Access this content offline
Omniguides
Skip to the reading

AP Unit 3 Solutions

Worked solutions to all thirty Unit 3 problems. Each solution gives the mathematical steps and the reason for using them. Compare your setup and justification as well as the final answer.

Return to the problems →

Problem 1

Differentiate f(x)=(2x³−1)⁵.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Identify outside u⁵ and inside u=2x³−1. Reason: the expression is a composition.
  2. Outside differentiation gives 5(2x³−1)⁴; inside differentiation gives 6x². Reason: use the power rule at each layer.
  3. Multiply to get 30x²(2x³−1)⁴. Reason: the chain rule combines the two rates.

Answer: f′(x)=30x²(2x³−1)⁴.

Final answer

f′(x)=30x²(2x³−1)⁴.

Return to problem 1 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 2

Differentiate y=cos(4x²+1).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Identify u=4x²+1 and y=cos u. Reason: cosine is the outer function.
  2. The outer derivative is −sin(4x²+1) and u′=8x. Reason: use the cosine and polynomial rules.
  3. Multiply to get y′=−8x sin(4x²+1). Reason: the chain rule includes the inside rate.

Answer: y′=−8x sin(4x²+1).

Final answer

y′=−8x sin(4x²+1).

Return to problem 2 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 3

Differentiate f(x)=ln(x²+3). State its real domain.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The argument x²+3 is positive for every real x. Reason: x²≥0.
  2. Use outside derivative 1/(x²+3) and inside derivative 2x. Reason: the logarithm is composed with a polynomial.
  3. Multiply to get 2x/(x²+3). Reason: the chain rule applies throughout the real domain.

Answer: f′(x)=2x/(x²+3), all real x.

Final answer

f′(x)=2x/(x²+3), all real x.

Return to problem 3 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 4

Differentiate f(x)=e^(sin(3x)).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The layers are exponential, sine and 3x. Reason: each inside output feeds the next function.
  2. Their derivative factors are e^(sin(3x)), cos(3x), and 3. Reason: evaluate each outer derivative at its inside input.
  3. Multiply all three to get 3e^(sin(3x))cos(3x). Reason: repeated chain rules connect the layers.

Answer: f′(x)=3e^(sin(3x))cos(3x).

Final answer

f′(x)=3e^(sin(3x))cos(3x).

Return to problem 4 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 5

Values needed for a composition
QuantityValue
g(2)4
g′(2)−3
f′(2)7
f′(4)5

The functions are differentiable at the relevant inputs. Find (f∘g)′(2) and explain which table entry is a distractor.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Use (f∘g)′(2)=f′(g(2))g′(2). Reason: the chain rule evaluates the outside rate at the inside output.
  2. g(2)=4, so use f′(4)=5 rather than f′(2)=7. Reason: 4 is the input received by f.
  3. Multiply 5(−3)=−15. Reason: combine the two derivative factors.

Answer: −15; f′(2)=7 is the unused distractor.

Final answer

−15; f′(2)=7 is the unused distractor.

Return to problem 5 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 6

A sensor converts volume V liters into height H(V) meters. At t=5 minutes, V=8 L and V′=−0.6 L/min. The graph of H has tangent slope 0.25 m/L at V=8. Find the instantaneous height rate.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The height over time is H(V(t)). Reason: time changes volume, which changes height.
  2. Use dH/dt=H′(8)V′(5)=0.25(−0.6). Reason: the chain rule combines the graph slope with the time rate.
  3. The result is −0.15 m/min. Reason: liters cancel and the sign indicates decreasing height.

Answer: Height decreases at 0.15 m/min.

Final answer

Height decreases at 0.15 m/min.

Return to problem 6 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 7

For f(x)=ln(1+eˣ), find f′(x) analytically, then use a calculator to evaluate f′(1) to six decimals. Confirm it with a centered numerical difference using h=0.001.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Differentiate the log layer and the exponential layer to obtain f′(x)=eˣ/(1+eˣ). Reason: the chain rule multiplies 1/(1+eˣ) by eˣ.
  2. At 1 the exact value is e/(1+e)≈0.731059. Reason: evaluate only after differentiation.
  3. The centered difference at 1 with h=0.001 is approximately 0.731058563, consistent with the analytic value. Reason: a numerical slope provides an independent local check, not a replacement for the derivation.

