x + 2
l lim 2
x1 x 6x + 5

e lim

f lim

x9

3x2 x 10
x2 x2 + 5x 14

k lim

For each of the following graphs, give the values of x at which a discontinuity occurs.
Give reasons.
a

y
6

2
1

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614 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 33

For the following functions, state each value of x at which there is a discontinuity. Use
the definition of continuity in terms of f (a), lim+ f (x) and lim f (x) to explain why each
xa
xa
stated value of x corresponds to a discontinuity.

if x 1
if x 0
3x
x + 2
b f (x) =
a f (x) =

2x + 2 if x < 0
2x + 1 if x < 1

x
if x 1

2
c f (x) =
if 1 < x < 0
x

3x + 1 if x 0

4 The rule of a particular function is given below. For what values of x is the graph of this
function discontinuous?

2
if x < 1

y=
(x 4)2 9 if 1 x < 7

x 7
if x 7

17G When is a function differentiable?

f (a + h) f (a)
exists.
h0
h
The polynomial functions considered in this chapter are differentiable for all real numbers.
However, this is not true for all functions.

if x 0
x
Let f : R R, f (x) =
y

x if x < 0

A function f is said to be differentiable at x = a if lim

y = x

This function is called the modulus function (or the

absolute-value function) and is denoted by f (x) = |x|.
The function f is not differentiable at x = 0, because

if h > 0
f (0 + h) f (0)
f (h)
1
=
=

1 if h < 0
h
h

and so lim

h0

f (0 + h) f (0)
does not exist.
h

Note: To the left of 0 the gradient is 1, and to the right of 0 the gradient is 1.

Example 34

x
Let f : R R, f (x) =

if x 0
if x < 0

(That is, f (x) = |x|.) Sketch the graph of the derivative for a suitable domain.

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17G When is a function differentiable?

Solution

1
f  (x) =

615

if x > 0

if x < 0

f  (x) is not defined at x = 0

0
1

Example 35
y

Draw a sketch graph of f  where the graph of f is as

illustrated. Indicate where f  is not defined.

1
y

Solution
The derivative does not exist at x = 0,
i.e. the function is not differentiable at x = 0.

2
1

0
2

It was shown in the previous section that some piecewise-defined functions are continuous
everywhere. Similarly, there are piecewise-defined functions which are differentiable
everywhere. The smoothness of the joins determines whether this is the case.

Example 36
For the function with following rule, find f  (x) and sketch the graph of y = f  (x):

x + 2x + 1 if x 0
f (x) =

2x + 1
if x < 0
Solution

2x + 2 if x 0

f (x) =

2
if x < 0

In particular, f  (0) is defined and is equal to 2. The

two sections of the graph of y = f (x) join smoothly
at the point (0, 1).

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616 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Example 37
For the function with rule

x + 2x + 1
f (x) =

x + 1

if x 0
if x < 0

state the set of values for which the derivative is defined, find f  (x) for this set of values
and sketch the graph of y = f  (x).
Solution

2x + 2 if x > 0
f  (x) =

1
if x < 0

f  (0) is not defined as the limits from the left and

right are not equal.

1
0

The function f is differentiable for R \ {0}.

 Proofs of two results for derivatives

Derivative of a constant function
If f is a constant function, f (x) = c, then f  (a) = 0 for all real numbers a.
Proof f  (a) = lim

h0

f (a + h) f (a)
cc
= lim
=0
h0 h
h

Derivative of a sum
If f and g are differentiable at a, then f + g is also differentiable at a, and
( f + g) (a) = f  (a) + g (a)
Proof ( f + g) (a) = lim

h0

( f + g)(a + h) ( f + g)(a)
h

= lim

f (a + h) + g(a + h) f (a) g(a)

h

= lim

f (a + h) f (a) + g(a + h) g(a)

h

= lim

f (a + h) f (a)
g(a + h) g(a)
+ lim
h0
h
h

h0

h0

h0

= f  (a) + g (a)

Section summary
A function f is said to be differentiable at x = a if lim

h0

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17G

17G When is a function differentiable?

617

Exercise 17G
Example 34, 35

1 In each of the figures below, the graph of a function f is given. Sketch the graph of f  .
Obviously your sketch of f  cannot be exact; but f  (x) should be zero at values of x for
which the gradient of f is zero, and f  (x) should be negative where the original graph
slopes downwards, and so on.
a

y
f
1

4 2 0

2 4

f
f
1

Example 36

Example 37

f
1

2 For the function with following rule, find f  (x) and sketch the graph of y = f  (x):

x + 3x + 1 if x 0
f (x) =

3x + 1
if x < 0

3 For the function with the following rule, state the set of values for which the derivative
is defined, find f  (x) for this set of values and sketch the graph of y = f  (x):

x + 2x + 1 if x 1
f (x) =

2x + 3
if x < 1

For the function with the following rule, state the set of values for which the derivative
is defined, find f  (x) for this set of values and sketch the graph of y = f  (x):

x 3x + 1 if x 1
f (x) =

2x + 3
if x < 1

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Review

618 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Chapter summary
The derivative
AS
Nrich

