3.

Derivatives of Implicit Functions

For functions, such as,

x
to

and

x + y =4 xy , x y=9 x + y

and

( x+ y )2=3 xy , the values of

are connected together in an equation. Finding for the derivative of

x , implicit differentiation can be applied. The

with respect

y , is called the implicit function of

x.

Example(a).
Find

'

y , of the equation,

x + y =4 xy .

Solution:

x 2+ y 2 =4 xy
First, differentiate each term of the equation.

2 xdx +2 ydy=4 ( xdy + ydx )

xdx+ ydy=2 xdy+ 2 ydx
Then, combine the terms containing the same differential making the terms of
the

left side and the terms of

dx

dy

on

on the other side on the equation, then factor out the terms.

ydy2 xdy=2 ydxxdx

( y2 x ) dy =( 2 y x ) dx
Divide both sides of the equation by the terms that will remain only
side

and all other terms on the other side.

[ ( y2 x ) dy =( 2 y x ) dx ]

1
( y 2 x ) dx

dy 2 yx
=
dx y 2 x
y'=

d y 2 yx
=
dx y2 x

Example(b).
Find

y ' , of the equation,

( x+ y )2=3 xy .

Solution:

( x+ y )2=3 xy
2 ( x + y ) ( dx +dy )=3 ( xdy + ydx )

dy
dx

on the left

2 xdy +2 ydy3 xdy =3 ydx2 xdx 2 ydx

( 2 yx ) dy =( y2 x ) dx
( y 2 x )
dy
= y'=
dx
( 2 yx )