Introduction

This Section introduces implicit differentiation which is used to differentiate functions expressed in implicit form (where the variables are found together). Examples are $x^3+xy+y^2=1$ , and $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}=1$ which represents an ellipse.

Prerequisites

• be able to differentiate standard functions
• be competent in using the chain rule

Learning Outcomes

• differentiate functions expressed implicitly