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THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID
THE
ELEMENTS
DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS;
COMPREHENDING THE
GENERAL THEORY OF CURVE SURFACES,
CURVES OF DOUBLE CURVATURE.
INTKNDID FOR THB USE Or
MATHEMATICAL STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES.
BY J. R. YOUNG,
AUTHOR or
THE ELEMENTS OF ANALYTICAL CEOMETRT.'
REVISED AND CORRECTED, BT
MICHAEL O'SHANNESSY, A.M.
CAREY, LEA & BLANCHARD,
CHESNUT-STREET.
1833.
"Entered according to Act of Congress, the 6th of March, in the year 1833,
by G. F. Hopkins & Son, in the office of the Clerk of the Southern District of
New- York."
PrinWd by U. F. UOPKINa & s6n, Now.york.
j^m
ADVERTISEMENT.
This edition of Young's Differential and Integral Calculus
is presented to the American public, with a confidence in its
favourable reception, proportionate to that which the original
acquired in England. The text has not been materially al-
tered, though many errors have been corrected, some of which
by Professor Dodd of Princeton College, N. J.
These volumes will be found to contain a full elementary
course of the subject of which they treat, and well adapted as
a text book for Colleges and Universities.
The second volume, treating exclusively of the Integral
Calculus, is now in press, and will be speedily published.
New- York, March, 1833.
Digitized by tine Internet Archive
in 2008 with funding from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/elementsofdifferOOyounrich
PREFACE
The object of the present volume is to teach the principles of the
Differential Calculus, and to show the application of these principles
to several interesting and important inquiries, more particularly to the
general theory of Curves and Surfaces. Throughout these applica-
tions I have endeavoured to preserve the strictest rigour in the varioiis
processes employed, so that the student who may have hitherto been
accustomed only to the pdre reasoning of the ancient geometry will
not, I think, find in these higher order of researches any principle
adopted, or any assumption made, inconsistent with his previous no-
tions of mathematical accuracy. If I have, indeed, succeeded in
accomplishing this very desirable object, and have really shown
that the applications of the Calculus do not necessarily involve any
principle that will not bear the most scrupulous examination, I may,
perhaps, be allowed to think that I have, in this small volume, con-
tributed a little towards the perfecting of the most powerful instru-
ment which the modern analysis places in the hand of the mathema-
tician.
It is the adoption of exceptionable principles, and even, in some
cases, of contradictory theories, into the elements of this science,
that have no doubt been the chief causes why it has hitherto been so
little studied in a country where the ancient geometry has been so
extensively and so successfully cultivated. The student who pro-
ceeds from the works of Euclid or of Apollonius to study those of our
modern analysts, will be naturally enough startled to find that in the
theory of the Differential Calculus he is to consider that as absolutely
nothing which, in the application of that theory, is to be considered
a quantity infinitely small. He will naturally enough be startled to
find that a conclusion is to be taken as general, when he is at the
VI PREFACE.
same time told that the process which led to that conclusion has fail-
ing cafees ; and yet one or both of these inconsistencies pervade more
or less every book on the Calculus which I have had an opportunity
of examining.
The whole theory of what the French mathematicians vaguely call
consecutive points and consecutive elements, involves the first of these
objectionable principles ;* for, if the abscissa of any point be repre-
sented by X, then the abscissa of the consecutive point, or that sepa-
rated from the former by an infinitely small interval, is represented
by .c + d.v, although dx, at the outset of the subject, is said to be 0.
Again, the theory of tangents, the radius of curvature, principles of
osculation, &c., are all made to depend upon Taylor's theorem, and
therefore can strictly apply only at those points of the curve where
this theorem does not fail : the conclusions, however, are to be re-
ceived in all their generality.!
* It is to be rcigrctted that terms so vague and indofinlte should be introduced
into the caraci sciences; and it is more to be regretted that English elementary writers
should adopt them merely because they arc used by the French, and that too with-
out examining into the import these tenns carry in the works from wliichthey are
copied. In a recent production of the University of Cambridge, the autlior, in at-
tempting to follow the French mode of solving a certain problem, has confounded
consecutive points with consec^itive elements, two very distinct things : although
neither very intellisible, the consequence of this mistake is, that the result is not
what was intended; so that, after the process is fairly finished, a new counter-
balancing error is introduced, and tlius the solution righted !
1 1 am anxious not to be misunderstood here, and shall therefore state specifi-
cally the nature of my objection. In establisliing the theory of contact, &c., bff
aid of Taylor's theorem, it is assumed that a value may be given to the increment
h so small as to render the term into which it enters greater than all the following
terms of the series taken together. Now how can a function of absolutely inde-
terminate quantities be shown to be greater or less than a series of other functions
of the same indeterminate quantities without, at least, assuming some determinate
relation among them? If we say that the assertion applies, whatever particular
value we substitute for the indeterminate in the proposed functions or differential
coefficients, we merely shift the dilemma, for an indefinite number of these particu-
lar values may render the functions all infinite; and we shall be equally at a loss
to conceive how one of these infinite quantities can be greater or less tlian the
others. It appears, therefore, that the usual process by which the theory of con-
tact is established, applies rigorously only to those points of cur\xs for which
Taylor^s development does not fail, and T cannot help thinking that on these
grounds the .^nalylical Tliem-y of Functions, by Lagrange, in its application to Ge-
PREFACE. Vll
If this statement be true, it is not to be wondered at that students
so often abandon the study of this science, less discouraged with its
difficulties than disgusted with its inconsistencies. To remove these
inconsistencies, which so often harass and impede the student's pro-
gress, has been my object in the present volume ; and, aUhough my
endeavours may not have entirely succeeded, I have still reason to
hope that they have not entirely failed. The following brief outline
will convey a notion of the extent and pretensions of the book ; a more
detailed enumeration of the various topics treated of, will be found in
the table of contents.
I have taken for the basis of the theory the method of limits first
employed by JVeivton, although designated by foreign writers as the
method of d' Member t. I consider this method to be as unexceptiona-
ble as that o( Lao-range, and on account of its greater simplicity,
better adapted to elementary instruction.
The First Chapter is devoted to the exposition of the fundamental
principles ; and in explaining the notation I have been careful to im-
press upon the student's mind that tlie differentials dx, dy, &c. are in
themselves absolutely of no value, and that their ratios only are sig-
nificant : this is tlie foundation of the whole theory, and it has been
adhered to throughout the volume, without any shifting of the hypo-
thesis.
In the Second Chapter it is shown, that i£fx represent any function
of X, and x be changed into x + /t, the new state y (x + h) of the
function may always be developed according to the ascending inte-
gral powers of the increment h ; and this leads to the important con-
clusion that the coefficient of the second term in the development of
the function f{x-\- h) is the diflferential coefficient derived from the
function /x; a fact which Lagrange has made the foundation of his
ometry is defective, altliough I feel anxious to express my opinion of tliat celebra-
ted performance witii all becoming caution and humility. Indeed Lagrange him-
self has admitted this defect, and observes, {Thiorie des FoncHons, p. 181,) " GLuoi-
que ccs exceptions nc portent aucune atteinte ci la thfeoric g^nferale, il est n6ces-
saire, pour ne rien laisscr k desirer, de voir comment die doit etre modifier dans
les cas particuliers dont il s'agit" (See note C at the end.) But he has not
modified the expression deduced from this exceptionable thebry for the radius of
curvatiue, which indeed is always applicable whether the differential coefficients
become infinite or not, although, for reasons already assigned, (he process which
led to it restricts its application to particular points.
^111 PREFACE.
theory of analytical functions. The chapter then goes on to treat of
the differentiation of the various kinds of functions, algebraic and
transcendental, direct and inverse, and concludes with an article on
successive differentiation.
The Third Chapter is devoted to M.aclaurin' s theorem, and its ap-
pHcation is shown in the development of a great variety of functions.
Occasion is taken, in the course of this chapter, to introduce to the
student's attention some valuable analytical formulas and expressions
from Euler, Demoivre, Cotes, and other celebrated analysts, together
with those curious properties of the circle discovered by Co fes and
Demoivre.
The Fourth Chapter is on Taylor's theorem, which m.akes known
the actual development of the function /(a; + h) according to the
form established in the second chapter. From this theorem are de-
rived commodious expressions for the total differential coefficient
when the function is compUcated, and whether its form be explicit or
implicit ; the whole being illustrated by a variety of examples.
The Fifth Chapter contains the complete theory of vanishing frac-
tions.
The Sixth is on the maxima and minima values of functions of a
single variable, and will, I think, be found to contain several original
remarks and improved processes.
Chapter the Seventh is on the differentiation and development of
functions of two independent variables. The usual method of obtain-
ing the development of a function of two variables according to the
powers of the increments, is to develop first on the supposition that x
only varies and that y is constant, and afterwards to consider y, which
is assumed to enter into the coefficients, to be changed into y -\- h.
But y may be so combined with x in the function F {x, y) that it shall,
when considered as a constant, disappear from all the differential co-
efficients, which circumstances should be pointed out and be shown
not to affect the truth of the result : I have, however, avoided the ne-
cessity of showing this, by proceeding rather differently. The chap-
ter concludes with Lagrange's Theorem, concisely demonstrated and
applied to several examples.
The Eighth Chapter completes the theory of maxima and minima,
by applying the principles delivered in chapter VI. to functions of two
independent variables, and it also contains an important article on
PREFACE. IX
changing the independent variable, a subject very improperly omitted
in all the English books.
The Ninth Chapter is devoted to a matter of considerable import-
ance, viz. to the examination of the cases in which Taylor's theorem
fails ; and I have, I thuik, satisfactorily shown, that these failing cases
are always indicated by the differential coefficients becoming infinite,
and that the theorem does not fail when these coefficients become
imaginary, as Lacroix, and others after him, have asserted. Besides
the correction of this erroneous doctrine, which has been sanctioned
by names of the highest reputation, another very remarkable over-
sight, though of far less importance, is detected in the Calcul dcs
Fonctions of Lagrange, and is pointed out in the present chapter : it
has been unsuspectingly copied by other writers ; and thus an entirely
wronflf solution to a very simple problem has been printed, and re-
printed, without any examination into the principles employed in it ;
and which, I suppose, the high reputation of Lagrange was consider-
ed to render unnecessary.
These nine chapters constitute the First Section of the work, and
comprise the pure theory of the subject ; the remaining part is devot-
ed to the application of this to geometry, and is divided into two parts,
the fii-st containing the theory of plane curves, and the second the
theory of curve surfaces, and of curves of double curvature.
The First Chapter in the Second Section explains the method of tan-
gents, and the general differential equation of the tangent to any plane
curve is obtained by the same means that the equation is obtained in
analytical geometry, and is therefore independent of the failing cases of
Taylor's theorem. The method of tangents naturally leads to the con-
siderationof rectilinear asymptotes, which is, therefore, treated of in this
chapter, and several examples are given, as well when the curve is
referred to polar as to rectangular coordinates, and a few passing ob-
servations made on the circular asymptotes to spiral curves, the chap-
ter terminating with the differential expression for the arc of any plane
curve determined without the aid of Taylor's theorem.
The Second Chapter contauis the tlieory of osculation, which is
shown to be unaffected by the failing cases of Taylor's theorem, al-
though this is employed to estabhsh the theory. The expressions for
the radius of curvature are afterwards deduced, and several examples
B
X PREFACE.
of their application given principally to the curves of the second order,
and an instance of their utility shown in determining the ratio of the
earth's diameters.
The Third Chapter is on involutes, evolutes, and consecutive curves,
and contains some interesting theorems and practical examples. Of
what the French call consecutive curves, I have endeavoured to give
a clear and satisfactory explanation, unmixed with any vague notions
about infinity.
The Fourth Chapter is on the singular points of curves, and con-
tains easy rules for detecting them, from an examination of the equa-
tion of the curve. This chapter also contains the general theory of
curvilinear asymptotes, and completes the Second Section, or that
assigned to the consideration of plane curves.
The Third Section is devoted to the general theory of curve sur-
faces, and of curves of double curvature ; in the First Chapter of
which are established the several forms of the equations of the tan-
gent plane and normal line at any point of a curve surface, and of the
linear tangent and normal plane at any point of a curve of double cur-
vature.
In the Second Chapter the theory of conical and cylindrical surfa-
ces is discussed, as also that of surfaces of revolution ; and that re-
markable case is examined, where the revolution of a straight line
produces the same surface as the revolution of the hyperbola, to which
this line is an asymptote. Throughout this chapter are interspersed
many valuable and mteresting appUcations of the calculus, chiefly
from Monge. The Third Chapter embraces the theory of the curva-
ture of surfaces in general, and will be found to form a collection of
very beautiful theorems, the results, principally, of the researches of
Euler, Monge, and Bupin. Most of these theorems have, however,
usually been established by the aid of the infinitesimal calculus, or by
the use of some other equally objectionable principle ; they are here
fairly deduced from the principles of the differential calculus, without,
in any instance, departing from those principles, as laid dovvn in the
preliminary chapter. Those who are famiUar with these inquiries will
find that I have obtained some of these theorems in a manner much
more simple and concise than has hitherto been done. I need only
mention here, as instances of this simphcity, the theorems of Euler
and of JVfewsmer, at pages 182 and 186.
PREFACE. XI
The Fourth Chapter is on twisted mrfaces, a class of surfaces which
have never been treated of, to any extent, by any English author, al-
though, as has been recently shown, the English were the first who
noticed the peculiarities of certain individual surfaces belonging to
this extensive class.* For what is here given, I am indebted to the
French mathematicians, to JVLonge principally, and also to the Che-
valier Le Roy, who has recently published a very neat and compre-
hensive little treatise on curves and surfaces.
The Fifth Chapter treats on the developable surfaces, or those
which, like the cone and cylinder, may, if flexible, be unrolled upon
a plane, without being twisted or torn. The Sixth Chapter is on
curves of double curvature; and the Seventh, which concludes the
volume, contains a few miscellaneous propositions intimately connect-
ed with the theory of surfaces. From the foregoing brief analysis, it
will appear evident to those familiar with the present state of mathe-
matical instruction in this country, that I have introduced, into a little
duodecimo volume, a more comprehensive view of the theory and
applications of the differential calculus than has yet appeared in the
English language. But I have aimed at more than this ; 1 have en-
deavoured to simplify and improve much that I have adopted from
foreign sources ; and, above all, to estabhsh every thing here taught,
upon principles free from inconsistency and logical objections ; and
if it be found, upon examination, that 1 have entirely failed in this en-
deavour, I shall certainly feel a proportionate disappointment.