 The notation for the limit as h approaches 0 is lim.

h0

 For the graph of y = f (x):

The gradient of the secant PQ is given by

f (x + h) f (x)
Q (x + h, f (x + h))
h
The gradient of the tangent to the graph at
P (x, f (x))
the point P is given by
x
f (x + h) f (x)
0
lim
h0
h
 The derivative of the function f is denoted f  and is defined by
f  (x) = lim

h0

f (x + h) f (x)
h
y

 At a point (a, g(a)) on the curve y = g(x), the



gradient is g (a).
R(b, g(b))

For the graph shown:

g (x) > 0 for x < b and for x > a
g (x) < 0 for b < x < a
g (x) = 0 for x = b and for x = a.

y = g(x)
a

S(a, g(a))

Rules for differentiation

 For f (x) = c, f  (x) = 0. That is, the derivative of a constant function is zero.

For example:
f (x) = 1, f  (x) = 0

f (x) = 27.3, f  (x) = 0

 For f (x) = xn , f  (x) = nxn1 , where n is a non-zero integer.

For example:
f (x) = x2 , f  (x) = 2x

f (x) = x1 , f  (x) = x2

f (x) = x4 , f  (x) = 4x3

f (x) = x3 , f  (x) = 3x4

 For f (x) = k g(x), where k is a constant, f  (x) = k g (x).

That is, the derivative of a number multiple is the multiple of the derivative.
For example:
f (x) = 3x2 , f  (x) = 3(2x) = 6x

 For f (x) = g(x) + h(x), f  (x) = g (x) + h (x).

That is, the derivative of a sum is the sum of the derivatives.

For example:
f (x) = x2 + x3 , f  (x) = 2x + 3x2

g(x) = 3x2 + 4x3 , g (x) = 3(2x) + 4(3x2 ) = 6x + 12x2

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Chapter 17 review 619

 If F 0 (x) = f (x), then








f (x) dx = F(x) + c, where c is an arbitrary real number.

n+1
x
xn dx =
+ c, where n N {0}
n+1 

f (x) + g(x) dx = f (x) dx + g(x) dx

k f (x) dx = k f (x) dx, where k is a real number.

Review

Antiderivatives

Algebra of limits
 lim f (x) + g(x) = lim f (x) + lim g(x)

xa

xa

xa

That is, the limit of the sum is the sum of the limits.
 lim k f (x) = k lim f (x), where k is a real number.
xa

xa
 lim f (x) g(x) = lim f (x) lim g(x)
xa
xa
xa
That is, the limit of the product is the product of the limits.
f (x)
f (x) lim
xa
 lim
=
, provided lim g(x) , 0.
xa g(x)
xa
lim g(x)
xa
That is, the limit of the quotient is the quotient of the limits.
Continuity
 A function f is continuous at the point x = a if:
f (x) is defined at x = a
lim f (x) = f (a)
xa

 The function is discontinuous at a point if it is not continuous at that point.

Technology-free questions
1

Find the derivative of each of the following by first principles:

a y = 3x + 1
d y = x3 + x

b y = 4 x2
e y = x2 + 2x + 1

c y = x2 + 5x
f y = 3x2 x

dy
when:
dx
a y = 3x2 2x + 6
d y = 4(2x 1)(5x + 2)

b y=5
e y = (x + 1)(3x 2)

c y = 2x(2 x)
f y = (x + 1)(2 3x)

b y = 10

c y=

Find

Find

dy
when:
dx

a y = x
d y=
4

2x3 x2
3x

e y=

x4 + 3x2
2x2

(x + 3)(2x + 1)
4

For each of the following functions, find the y-coordinate and the gradient of the
tangent at the point on the curve for the given value of x:
a y = x2 2x + 1, x = 2
c y = (x + 2)(x 4), x = 3

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d y = 3x2 2x3 , x = 2

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Review

620 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

5

Find the coordinates of the points on the curves given by the following equations at
which the gradient of the tangent at that point has the given value:
dy
dy
a y = x2 3x + 1,
=0
b y = x3 6x2 + 4,
= 12
dx
dx
dy
dy
c y = x2 x3 ,
= 1
d y = x3 2x + 7,
=1
dx
dx
dy
dy
e y = x4 2x3 + 1,
=0
f y = x(x 3)2 ,
=0
dx
dx

For the function with rule f (x) = 3(2x 1)2 , find the values of x for which:
b f  (x) = 0
e f (x) > 0

a f (x) = 0
d f  (x) < 0

Find the derivative of each of the following with respect to x:

1
a x4
b 2x3
c 2
3x
e

c f  (x) > 0
f f  (x) = 3

3
x5

x2 + x3
x4

3x2 + 2x
x2

1
x4

h 5x2

2
x

The curve with equation y = ax2 + bx has a tangent with gradient 3 at the point (1, 1).
Find:
a the values of a and b
b the coordinates of the points where the gradient is 0.

