AP Calculus AB Unit 4.4: Related Rates
Practice AP Calculus Unit 4.4 questions on setting up related-rate equations and using implicit differentiation to find changing quantities.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Calculus AB
Practice AP Calculus Unit 4.4 questions on setting up related-rate equations and using implicit differentiation to find changing quantities.
Consider the curve G defined by the equation y3−y2−y+41x2=0.
A particle moves along the curve H defined by the equation 2xy+lny=8. At the instant
when the particle is at the point (4,1),dtdx=3. Find dtdy at that instant. Show the work that
leads to your answer.
D A particle moves along the curve H defined by the equation 2xy+lny=8. At the instant when the
particle is at the point (4,1),dtdx=3. Find dtdy at that instant. Show the work that leads to your answer.
| dtd(2xy+lny)=dtd(8)2dtdxy+2xdtdy+y1dtdy=0 | Attempts implicit differentiation with respect to t | Point 7 (P7) |
|---|---|---|
| 2dtdxy+2xdtdy+y1dtdy=0 | Point 8 (P8) | |
| 2(3)(1)+2(4)dtdy+11dtdy=0⇒6+9dtdy=0⇒dtdy=−32 | Answer | Point 9 (P9) |
Scoring Notes for Part D
- P7 is earned for implicitly differentiating 2xy+lny=8 with respect to t with at most one error.
- P8 is earned for an equation equivalent to 2dtdxy+2xdtdy+y1dtdy=0.
- To be eligible for P9, a response must have earned P7 and P8, with no errors in implicit
differentiation.
- P9 is earned only for the value of −32.
- Alternate solution:
dtdy=dxdy⋅dtdxdxd(2xy+lny)=dxd(8)⇒2y+2xdxdy+y1dxdy=0⇒dxdy=2x+y1−2ydxdy(x,y)=(4,1)=2(4)+11−2(1)=−92dtdy(x,y)=(4,1)=dxdy⋅dtdx(x,y)=(4,1)=−92⋅3=−32
○ P7 is earned for an implicit differentiation with respect to x with at most one error, as long as
dxdy is eventually correctly linked to dtdx.
○ P8 is earned for finding dxdy and multiplying the result by dtdx=3.
○ P8 can be earned for a stated incorrect dxdy, as long as it is multiplied by 3.
○ P9 is only earned for a correct value of −32 or equivalent.
○ Stating dtdy=dxdy⋅dtdx alone does not earn any points.