I am not, however, so sanguine as to look for much public en-
couragement of my labours, however successfully they may have
been devoted : it is not customary to place much value, in this coun-
try, upon any mathematical production, of whatever merit, that does
not emanate from Cambridge. The hereditary reputation enjoyed
by this University, and bequeathed to it by the genius of Barrow, of
jyeivton, and of Cotes, seems to have endowed it with such strong
claims on the public attention and respect, that every thing it puts
forth is always received as the best of its kind. If this be the case
with Cambridge books, of course it is also the case with Cambridge
men, and accordingly we find almost all our public mathematical
situations filled by members of this University. It is true that now
* See Leybourn^s Repository, No. 22.
Xll PREFACE.
and then, in the course of half a century, we find an exception to this ;
one or two instances on record have undoubtedly occurred, where it
has been, by some means or other, discovered that men who had ne-
ver seen Cambridge knew a little of mathematics, as in the case of
Thomas Simpson, and of Dr. Hutton ; but such instances are rare.
It is not for me to inquire into the justice of this exclusive system ;
but, while such a system prevails, there need be little wonder at the
decline of science in England : while all inducement to cultivate sci-
ence is thus confined to a particular set of men, no wonder that its
votaries are few. It is to be hoped, however, that in the present
" liberal and enlightened age," such a state of things will not long
continue, and that even the poor and unfriended student may be cheer-
ed up, amidst all the obstacles that surround him, in the laborious and
difficult, but subUme and elevating career on which he has entered,
by a well-founded assurance that his exertions, if successful, will not
be the less appreciated because they were solitary and unassisted.
May 12, 1831.
J. R. YOUNG.
CONTENTS
SECTION I.
On the Differentiation of Functions in general.
•Article Page
1. A Function defined - - - - - - -1
2. Effect produced on the function by a change in the variable - 2
3. Differential coefficient determined - - - - - 3
4. General form of the development of/ (a; + A) - - - 5
5. The coefficient of the second term in the general development is the dif-
ferential coefficient derived from the function /a; - - - 8
6. To differentiate the product of two or more functions of the same variable 9
7. To differentiate a fraction - - - - - -10
8. To differentiate any power of a fimction - - - - ib.
9. To differentiate an expression consisting of several functions of the same
variable - - - - - - - -12
10. Application of the preceding rules to examples - - - ib.
11. Transcendental functions - - - - - -15
12. To find the differential of a logarithm - - - - ib.
13. To differentiate an exponential function - - - - 16
Examples on transcendental functions - - - - ib.
14. To differentiate circular functions - - - - - 19
15. Differentiation of inverse functions - - - - - 21
16. Forms of the differentials when the radius is arbitrary - - - 24
17. Successive differentiation explained - - - - - 25
18. Illustrationsof the process - - - - - - 26
19. Investigation of Maclaurin's Theorem - - - - - 28
20. Application of Maclaurin's theorem to the development of functions - 29
21. Deduction of -EuZer's expressions for the sine and cosine of an arc, by
means of imaginary exponentials - - - - - 31
22. Demoivre^s formula, and series for the sine and cosine of a multiple arc - 32
23. Decomposition of the expression!/*" — 2j/ cos. 0+1 into its quadratic
factors - - - - - - - -33
24. Demotfre's property of the circle - - - - - 34
25. Cotes'* properties of the circle - - - - - - 35
XIV CONTENTS.
^rtklt Pag*
26. JbAn BamouHi's development of ( -y/ — 1) - * " - ib.
Developments of tan. x and tan. ~^x - • • - 36
27. Evler^s series for approximating to the circumference of a circle - 38
28. Bertran(Ps more convergent series - - * - - - ib,
29. Examples for exercise - - - - - - -39
30. Investigation of Taylor's Theorem - - - - - 40
31. JV/ocZawrin's theorem deduced from Taylor's - - - - 42
32. Application of Taylor's theorem to the development of fvmctiona - ib-
33. Of a function of a function of a single variable - - - - 44
34. Examples of the application of this form - - - - 45
35. Form of the differential coefficient derived from the function u = Y{p,q,)
where ji and q are functions of the same variable - - - ib.
36. Form of the coefficient when the function is v = F ( p, g, r,) - - 46
37. Distinction between partial and total differential coefficients - - 47
38. Examples -..-..--48
39. Differentiation and development of implicit functions - - - 49
40. On vanishing fractions - - - - -.- -52
41. Application of the calculus to determine the true value of a vanishing
fraction - - - - - - - -53
42. Determination of the value when Taylor's theorem fails - - 56
43. Determination of the value of a fraction, of which both numerator and de-
nominator are infinite - - - - - - 59
44. Determination of the value of the product of two factors, when one be-
comes and the other ao- - - - - -60
45. Determination of the value of the difference of two functions, when they
both become infinite - - - - - * ib_
46. Examples on the preceding theory - - - - - 61
47. On the maxima and minima values of functions of a single variable - 63
48. If the function F (a -j- A) be developed according to the ascending pow-
ers of h, a value so small may be given to h that any proposed term
in the series shall exceed the sum of all that follow - - 64
49. Determination of the maxima and minima values in those cases where
Taylor's theorem is applicable - - - - - ib.
50. Determination of the values when Taylor's theorem is not appUcable - 66
. . dy
51. Maxima and minima values which satisfy the condition — = od - 68
ax
52. Conditions of maxima and minima, when the function is impHcitly given ib.
53. Precepts to abridge the process of finding maxima and minima values 69
54. Examples - - - - - - - -70
55. On the cautions to be observed in applying the analytical theory of maxi-
ma and minima to Geometry - - - - - 79
56. Differentiation of functions of two independent variables - - 81
57. Form of the differential when the function is implicit - - - 82
CONTENTS. X?
JkUele Page
SS. The ratio of the two partial differential coefficients derived from u = Fz,
z being a function of a; and t/, is independent of F - - - 83
59. Development of functions of two independent variables - - 84
60. The partial differential coefficients composing the coefficient of any term
in the general development are identical with those arising from dif-
ferentiating the preceding term - - - - - 87
61. Maclaurin's theorem extended to functions of two independent variables 88
62. Lagrange's Theorem - - - - - - -89
63. Applications of Lagrange's theorem - - - - - 91
64. Maxima and minima values of functions of two variables - - 94
65. Examples - - - - - - - -96
66. On changing the independent variable - - - - 99
67. On the failing cases of Taylor's Theorem . - - . 100
68. Explanation of the cause and extent of these failing cases - - ib,
69. Particular examination of them . - - . - 102
70. Inferences from this examination ----- 103
71. The converse of these inferences true ----- 104
72. To obtain the true development when Taylor's theorem fails - - ib.
73. Correction of the errors of some analysts with respect to the failing cases
of Taylor's theorem ..---- 106
74. On the multiple values of — in implicit functions - - - 108
dx
75. Determination of these multiple values . - - . 109
«
76. Determination of the multiple values of -p-r - - - -111
ox*
SECTION II.
Applicatiim of the Differential Calculus to the Theory of Plane Curves.
77. Explanation of the method of tangents - - - -113
78. Equation of the normal - - - - - -114
79. Apphcation to curves related to rectangular coordinates - - 116
80. Formulas for polar curves - - - - - -117
81. Apphcation to spirals .------ II9
82. Rectilinear asymptotes ------. 120
83. Examples on the determination of asymptotes - - - 122
84. Rectilinear asymptotes to spirals - . . . . I23
85. Circular asymptotes to spirals ..... 124
86. Expression for the differential of an arc of a plane curve . - 125
87. Principles of osculation - - - - - -126
88. Different orders of contact - - - - - - 128
XVI CONTENTS.
tSrticle Page
89. Nature of the contact at those points for which Taylor's development
holds - - - - . - . - 129
90. Of the contact at the points for which Taylor's development fails - ib.
91. Osculating circle - - - - - - - 130
92. Determination of the radius of curvature - - - - ib.
93. The centres of touching circles all on the normal ... 132
94. Examples on the radius of curvature - - - - - ib.
95. Expression for the radius of cui-vature of an ellipse applied to determining
the ratio of the polar and equatorial diameters of the earth - - 134
96. To determine those points in a given curve, at which the osculating circle
shall have contact of the third order .... 135
97. Expression for the radius of curvature when the independent variable is
arbitrary ..... - - ib.
98. Particular fonns derivable from this general expression - - 137
99. Suitable formula for polar curves ..... 138
100. Involutes and evolutcs ...... I40
101. Determination of the evolutcs of several curves - - - 141
102. Normals to the involute are tangents to the evolute ... 143
103. The difference of any two radii of curvature is equal to the arc of the
evolute comprehended between them - . - - ib
104. On consecutive lines and curves ..... 145
105. Determination of the points of intersection of consecutive curves - ib,
106. Determination of the envelope of a family of curves ... 146
107. Examples of tliis theory ...... 147
108. Multiple points of curves - - - - . -150
109. Detennination of these points from the equation of the curve - - 151
110. Conjugate points ....... J52
111. The determination of these point does not depend on Taylor's theorem ib.
112. Multiple points of the second species - . - . . 153
113. Cusps or points of regression - - - - - -154
114 Cusps exist only at points for which Taylor's theorem fails - - ib.
115. To distinguish a limit from a cusp - - - - - ib.
116. Examples of the determination of cusps whose branches touch an ordi-
nate or an abscissa - - - - - . -155
117. Cusps whose branches touch a line oblique to the axes - - 156
118. Conditions fulfilled by such cusps - - - - . - 157
119. Distinction between cusps of the first and those of the second kind - ib.
120. Examples - - - - - - - -ib.
121. On points of inflexion ----.-. 158
122. On curvilinear asymptotes ...... igi
CONTENTS. XVll
SECTION III.
On the general Theory of Curve Surfaces and of Curves of Double Curvature,
tSrticle Page
123. To determine the equation of the tangent plane at any point on a curve
surface ........ 164
124. Form of the equation when the equation of the surface is implicit - 165
125. To determine the equation of the normal line at any point of a curve
surface - - - - - - - -ib.
126. Expressions for the inclinations of the normal to the axes - - 166
127. Forms of these expressions when the equation of the surface is implicit ib.
128. To determine the equation of the Unear tangent at any point of a curve
of double curvature - - - - - - - ib.
129. To determine the eqtiation of the normal plane at any point of a curve
of double curvature - - - - - - -167
130. To determine tlie equation of cylindrical surfaces in general - - 168
131. General differential equation of cylindrical surfaces . - - 169
132. The same determined otherwise - - - - - ib.
133. Given the equation of the generatrix to determine the cylindrical surface
which envelopes a given curve surface - - - - ib.
134. If the enveloped surface be of the second order the curve of contact will
be a plane curve and of the second order . . - . 170
135. To determine the general equation of conical surfaces - - ib.
136. General difierential equation of conical surfaces ... m
137. The same determined otherwise - - - - - ib.
138. Given the position of the vertex, to determine the equation of the conical
surface that envelopes a given curve surface - - - - ib.
139. Mongers proof that when the given curve surface is of the second order
the curve of contact is a plane curve .... 172
140. Shorter method of proof - - - - - - ib.
141. Davies^s proof that there is one point and only one from which as a ver-
tex, if tangent cones be drawn to two surfaces of the second order, their
planes of contact shall coincide - - - - - 173
142. The plane through the curve of contact is always conjugate to the diame-
ter through the vertex of the cone - - - - - 174
143. Surfaces of revolution - - - - - - - ib.
144.T^o determine the equation of surfaces of revolution in general - ib.
145. SimpUfied form of the equation when the axis of revolution coincides with
the axis of z -------- 175
146. Remarkable case, in which the generatrix is a straight line - - ib.
147. General differential equation of surfaces of revolution - - - 176
148. A given curve surface revolves round a given axis, to determine the sur-
face which touches and envelopes the moveable surface in every posi-
tion 177
C
XVlll CONTENTS.
.article Page
149. Example in the case of the spheroid .... - 178
150. Characteristic property of developable surfaces ... 179
151. twisted surfaces - - - - ib.
152. Osculation of curve surfaces - - - - - - ib.
153. At any point on a curve surface to find the radius of curvature of a nor-
mal section ..--.--- 181
154. Elder's theorem viz. at every point on a curve surface the sections of
greatest and least curvature are always perpendicular to each other 182
155. Values of the radii of curvature of any perpendicular normal sections ib.
156. Expressions for the radii of greatest and ieast curvatures - - ib.
157. Peculiarities of the surface at the point where the principal radii have
different signs ....... 183
161. Means of determining when the signs are different - - - 184
162. A paraboloid may always be found that shall have at its vertex the same
curvature as any surface whatever at a given point - - - 185
163. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in an obUque section.
The theorem ofMeusnier - - - - - -186
164. Lines of curvature ...---- 187
165. To determine the lines of curvature through any point on a curve sur-
face ib.
166. Lines of curvature through any point are always perpendicular to each
other ......-- 189
167. On the developable surfaces, edges of regression, &c. generated by the
normals to lines of curvature ..... 190
168. Radii of spherical curvature -.-..- 191
169. Given the coordinates of a point on a curve surface to determine the ra.
dii of spherical curvature at that point - - - - 192
170. The radius of curvature of an oblique section any how situated with re.
spect to the surface and to the axes of coordinates is now determinable ib.
171. To determine the radii of curvature at any point in a paraboloid - 193
172. Twisted surfaces - - - - - - - 194
173. To determine the surfaces generated by a straight line moving parallel
to a fixed plane and along two rectilinear directrices not situated in one
plane ...--... 195
174. Two straight lines shown to pass through every point on the surface of
a hyperboUc paraboloid - - - . - -196
175. To determine the surface generated by the motion of a straight line along
three others fixed in position, so that no two of them are in the same
plane 197
176. To determine the surface generated when the directrices are not all pa.
rallel to the same plane -..-.. 198
177. Two straight fines shown to pass through every point on the surface of
ahyperboloid of a single sheet - - - - - 199
178. On twisted surfaces having but one curvilinear directrix - - 200
179. To determine the general equation of conoidal surfaces - - ib.
CONTENTS. WX
^Hck ^'^^
180. Equation of the right conoid - - - - - -201
181. To find the equation of the inferior surface of a winding staircase - ib.
182. To determine the differential equation of conoidal surfaces - - 203
183. The same determined otherwise - - - - - |b-
184. Twisted surfaces having curvilinear directrices only - - - ib.
185. To determine the general equation of surfaces generated by a straight
line which moves along any two dhectrices whatever, and continues
parallel to a fixed plane ..---- 204
186. Determination ofthe differential equation of these surfaces - -205
187. To detenninc the general equation of surfaces generated by the motion
of a straight line along tliree curvilinear directrices - - - ib.
183. Application ofthe preceding theory - - - - -207
189. Determination ofthe equations of the intersections of consecutive sur-
faces 208
190. Determination ofthe general equations of developable surfaces - 210
191. To determine the developable surface generated by the intersection of
normal planes at every point in a curve of double curvature - - 211
192. To determine the developable surface which touches and embraces two
given curve surfaces - - - - - - ib.
193. To determine the differential equation of developable surfaces in gene-
ral 212
194 The same determined otherwise . . . - - 213
195. Envelopes, characteristics, and edges of regression - - - ib.
196. The centre of a sphere of given radius moves along a given plane curve
to determine the surface enveloping the sphere in every position - 215
197. On curves of double curvature ..... 216
198. Expression for the differential of an arc of double curvature - - 217
199. Osculation of curves of double curvature - - - - ib.
200. Equation ofthe tangent deduced from the principles of osculation - 218
201. To determine the osculating circle at any point in a curve of double cur-
vature - - - - - - - - 219
202. General expression for the radius of absolute curvature - - 221
203. Conditions necessary for the circle to have contact ofthe first order only ib.
204. Another method of determining the osculating plane - - - ib.
205. Another method of determining the osculating circle - - -223
206. Other and more simple expressions for the coordinates of the centre of
tiie osculating circle - - - - - - -ib,
207. To determirte the centre and radius of spherical curvature at any point
in a curve of double curvature ..... 224
208. Determination of the equations of the edge of regression of the developa-
ble surfaces generated by the intersections of consecutive normal
planes to the curve ------- 225
209. To determine the points of inflexion in a curve of double curvature - ib.
210. On the evolutes of curves of double curvature - - - -226
211. Lines of poles - - - - - - - -227
3CX CONTENTS.
Article Page
212. The locus of the poles the same as the locus of the characteristics - ib.
213. Every curve has an infinite number of evolutes all situated on the de-
velopable surfaces which is the locus of the poles - - - ib.
214. Every curvilinear evolute of a plane curve is a helix described on the
surface of the cylinder which is the locus of the poles of the plane curve 228
215. The shortest distance between two points of an evolute is the arc of that
evolute ........ 229
216. Given the equations of a curve of double curvature to determine those
of any one of its evolutes - - - - - - ib.
217. To prove that the locus of all the linear tangents at any point of a curve
surface is necessarily a plane - - . . . 231
218. Given the algebraical equation of a curve surface to determine whether
or not the surface has a centre - . . _ . 232
219. To determine the equation of the diametral plane in a surface of the se-
cond order which will be conjugate to a given system of parallel chords 234
220. A straight line moves so that three given points in it constantly rest on
the same three rectangular planes ; required the surface which is the
locus of any other point in it - - . . . -235
221. To determine the line of greatest inclination - - . - 236
222. The six edges of any irregular tetraedron are opposed two by two, and
the nearest distance of two opposite edges is caMed breadth; so that
the tetraedron has three breadths and four heights. It is required to
demonstrate that in every tetraedron the sum of the reciprocals of the
squares of the breadths is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the
heights ..---.-. 237
Notes .--.-... 249—265
ERRATA.
Page 33, For article 20, read article 23.
183, art 157, at bottom of page, /or — = r', read — = tK
r a,
184, articles 158, 159, 160, should not be numbered.
THE
DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
SECTION I.
05 THE
DIFFERENTIATION OF FUNCTIONS IN GENERAL.
CBAFTBR Z.
EXPLANATION OF FIRST PRINCIPLES .
Article (1.) All quantities which enter into calculation, may be
divided into two principal classes, constant quantities and variable
quantities ; the former class comprehending those which undergo no
change of value, but remain the same throughout the investigation
into which they enter ; while those quantities which have no fixed or
determinate value, constitute the latter class.
In algebra we usually employ the first letters, a, b, c, &c. of the
alphabet, to represent known quantities, and the latter letters, z, y, x,
&c, as symbols of the unknown quantities ; but, in the higher calcu-
lus, the early letters are adopted as the symbols of constant quantities,
whether they be known or unknown, and the latter letters are used to
represent variables.
Any analytical expression composed of constants and variables, is
said to be a. function of the variables. Thus, if j/ + ax^ -\- bx + c,
then is 1/ a function of x, because x enters into the expression for y ;
1
5S THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
y is also a function of x in the expressions y = a" -{- b, y = log. x
+ axr^, &c. and, as in each of these cases the fomi of the function is
exhibited, y is said to be an explicit function of x ; but, in such equa-
tions as
axr + by^-\-cxy+ x + y + c = 0, x^ -{■ ary — aij-~y'^-\- bx+ c,&c.
where the form of the function that y is of x, can be ascertained only
by solving the equation, y is an implicit function of x.
Similar remarks apply to the equations
z = ax^ + bif + ex -i- e = 0, az- + by^ + cxz + e = 0, &c.
2 being an explicit function of x and y in the first, and an implicit
function of the same variables in the second equation.
If we wish to express that y is an explicit function of a:, without
writing the form of that function, we adopt the notation y = Fx, or
y = fx, or y = cpx, &c. and, to denote an implicit function, we write
F{x,y) = Oj{x,y)=0,&c*
(2.) Let us now examine the effect produced on the function y, by
a change taking place in the variable x, and, for a first example, let
us take the equation y = mx^. Changing, then, x into x -\- h, and
representing the corresponding value of y by y', we have
y' = m {x + hy
or, by developing the second number,
y' = ma^ + '2mxh + wi/i^.
As a second example, let us take the equation y = x^, and putting
as before y' for the value of the function, when x is changed into
X + h,we have
y' = (^X+ hf = x''-\- dxVl + Zxh? + h\
We thus see, in these two examples, the eflfect produced on the
function by changing the value of the variable, and, on account of this
dependence of the value of the function upon that of the variable, the
former, that is y, is called the dependent variable, and the latter, .r, the
independent variable.
* In this general mode of expression, P,/, and
/ x -\- a,
when we replace a: by a: + h, is, by the above mentioned theorem,
f\{x-\- h) -{- a\ = V{x-\-a) + h =
{x + «)^ + i{x + a)-^ h— :^{x + af^ h^ + &c.
where, in the case x =^ — a, all the coefficients become infinite, and
the develqiment, according to the positive integral powers of ^-, be-
comes in this case impossible ; for the function then becomes merely
\/ h or h\, in which the exponent of ^ is fractional. The impossibility
of the proposed form of development in such particular case is always
intimated, as in the example just adduced, by the circumstance
of infinite coefficients entering it, for imaginary coefficients would
imply merely that the function f{x + h) for the assumed value of a;
becomes imaginary, and not that the development failed. A particu-
ar examination of the cases in which the general form of the deve-
lopment fails to have place, will form the subject of a future chapter ;
at present it is sufficient to apprise the student that such failing cases
may exist.
(6.) By transposing the first term in the general development of
f{x + ^.), we have
f{x + h) —fx = A^ + Bli" + C/i=' + &c.
,. n^±^-Z±. = A + Bh+ Ch^ + &c.
h
hence, when h = 0,
dx
from which result we learn, that the coefficient of the second term, in
the development of the function f{x + h), is the differential coefficient
derived from the function fx ; so that the finding the difierential coef-
ficient from any proposed function, fx, reduces itself to the finding
the coefficient of the second term in the general development of
f{x + h), or of the first term in the developed difference f{x + h)
-fa-
Having obtained this general result, we may now proceed to apply
it to fimctions of different terms ; but it will be proper previously to
observe, that those constants which are connected with the variable
in the functiouyx, only by way of addition or subtraction, cannot appear
in the coefficient A ; because A, being multiplied by h, can contain
THE DIFFEHENTIAL CALCULUS. 9
no quantities which are not among those multiplied by x + ^ in
f{x -\- h), or by x infx.
(6.) To differentiate the product of two or more functions of the
same variable.
Let y, 2, be functions of x, in the expression
u = ayz.
By changing x into x + h, the function y becomes
1/ =y+ Ah+ Bk" + Ch^ + &c. . . . (1),
«nd the function z becomes
z' = z-\- A7i + B7i2 + CV-{- &c. . . . (2).
Hence, when ^ = 0, we have from (1)
h da? '
and from (2)
z' — z _ dz _ .,
h dx ' '
Muhiplying the product of (1) and (2) by a, we have
u' = ayz -f a {Az + A'y) h + &c.*
= ayz+a{^^z+^y)h + kc.
therefore, af-pz4- -r-y) being the coefficient of the second term
of the development of «', we have
du dy , dz
-J- = az -~ -t ay -;-
dx dx dx
.'. du =■ azdy + aydz . . . (3).
Hence, to differentiate the product of two functions of the same va-
rictble, we must multiply each by the differential of the other, and add
the results.
It will be easy now to express the differential of a product of three
functions of the same variable. Let.
u = wyz
be the product of three functions of .r ; then, putting v for wy, the ex-
pression is
u = vz;
hence, by (3),
* tt' is that value wliich w attains when the functions y and z have varied by
virtue of the variation h of the variable x on which they depend. Ed.
2
10 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
du = zdv + i^dz,
butt) = toy ; therefore, by (3), dv = ydic + wyd ; consequentiy, by
substitution,
dn = sydw + ziody + wydz . . . (4),
and it is plain that in this way the differential may be found, be the
factors ever so many ; so that, generally, to differentiate a product of
several functions of the same variable, ice must multiply the differen-
tial of each factor by the product of all the other factors, and add the
results.
If we suppose the factors to be all equal to each other, we shall
obtain a rule to differentiate a positive integral power. Thus the
differential of the function
U = X^ = X'X'X'X....
is
du = af*-' dx + af^* dx + af"'^ dx + &c. to m terms,
that is
du = maf^^ dx .•. —- = m3f^\
ax
This form of the differential is preserved whether m be integral or
fractional, positive or negative ; but, to prove this, we must first dif-
ferentiate a fraction.
(7.) To differentiate a fraction. Let u = -,y and z being func-
tions of X ; therefore uz = y, and duz = dy, that is, by the last article,
zdtc + udz = dy .: du = — ,
or, substitutmg - for u,
^^^zdy-ydz^
z^
Hence, to differentiate a fraction, the rule is this : From the product
of the denominator, and differential of the numerator, subtract the
product of the numerator, and differential of the denominator, and
divide the remainder by the square of the denominator.
(8.) To differentiate any power of a function.
The form of the differential when the power is whole and positive
has been already established. Let then
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 11
m
u = y"
be proposed, y being a function of a?, and^ being a positive fraction.
Since u" = tj'",
.'. nw""' du = my"^^ dy,
Now
consequently,
, . mil — m m
(m ~ 1) = 1,
n n
du = — y dy.
Let now the exponent be negative, or
u = y-H
1
.*. m" = v~"' = —
J yrn
.*■. du" = d —
but
.'. nW^^ du = — jn?/~""~' dy,
and dtt = — -— dy,
or, substituting for u its equal y~'^, we have
Jn" = nM^■'d«, and d -;j = — m -^-^;j- dy = — wj/"*""' dy,
m
du = y dy.
Hence, generally, to differentiate a power, ive must multiply together
these three factors, viz. the index of the power, the power itself dimi-
nished by unity, and the diffei'ential of the root.
This rule might have been deduced with less trouble, by availing
ourselves of the binomial theorem, for, supposing inu = y^ that the
increment of the function y becomes k when the increment of a? be-
comes h, we have u' = {y + ky and, by the binomial theorem, the
12 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
coefficient of the second term of the expansion of {y + ky is py''~\
whether p be positive or negative, whole or fractional. As, however,
we propose to demonstrate the binomial theorem by means of the
differential calculus, we have thought it necessary to establish the
fundamental principles of differentiation, independently of this theo-
rem.
(9.) If it be required to differentiate an expression consisting of
several functions of the same variable, combined by addition or sub-
traction, it will be necessary merely to differentiate each separately,
and to connect together the result? by their respective signs. For
let the expression be
M = ato + fcy + c2 + &c.
in which w, y, c, are functions of x. Then, changing x into x -{■ h
and developing,
to becomes w + Ah + B^^ + &c.
y y + A'h+ B'h' + &c.
s 2 + A"h + B"h' + &c.
.-. « M + (aA + 6A' + cA" + &c.) /i + &c.
.*. du = aAdx + bA'dx -\- cA"dx + &c.
But
Adx = dWf A'dx = dy, A"dx = dz, &c.
therefore
du = adw + bdy + cdz + &c.
that is, the differential of the sum of any number of functions is equal
to the sum of their respective differentials.
(10.) We shall now apply the foregoing general rules to some
examples.
EXAMPLES.
1. Let it be required to differentiate the function
y = 8x* — 3aP— 5x.
By the rule for powers (8) the differential of 3x* is 8 X 4x^dx, and
the differential of — SxP is — 3 X Sx^dx ; also the differential of
— 5x is — 5dx ; hence (9),
dy = 32x'dx — 9ordx — 5dx,
... $ = 32ar-'— 9x2 — 5.
dx
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 13
2. Let t/ = (a:"' + a) {3x^ + b).
By the rule for differentiating a product (6), we have
dy = {aP + a)d (3r' + 5) + (St" + &) d (r* + a),
and (8),
d {Sr' + 6) = 6xdx, d [aP -{■ a) = Sr'dx,
.-. dy — {3p + a) exdx + (Sx^ + 6) SsPdx,
ax
3. Let 1/ = (ax + a;^)^.
The differential of the root ox + ar of this power, is orfx + 2xdxt
therefore,
dy = 2 {ax + x^) {a -{- 2x) dx,
.'.■£ =2 {ax + x") {a-\- 2x).
4. het y = y/a-^bx~.
The differential of the root or function under the radical, is 2bxdx ;
hence
1 f)x
% = 1 (« + bx')-^ 2bxdx = — dx,
>/a+ bxP
dy bx
' ' dx ^a-^-bif
5. Let y = {a + baf")".
The differential of the root or function within the parenthesis, is
mbaf^^dx; hence
dt/ = n (o + 6x")"-' m6a?'"~' dx,
... -1 = imn (a + 6*'")""' **""'•
ax
x"
6. Let j( =
(a + x3)2
The differential of the numerator of this fraction is 2xdx, and the
differential of a + x' is 3x^dx, therefore the differential of the de-
nominator is 2 (a + x^) 3x^dx ; hence (7),
, _ {a+ apy 2xdx — 6x^ (a + x^)dx _ 2ax~4x^
^ (a + x^y ~ (a + aPy '"'
dy _ 2x{a — 2aP)
''' dx (a + apy '
14 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
7. Let 7/= \a+ ,/(6 + ^j^
The differential of the root a + \/(6 + ^) is ^ (6 + ^) ~*
d -5-, and d-^ = 7- cb ; hence
ST or or
^ >/b+^
8. Let y=Var' + Va+x'.
The differential of ic^ + \/a + a^ is 2xdx + (a + ar')-2 ardar,
djf X X
... ^ = = + "
9. Lety = — .
Va^ + x^ — X
Multiplying numerator and denominator by -v/a^ + ^ + x, the
expression becomes
"^ a a
.-. % = d ^ + ^^ — ^ ^^+^ d VaP + a^.
ar^
dy _ 2a: , Va^ + ar^ I
•'•die ~ ^ a^ ^2 ^ a=» + ar'
2a: a" + 2a^
= TT +
a^" Va" + x"
10. y = a?—.x'.:-^ = — 2x.
11. u = 4ar' — 2ar' + 7x + 3 .-. -j^ = 12ar' — 4a:+ 7.
ax
^
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 15
12. y={a+ hx) x" .'. J = 46^* + Sax^.
13. y = {a -^ bx -\- ex" + &c.)'".-. ^ = w (a + 6x + car*
+ &c.)'^' {b-\-cx-\- &c.)
14. y = (a + 6r^)^.-.^ = ^y^+6^.
I*; = ,. 4yar dy _ 6(1— ar')
!»• 2^ a -f- 3 ^ ^ • • ^^ (3 + a^)2 v/x
, , , c dy b , c
17. y = (ox' + 6)' + is/cf—e (x—h) .: ^ = 6111?
v/a2
18. y =
dy _
a:+ y/l—r" ' ' dx Vl—x'{l-\-2xy/l-r')
The functions in these examples are all algebraic, we shall now
consider
Transcendental Functions.
(11.) Transcendental functions are those in which the variable
enters in the form of an exponent, a logarithm, a sine, &c. Thus,
a', a log. X, sin. x, &c. are transcendental functions : the first is an
exponential function, the second a logarithmic function, and the third
a circular function.
To find the Differential of a Logarithm.*
(12.) Let it be required to differentiate log. x.
Put a for the base of the system of logarithms used, and let
M = 1 1
a_l_i(a_l)2 + i(a_l)3_&c.'
then
log. (1 + n) = M (n — i n= + i »^ — &c.)
or, putting - for »,
X
* Note (A').
t Algebra, Chap. vii. p. 219., or vol. i. p. 155, Lacroix's large work on the Dif-
ferential Calculus. Ed.
16 THB DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
. log.(.+ fe)-log.. ^^l_ fe j^_
This is the general expression for the ratio of the increment of the
function to that of the variable. Hence, taking the limit of this ratio,
we have
d log. X _ M ^^^
dx X ' ' '
If the logarithms employed be hyperbolic M = 1, and then
d\og.x _ 1
dx X ' '
If they are not hyperbolic, write Log. instead of log. for distinction
sake, then, since by putting a for 1 + » in the series for log. (1 + n),
we have
log. a = a- 1 -1 (a- If + 1 {a-lY — &c.=~
it follows, from the expression (1), that
d Log. X _ 1
dx log. a . X
Unless the contrary is expressed, the differential is always taken ac-
cording to the hyperbolic system, because the expression is then
simpler, log. a being = 1.
From the preceding investigation we learn, that the differential of
a logarithmic function is equal to the differential of the function di-
vided by the function itself.
(13.) To differentiate an exponential function.
1. Let y = (f then log. y = x log. a .•. d log. y = dxlog. a, that
is, — = dx log a .•. dy =" y log. a.dx = log. a . a' dx.
Hence, to differentiate an exponential^ we mu^t multiply together the
hyp. log. of the base, the exponential itself, and the differential of the
variable exponent.
EXAMPLES.
1. Let y = X {a:'' + xr) V d' — x^ .-. log. y = log. x + log.
(o' + x^) + i log. (a^ -- r-),
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 17
dy _ dx 2xdx xdx _ a^ + aV — 4x* ,
' ' y X a^ + x^ c? — X' x{o? -\r x^) {a? — x")
therefore, substituting for ij its value, we have,
dy _ «" + «'-<^ — 4a;^
dx y/aj^ — x^
\/ a + a? + \/« — x
2. y = log. -== ;-==.•
Multiplying numerator and denominator by the denominator, the
expression becomes
2x
y = log. == = log. X — log. (a — \/ a^ — x^)
2a — 2 \/ a^ — x^
dy _ 1 X _ a y/d^ — x^ — a^
^^ ^ a VaF — or — a^ + ^^ x\/a? — x^\a — V d^ — x^\
— a
X \f a^ — a^
\/ x^ -\- 2ax
3. y = r7=F====^ ••• log. y =i log. {x" + 2ax) — i
^xr -\- x- — X
log. {3p-\-a^ — x)^
dy X + a , 3x^ -{- 2x — 1 ,
.♦.-^ — — ; dx — „ ^ ., ■ — dx =
y or + 2ax 3 {x + x" — x)
(l-^Sa) x'~{a + 2) x — a
3x{x'+ x—l) {x 4- 2fi.) '
. dy _\{1 — 3a) x^ —{a + 2) x — a\ V x
^^ Sx'^ (x' + a; — 1) 3 {x + 2a)"3'
dy
4. J/ = x""^" * .'. log. y = m ^ — 1 log. X .'.~ = m ->/ — 1
dy y
dx
X
. . -z- =m~ V — 1 — m \/ i.x"^-i-i.
dx X
From /-', where c is the base of the hyper-
bolic system,
.-. dy = c'>/~ v/ — 1 dx — e-> ^~^ v/ — 1 dar,
7. y = log. (log. x).* Put 2 for log. a?.-, y = log. «.•. dy = —
but dz = d log. X ==—.'. dy = — r-^ — ••• t^ = — ; •
X "^ X log. ar ax X log. x
o „ . dy mn (log. x")*^*
9. y = log. J (a + X)' (a + x)- (a" + x)-"S ••• ^ = J^
j^ m' m"
a -\- X a -f- X
,„ , Va + \/x dy y/a
10. y = log. .*. — ^ = .
^ Va — Vx dx (a — x) Vx
11. t/ = c^... ^ = 6** . x* (1 + log. x).
12. y = (log.)''x.-.^ =
dx X log. X (log.)" X . . . (log.)""' X.
,- , v/ 1 + x^ dy 1
13. log. y = ■ .'. -i = -.
^ ^ X dx ar^
14. y = a*', 2 being a function of X, .*. ~ = log.olog.&.a*'6^-v-
* This means tho logarithm of the logarithm of x, but the notation we shall
hereafter adopt will be (log.) 'a;, and which we shall extend to circular functions ;
thus, instead of sin. (sin. x), we shall write (sin.)^a;, the square of the sine being
written without the parenthesis, thus, sin. %. We may call such expressions a«
(log.)" X, (sin.)" X, &.C the nth log. of i, the nth sine of j:, &c
■
THE DIFFEaENTIAL CALCULUS. 19
15. y = a*'""*" .-. ^ = log. o . log. b . a*'''+' . h'' +'(2^+1)
dx
ly
dx
du log. a . a ^°^^ '
16. y = a '"s* . J — &
, n dy e <'°«> '
17. y = e ''"^-^ * .'. — = .
' ^ ' ' dx log. a; (log.)^a^ .... (log.)""' x
18. y = x'' .'.^= af'.af\l-\- log. x (1 + log. x)|.
(14.) To differentiate circular functions.
Let x represent the versed sine of an arc of a circle whose radius
is r, then r — x will represent the cosine of the same arc, and, by
trigonometry,
tan. _ r
sin r — x'
In this expression, x is the independent variable, and as this dimin-
ishes, the arc itself diminishes, both vanishing simultaneously, and the
tan. . r
ultimate ratio of — r- is - = 1 ; that is, the sine and tangent of an arc
sm. r
approximate to each other as the arc diminishes, and at length become
equal. As the arc is between the sine and tangent when these be-
come equal, the arc, also, must become equal to each ; therefore, we
may conclude, that the ultimate ratios are as follows :
tan. _ arc _ arc _ arc _ sin. _ tan. _ ^
sin. ' sin. ' tan. ' chord ' chord ' chord
1. Let it now be required to find the differential of sin. x. Chang-
ing X into a; + fc, we have {Gregorxfs Trig. p. 48)
sin. (x + ft.) = sin. a; + 2 sin. \ h cos. {x -\- \ A),
sin. ix -\- h) — sin. x sin. \h , ■ , , v
••• — ^ — r — - = -it ■="" '^ + i *"
sin. ^h , d sin. x
whenx= 0, ■-- = 1, .•• ; = cos. x.-.dsm. x = cos.xdx.
1 Ai dx
2. To differentiate cos. x.
d cos. X = d sin. (i * — x) = — cos. (| * — x) dx = — sin. x dx.
* The differentiation of circular functions may be obtained independently of
these results. See ths note (A) at the end of the volume.
20 THB DIFFEKENTIAL CALCULUS.
Co7'. As d COS. = — d ver. sin. .•. d ver. sin. x = sin. xdx.
3. To differentiate tan. x.
sin. .r COS. r (' : »n. '■■ — sin. x d cos. a;
d tan. a? = d
COS. a; COS. 'X
that is
cos. ^x -\- sin. -X , 1 , „ ,
d tan. X = :; dx = — dx = sec. ^x dx.
COS. "X cos. X
4. To differentiate cot. x.
dcot. X = dtan. (| * — a;) = — sec. ^(i ii' — x) da; = — cosec ^xdx.
5. To differentiate sec. x.
, 7 1 sin. x , ,
a sec. x = d 5- = — dx = tan. x sec. x dx.
cos. ■'a; COS. ^x
6. To differentiate cosec. x.
- 1 COS. x , . ,
a cosec. x = d — = : — — dx = — cot. x cosec. x dx.
sm. X sin. X
Tliese six forma the student should endeavour to preserve in his me-
mory.
EXAMPLES.
1. y =^ sin. ^a: .*. dy = 2 sin. x d sin. x = 2 sin. x cos. a; dx
=3 sin. 2a; dx,
.'. ■:ir = sin. 2x.
ax
2. t/ = sin. "x.'. dy = nsin. ""' xdsin. x = nsin. ""^xcos. xdx,
• ' -J- = n sm. X cos. x.
dx
3. 1/ = COS. mx .'. dy = — sin. mxdmx = — m sin. mxdx,
dy
.•.-r = — m sin. mx.
dx '
4. M = 2/ tan. of, y being a function of x, .'. du = tan. x" dy +
y d tan. x", now d tan. x" — sec. "x" dx" = nx"~' sec. ^x" dx,
dw diy
.*. -7- = tan. x" T~ + wx"~^ sec.^ x".
ax ax •'
5. « = cot. x" .*. du '= — cosec.^ x^ dx*'. Put z = x* .*. log.
2 = 1/ log. X,
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 21
dz dx ,,77/ ^-"^
.: — = y — + log. xdij .•. as = dx^ = {]} — + 'Og- ^ dy)x^,
Z X ^
du „ ,1/ , , dii.
and — = — cosec.2 a;^ (^ + log. x -/) o^.
rfx X dx'
6. y = xe "' * .'. dy = e "'■ "^ da; + xe "'• "^ ci cos. x = e '''"■ *
(1 — X sin. x) dx,
.'. -~ = e '='"" ' (1 — sin. a;),
aa?
J (a; e "^ ') , , ,
7. y = log. (x e-^ ') .•.dy= ^^,,3.. > and d (xe- -) =
gcoB. r ^j — ^ gjj^^ a:)(Za:,
dy _ I — X sin. x
' ' dx X
dy
8. y = COS. X + sin. x V — 1, .*. '7Z,— — sin.a;+cos.x\/ — 1
dy
9. w = cos. X -\- COS. 2x+ COS. 3x + &c. .•. -j^ = — (sin. x
dx
+ 2 sin. 2a; + 3 sin. 3a; + &c.)
10. y = xe '^"^ ' .-.-p = \1 -\- X sec.^ xl e '="'• ".
sin. ""a; dy . sin."""' a;, , ,sin.'"+' a; ,
11. w = —-.'.-f- = m\ ~-—l + nl -rr-i.
cos. a; dx cos. ' a;' 'cos."'*'' a; '
du lV , , dy^
12- u = sec. 3fi .'.-r- = tan. 3^ sec. x^ a;^J-+log.a; —-J.
rfa; 'a; ° dx^
(15.) In the preceding trigonometrical expressions, the arc is con-
sidered as the independent variable, and the lines sine, cosine, &c.
as functions of it ; we shall now consider the inverse functions as
they are called, that is, those in which the arc is considered as a func-
tion of the sine, the cosine, &c. A particular notation has been pro-
posed for inverse functions : thus, if j/ = Fx be the direct function,
then X = r~^ y is the inverse function, that is, if we represent the
function that yisofxhyy = Fa-, the function that x is of y will be
denoted by x = F~^ y. By thus representing these inverse functions,
we may return immediately to the direct functions, considering, for the
moment, F~' in the light of a negative power of F, or an equivalent to
-^ ; for then x = F~' y immediately leads toy = Fx.* Thus, if
* See note (B').
22 THE DIFFERENTIAI. CALCULUS.
X = log.z' y '"' y = log. X, the inverse function log."' y meaning
the number whose log. is y. In like manner, y = sin.~' x means that
y is the arc whose sine is x ; that is, returning to the direct function,
sin. y = X.
1. To differentiate y = sin.""' x.
Here the direct function is sin. y = x .♦. d sin. y = dx, that is,
J J dy I 1 1
cos. t/rfw = dx .: -r- = = — — = — .
dx cos.y VI — sin. =4/ ^ 1 — x"
2. To differentiate y = cos.~' x.
cos.y = X .•. sin. ydy = dx .•. Ji =. —
dx sm. y y/l—cos.^y
3. To differentiate y ==■ versin."' x.
versin. y = x .'. sin. ydy = dx,
" dx sin.y y/2x — x'
4. To differentiate y = tan."' x.
tan. y =■ X .•. sec.^ Ww = dx .*. -^^ = r— = — ; -.
^ ^ ^ dx sec^y 1 + x'
5. To differentiate y = cot."' x.
)t. y = a:.'. — cosec'^ydy = dx.*.
