CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 6: Applications of Derivatives NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 6, Applications of Derivatives, explores the practical uses of derivatives. This chapter focuses on how derivatives help us understand the rate at which quantities change. You'll learn to calculate how changes in one variable affect another, using real-world examples. For instance, we'll examine how the area of a circle changes as its radius grows, or how the surface area of a cube is related to its volume. The NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step guidance through these concepts. Mastering these applications is crucial for building a solid understanding of calculus and preparing thoroughly for your exams.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectMathematics
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 6

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, Applications of Derivatives, focuses on using derivatives to analyze rates of change. The NCERT Solutions cover problems related to finding the rate of change of area and volume for geometric shapes like circles and cubes. It emphasizes the application of the chain rule in related rates problems. These solutions provide a clear understanding of how to differentiate functions with respect to time or other variables, which is crucial for solving real-world problems involving changing quantities.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of the rate of change of a quantity.
  • Apply derivatives to find the rate of change of area and volume.
  • Solve related rates problems involving geometric shapes.
  • Utilize the chain rule for differentiation in practical applications.
  • Calculate the rate of change of a circle's area with respect to its radius.
  • Determine the rate at which the surface area of a cube increases.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Rate of Change
  • Applications of Derivatives
  • Area of a Circle
  • Volume of a Cube
  • Surface Area of a Cube
  • Related Rates
  • Chain Rule in Differentiation

Important topics

  • Rate of change of quantities
  • Related rates problems
  • Applying chain rule for time derivatives
  • Calculating rates for geometric shapes

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Find the rate of change of the area of a circle with respect to its radius r when:

(a) r = 3cm

(b) r = 4cm

Solution:

Let A be the area of the circle and r be its radius. The formula for the area of a circle is given by A = \pi r^2.

To find the rate of change of the area with respect to its radius, we differentiate A with respect to r:

\frac{dA}{dr} = \frac{d}{dr} \left( \pi r^2 \right)

Using the power rule for differentiation, we get:

\frac{dA}{dr} = 2\pi r

Now, we evaluate this rate at the given values of r:

(a) When r = 3cm:

Substitute r = 3 into the expression for \frac{dA}{dr}:

\frac{dA}{dr} = 2\pi \left(3\right) = 6\pi

Thus, the rate of change of the area of the circle with respect to its radius when r = 3 cm is 6\pi cm²/cm.

(b) When r = 4cm:

Substitute r = 4 into the expression for \frac{dA}{dr}:

\frac{dA}{dr} = 2\pi \left(4\right) = 8\pi

Thus, the rate of change of the area of the circle with respect to its radius when r = 4 cm is 8\pi cm²/cm.

Question 2

The volume of a cube is increasing at the rate of 8cm^3/s. How fast is the surface area increasing when the length of its edge is 12cm?
Solution:

Let x be the length of the edge of the cube. Let V be the volume and S be the surface area of the cube. We are given that the volume is increasing at a rate of 8cm^3/s, which means \frac{dV}{dt} = 8.

The formulas for the volume and surface area of a cube are:

V = x^3

S = 6x^2

We need to find \frac{dS}{dt} when x = 12cm.

First, let's find the rate of change of the edge length, \frac{dx}{dt}, by differentiating the volume formula with respect to time t:

\frac{dV}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt} \left( x^3 \right)

Using the chain rule, \frac{dV}{dt} = \frac{d}{dx} \left( x^3 \right) \frac{dx}{dt}:

8 = 3x^2 \frac{dx}{dt}

Now, we can express \frac{dx}{dt} in terms of x:

\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{8}{3x^2} \qquad \dots (1)

Next, let's find the rate of change of the surface area, \frac{dS}{dt}, by differentiating the surface area formula with respect to time t:

\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt} (6x^2)

Using the chain rule, \frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{d}{dx} (6x^2) \frac{dx}{dt}:

\frac{dS}{dt} = 12x \frac{dx}{dt}

Now, substitute the expression for \frac{dx}{dt} from equation (1) into this equation:

\frac{dS}{dt} = 12x \left( \frac{8}{3x^2} \right)

Simplify the expression:

\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{12x \times 8}{3x^2} = \frac{96x}{3x^2} = \frac{32}{x}

Finally, we need to find the rate of increase of the surface area when the edge length x = 12cm. Substitute x = 12 into the expression for \frac{dS}{dt}:

\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{32}{12}

Simplify the fraction:

\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{8}{3}

Therefore, the surface area of the cube is increasing at the rate of \frac{8}{3} cm^2/s when the length of its edge is 12 cm.

Question 3

The radius of a circle is increasing uniformly at the rate of 3cm/s. Find the rate at which the area of the circle is increasing when the radius is 10cm.
Solution:

Let A be the area of the circle and r be its radius. We are given that the radius is increasing at a rate of 3 cm/s, so \frac{dr}{dt} = 3 cm/s.

The formula for the area of a circle is A = \pi r^2.

We want to find the rate at which the area is increasing, which is \frac{dA}{dt}, when the radius r = 10cm.

Differentiate the area formula with respect to time t, using the chain rule:

\frac{dA}{dt} = \frac{d}{dt} \left( \pi r^2 \right)

\frac{dA}{dt} = \frac{d}{dr} \left( \pi r^2 \right) \frac{dr}{dt}

\frac{dA}{dt} = 2\pi r \frac{dr}{dt}

Now, substitute the given values: r = 10cm and \frac{dr}{dt} = 3cm/s:

\frac{dA}{dt} = 2\pi (10) (3)

\frac{dA}{dt} = 60\pi

Therefore, the area of the circle is increasing at the rate of 60\pi cm^2/s when the radius is 10 cm.

Common mistakes

  • Incorrectly applying the chain rule when differentiating with respect to time.
  • Confusing the variable with respect to which the rate of change is calculated.
  • Errors in algebraic manipulation while solving for the required rate.
  • Forgetting to substitute the given values at the final step.

Revision tips

  • Clearly identify the given rates and the rate to be found before starting.
  • Draw a diagram for geometric problems to visualize the relationships between variables.
  • Practice differentiating various geometric formulas (area, volume, surface area).
  • Ensure all units are consistent and correctly stated in the final answer.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the rate of change of the area of a circle with respect to its radius when the radius is 3 cm?

Q2. If the volume of a cube is increasing at 8 cm³/s, what is the rate of increase of its surface area when the edge length is 12 cm?

Q3. The radius of a circle is increasing at a rate of 3 cm/s. What is the rate of increase of its area when the radius is 10 cm?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main concept covered in Chapter 6 of CBSE Class 12 Mathematics?

Chapter 6, Applications of Derivatives, focuses on using derivatives to determine the rate at which quantities change and solving related rates problems.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each problem, helping students understand the methods for calculating rates of change and applying derivatives effectively.

What kind of problems are solved in Exercise 6.1?

Exercise 6.1 includes problems on finding the rate of change of area of a circle with respect to its radius and the rate of change of surface area of a cube with respect to time, given its volume's rate of change.

Are the mathematical expressions in the solutions preserved from the source?

Yes, all mathematical expressions, formulas, and equations from the source are kept exactly the same in the rewritten solutions to ensure accuracy.

What is the role of the chain rule in these problems?

The chain rule is essential for solving related rates problems, allowing us to find the rate of change of one variable with respect to time when it depends on another variable whose rate of change is known.

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