How do I implicitly differentiate and why does it work? (Assuming understanding of differentiation)

Implicit differentiation can be used when you are asked to find dy/dx of a function that has not been written as y=f(x) e.g. y = x^2 - 1, and which cannot be rearranged as such. We can use the equation of a circle as an example, x^2 +y^2 = 25. In order to implicitly differentiate we have to differentiate each term with respect to x, this is straight forward for the x^2 and 25 terms but for any term which is a function of y we differentiate pretending that y is just another x term and then multiply that by dy/dx. e.g. y^2 -> 2ydy/dx. Once all the terms have been dealt with we can rearrange to find dy/dx.Why does this work? Let's consider what differentiating a function of y with respect to y looks like: df(y)/dy, but we need to find df(y)/dx so if we times df(y)/dy x dy/dx we can see that the product is now df(y)/dx for that term.

SO
Answered by Sorcha O. Maths tutor

4166 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate x^3+ x^2+2=y


Given that y = 4x^3 -1 + 2x^1/2 (where x>0) find dy/dx.


A triangle has sides a,b,c and angles A,B,C with a opposite A etc. If a=4,b=3,A=40, what is the area of the triangle?


The function f has domain (-∞, 0) and is defines as f(x) = (x^2 + 2)/(x^2 + 5) (here ^ is used to represent a power). Show that f'(x) < 0. What is the range of f?


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