6. To differentiate y = sec."' x.
, 1 , dy 1 —1
cot. V = x.-. — cosec.ydy = dx.'.-r- — s" = ; i*
^ ^ ^ £f.i! cosec. ""y 1 + x"
sec. y = X, .'. tan. y sec. yc?i/
1
= dx...^ =
1
dx tan. t/ sec. y
X -v/x* — 1
7. To differentiate ?/ = cosec."' x.
cosec. t/ = X .*. — cotan. 1/sec. i/(ij/ = dx .'.-j- —
dx cot. J/ sec. y
\. y =■ sin.
X -v/x^ — 1
EXAMPLES.
% _ 1
dmx VI _ ,^3;c3
* dx
VI — mV
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 23
fit I fi siTi — V^
2. y - X sin.~' sp .'. -~ = sin. ' ar^ + x ,- and
ax ax
d sin. ' a^ dx
dx VI— X*
dy . , o , 2x2
3. y = COS."' X \/ 1 — x". Put X Vl — x^ = z
— dz
.'. dy = — —
VI — 2^
X^
hutdz-{Vl—x' — —==)dx,iind Vl — z^ = Vl — x^ + x'
V 1 — ar'
^ dy _ — 1 + 2x^
* * dx ^(1 _a;a_|-a;*) (1 —^'
4. y = tan.~' -.
^ 2
rfy _ 1 . dy _
8
i^x ^ a^ ' ' dx 4 + x^ *
6. J/ = cot.-'(a + mx)=' .:dy = — ^_^^^_^^^^y rf (a + wx)^.
J / I va n / t \ J ^y 2m (a + mx)
d (a + mxY = 2 (a + wx) mdx .-. -r- = — ~ — ; 7.
dx 14-(a + nix)*
6. y = sec."' — .: dy= — d — , and
^ X" ^ la x"
<.^(^)" - 1
- a am dx
x" x'^'
* * dx ^^
_, VI + x^ , VI + r' .
7. »/ = cosec. ' . •. dy = — d —
VI + x' 1 + r" 1
24 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS,
— d , but a
X ar X
1
ar v/ 1 + or
dx,
dy _ 1
' ' dx 1 + x^'
8. y = (sin.-^ xY .'.-i^ = 2 sin.-' a? — r,.
, ^ */ 1
9. y = cos.~ • ~
Vl + r' dx 1 + X-
, _ . _i ,' • — X dy \
1. y = tan. v/— -— -'' -r = — ^ ,T-
1 + x dx 2n/1 — x^
n.V = (cot.-'.)^-.| = -^oot.-..
12. J/ = sec.-'x".'. —
dx X\/ 3?" — 1
,_ . ^ d\\
13. « = cosec. mxr .', -t- =■
dx xVm^x^ — 1
• 1 dii ^
"^ dx \/2 — e^
(16.) In the preceding expressions the radius of the arc is always
represented by unity, but, as the differentials are frequently required
to radius r, we shall terminate this chapter with the several formulas
in (15) accommodated to this radius. We must observe, that as y
y
and X are homogeneous in each of those forms, - is always a num-
dv
ber, so that this ratio in the limit, that is -7^, is a number. Hence, r
dx
must be introduced as a multiplier so as to render the numerator and
denominator of each expression of the same dimensions. The for-
mulas, therefore, become
rdx
d sin.~' X = ■ „ =•
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 25
rdx
d cos.~* X
Vi'^ — ar'
rdx
d versin.~' x = =•
V 2rx — x^
r'dx
r^dx
d tan.~^ X =
d cot.~* X =
T^ + a^
r'dx
d see."' s
x\/ x^ — r^
r^dx
d cosec."' X = —
xy/ar^ — r^
On successive Differentiation.
(17.) Since the differential coefficient derived from any function
of a variable may* contain that variable, this coefficient itself may be
differentiated, and we thus derive a second differential coefficient. In
like manner, by differentiating this second coefficient, if the variable
still enters it, we obtain a third differeiitial coefficient, and in this way
we may continue the successive differentiation till we arrive at a co-
efficient without the variable, when the process must terminate.
Thus, taking the function y = ax'*, we have, for the first differ-
dy
ential coefficient, -p = 4ax', as this coefficient contains x, we have,
by differentiating it, the second differential coefficient = 12ax^ ;
continuing the process, we have 24ax for the third differential coeffi-
cient, and 24a for the fourth, which being constant its differential
coefficient is 0.
If we were to express these several coefficients agreeably to the
notation hitherto adopted, they would be
first diff. coef. -~ = 4cw^
dx
d^
dx
second diff. coeC — -^ = 12ax^,
* It must contain the variable, unless in the single case of its being constant.
Ed.
4
26 THE DIPFEllENTIAL CALCULUS.
d
d^
dx
dx
third diff. coef. -i = 24 ax,
&c.
But this mode of expressing the successive coefficients is obviously
very inconvenient, and they are accordingly written in the following
naore commodious manner :
first difi*. coef.
second diff. coef.
third diff. coef.
nth diff. coef.
dx
dx''
dx"*
d"y
in which notation it is to be observed, that d^, d^, &c. are not powers
but symbols, standing in place of the words second differential, third
differential, &c. The expressgions dx'^, daP, &c. are on the contrary
powers, not, however, of x, but of rfx : to distinguish the differential
of a power from the power of differential, a dct is placed in the former
case between d and the power.
(18.) The following are a few illustrations of the process of suc-
cessive differentiation :
I. y = if".
dx
d3»
dPy
~d^
d'y
= mx*-',
= OT (m — 1) x'^S ^
= m [m — 1) (tn — 2) x~~',
= m (m — 1) (wi — 2) (m — 3) x**-%
rfx«
&c. &c.
2. tt = yz, both y and z being functions of x,
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
27
du
dx
dr-u
1^
d\
dz
dy
dx
dr-z
dx"
d^z
= y
dx"
d'^z
dx"
' dx^
&c.
3.
y
= log.
X
dy
dx
=
1
x
d^y
dx"
=
1
d?y
dx"
=
2
4.
y
= (f.
dy
dx
=
e'
d-y
=
e'
dx
dydz
dx"
dydz
~d^
dyd^z
zi-
y
dx"
+ 3
dx"
dr"
dzdPy
~d^
&c.
,dzdy_
dx^
+
dx"
&c.
d'^y _ 2-3
dx"^ X*
dhj _ 2 . 3 • 4
doc" XT'
dHj _ _ 2 • 3 • 4
5^ ^
dx"
d'y - ^
dx'
&c.
If instead of c the base were a, the several coefficients would be
log. a ' a", log.^a • a% log.^a . a% log.^a • a', &c.
It appears, therefore, that exponental functions possess this property,
d"y
VIZ. that -r^ -^ y ia always constant.
5. y = sin. x.
'^y _
dx
di?
cos. X
= — sm. X
dx'
dx*
cos. X
sm. X
&c.
We need not multiply examples here, as the process of successive
differentiation will be very frequently employed in the next two
chapters.
28 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
CBAPTSIS IIX.
ON MACLAURIN'S THEOREM.
(19.) Ify represent a function of x, which it is possible to develop
in a series of positive ascending powers of that variable, then will
that development be
where the brackets are intended to intimate that the functions which
they enclose are to be taken in that particular state, arising from
taking x = 0.*
For, since by hypothesis
y = A + Bx-{- Car'+ Da;^ + Ex* + &c...(l>
... J^= B + 2Cx + 3Dx2+ 4-EaP+Sic.
ax
■j^ = 2C + 2 • ZBx + 3 . 4Er» + &c.
erar
3D +2.3. 4Ex + &c.
^ _
dsP ~
&c. &c.
Let, now, a: = 0, then
dy
rg-]=2.3D...D=-i-rg-]
Ldx^-" 2-3 LrfariJ
&c. &c.
* This plan of enclosing the differential coefficient in brackets we shall usually
adopt, when wc wish to express not the general state of this function, but that
state which arises from the variable taking a particular value. What that value
is will generally be made known by the nature of the inquiry.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 29
Hence, by substitution, equation (1) becomes
» = W + [|]^+i[^F+^3[g-]-'+&c (2),
which is Maclaurin's theorem for the development of a function,
according to the ascending powers of the variable. We shall apply
it to some examples.
EXAMPLES.
(20.) 1. Let it be required to develop (a + x)", the exponent n
being any uumber whatever, either positive or negative, whole or
fractional, rational or irrational.
Put y = {a + x)" . . therefore . [j/] = a"
... A = n(a + x)"-' r-^] = na'^'
dx ^ dx
^=.n{n-\){a+xr-' . . . [^-] = n(n- !)«-'
g- = n(n-l)(n-2)(a + x)- [g.] =
n(n— 1) {n — 2)dr^
&c. &c.
Substituting these values for the coefficients in the foregoing theo-
rem, there results
(a + xY = a" + »a"-' x + — ^ a x^ + — ^^ — '-
2i 2 ' 3
a"-3 x^" + &c.
and thus the truth of the Binomial Theorem is established in its
utmost generahty.
2. To develop log. {a + x).
Put y = log. (o -|- x), therefore [t/] = log. a
d^i/ _ 1
• ^dar" ^ ^
rf'y _ 2.3
• trf^] "^
&c.
dx
^y _
1
^y _
(a + xf
2
(a + xr
2-3
dx'
&c.
(a + X)*
30 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
... lo.. ia + .) = log. a+^_^+^_^+&c.
dv
If 7/ = log. X were proposed, then, since [y], [^r;]* &c. are infinite,
we infer, for reasons similar to those assigned at art. 4, that the de-
velopment in the proposed form is impossible.
3. To develop sin. x.
y = sin. X .... [?/] =
i = COS. X ....[-^1=1
dx dx
dhi . dii^ ^
^ = -co..x . . . .[^]=-l
^ = sin.. . . . . [^J=0
dx* Hx* -■
dhi ^dhj
&c. &c.
. •. sin. z = X -\ &c.
1-2-31-2.3-4-5
4. To develop cos. x.
y = cos. X .... [?/] = 1
%=_.„.. . . . .[^] = o
^=— • • •[^]=-'
&c. &c.
x^ x^
• •. cos. X = 1 ^ + — - — : &c.
1-2 1-2-3-4
6. To develop a'.
y = a'' therefore [y] = 1
^ = *-- • • •[f] = -
* A is put here for the hyperboHc logarithm of the base a, that is, for the ex-
pression
(a — 1) — i (a — 1)2 + J (« — 1)=' — ^-
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 31
^-Aa .... L^^J
— -Aa . . . . Lrf^J A
&c. &c.
, . , AV , AV , ^
.•.a^ = l+A. + ^^ + P^3 + &c.
which is the Exponential Theorem.
Since A = log. a, we may give to the development the form
a' = 1 + X log. a + -{x log. af + r-^ (x log. a)=^ + &c.
For a: = 1, we have the following expression for any number, a, in
terms of its Napierian logarithm :
1 1
a= 1 + log. a + 2^°S-^" + 2 — 3^^^'^"' "^ ^^'
changing a into the Napierian base, e, we have
a^ aP
e- = i+a;+— + ^— ^ + &c.
which, when x = 1, gives, for the base e, the value
c = 1 + 1 + 2 + 2T3 + ^*^-
(21.) From the development of e'^ may be immediately derived
several very curious and useful analytical formulas, and we shall avail
ourselves of this opportunity to present the principal ones to the no-
tice of the student.
If, in the development of e', we put zV — 1 for x, we shall have
_ z^ zW — I z"
«'^-' = 1 + ^^-1 -r^-1 . 2. 3 +1.2. 3-4 + ^^-
and, changing the sign of the radical,
z" z" V — I
« i z y/ 1^ 1 • 2^1 • 2 • 3^1-2-3-4 *^^*
If these expressions be first added and then subtracted, there will re-
sult the following remarkable developments, viz.
32 THE DlFFliHENTIAL CALCULUS.
W-i 4. gW-i ^
= 1 — 1 ^ + ^i — 7. ^— T — &C.
2 l-2'l-2-3-4
+ , ^ o . — £ — &C.
2^'^[ l-2-3'l-2-3-4-5
Now it has been seen (examples 4 and 3) that these two series are
also the respective developments of cos. z and sin. z ; hence, putting
X instead of «, we may conclude that
gS-V — 1 g-»V — 1
sin. X = := .... (1)
2^/ — 1
cos. X = z .... (2)
where the sine and cosine of a real arc are expressed by imaginary
exponentials.
These expressions were first deduced by Euler, and are consider-
ed by Lagrange as among the finest analytical discoveries of the age.
(Calcul des Fonctions, page 114.)
(22.) If for the real arc x we substitute the imaginary arc x\/ — 1
we shall have
e~^ — e*
sin. (a:v/-l) = ^-^==....(3)
c-^ + e^
COS. {x V — 1) = ^ .... (4)
Sin.
Also, since — '- = tan., it follows, from (1) and (2), that
COS.
C^s/ — ^ g— jV — 1 g^i^^Ti J
y/ — 1 tan. X = — = = = =r *
gTV-i -f e-^^/-' e^-^-^ + 1
By multiplying equation (1) by ± V — 1, and adding the result to (2),
we have
COS. X ± sin. X V — 1 = c±'^-' .... (6;)
or if we change x into mx,
cos. mx ± sin. mx \/ — 1 = c±"«^'-' .... (6),
but e±""^~' is c^''-^'"' raised to the mth power. Hence this singu-
lar property, viz.
* Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the second member of the
equation by e*^—'. Ed.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 89'
(cos. X ± sin. X ■«/ — 1)"' = COS. mx ± sin. mx V — 1 .... (7),
which was discovered by de Moivre, and is hence called De JVLoivre'a
formula.
If the first side of this equation be developed by the binomial theo-
rem, it becomes
, m(m — 1) , „ „
cos, '"x ± m cos. "*-* xp -\ ^^ cos. ""-^ xp^ it &c.
p being put for the imaginary v/ — 1 sin. .r.
Now in any equation, the imaginaries on one side are equal to those
on the other, {Algebra) ; hence, expunging from this expression
all the imaginaries, that is, all the terms containing the odd powers of
p, we have, in virtue of (7),
m (in — 1)
cos. mx = COS. "x — r COS. "'"^ X sin.^ar +
m{m — 1) (m — 2) {in — 3
n — o — A cos. "^^ X sin. *x — &c.
