How would I use implicit differentiation to differentiate functions such as: y=tan^-1(ax^2+b) in the form of dy/dx=.....?

First you must write the function in terms on something you know how to differentiate, for example... by taking tan (..) of both sides the equation becomes, tan(y)= ax+b. We then use implicit differentiation. So in our case, tan(y) goes too sec2(y)*dy/dx when differentiating y with respect to x on the left hand side of our re-aranged equation, using the chain rule. The right hand side is completed as normal with respect to x. Leaving us with dy/dx * sec2(y) = 2ax.  This gets us to a final answer of dy/dx = 2ax / (sec2(y)) = 2ax * cos2(y). Using the identity Sin2(x)+Cos2(x)=1 we can get the result in terms of x.

CS
Answered by Charles S. Maths tutor

5706 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve has the equation: x^4 + 2x -xy - y^3 - 10=0. Find dy/dx in terms of x and y.


Find the cross product of vectors a and b ( a x b ) where a = 3i + 6j + 4k and b = 6i - 2j + 0k.


Expand using binomial expansion (1+6x)^3


How to solve the absolute-value inequalities?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning