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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives

942211-2581 2240119

Differentiation
Differentiability: Derivative of a function at a point:
Definition: The derivative of a function f is the function f ′, defined by

for all x for which this limit exists.

If we denote y = f (x), then f ′(x) is called the derivative of f, with respect to (the
independent variable) x,

Geometrically, the value of f ′(x) represents the slope of the line tangent to the curve y = f
(x) at the point (x, f (x)).
Theorem: If f is differentiable at a, then f is continuous at a.
• Polynomial functions, exponential functions, sine and cosine functions arc differentiable
every where.
• Every differentiable function is continuous but a continuous function need not be
differentiable.

Suppose f and g are differentiable functions, c is any real number, then

Algebraic Derivatives

Trigonometric Derivatives

Inverse Trigonometric Derivatives

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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

Logarithmic and Exponential Derivatives

1) Find

a) b) c) d)

2) Find

a) b) c) d)

3) Find

a) b) c) d)

4) Find

a) b) c) d)

5) Find

a) b) c) d)

6) Find
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

a) b) c) d)

7) Find

a) b) c) d)

8) Find

a) b) c) d)

9) Find the equation of tangent

a) b) c) d)

10) Find the equation of tangent line

a) b) c) d)
11) Find point at which tangent line is horizontal

a) b) c) d)
12) Find the equation of tangent line to the ellipse

a) b) c) d)

Rolle’s Theorem:
Let f(x) be defined in [a , b] such that

Then there exists at least one point such that .

Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem

Let f(x) be defined in [a , b] such that

Then there exists at least one point

such that .
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

Cauchy's Mean Value Theorem:

Let f(x) ,g(x) be defined in [a , b] such that

'
f(b ) − f(a ) f (c)
= '
Then there exists at least one point such that g( b ) − g( a ) g ( c ).

The Mean Value Theorem

The Mean Value Theorem is a special case of Cauchy’s Mean Value Theorem.

Let be continuous on and differentiable on . Then such that

Taylor series
A Taylor Series is a precise representation of a function, in polynomial form, making
many manipulations much easier. The Taylor a series expansion of a function about a point.
A one-dimensional Taylor series is an expansion of a real function f(x) about a point x = a is
given by:

Common Taylor series include:

This is called as Taylor series expansion about x = 0. Taylor series about origin is also
called Maclaurin’s series.
Note:
If f(x) is not differentiable at x = a then f(x) cannot be expressed as a Taylor series in
power of (x-a).

Homogeneous function:
A function is said to be homogeneous if degree of each and every term in the function is
same or
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

Euler’s Theorem:

If is a homogeneous function with degree ‘n’ in x and y then

Corollary-1:

where f, g and h are homogeneous functions of

degrees m, n and p respectively then

Corollary-2: If is not a homogeneous function but certain function is

a homogeneous function of degree ‘n’ in x and y

13) Find the constant c of the Rolls theorem for the

a) b) c) d)

14) Find the constant c of the Rolls theorem for the

a) b) c) d) none
15) Find the constant c of the Lanrange mean value theorem for the

a) ±0.881 b) ±0.381 c) ±0.181 d) ±0.081

16) Find the constant c of the Lanrange mean value theorem for the
a) e b) e-1 c) e+2 d) e+1
17) Find the constant c of the Cauchy mean value theorem for the
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

a) b) c) d) none
18) Find the constant c of the Cauchy mean value theorem for the

a) b) c) d) none

Maxima and Minima

Extremum:
Means maxima and minima, known
collectively as extrema, are points in the domain
of a function at which the function takes a
largest value (maximum) or smallest value
(minimum), either within a given neighbourhood
(local extremum) or on the function domain in its
entirety (global extremum).

Local Maximum / Minimum

 A function f has a local maximum (or

relative maximum) at c if when x near c. That is for all

x on some open interval containing c.

 Similarly, f has a local minimum (or relative minimum) at c if when x

near c.

Absolute or Global maximum / minimum:

The absolute maximum/minimum values of the function in the closed interval [a,b]
are given by
Absolute maximum value or greatest value =

Absolute minimum value or least value =

Any global maximum (minimum) is also a local maximum (minimum); however, a local
maximum or minimum need not also be a global maximum or minimum

Stationary points: The values of x for which are called stationary points or
turning points.
Extreme point: The point at which the function has a maximum or a minimum is called
extreme point.
Extreme values: The values of the function at extreme points are called extreme values
(Extrema).
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

Inflection point inflection point is a point on a curve at which the sign of the
curvature (i.e. the concavity) changes. Inflection points may be stationary
points, but are not relative maxima or relative minima. For example, for the
curve plotted above, the point inflection point or point of inflection (or
inflexion) can be defined in any of the following ways:
 A point on a curve at which the tangent crosses the curve itself.
 A point on a curve at which the slope of graph does not change

Working Rule to find maxima and minima:

Let be the given function

Step 1: Find

Step 2: Equate to zero to obtain the stationary points.

Step 3: Find at each stationary point.

 If then has a minimum at x = xo

 If then has a minimum at x = xo

 If then may (or) may not have extremum.

Maxima and minima for functions of two variables:

 In order to find Maxima and Minima of f(x,y) one has to solve the system equation


 A C – B2 >0 and A > 0 then there is exists minima
 A C – B2 >0 and A < 0 then there is exists maxima
 A C – B2 = 0 then No conclusion
 A C – B2 <0 then there is neither minima or maxima

19) Find the greatest value of in [0,2]

20) Find the least value of
21) The least values of f ( x )=x 2 −8 x +17 is
22) The minimum value of function in the interval [1,5] is

23) For real values of x, the minimum value of the function is

24) Find the stationary point of the function

a) One maxima b) two minima c) one minima d) one maxima and one
minima
25) For
a) Two maxima c)Two minima
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

b) One minima and one maxima d) No minima and no maxima

3
26) For f ( x )=x
a) Only one maxima c) Only one minima
b) No minima and no maxima d) Many minima and many maxima
3 2
27) The function f ( x )=x −9 x +24 x has
a) Maxima at x =2 and minima at x = 4 c) Maxima at x =4 and minima at x = 2
b) No Maxima and minima at x = 2 d) Maxima at x =4 and no minima
28) The function f ( x )=x + 4 / x has
a) Local maxima at x = - 2 and local minima at x = 2
b) Local maxima at x = 2 and local minima at x = -2
c) Absolute maxima at x = - 2 and absolute minima at x = 2
d) Absolute maxima at x = 2 and absolute minima at x = - 2
29) Find the maxima and minima of the function
a) x= -1 and x= 6 b) x = 6 and x= -1 c) x = -1 d) x=6
2 2
30) Determine the critical point for f ( x , y ) 2 x  3 y  4x  3y  5
a) (1,1) b) (-1,1) c) (-2,0) d) (1,-1/2)

31) Determine the critical point for

a) (-2,4) and (0,4) b) (-2,4) c) (0,4) d) (-2,4) and (2,4)
32) Determine the critical point for
a) (1,1) b) (-2,0) c) (-2,1) d) (1,0)
2 3
33) The function f ( x , y )=4 x +4 xy−2 y has
a) Only one stationary point at (0,0) c) Two stationary point at (0,0) and ( 1/6, -1/3)
b) No stationary point d) Two stationary point at (0,0) and ( 1, -1)
∂f ∂f
== 9 x 2−9 and =2 y+4
34) If ∂ x ∂y
a) local Minima at (-1,-1/2) c) local Minima at (1,-1/2)
b) No Maxima and minima at (1,-1/2) d) No conclusion can be drawn
35) The function has
a) Minima at (-3,0) b)maxima at (-3,0) c)no extrema at (-3,0) d) None
36) Find the point (x,y) on graph nearest to the point (4,0)

a) b) c) d)
37) Find the point on the surface nearest to the point (0,0,0)
a) (0,0,0) b) (0,0,1) c)(1,0,0) d) (0,1,0)
38) A manufacturer needs to make a cylindrical can that will hold 1.5 liter of liquid.
Determine dimensions of can that will minimize the amount of material used in its
construction
a) R= 4.2cm, H= 8.4cm c) R= 3.1cm, H= 6.2cm
b) R= 10.2cm, H= 20.4cm d) R= 6.2cm, H= 12.4cm
39) Find the rectangle of maximum area that can be inscribed in a circle of radius R

a) b) c) d) None
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

40) Determine the dimensions of a rectangle bounded by a semicircle that

would maximize the area
a) b) c) d)
41) Find the height of cylinder of maximum volume that can be inscribed in a sphere of
radius R

a) b) c) d) None
42) Find the volume of greatest cylinder which can be inscribed in a cone of height 'H' semi
vertical angle 

a) b) c) d)

1 d 9 d 17 b 25 b 33 c 41 a
2 c 10 b 18 c 26 b 34 c 42 b
3 c 11 d 19 4 27 a 35 a 43
4 b 12 a 20 3/4 28 a 36 c 44
5 a 13 a 21 1 29 a 37 b 45
6 b 14 a 22 1 30 d 38 d 46
7 a 15 a 23 2 31 a 39 a 47
8 b 16 b 24 d 32 c 40 b 48

GATE QUESTIONS

1) [GATE-1995] : The function has

a) Maxima at x=1 & minima at x=3 c) Maxima at x=3 &minima at x=1
b) No maxima ,but a minima at x=3 d) A maxima at x=1 ,but no minima