2 • 3 • 4
In like manner, equating sin. mx y/ — 1 with the imaginary part of
the above development, and then dividing by ■«/ — 1 , we have
m{m — l)(m — 2)
sm. mx=m cos.*"" ' a: sin. x — oT^ cos.""" ^xsm.^x-\- &c.
From these two, series the sine and cosine of a multiple arc may be de-
termined from the sine and cosine of the arc itself
(2ft) If in the formula (2) we represent e''^~^ by y, then c~'^~'
= - ; therefore,
y
1
2 cos. a: = V + ~
a y
or, if in the same formula mx be put for x, we have
1
2 COS. mx = V" H — —
3 ym
and from these two equations we deduce the following, viz.
y^ — 2y COS. a: + 1 = .... (1)
«/** — 2r/'" COS. mx + 1 = . . . . (2).
Since these equations exist simultaneously, the latter must have
two of its roots or values of y equal to the two roofs of the former,
34
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
and must, therefore, be divisible by it ; or, putting 6 for mx, we have
y^n _ 2y^ioS. d + 1 = . . . . (3),
divisible by
(4).
ys — 2y cos. — + 1
But cos. 6 = COS. {& + Snir), n being any whole number, and if =
180° ; hence, making successively » = 0, = 1, = 2, &c, to n =
m — 1, we have, since the first equation continues to be divisible by
the second in these cases,
y2m — 2?/'" cos.^ + 1 = (j/^ — 2j/ cos.
+ 1)
6 + 2*
X(y' — 2J/C0S.— ^^+ I)
6 + 4*
X {y'—2ticos.—^^+ 1)
^ + 6*
X (tf — 2ycos. \r 1) &c. to m factors.
The truth of this equation is obvious, for, while the substitution of
6 + 2*111' for 6 causes no alteration in the expression (3), the same
substitution in (4) gives to that expression a new value, for every va-
lue of n, from 7» = to n = m — 1, for the arcs — , &c. are
m m
all different. As, therefore, the expression (3) is divisible by (4)
under all these m cheuiges of value, it is plain that these are its in
quadratic factors.
In this way may any trinomial of the form i/^ — 2ky'" + 1 be de-
composed into its quadratic factors, provided k does not exceed unity,
for then k may always be replaced by the cosine of an arc.
(24.) The geometrical interpretation of the foregoing equation,
presents a curious property of the circle, first discovered by De
■B 'B
Moivre. To exhibit this property, let P be any point
either within or without the circle whose centre is 0, and
let the circumference be divided into any number of
equal parts, commencing at any point A, Join the points
of division, A, B, C, &c. to P, then, since in the fore-
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 35
going analytical expression the radius OA is ex-
pressed by unity, we shall have, by introducing
the radius itself so as to render the terms homo-
geneous, the following geometrical values of the
above factors, where it is to be observed that
Z POA = — and OP = y,
m
yim _ 2ym cos. 6 -f 1 = OF^ — 20?"" X OA" COS. m ( AOP) + AO^"
t/« — 2y COS. f- 1 = 0P2 — 20P X OA cos. AOP + AO^ = PA»*
111
y^ — 2y cos. ?-±-!l -|- i = 0P« — 20P X OA cos. BOP -|- B0« = PB«
m
y« — 2« cos. ^-iil + 1 = 0P« — 20P X OA cos. COP + C0» = PC«
in
&c. &c &c
Hence,
OP*"* — SOP"* X 0A"» cos. m (AOP) -\- OA^-" = PA« X PB« X PC* X &.c.
and this is Demoivre's property of the circle.
(25.) If AOP = 0, that is, if P be upon the radius through one of
the points of division A, then cos. m (AOP) = 1. Hence,
OP** — 20P'" X OA"" + OA'"* = PA^ X PB" x PC^ x &c.
consequently, extracting the square root of each member,
OP"* ^ OA'" = PA x PB X PC x &c.
If the arcs AB, BC, &c. be bisected by A', B', &c. the circumfer-
ence will be divided into 2m equal parts, and, by the equation just
deduced
0P=^ ^ OA^™ = PA X PA' X PB X PB' x &c.
that is
0?=^"* ^ 0A=^ = (OP"* ^ OA-") PA' X PB' X &c.
therefore,
Qpan OA'^
__L — __- = OP"* + OA"* = PA' X PB' X PC X &c.
and these are Coles's properties of the circle.
(26.) If now we return to the expression (6), and suppose x =
— , it becomes
♦ Gregory's Trigonometry, p. 54, or LacroLx'a Trigonometry.
» V)
36 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
7 _1 =ca>/-i...log, n/ — 1 = ~^-^\,
and
From the second of these equations we get
It
= 2 1ogV — 1 _ log.(v/ — 1)^ ^ log.— 1 ^ _ ^^TT
^/ — l V — 1 V — 1
log. — 1.
From the third
, , , — * 1 flr^ I
Mr' J
38 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
dx" (1 + a:^)^ (1 + x^Y (1 + x")' ' ' Mx* ^
&c. &c.
.'. y = tan. y — i tan. ^y + | tan. ^y — \ tan. 'y + &c.
If 1/ = 45°, then tan. y — 1 ;
.-. arc 45° = 1 — i + 1 — -| + &c.
(27.) From this series an approximation may be made to the cir-
cumference of a circle, but, from its very slow convergency, it is not
eligible for this purpose. Euler has obtained from the above general
development a series much more suitable, by help of the known for-
mula, {Gregory's Trig., page 46,)
, , , tan. a -f tan. 6*
tan. (a + b)= =•
1 — tan. a tan. b
for, when a + 6 = 45°, tan. (a -f- 6) = 1 ; therefore,
tan. a + tan. 6 = 1 — tan. a tan. 6.
If either tan. a or tan. 6 were given, the other would be determinable
from this equation. Thus, if we suppose,
^ *u 1 j_ * I. -i ^^^' ^ . I « — 1
tan. a = -, then - + tan. 6=1 , .♦. tan. 6 = .
n n n » + 1
Now the value of n is arbitrary, and our object is to assume it so
that the sum of the series, expressing the arcs a, 6, in terms of their
tangents, may be the most convergent. This value appears to be
n = 2, or n = 3 ; therefore, taking w = 2, we have
tan. a = 1, tan. 6 = 1.
Hence, substituting in the general development a for y and \ for tan. y,
and then again 6 for y and \ for tan. 6, the sum of the resulting series
will express the length of the arc a + 6 = 45°, that is
arc. 45° = ^-3-^5 + 5^ " 7"^ + &C-
+ 1 L_+_J ^+&c
2 3 . 3^ ^ 5 . 3* 7.3^^
(28.) Another form of development, still more convergent than
thisi has been obtained by M. Berirand from the formula
2 tan. a
tan. 2a = —
1 — tan. "a
* Lacroix Trigonometry.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 89
For put tan. a = \, then tan. 2a = yS_, therefore 2a Z 45°, because
tan. 45° = 1 : from this value of 2a we deduce
2 tan. 2a 120
tan. 4a = — =
1— tan.='2a 119
.-. 4a 7 45°.
Let now 4a = A, 45° =B, A — B = b= excess of 4a above 45°,
then we have 45° = A — 6. But
. UN ^ , tan. A — tan. B 1
tan. (A — B) = tan. 6 = — ; =r = — -
^ ^ 1 + tan. A tan. B 239
Consequently, if in the general development we replace yhy a and
tan. y by i, and then multiply by 4, we shall have the length of the
arc 4a, and, since this arc exceeds 45° by the arc 6, if we subtract
the development of this latter, which is given by substituting ^i^ for
tan. y, the remainder will be the true development of 45°. Thus
45° =4(i — + —- —+ kc.)
^2 3 • 6=* 5 • 5^ 7 • 5^ ^ ^
^(— 1 1 1 &c.)
^239 3 • 239=* ^ 6 • 239^ ^
This series is very convergent, and, by taking about 8 terms in
the first row and 3 in the second, we find, for the length of the semi-
circle, the following value, viz.
If = 3- 141592653589793.
If we take but three terms of the first and only one of the second, we
shall have -r = 3 • 1416, the approximation usually employed in
practice.
(29.) The following examples are subjoined for the exercise of
the student :
8. To develop y = sin.~^ x.
, sin.^ y , 3^ sin.' y , 3^ • 5^ sin.' y
y = sm. y-{-~—^- + ^ ^ ., , ^ + ^
1-2-3 1-2-3-4.5 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
9. To develop y = cos. ~' x.
.. — i cos.^ y 3^ cos.^ y , „
y = i -r — COS. « ^ 2 u &c.
" ^ 1-2-3 l-2-3-4-5^
10. To develop y = cot. x by the method of indeterminate coef-
ficients, as in example 6.
40
cot. X =
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
1 X x^ It"
X 3 3^-5 3^ • 5 • 7
11. To develop j/ = (a + 6t + c^r^ -f &c.)"'
{a-\-hx ■\- ex" + &c.)" =
n(n— 1) (?i — 2)
&C.
, , , n (n — ] ) , „
-\- na"-^ c
x^-\-
an-3 1,3
2-3
4-n (n— 1) "-2 6c
-|- no"— 1 erf
a;'-J-&c.
This is the multinomial theorem of De Moivre. It is given in a
very convenient practical form in my Treatise on Algebra.
OHAFTEH IT.
ON TAYLOR'S THEOREM, AND ON THE DIFFER-
ENTIATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLICIT
FUNCTIONS.
(30.) In the second chapter we established the form of the gene-
ral development of the function F (;r + h)' We here propose to
investigate Taylor's theorem, which is an expression exhibiting the
actual development of the same function. The following lemma,
must, however, be premised, viz. that if in any function of p + q one
of the quantities p, q, is variable, and the other constant, we may de-
termine the several differential coefficients, without inquiring which
is the constant and which the variable, for these coefficients will be
the same, whichever be variable. This principle is almost axiomatic.
For as the function contains but one variable we may put p + g = x
or F (p + q) = Fx, and whichever of the parts p, q, takes the in-
crement h, the result ¥ (^x -\- h) is necessarily the same ; hence the
development of this function is the same on either hypothesis, and
therefore the second term of that development, and hence also the
differential coefficient. The first differential coefficient being the
same, the succeeding must be the same ; therefore generally
d"F (p + q) rf-F ip + q)
dp"
whatever be the value of n.
dq"
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 41
Let now y = Fx, and Y = F (x + h), and assume, agreeably to
art. (4)
Y = y + A/i + B/t^ + C/i^ + &c.
A, B, C, &c. being unknown functions of x, which it is now required
to determine.
Suppose, first, h to be variable and x constant, then, differentiating
on that supposition, we have
^Y
^ = A + 2B/i + ZCh^ + &c.
an
Suppose, secondly, that x is variable and h constant, then the dif-
ferential coefficient is
dY dy , dA , ,dB .,dC ,^, ^
dz dx dx dx dx
But by the lemma these two differential coefficients are identical,
hence equating the coefficients of the like powers of A. there results
that is
. _ dy _ dA_ „ _ / x^ — '2ax)
... i!^! = '
6. LetM = (cos. x) •'"■'
cdu^ , V , , , sin. 'x
•*» i-T-i = (cos. x) "^ • (cos. X log. COS. X ;.
Implicit Functions.
(39.) Hitherto we have considered explicit functions only, or those
whose forms are supposed to be given. We ■shall now consider
implicit functions, or those in which the relation between the indepen-
dent variable x, and function y, is implied in an equation between the
two., and which may be generally expressed by
« = F (x, y) = 0.
The deductions in article (36) will enable us very readily to
find the coefficient -p from such equations, without being under the
necessity of solving them, a thing indeed often impossible.
If we turn to the corollary in the article just referred to, and sub-
stitute y for q, we find
.du. _^du du dy
*dx' dx dy ' dx
But here « = F (x, y) = 0, therefore \—\ = 0, for u' — u being
always 0, — - — is always ; hence,
du du dy
dx dy dx
from which equation the differential coefficient is immediately deter-
minable : it is
dy du . du
dx dx ' dy''
7
60 THE DIFFEREJITIAIi CALCtLUS,
hence, having transposed the terms all to one side of the equation, we
mxist differentiate the expression as if y were a constant, and then
divide the restdting coefficient, taken with a contrary sign, by that
derived from the same expression, on the supposition that x is a con~
s'anl.
EXAMPLES.
1 . Let u = y^ — 2mxy -{- x'' — a = 0.
da du „ dy my — x
— 2my — 2x,— = 2y — 2mx • -^ — ^
dx dy dx y — mx
2. Let M = a:' + daxy + 7/^ = 0.
dx dy dx ax-\- y^
If the second differential coefficient be required, we have
dy dy
^,y ^ {ax + f) {2x + « ^) + {x' + ay) (a + 2y -£)
dx^ {ax + t/^)2
or substituting for -~ its value just found
_ 2aT/* + 6aaPy^ + 2'x'^y — 2a^xy
~{^TW
_ 2xy {y^ + 3axy -\- jP) — 2a^xy
_____ ,
that is, since aP + Zaxy -\- tf = 0,
d^y __ 2a'^ xy
dx^ {ax + y^Y
3. Let my^ — xy = m to develop y, according to the ascending
powers of X,
du du ^ „ dy y
;- = 7/, 1- = Zinf — X .'. -^ = - — ^
dx dy dx Zmy^ — x
therefore, calling the successive differential coefficients p, q, r, &c.
y — Smx^p — xp
^ {3my^^ xf '
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 5l
_ 3nM/ a' ; 2°. a = a' ; 3°. a < a'.
In the first case by dividing the two terms of the fraction by h'^',
and then supposing h = 0, there results
Fa ^
j^=v = '-
In the second case the result of the same process is
Fa _ A
jr~ A'-
In the third case, by dividing the two terms of the fraction by /t«»
and then supposing h = 0, the result is
Fa A
>r = ^ = "-
It appears from these results that the development of the numera-
tor and denominator need not be carried beyond the first term, or that
involvuig the lowest exponent of h,* and according as the exponent
in the numerator is greater than, equal to, or less than that in the de-
nominator, will the true value of the fraction be 0, finite, or infinite.
We have, therefore, the following rule :
Substitute a + /i for x, in the proposed fraction. Find the term
containing the lowest exponent of ^, in the development of the nu-
merator, and that containing the lowest exponent of h in the develop-
ment of the denominator. If the former exponent be greater than
this latter, the true value of the fraction will be 0, if less, it will be in-
finite. But if these exponents are equal, divide the coefllicient of the
term in the numerator by the coefiicient of that in the denominator,
and the true result will be obtained.
This method, which is applicable in all cases, may frequently be
employed advantageously, even where the preceding rule applies.
