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.

Answered by Charles S. Maths tutor

3787 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

At time t = 0, a particle is projected vertically upwards with speed u m s–1 from a point 10 m above the ground. At time T seconds, the particle hits the ground with speed 17.5 m s–1. Find the value of u and T and evaluate the model. (AS mechanics)


The numbers a, b, c and d satisfy the following equations: a + b + 3c + 4d = k; 5a = 3b = 2c = d. What is the smallest value for k for which a, b, c and d are all positive integers


Find the indefinite integral of sin(2x)(cos^2(x)) with respect to x.


y = 2x^3 + 15x^2 + 24x + 10 Find the stationary points on this curve and determine their nature


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy