DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

MODULE 2

IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION

Implicit and Explicit Functions

A function is explicit when it is defined by the equation y = f(x). Whereas, a
function is implicit when it is defined by the equation f ( x, y ) = 0.
One can easily determine whether a function is implicit or explicit.

Consider the following equations:

1. y = 5x + 1

2. x2 + y2 = c2

3. cos xy = y + x
4. y = ax2 + bx + c

5. sec y + sin xy2 + x = 2

Note that equations (1) and (4) are both solved for x and in the form y = f(x).
Therefore, these two equations are explicit function of x. Equations (2), (3), and (5) are
all not solved for x, therefore, they are all implicit functions of x. However, equation (2)

can be solved for x by expressing it as y = √c x . Therefore, it can only be called as

explicit when transformed. Equations (3) and (5) are impossible to be solved in terms of
x, thus there is no need to try hard transforming them.

1. y – mx – b = 0 → Implicit

2. y2 = mx + b → Implicit since y is not linear

3. y2 + x2 + 2x – y = 3 → Implicit

4. y2 – y = -x2 – 2x → Implicit since y must be of the first degree

Implicit Differentiation

Equations such as y2 + x2 + 2x – y = 3 and y – mx – b = 0 can be differentiated

by the process of implicit differentiation. In the previous lesson, we’ve been concerned

only in differentiating explicit functions such as y = 5x2 – 2x + 1 and y = √ x.

Rule: Differentiate BOTH sides of the equation with respect to x then solve for

or y’ using the rules of differentiating algebraic forms.

For the Power Formula of y, we have:

( ) or

The latter derivative is more preferred for simplicity.

Below is the tabulated summary of some derivatives of x and y combined.

Given Derivative Rule
y y' Power Rule
y2 yy’ Power Rule
y3 3y2y’ Power Rule
y4 4y3y’ Power Rule
y5 5y4y’ Power Rule
yn nyn-1y’ Power Rule
xy xy' + y Product Rule

Quotient Rule

Quotient Rule

EXAMPLE 1. Find the derivative of y2 + x2 = 2x + 4y

( ) ( )
 Divide both sides by 2.
Transpose all the terms with y’ to the right side.
( ) Factor out y’.

Ans. Divide both sides by the y – 2.

EXAMPLE 2. 4ax – 5by + xy = 1

( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

( )

Ans.

EXAMPLE 3. x2 + y2 = 16 (Note: DO NOT make it explicit.)

( ) ( )

Ans.

EXAMPLE 4. 4 ( x – y )9 = 3ax2y (Kapag inexpand niyo yung (x – y)9, baka

mamali lang kayo. Only expand binomials raised to 2 if you want.)

[ ( ) ] ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) [ ( )] Divide both sides by 3.

( ) ( )
( ) ( )
[ ( ) ] ( )
( )
( )
Note that you can’t cancel anymore any similar terms there! Review factoring.
EXAMPLE 5. ( x – 2y )2 = 5x2 – 3y2

( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( )

( )( )
( ) ( )

( )

EXAMPLE 6. √x √y = x + y
(√ ) (√ ) ( )

Multiply both sides by 2√xy to clear fractions.

√ √

√ √ √ ( ) Recall √xy √x √y
√ √ √ √

√ √ √ √
(√ √ ) √ √

√ ( √ )
√ ( √ )

EXAMPLE 7. ( 3x2 + 4y2 )2/5 = 0

( )

( ) ( )

( ) ( ) Multiply both sides by 5.

( ) ( ) Divide both sides by 4.

Exercise 2.1
Name: ________________________________ Date: _____________________
CYS: __________________________________

I. Determine whether each of the following functions is implicit or explicit. Write

“beauty” if implicit; otherwise, write “beast.”

___________1. y = 5x2 – 6x + 3

___________2. y + 5x2 – 6x = 3

___________3. y = cos x + y2

___________4. cos ax + sin by = x

___________5. Arctan y = x – 4ax

___________6. y9 = (x + 1)0.5

___________7. x + 2y = 2xy

___________8. y =
x
___________9. y = 2x sin a

___________10. y = 2 ( x – y )4/9

II. Differentiate by implicit differentiation.

1. bx + ay = abxy 2. y2 = x – 1 (DO NOT make it explicit)