EXAMPLES.
(a:3 _ 3«.r -f 2a2)^
9. Required the value of , — when x = a.
* The first term wliich actually appears in the development is of course meant
here. Those which may vanish in consequence of the coefficient vanishing not
being considered.
8
08 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCUIiUS,
Substituting a + h for x, we have
F (o 4- h) _ hi {h — ay* _ (— ah)^ + &c.
/ (a + h) ^^ ^3^3 _^ 3^^ ^ j^^^l (3a'hy + &c.
Since the exponent of h in the numerator exceeds that in the de-
nominator, we have
Fa
/«
10. Required the value of ~ — — — when x
Vx'—a^
= a (see p. 53.)
Substituting a + ^ for x.
F{a + h) •
(a-^h)^ — a^ -{-h^
h^ 4- &c.
/(« + /») ~
h^ (2a + h)^
Fa 1
(2a/i)^ + &c.
11. Required the value of—- — , -^ when x = a.
^ (1 4- X — ay — 1
Substituting a + h for t.
F (a 4- ^) h^ {2a + h)'^' -\- h h -{- Sac.
f{a-\-h) (1 + A)^— 1 3/1 +&C.
Fa _
••> - ^•
to i> • ^*K 1 .a{4a'+4x^)^ — ax — a' ,
12. Required the value of when r
(2o=» + 2x^)7 _ a — X
= a.
Substituting a + ii for x.
F{a+h) a (8a' + l^a^'h + 12a/i2 + Ah'y — 2a' ~ afe
/(o + /») (40== + 40/1 + 2^=")^ — 2a — /i
♦ To develop this according to the ascending powers of h we must write it
thus: ( — a -{• A)* and apply the binomial theorem when we have the seriea
( _ fl)l 4- * a—i h 4- &c.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 59
which,
by
actiKilly extracting the roots indicated,
a (2a 4- A +
2a
+ &c.
— 2a-
-/,,)
2a + h-{-
h?
4a
+ &c.
— 2a
— h
a(-+&c.)
Fa _
1
T
4^
*9a
This example is perhaps more easily performed by diflerentiation,
according to the first rule : thus
F'x __ g (4a^ + 4^') "^ 4^" — a F'a
~fx ~ {2d' + 2x') -^ 2x — T • ''fa =
T'x _ — a (4a^ + Ax") " ^ 32 j' + a (4a^ + 4x"')~3 Sx
J"' _ (20" + 2r') "^ 4ar» + 2 (20=* + 2x^)~^
F"a _ 2 _
•■• 7^ - 1 - 2a.
a
(43.) Having thus seen how to determine the value of any fraction
of which the numerator and denominator become each for particu-
lar values of the variable, we readily perceive how the value may be
found when particular substitutions make the numerator and denomi-
Fa a,
aator each infinite. For if —^ = ^ then obviously
1
Fa _ >^ _ ^
Fa
So that if we find, by the preceding methods, the value of this last
fraction, the value of the proposed fraction will be also obtained.
The following example will illustrate this.
1 X
tan. (- * . -)
^2 a'
1 3. Required the value of , _, .^ ^rrr when .r = a.
<»<> THE mPFEUENTlAL CALCUHTS.
In this case the. fraction takes the form ^ , therefore,
CO
1
fi^ _ a (.r= — a") x~- F'x _ 2a^ .r"
1 :
Fa: cot.<^^.l) ^'^ _ cosec^^ * • ^) ^
Fa _ ^ _ 4a
/'a -rr ~ *
~ 2^
(44.) By the same principles we may also find the true value of a
product consisting of two factors, which for a particular value of the
variable becomes the one and the other cc. For if Fa = and
/a = CO , then,
„ .. Fa
Fa X fa = = -
-^ 1
7^
We shall give an example of this.
14. Required the value of the product (1 — x) tan. (| -jex) when
a: = 1,
In this case the first factor becomes and the second co .
- .-. F'x X f'x =
1 1 cot. (^ * 0.-) - 2 / , \*
Jx tan. (i ifx) ^2 ' ^
.-. F'a X fa=-^ = -.
(45.) And finally, by the same principles, the true value of the dif-
ference of two functions may be ascertained in the case where the
substitution of a particular value for the variable causes each of them
to become infinite.
For if Fa — ao and /a = co , then
1 1
'fa~Fa_0
Fa -fa
1
Fa X fa
The following example belongs to this case :
THE mPFERENTIAI. CAIXTJIiUS. 61
15. Required the true valr.e of the diflference x tan. x — \'k
sec. X, when x = 90^.
1 1 1 1
fx Yx ^ ir sec. x x tan. x
1
Fx X fx X tan. x X i cr sec. x
by substituting for sec. x, and then dividing numerator and
denominator by -
^ nc X tan. X
T^, /., -T cos. X + sin. X
.-. F X — fx — : .'. Fa — /a — — 1.
'' — sm. X -"
It should be remarked that in this, as well indeed as in the prece-
ding cases, the transformation requisite to reduce the expression to
the form f in many instances at once presents itself to the mind,
when of course it will be necessary to recur to the preceding formu-
las. The example just given is one of these instances, for since
sin. X , 1 , ,
tan. X = , and sec. x = , the proposed expression at
cos. X cos. X
once reduces to
X sin. X — 1 *
COS. X
which ia the required form.
(46.) We shall terminate this chapter with a few miscellaneous
examples for the exercise of the student.
x" 1
16. Required the value of , when x = 1.
X — 1
^ns. n.
fij^ -4— CLC^ — ^— ^OiCor
17. Required the value of 7—5 —. ; — r-^, when x = c.
bxr — 2bcx + or
Ans. r-
3r ^^— CLOl ^~" (VX "i" Cb
18. Required the value of , when x = a.
or — a
Ans. 0.
* This is obtained by multiplying the last fraction above and below by a; tan.
, . . sin. X . , 1 -
X X Jt sec. X, then writing for tan. r, and for sec. x, Ed.
62 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
19. Required the value of : ^ -, when
a — {ax^) *
16a
X — a. Ans. — — <
9
1 X ~j~ loff. X
20. Required the value of — , when x = \.
1 —{2x — xY^
Ana, — 1.
x' X
2 1 . Required the value of -— ; , when x = 1 .
1 — X -v log. X
Ana. — 2.
_ . , , , -tan. T — sin. T ,
22. Required the value of ; , when x = 0.
sin. 3r
Ans.{.
[ X = \
Ana. f
when X = a.
(x — a)t
Ana. 2a^.
X 1
26. Required the value of -; , when x = 1.
^ X — 1 log. X
Ana. |.
ax — XT ,
26. Required the value °f ^4 _ ga^x + 2ax- - x^ ' ^^"" ' = "'
Ana. CO .
1 X
27. Required the value of ^ , when x = 1.
^ log. X log. X
Ana. — 1.
28. Required the value of — — — . tan. — , when x = a.
4
Am. .
X IO£f« X — ix ~~" 1 J
23. Required the value of — -^ — -r-r ^» when x = 1.
(x — 1) log. X
24. Required the value of ^ '—, when x — a
„ a ( 1 — x) , ,
29, Required the value of — V-r — ^^ ^'^®" x = 1.
^ cot. I /i^ (B + Ch^~^ 4- D//"^ +&C.)
Putting S for the sum of the series within the parentheses, it is
B-a
obvious that h may be taken so small that S/i may be less than
any proposed quantity A, and that therefore if h' be such a value we
must have
Ah'"- > S/i'^
B — a .
which establishes the proposition. As S/i is less than A for
h = h', the expression continues less than A for every value of h
less than h'.
(49.) Let us now inquire by what means we may determine those
values of x which render any proposed function Fa; a maximum or a
minimum. In order to do this, let x be changed into x ±: h, then
by Taylor's theorem
„ , , ^ ^ dy , , drri h^ (Py h^
F(,±.) = F.±^A+^— ±^^-^3 +
(te* 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 *
Now if 0? = a render the proposed function a maximum, then there
exists for h some finite value h', such that for all the intermediate
values between this and we have
Fa > F (« ± /t),
and, consequently,
But if this value render the function a minimum, then, for all the in-
termediate values of /i between h = h' and h = 0, we have
Fa < F {a ± k)
and, consequently.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
65
It has, however, been proved above, that a value may be given to
h small enough to render the first term in each of the series (1) and
(2) greater than the sum of all the other terms, and that this first term
will continue greater for all other values of k between this small
value and 0, so that, for each of these values of ft, the sign belonging
to the sum of the whole series is the same as that of the first term ;
it is impossible, therefore, that either of the conditions (1) or (2) can
exist for both + [-^] ft and— [^] ft, unless [-^] = ; we con-
clude, therefore, that those values of x only can render the function
a maximum or minimum which fulfil the condition
ax
expunging, therefore, the first term from each of the series, (1), (2),
we have, in the case of a maximum, ilie condition
AiJL. ± [%-!^ + &c zo . . . (3).*
and in the case of a minimum, •
r^J!L. + [^]-^^ + &c. 7 . . . (4).
Now the former of these conditions cannot exist for any of the values
of ft between ft = ft' and ft = 0, by virtue of the foregoing principle,
unless [ j3-] is negative, nor can the latter condition exist unless
[— ^] is positive, that is, supposing that these coefficients do not
vanish from the series (3) and (4).
We may infer, therefore, that of the values of x which satisfy the
dti
condition ;p = 0, those among them that also satisfy the condition
— ^ Z belong to maximum values of the function, while those ful-
dxr
dj^y
filling the condition -j^ y belong to mmimum values of the func-
tion. It is possible, however, that some of the values derived from
the equation -t" ~ ^ "^^.y, when substituted for x in -j-^, cause this
* See Note (C).
9
66 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
coefficient to vanish, in which case the conditions (1), (2), become
and
which are both impossible unless [ j-^] = 0, for reasons similar to
those assigned above, and, unless, also [-7-^] / in the case of a
maximum, and f^-^l 7 w the case of a minimum ; that is, on the
ax*
supposition that this coefficient does not vanish from the series (5)
and (6). If, however, this coefficient does vanish, then, for reasons
similar to those assigned in the preceding cases, the following coeffi-
*^'6nt j-j must also vanish, and the condition of maximum will then
d'y d?y
^^ L T~r] Z 0» and the condition of minimum [jtt] 7 0, and so on.
It hence appears, that to determine what values of x correspond
to the maxima and minima values of the function y = Fx, we
must proceed as follows :
dy
Determine the real roots of the equation -p = 0, and substitute
them one by one in the following coefficients -7^, -A^, &c. stopping
at the first, which does not vanish. If this is of an odd order, the
root that we have employed is not one of those values of x that
renders the function either a maximum or a minimum ; but if it is of
an even order, then, according as it is negative or positive, will the
root employed correspond to a maximum or to a minimum value of
the function.
(50.) It must however be remarked, that, should any of the roots
dy
of the equation -1- = cause the first of the following coefficients,
which does not vanish, to become infinite, we cannot apply to such
roots the foregoing tests for distinguishing the maxima from the
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 67
minima, because the true development of the function for any such
value of a: begins to differ in form from Taylor's development, at that
term which is thus rendered infinite (4), so that we cannot infer,
from Taylor's series, whether the power of /», which ought to enter
this is odd or even.
In a case of this kind, therefore, we must find, by actual involu-
tion, extraction, &c. the true term that ought to supply the place of
that rendered infinite in Taylor's series for x = a. If this term take
an odd power of A, or, rather, if its sign change with the sign of A,
then X = a does not render the function either a maximum or a mini-
mum ; but if the sign does not change with that of /», then the value
of a: renders the function a maximum or a minimum, according 6is
the sign of this term is negative or positive.
To illustrate this case, suppose the function were
y = b -{- {x — a)*
..-^-3(x-«)3
dhj _ 10 _ I
dy
Now the equation T" = gives x = a, so that if any value of x
could render the proposed function a maximum or a minimum,
this most likely would be it. By substituting this value of x in
■j-j the result is infinite, and we cannot infer the state of the function
from this coefficient ; therefore, substituting a ± /i for x in the pro-
posed, we have
F (a it ;i) = 6 ± A*
and, as h^ obviously changes its sign when h does, we conclude that
the function proposed admits of neither a maximum nor a minimum
value.
Again, let
y — h -{■ {x — ay
dy _ 4 I
68 THB DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
_, . dy , , . , <^y ^
The equation -^ = gives x = a, a. value which causes -r-j- to
become infinite ; therefore, substituting a ± /i for a: in the proposed,
we have
F (o ± /i) = 6 = /i3
. i . . .
and, as the sign of /i=* is positive whatever be the sign of A,, we con-
clude that the value x = a renders the function a minimum.
(51.) There remains to be considered one more case to which the
general rule is not applicable, and which, like the preceding, arises
from the failure of Taylor's theorem. We have hitherto examined
only those values of x for which Taylor's deyelopment is possible, as
far at least as the first power of /(, but we cannot say that among
those values of x, which would render the coefficient of this first power
iiifinite, there may not be some which cause the function to fulfil the
conditions of maxima or minima ; therefore, before we can conclude
dy
in any case that the values of x, deduced from the condition j^ — 0,
comprise among them all those which can render the function a
maximum or minimum, we must examine those values of ^arising from
dy
the condition -y- = co by substituting each of these ± hfor x in the
proposed equation, and observing which of the results agree with the
conditions of maxima and minima in (47).
(52.) If the function that y is of x be implicitly given, that is, if
u — ¥ {x,y) = 0;
then, by (39), we have, for the differential coefficient,
dy du . du
dx dx dy ' ' ' ^ ^*
dy du
and therefore, when -7- = 0, we must have j~ =^ 5 hence, the
values corresponding to maxima and minima, are determinable from
the two equations*
dy . du
* Other values may be implied in the condition - = co , which leads to —
= 0, but to ascertain wliich of these are applicable would require us to solve the
equation for y.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 69
^ = o\ ' ' • (2)-
dx *
Having found from these values of a: that may render y a maximum
or a minimum,* as also the corresponding values oft/ itself, we must
dry
substitute them for x and y in j-j, when those values of y will be
maxima that render this coefficient negative, and Ihose will be mini-
ma that render it positive. But those values that cause it to vanish,
belong neither to maxima nor to minima, unless the same values
, d'y
Qause also -7^- to vanish, and so on.
dx-^
The second differential coefficient may be readily derived from
(1), for, putting for brevity
we have
^ 4- ^ ^^ — M (— 4- ^ ^^
d'y ^ dx dy ' dx dx dy ' dx
M
which, because =^ = 0, becomes for the particular values of x re-
sulting from this condition,
d'y _ d'u ^ du
'-rf^-l"-L^J • Lrf^J • • • ^^■>'
d^y
By differentiating the above expression for -7-j we shall find
and so on.