Answer: f′(x)=eˣ/(1+eˣ); f′(1)≈0.731059.

Final answer

f′(x)=eˣ/(1+eˣ); f′(1)≈0.731059.

Return to problem 7 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.1

Problem 8

For x²+y²=25, find dy/dx and the tangent line at (3,4).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Verify 3²+4²=25, then differentiate to 2x+2y y′=0. Reason: the point lies on the curve and y depends on x.
  2. Solve y′=−x/y, so y′(3,4)=−3/4. Reason: y=4 is nonzero.
  3. Write y−4=−(3/4)(x−3). Reason: the derivative gives the tangent slope at the supplied point.

Answer: dy/dx=−x/y where y≠0; tangent y−4=−(3/4)(x−3).

Final answer

dy/dx=−x/y where y≠0; tangent y−4=−(3/4)(x−3).

Return to problem 8 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 9

For x²+xy+y²=7, find dy/dx at (1,2).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Differentiate to 2x+y+x y′+2y y′=0. Reason: xy needs the product rule and y² needs the chain rule.
  2. Collect terms: (x+2y)y′=−(2x+y). Reason: isolate the unknown local rate.
  3. At (1,2), y′=−4/5. Reason: 1+2·2=5≠0 and the point satisfies the curve.

Answer: dy/dx=−4/5 at (1,2).

Final answer

dy/dx=−4/5 at (1,2).

Return to problem 9 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 10

For eʸ+x²=1, find dy/dx and the slope at (0,0). State the x-domain of the real y-branch.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Differentiate eʸy′+2x=0. Reason: the exponential contains y(x).
  2. Solve y′=−2x/eʸ; at (0,0) the slope is 0. Reason: eʸ is positive and the point lies on the curve.
  3. Since eʸ=1−x²>0, the branch requires −1<x<1. Reason: a real logarithm y=ln(1−x²) needs a positive argument.

Answer: dy/dx=−2x/eʸ; slope 0 at (0,0); −1<x<1.

Final answer

dy/dx=−2x/eʸ; slope 0 at (0,0); −1<x<1.

Return to problem 10 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 11

For xy+sin y=1, find the tangent slope at (1,0) if possible. Explain your first check.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Substitute the claimed point: 1·0+sin 0=0. Reason: a tangent at a point requires curve membership.
  2. Since 0≠1, (1,0) is not on the curve. Reason: the given equation excludes that point.
  3. No tangent to this curve at that point is defined. Reason: differentiating and substituting cannot create a missing curve point.

Answer: No tangent slope at (1,0), because the point is not on the curve.

Final answer

No tangent slope at (1,0), because the point is not on the curve.

Return to problem 11 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 12

For the circle x²+y²=9, analyze the tangent at (3,0). Does the failure of the formula y′=−x/y imply the curve has no tangent there?

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The point satisfies the circle. Reason: 3²+0²=9.
  2. The y-as-a-function derivative formula would divide by 0. Reason: its finite-slope condition y≠0 fails.
  3. The geometric tangent is vertical, x=3; there is no finite dy/dx there. Reason: the circle reaches its rightmost point and the limiting tangent direction is vertical.

Answer: Vertical tangent x=3; no finite dy/dx at that point.

Final answer

Vertical tangent x=3; no finite dy/dx at that point.

Return to problem 12 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 13

On the upper branch of x²+xy+y²=7, use a calculator to find y at x=1.2, then find the tangent slope to six decimals. Keep the exact branch formula before rounding.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Solve the quadratic in y: y=[−x+√(28−3x²)]/2 for the upper branch. Reason: the plus-square-root choice selects the larger y-value.
  2. At x=1.2, y≈1.833105012. Reason: substitute without rounding intermediate values.
  3. Use y′=−(2x+y)/(x+2y) to obtain approximately −0.869898. Reason: implicit differentiation gives the rate along this specific branch.

Answer: y≈1.833105012; tangent slope≈−0.869898.

Final answer

y≈1.833105012; tangent slope≈−0.869898.