2) [GATE-2001] : The minimum point of the function is at

a) x=1 b) x= -1 c) x=0 d)

3) [CE-GATE 2004] The function has maxima at

a) x=- 2 only b) x=0 only c) x=3 only d) both x= - 2 and x= 3

4) [GATE-2004] : then

a) b) c) d)
5) [CH-GATE 2005] In the domain, the function has
a) No maximum and no minimum c) One maximum and no minimum
b) No maximum and one minimum d) One maximum an one minimum

6) [GATE-2006] :equation of normal to at (0,5) is

a) b) c) d)
7) [GATE-2007] : The Minimum value of function in the interval [1,5] is
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

a) 0 b) 1 c) 25 d) Undefined

8) [EC-GATE2007] Consider the function . The maximum value of

in the closed interval [-4,4] is----

9) [GATE-2007] : If , then y has a

a) Maximum at c)Minimum at

b) Maximum at d) Minimum at

10) [CS-GATE2007] Consider the following two statements about the function
P) f (x) is continuous for all real values of x
Q) f (x) is differentiable for all real values of x
Which of the following is
a) P is true and Q is false c) P is false and Q is true
b) Both P and Q are true d) Both P and Q are false

11) [IN-GATE 2007] Consider the function , where x is real. Then the function
f(x) at x=0 is
a) Continuous but not differentiable c) Once differentiable but not twice
b) Twice differentiable but not thrice d) Thrice differentiable

12) [GATE-2008] : Let what is at x=2, y=1

a) 0 b) c) 1 d)

13) [IN-GATE 2008] Consider the function . The maximum value of y obtained
when x varies over the interval 2 to 5 is------

14) [IN-GATE 2008] Given , the value of is equal to

a) 0 b) 4 c) 12 d)13
15) [CS-GATE 2008] A point on a curve is said to be an extremum if it is a local minimum or
a local maximum. The number of distinct extrema for the curve

is—

16) [EE-GATE 2008] Consider function where x is a real number. Then

the function has
a) only one minima c) only two minima
b) three minima d) three maxima
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

17) [EC-GATE 2008] For real values of x, the minimum value of the function

is
a) 0.5 b)0 c) 2 d) 1
18) [EC-GATE 2008The derivative of the symmetric function drawn in figure will look like

(a) (b) (c)

(d)

19) [IT-GATE 2008] If f(x) is defined as follows, what is the minimum value of

20) [CE-GATE 2010] Given a function The optimal value

of f(x, y)
a) Is a minimum equal to 10/3 c) Is a maximum equal to 10/3
b) Is a minimum equal to 8/3 d) Is a maximum equal to 8/3

21) [IN-GATE 2011] The maximum value of in ,he interval (1,6)

is
a) 21 b) 25 c)41 d)46
22) [CH-GATE 2012] which one of the following functions y(x) has the slope of its tangent

equal to

a) b) c) d)
23) [GATE-2012] : At x=0 ,the function has
a) Max value b) Min value c) Singularity d) Point of inflection

24) [CS-GATE 2012]Consider the function in the interval .

The number and location (s) of the local minima of this function are

a) One at b) One at c) Two at d) Two at

25) [EC-GATE ’12]The maximum value of in the interval [1,6]

is ---
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Prof. Mohod Engineering Academy GATE Math Derivatives
942211-2581 2240119

26) [EE-GATE 2013] A function is defined over an open interval x = (1,2).

At least at one point in this interval, dy/dx is exactly
a) 20 b) 25 c) 30 d)35
27) [GATE-2015] : At x=0 the fuction f(x) = |x| has
a) A minimum b) Maximum c) Point of inflexion d) Neither max or minima
28) [GATE-2015 CIVIL]: While minimizing the function f(x), necessary and sufficient
conditions for a point, x0 to be a minima are:

a) c)

b) d)
29) [GATE-2016] : Consider the function in the domain [-1,2] the global
minimum of f(x) is

30) [GATE 2016] : The optimum value of the function is

a) 2 maximum b) 2 minimum c) -2maximum d) -2 minimum

31) [GATE-2016] : The angle of intersection of curves and at (0,0)

a) b) c) d) 90

1 a 1 b 2 c 31 d
1 1
2 a 1 c 2 d 32
2 2
3 a 1 4 2 d 33
3 3
4 c 1 b 2 b 34
4 4
5 c 1 1 2 41 35
5 5
6 b 1 c 2 b 36
6 6
7 b 1 c 2 a 37
7 7
8 18 1 c 2 d 38
8 8
9 a 1 2.08 2 -5 39
9 9
1 a 2 a 3 d 40
0 0 0