Find:
a
e

 1

dx

 1

x2 dx

2
 13
t dt
f
3

at dt

c
g




(x2 + 3x) dx

(t + 1)(t 2) dt h




(2x + 3)2 dx
(2 t)(t + 1) dt

10

The curve with equation y = f (x) passes through the point (3, 1) and f  (x) = 2x + 5.
Find f (x).

11

The curve with equation y = f (x) passes through the origin and f  (x) = 3x2 8x + 3.
a Find f (x).

12

b Find the intercepts of the curve with the x-axis.

Sketch the graph of y = f  (x). (Not all details can be

determined, but the axis intercepts and the shape of graph can
be determined.)

y
5
2

1
1

13

For the graph of y = h(x), find:



a { x : h (x) > 0 }
c { x : h (x) = 0 }

b { x : h (x) < 0 }

(4, 3)
y = h(x)

(1, 4)
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Chapter 17 review 621

The gradient of the curve y = x3 + 4x at the point where x = 2 is

A 12

B 4

C 10

If y = 2x4 5x3 + 2, then

A 8x3 5x2 + 2
D 8x3 15x + 2

If y =

2x4
+ 6x
3

B 2x + 3

D 2

E 5

C 2x 6

D 2x + 9

E 2x

C 2x2 + 3

Given that y = x2 6x + 9, the values of x for which

B x>3

C x 3

8x3 + 18x
3

dy
0 are
dx
D x 3

E 8x3 + 18x

E x<3

If y = 2x4 36x2 , the points at which the tangent to the curve is parallel to the x-axis
are
B 0 and 3

C 3 and 3

D 0 and 3

E 3, 0 and 3

The coordinates of the point on the graph of y = x2 + 6x 5 at which the tangent is

parallel to the line y = 4x are
A (1, 10)

10

C 4x4 10x2

dy
2x4 + 9x2
, then
equals
3x
dx

A 1, 0 and 3
9

C 2

B x6

A x3
8

E 4+h

D 4x

If f (x) = (x 3)2 , then f 0 (x) equals

A
7

C 4

dy
equals
dx
B 4x4 15x2 + 2
E 8x3 15x2

B 1

A x3
6

B 4 + 2h

If f (x) = x2 (x + 1), then f 0 (1) equals

A 1

E 8

The gradient of the chord of the curve y = 2x2 between the points where x = 1 and
x = 1 + h is given by
A 2(x + h)2 2x2

D 16

Review

Multiple-choice questions

B (1, 2)

C (1, 2)
dy
equals
dx
B 6x2 + 6x
E 6x2 6x 1

D (1, 4)

E (1, 10)

If y = 2x3 + 3x2 x + 1, then

A 6x2 + 6x 1
D 6x2 + 6x 1

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Review

622 Chapter 17: Differentiation and antidifferentiation of polynomials

Extended-response questions
1

The diagram to the right shows part of

dy
against x.
the graph of
dx
Sketch a possible shape for the graph
of y against x over the same interval if:
 y = 1 when x = 1

dy
dx

 y = 0 when x = 0

 y = 1 when x = 2.

The graph shown is that of a polynomial function of the form

P(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d. Find the values of a, b, c and d.

y
R (2, 3)

Note: Q(1, 2) is not a turning point.

x
Q (1, 2)

1 5 1 4
x + x , for x 0.
5
2
Units are in kilometres, and x and y are the horizontal and vertical axes respectively.

A body moves in a path described by the equation y =

a What will be the direction of motion (give your answer as the angle between the
direction of motion and the x-axis) when the x-value is:
i 1 km
ii 3 km?
b Find a value of x for which the gradient of the path is 32.
4

A trail over a mountain pass can be modelled by the curve y = 2 + 0.12x 0.01x3 ,
where x and y are the horizontal and vertical distances respectively, measured in
kilometres, and 0 x 3.
a Find the gradients at the beginning and the end of the trail.
b Calculate the point where the gradient is zero, and calculate also the height of
the pass.

A tadpole begins to swim vertically upwards in a pond and after t seconds it is

25 0.1t3 cm below the surface.

a How long does the tadpole take to reach the surface, and what is its speed then?
b What is the average speed over this time?
6

a Show that the gradients of the curve y = x(x 2) at the points (0, 0) and (2, 0) only
differ in sign. What is the geometrical interpretation for this?
b If the gradients of the curve y = x(x 2)(x 5) at the points (0, 0), (2, 0) and (5, 0)
1 1 1
are , m and n respectively, show that + + = 0.
 m n

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