Return to problem 13 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.2

Problem 14

Values of a one-to-one smooth function with differentiable inverse
xf(x)f′(x)
18−2
25−4
30−6

Use the table to find f⁻¹(5) and (f⁻¹)′(5).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The pair f(2)=5 gives f⁻¹(5)=2. Reason: the inverse swaps the input and output.
  2. Use the inverse derivative at 5 as 1/f′(2). Reason: the corresponding original input is 2.
  3. Compute 1/(−4)=−1/4. Reason: the supplied nonzero slope has a finite reciprocal.

Answer: f⁻¹(5)=2; (f⁻¹)′(5)=−1/4.

Final answer

f⁻¹(5)=2; (f⁻¹)′(5)=−1/4.

Return to problem 14 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.3

Problem 15

For f(x)=3x+2, find its inverse g and verify the inverse derivative formula at input 8.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Solve y=3x+2 for x to get g(y)=(y−2)/3. Reason: inversion exchanges input and output.
  2. Differentiate g to get g′(y)=1/3. Reason: it is a linear function.
  3. At 8, g(8)=2 and 1/f′(2)=1/3. Reason: the original slope is 3 and the inverse identity predicts its reciprocal.

Answer: g(x)=(x−2)/3; g′(8)=1/3.

Final answer

g(x)=(x−2)/3; g′(8)=1/3.

Return to problem 15 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.3

Problem 16

On x≥0, f(x)=x²+1 has inverse g(x)=√(x−1). Find g′(10) by the inverse derivative rule and confirm with the explicit formula.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. f(3)=10, so g(10)=3. Reason: the nonnegative domain selects the positive original input.
  2. f′(3)=6, so g′(10)=1/6. Reason: the nonzero original slope has reciprocal inverse slope.
  3. Differentiating √(x−1) gives 1/[2√(x−1)], which equals 1/6 at 10. Reason: the chain rule independently confirms the result.

Answer: g′(10)=1/6.

Final answer

g′(10)=1/6.

Return to problem 16 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.3

Problem 17

The strictly increasing function f(x)=x³+x has a differentiable inverse g. Use a calculator to solve f(a)=5, then estimate g′(5) to six decimals. Explain why f′(5) is not the needed value.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Solve a³+a=5 numerically to obtain a≈1.515980228. Reason: the inverse input 5 corresponds to the original input a.
  2. f′(a)=3a²+1 and g′(5)=1/(3a²+1). Reason: the inverse derivative uses the corresponding original input.
  3. Compute g′(5)≈0.126669. Reason: keep the unrounded root while evaluating the reciprocal; f′(5) uses the wrong original input.

Answer: a≈1.515980228; g′(5)≈0.126669.

Final answer

a≈1.515980228; g′(5)≈0.126669.

Return to problem 17 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.3

Problem 18

For f(x)=x³ with inverse g(x)=x^(1/3), decide whether g′(0) exists as a finite number. Why is 1/f′(0) not a valid numeric answer?

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. f′(0)=0, so the reciprocal formula would require division by zero. Reason: its nonzero-slope hypothesis fails.
  2. The inverse difference quotient at 0 is h^(1/3)/h=h^(−2/3). Reason: use the derivative definition directly.
  3. This is unbounded positive as h→0, so no finite g′(0) exists. Reason: a derivative must be a finite limiting slope.

Answer: No finite g′(0); 1/0 is not a number.

Final answer

No finite g′(0); 1/0 is not a number.

Return to problem 18 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.3

Problem 19

Differentiate y=arcsin(2x). State its real function domain and the domain of its finite derivative.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The argument condition −1≤2x≤1 gives −1/2≤x≤1/2. Reason: arcsin has inputs in [−1,1].
  2. Apply the inverse-sine and chain rules: y′=2/√(1−4x²). Reason: the inside rate is 2.
  3. A finite derivative requires −1/2<x<1/2. Reason: the denominator is zero at the endpoints.

Answer: Function domain [−1/2,1/2]; y′=2/√(1−4x²) for −1/2<x<1/2.

Final answer

Function domain [−1/2,1/2]; y′=2/√(1−4x²) for −1/2<x<1/2.

Return to problem 19 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.4

Problem 20

Differentiate y=arccos(x²). Evaluate y′(1/2) exactly and state where the formula is finite.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Apply the inverse-cosine rule and inside rate 2x to get −2x/√(1−x⁴). Reason: the chain rule preserves the negative arccos rate.
  2. At x=1/2 the value is −1/√(15/16)=−4/√15. Reason: evaluate the exact formula before simplifying.
  3. The finite formula requires |x|<1. Reason: x²≤1 for the real function, with zero denominator at x=±1.

Answer: y′=−2x/√(1−x⁴) for |x|<1; y′(1/2)=−4/√15.

Final answer

y′=−2x/√(1−x⁴) for |x|<1; y′(1/2)=−4/√15.

Return to problem 20 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.4

Problem 21

Differentiate y=arctan(√x) for x>0. Does this formula give a finite right derivative at x=0?

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The inside derivative is 1/(2√x). Reason: the square-root power rule applies for x>0.
  2. Use the inverse-tangent rule to get y′=1/[2√x(1+x)]. Reason: 1+(√x)²=1+x and the chain rule multiplies the inside rate.
  3. At 0 the right quotient arctan(√h)/h is unbounded positive, since arctan u/u→1 as u→0. Reason: it is asymptotic to 1/√h.

Answer: y′=1/[2√x(1+x)] for x>0; no finite right derivative at 0.

Final answer

y′=1/[2√x(1+x)] for x>0; no finite right derivative at 0.

Return to problem 21 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.4

Problem 22

Use implicit differentiation to derive the derivative of y=arctan x on its principal branch −π/2<y<π/2.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Rewrite tan y=x. Reason: the stated branch makes tangent invertible.
  2. Differentiate to sec²y·y′=1. Reason: y depends on x.
  3. Use sec²y=1+tan²y=1+x², giving y′=1/(1+x²). Reason: the identity eliminates y and the denominator is positive.

Answer: d(arctan x)/dx=1/(1+x²).

Final answer

d(arctan x)/dx=1/(1+x²).

Return to problem 22 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.4

Problem 23

Use the branches stated in Topic 3.4. Find (a) d(arccot x)/dx; (b) d(arcsec x)/dx at x=−2; (c) d(arccsc x)/dx at x=2. Include the relevant denominator conditions.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. (a) Differentiate cot y=x: −csc²y·y′=1, so y′=−1/(1+x²). Reason: csc²y=1+cot²y and the stated branch fixes the inverse.
  2. (b) The arcsec rule is 1/(|x|√(x²−1)), so at −2 it is 1/(2√3). Reason: the branch sign requires |x| and |x|>1.
  3. (c) The arccsc rule is −1/(|x|√(x²−1)), so at 2 it is −1/(2√3). Reason: the cosecant inverse has the negative rate and requires |x|>1.

Answer: (a) −1/(1+x²), all real x. (b) 1/(2√3). (c) −1/(2√3); secant/cosecant inverse formulas require |x|>1.

Final answer

(a) −1/(1+x²), all real x. (b) 1/(2√3). (c) −1/(2√3); secant/cosecant inverse formulas require |x|>1.

Return to problem 23 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.4

Problem 24

Choose and apply a coherent procedure to differentiate f(x)=x²sin(3x). Name every rule needed.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The outer structure is a product, so use f′=2x sin(3x)+x²·d[sin(3x)]/dx. Reason: both factors vary.
  2. The sine factor is a composition with derivative 3cos(3x). Reason: the chain rule includes the inside rate 3.
  3. Combine to get 2x sin(3x)+3x²cos(3x). Reason: all product and chain contributions are present.

Answer: f′(x)=2x sin(3x)+3x²cos(3x); power, product, sine and chain rules.

Final answer

f′(x)=2x sin(3x)+3x²cos(3x); power, product, sine and chain rules.

Return to problem 24 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.5

Problem 25

For x>1, differentiate y=ln[(x+1)/(x−1)] using a helpful rewrite, then simplify.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Rewrite y=ln(x+1)−ln(x−1). Reason: both factors are positive on x>1, so the logarithm quotient identity is valid.
  2. Differentiate to 1/(x+1)−1/(x−1). Reason: use the log, difference and chain rules.
  3. Combine to −2/(x²−1), retaining x>1. Reason: a common denominator simplifies the formula without changing the stated domain.

Answer: y′=−2/(x²−1), x>1.

Final answer

y′=−2/(x²−1), x>1.

Return to problem 25 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.5

Problem 26

Differentiate f(x)=e^(x²)/(1+x). Explain the outer rule choice and state the domain.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. The outer structure is a quotient with denominator 1+x≠0. Reason: the expression is defined only for x≠−1.
  2. Differentiate the numerator by the chain rule to get 2x e^(x²). Reason: x² is the exponential input.
  3. Use the quotient rule: [2x e^(x²)(1+x)−e^(x²)]/(1+x)²=e^(x²)(2x²+2x−1)/(1+x)². Reason: numerator and denominator both vary.

Answer: f′(x)=e^(x²)(2x²+2x−1)/(1+x)², x≠−1.

Final answer

f′(x)=e^(x²)(2x²+2x−1)/(1+x)², x≠−1.

Return to problem 26 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.5

Problem 27

For f(x)=x⁵−2x³+7, find f′, f″ and f‴. Evaluate f‴(1).

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. f′=5x⁴−6x². Reason: use polynomial rules and remove the constant rate.
  2. f″=20x³−12x and f‴=60x²−12. Reason: repeatedly differentiate the preceding derivative.
  3. f‴(1)=48. Reason: evaluate the third derivative, not the original function or a cube of it.

Answer: f′=5x⁴−6x²; f″=20x³−12x; f‴=60x²−12; f‴(1)=48.

Final answer

f′=5x⁴−6x²; f″=20x³−12x; f‴=60x²−12; f‴(1)=48.

Return to problem 27 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.6

Problem 28

A particle has position s(t)=sin(2t) meters, with t in seconds. Find velocity and acceleration and evaluate acceleration at t=π/4 seconds.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. Velocity is s′(t)=2cos(2t). Reason: differentiate position with the chain rule.
  2. Acceleration is s″(t)=−4sin(2t). Reason: differentiate velocity and include the inside rate again.
  3. At π/4, acceleration is −4 m/s². Reason: sin(π/2)=1 and a second derivative has output per time squared units.

Answer: Velocity 2cos(2t) m/s; acceleration −4sin(2t) m/s²; at π/4 it is −4 m/s².

Final answer

Velocity 2cos(2t) m/s; acceleration −4sin(2t) m/s²; at π/4 it is −4 m/s².

Return to problem 28 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.6

Problem 29

For f(x)=eˣsin x, find f″ and f‴.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. First f′=eˣ(sin x+cos x). Reason: the product rule accounts for both factors.
  2. Differentiate again to f″=eˣ(sin x+cos x)+eˣ(cos x−sin x)=2eˣcos x. Reason: combine the two product-rule terms.
  3. Differentiate that product to f‴=2eˣ(cos x−sin x). Reason: the derivative of cosine introduces its minus sign.

Answer: f″=2eˣcos x; f‴=2eˣ(cos x−sin x).

Final answer

f″=2eˣcos x; f‴=2eˣ(cos x−sin x).

Return to problem 29 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.6

Problem 30

For the upper local branch of x²+y²=25, find y″ at (3,4). Use the differentiated equation rather than treating y as a constant.

Shared AB/BC problem; the same mathematical solution applies in both courses.

  1. First 2x+2y y′=0, so y′=−x/y. Reason: implicit differentiation treats y as depending on x.
  2. Differentiate the first equation again: 2+2(y′)²+2y y″=0. Reason: differentiating y y′ requires the product rule.
  3. Thus y″=−[1+(y′)²]/y; at (3,4), y′=−3/4, giving y″=−(25/16)/4=−25/64. Reason: the branch has y=4≠0, so division and substitution are valid.

Answer: y″(3,4)=−25/64.

Final answer

y″(3,4)=−25/64.

Return to problem 30 →

Review the teaching: Topic 3.6 Topic 3.2

Search lessons, terms and problems