(63.) Before we proceed to apply the foregoing theory to exam-
ples, we shall state a few particulars that may, in many instances, be
serviceable in abridging the process of finduag maxima and minima.
* Gamier, at p. 271 of his CalcuL Differential, says, that, by means of the
equations (2) " on obtient les valeurs de x et 1/ par lesquelles F (x, y) devient ou
peut devenir maximum ou minimum ;" but this is evidently a mistake, since, by
hypothesia, F (x, y) is always = 0.
70
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
1. if the proposed function appears with a constant factor, such
factor may be omitted. Thus, calling the function Ay, the first dif-
ferential coeflicientwill be A -^, and A -^ = leads to -^=0,also
ax ax dx
— — = leads to ^ = 0, so that A may be expunged from the
dx dx
function.
2. Whatever value of x renders a function a maximum or mini-
mum, the same value must obviously render its square, cube, and
every other power, a maximum or minimum ; so that when a proposed
function is under a radical, this may be removed. The rational
function may, however, become a maximum or a minimum for more
values of x than the original root ; indeed, all values of x which
render the rational function negative will render every even root of it
imaginary ; such values, therefore, do not belong to that root ; more-
over, if the rational function be = 0, when a maximum, the corres-
ponding value of the variable will be inadmissible in any even root,
because the contiguous values of the function must be negative.
3. The value x = cb can never belong to a maximum or minimum,
inasmuch as it does not admit of both a preceding and succeeding
value.
EXAMPLES.
(54.) 1. To determine for what values ofar the function
y ■= a^ ■{■ ly'x — c^ x"
becomes a maximum or minimum,
dx dx"
From the second equation it appears that, whatever be the values of
dy
X, given by the condition -^ = 0, they must all belong to maxima.
From 6^ — 2c^x = 0, we get x = — -j ; hence
when X — —-r- .•. r/ = a* + -— r, a maximum.
dy
The equation -r- = cc would give, in the present case, z = oo, a
value which is inadmissible (53).
tion
THE DIPPBRENTIAJL CALCULUS. 71
2. To determine the maxima and minima values of the func-
y = 3oV — b'x + c*
putting
ax ax'
ga^x' — b' = .'.X = ± —
3a
Substituting each of these values in -^ we infer from the results
that
when X = — . . . . y = c , a mm.
3a ^ 9a
b'' , , 26"
X = . . • . y = c^ + , a max.
3a ^ 9o
3. To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
y = A/2ax.
Omitting the radical
du
u = 2ax .'. -T- = 2a,
ax
as this can never become or co , we infer that the function has no
maximum or minimum value.
4. To determine the maximum and minimum values of the
function
y = \f ^(^3? — 2ax^.
Omitting the radical and the constant factor 2a (63),
M = 2ar' — a^,
..._=4ax-3x»,^=4a-6a:,
4a
.*. X (4a — 3a;) = .*. x = 0, or x = -^.
Substituting each of these values in -j-r-, the results are 4a and
ax*
— 4a ; hence
when X = . . . y = 0, a minimum.
73 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
_ 4a _ 8
^ - y • • 2/ -3
If, instead of the preceding, the example had been
„ • • J/ — o «^ maximum.
y = \/2aar* — 4aV,
we should have had
du (Pu
= 6x — 4a.
4a
-T~ = ^3^ — 4ax, -j-^ = 6x — 4a.
X (3x — 4a) = 0, .'. X = 0, or X
the same values as before ; but the first corresponds here to a maxi-
mum, since it makes - — negative ; this value, therefore, must, by
(53), be rejected. If, indeed, we substitute ± ^ for x, in the pro-
posed function, it becomes
y = V— 4a^h' =F 2a/i^
\yhere h may be taken so small as to cause the expression under the
radical to be negative for all values of h between this and 0.
5. To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
y =z a-\- \/d^ — 2a-x + ax^.
If t( is a maximum or minimum, y -r- a will be so ; therefore, trans-
posing the a, cuid omitting the radical (53),
u = a^ — 2a^x + ax^
-J- = — 2a'' + 2ax, r-— = 2a,
ax air
.: — 2a^ + 2ax = .*. x = a,
.*. when X = a . . . y = a, a minimum.
6. To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
' (a - x)^
In solving this example we shall employ a principle that is often found
useful, when the proposed function is a fraction with a denominator
more complex than the numerator. Instead of the function itself we
shall take its reciprocal, which will give us a more simple form, and
it is plain that the maxima and minima values of the reciprocal of a
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 78
Function correspond respectively to the minima and maxima of the
function itself. Omitting, then, the constant a^, and, taking the re-
ciprocal, we have
a^ — 2ax + x" a? ^ ,
u = = 2a + X
X X
' ' dx x^ ' dr^ x^
a" , d-iL . 2
.-. — -V + 1 = .-. X = ± a .-. [ j— ] = ± -,
ar aJT a
hence x = a makes m a minimum, and z = — a makes it a maxi-
mum, therefore
when X = a . . . y — co , a maximum,
x = — a . . ' y =^ — i^j^ minimum.
7. To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
V =b + 1/ {x — ay.
Omitting b and the radical
u = (x — ay
,,_=6(x-ar,— ==4.5(x-a/
.-. 5 (x — o)" = .-. X = a .-. f-j-^] = 0.
As this coefficient vanishes, we must proceed to the following,
which however all contain x — a, and therefore vanish, till we come
to -r-r = 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 ; as therefore the first coefficient which does
dxr
not vanish is of an odd order, the function does not admit of a maxi-
mum or a minimum.
8 To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
dy d?y 1
■£ = X' (1 + log. ^). 5;^ = ^ I- ^- (» + log. ^Yl
10
74 THE DIFFEUENTIAL CALCULUS.
The factor x' can never become 0, therefore
(1 + log. x) =^ .-. log. X = — 1.
1
.*. a: = c~^ = -
e
. r^] = (!)■. .
1
.'. when X = — , x* = ( — ) , a minimum.
9. To determine the maxima and minima values of y in the
function
u = aP — 3axy -\- y^ =
du
- = 3ar'-3ai/.-. (52)
x' — 3axi/ + t/^* = 0. r"
Sr" — Say = o^ ''' V =^ ~^ •'• ^ ~ 2«'ar' =
.-. X = orx = a 3/ 2 ••. (52)
(Py ^cPu ^ du X* 20,' ^
= - or
a
3/2 — 1
.•. when X = .... 1/ = 0, a minimum.
X = 0^2 .... 1/ = a ^4, a maximum.
10. To divide a given number a, into two parts, such that the
product of the mth power of the one and the nth power of the other
shall be the greatest possible.
Let X be one part, then a — x is the other, and
t/ = x" (a — x)" = maximum,
.'. -p = mx"~' (a — x)" — nx" (a — x)"-'
= x^' {a — x)"-' \ma — {m -\- n) x\ = 0,
.'. X = 0, or o — X = 0, or
THE DIFFERENTIAIi CALCULUS. 75
ma — {r.i + n) a; = 0,
which give
ma
X = 0,x = a,x = ; .
m + n
The first and second of these values are inadmissible, because the
number is not divided when x = or when x = a.
Substituting the third value in
— i- = x""' (o — x)**"* \{ma — {m -]- n) xy — m{a — xY — nx-|
oar
we have
^^^ ^ - W"-^ [« - ^T-' ^» [« - ^T + ^^\
which is negative because each factor is positive, hence the two re-
quired parts are
ma , na , . , ,
and — -j- — bemg to each other as m to n.
m + » 7n -\- n
Cor. If TO = n the parts must be equal.
An easier solution to this problem may be obtained as follows :
Put — = p and determine x so that we may have
n
M = arP (a — x) = A maximum,
' du , , ^
= xP-' \pa—(p -jr \)cr\ ^ 0,
pa
.-. X = — or pa — (p + 1) X = .-. X = — ij — .
P + 1
This last value substituted in
_ = r^-^ ^pa —{p+i)xl—{p-\-l) X'-'
causes the first term to vanish ; the result is therefore negative, so
pa ma , ^ • , ^
that X = ~ = ; — corresponds to a maximum value of «,
p + I m + n
and therefore (53) to a maximum value of m" — x" {a — x)".
Another easy mode of solution is had by using logarithms, for it is
70
THE mrFERBMTlAL CALCULUS.
obvious that sinco the logarithm of any number increases with the
number, when this number is the greatest possible, its logarithm will
be so also.
.'. in log. jj + n log. (a — x) ~ max.
du Ml n
da X a — X \ > j
tn + «
as before.
The expression for the second differential coefficient is — (tn +
n) showing that the foregoing value of x renders the logarithmic ex-
pression a maximum.
1 1 . To divide a number o, into so many equal parts, that their
continued product may be the greatest possible.
It is obvious from the corollary to the last example, that the parts
must be equal, for the product of any two unequal parts of a number,
is less than that of equal parts.
Let X be the number of factors,, then,^
0-
= o, maximum,
... log.
0- =
= a: log. {-)
= a maximum,.
•••
log.-_l
=
a
X
= log.
-'1 = e.-.
a
X —-*
e
hence the proposed number must be divided by the number e =
2-718281828.
12. To determine those conjugate diameters of an ellipse which
include the greatest angle.
Call the principal semi-diameters of the ellipse a, b, the sought
semi-conjugates x, x' and the sine of the angle they include y. Then
{Anal. Geom.)
* There is obviously no necessity to recur to the second differential coefficient
to ascertain whether this value render the function a maximum or a minimum,
since it js plain that there is no minimum unless each of the parts may bo 0.
THB DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 77
T^ + «" = a^ + 6= .-.x = ^^a? ■{■ y — ir
ah
xxy =^ ao .'. y =^ — —
'' ^ xx'
, ab
. •. t/ = : = max.
^ xV a' + b^—sr'
Omitting the constant 06, inverting the function (ex. 6.) and squar-
ing, we have
u = oV + b^ar^ — x* = max.
du
... — = 2o='a; + 2b^x — 4x' = 0,
ax
fjfi 4- A3 3 1 '2
2 2
The first of these values is inadmissible, from the second we find
that
hence the conjugates are equal. For the second differential coefii-
cient we have
-r^ = 2a=^ + 2b- — Ux"
This being negative, shows that x = V corresponds to a
maximum value of m, or to a minimum value of j/, so that tho conju-
gates here determined, include an angle whose sine is the least pos-
sible; and this happens when the angle itself is the greatest possible
(being obtuse), as well as when it is the least possible.
13. To divide an angle & into two parts, such that the product
of the nth power of the sine of one part of the >«th power of the sine
of the other part may be the greatest possible.
Let X be one part, then & — a; is the other, and
sin. "a; . sin.*" {& — x) = maximum,
. •• » log. sin. X + m log. sin. (^ — x) = maximum,
n cos. X in cos. {& — x)
sin. X sin. (d — x)
78 THK DIFFERENTIAL CALCL'LUS.
.'. ntan. {6 — x) — m Ian. x,
.'. n : HI : : tan. x : tan. {6 — x),
.'. n -}" ni : " — "* : : tan. x + tan. {6 — x) : tan. x — tan. (6 — x),
: : sin. d : sin. {'2x — 6),*
.-. sin. (2x — 6) — ■ sin. 6,
n + m
which determines x.
14. Given the hypothenuse of a right-angled triangle to deter-
mine the other sides, when the surface is the greatest possible.
Call the hypothenuse a, and one of the sides x, then the other will
be Va' — ^ and the area of the triangle will be
^ %/ a^ — r* = maximum.
.•. u = a^x* — X* = maximum.
t^" « o . 1 ^ r. «
.•,-r- = 2a-x — 4:X = .'. a: = or X = — r-.
ax V2
Substituting the second value in
=z 2aF— 12x2
the result being negative, shows that the above value of x corresponds
a
to a maximum. Therefore the required sides are each —r~.
V 2
1 5. To determine the maxima and minima values of the function
1/ = x^ — ISx^ + 96x — 20.
when X = 4t . . . . y = 356 a maximum.
X — 8... .7/ = 128 a minimum.
16. To determine a number x, such that the ath root may be
the greatest possible.
Ans. x — R— 2-71828 ....
17. What fraction is that which exceeds its nith power by the
greatest possible number ?
m— 1 2
Ans. \f — .
m
* Dr. Giegory'i Trigonometry, p. 47, Equation (S).
THB DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 19
18. Given the equation
y^ — 2mxy
+
ar^ = a^,
to determine the
maxima and minima values of y.
When X =
ma
y
a
a maximum,
v/ 1— TO-
VI— ni"'
X —-
— ma
y
— a
, a minimum.
V 1 _ ,rt3 •' ^ i — m^
19. Given the position of a point between the sides of a given
angle to draw through it a line so that the triangle formed may be the
least possible.
Ans. The line must be bisected by the point.
20. The equation of a certain curve is a^j = ax^ — x^ required
its greatest and least ordinate s.
When x = |a . . . . J/ = maximum,
at = . . . . t/ = minimum.
21. To divide a given angle d less than 90° into two parts, x and
t — X, such that tan." x . tan."* (^ — x) maybe the greatest possible.
n — m
tan. (2x — &) = i tan. 6.
22. To determine the greatest parabola that can be formed by
cutting a given right cone.*
SCHOLIUM.
(65.) It will be proper, before terminating the present chapter,
to apprize the student that in the application of the theory of maxima
and minima to geometrical inquiries, care must be taken that we do
not adopt results inconsistent with the geometrical restrictions of the
problem. We know, indeed, from the first principles of Analytical
Geometry, that when the geometrical conditions of a problem are
translated into an algebraical formula, that formula is not necessarily
restricted to those conditions, but, in addition to all the possible solu-
tions of the problem, may also furnish others that belong merely to
the analytical expression, and have no geometrical signification.! If,
* It will be shown hereafter that a parabola is equal to J of a rectangle of the
same base and altitude,
\ See the Analytical Geometry.
80 THE DIFFERBNTIAL CALCULUS.
therefore, among these latter solutions there be any belonging to
maxima or minima, they are inadmissible in the application of this
theory to Geometry. The following example is given by Simpson,
at art 47 of his Treatise on Fluxions, to illustrate this.
-S^F From the extremity C of the minor axis of an €lhpse
,y |\ to draw the longest line to the curve. Suppose F to be
jj the point to which the line must be drawn, and call the
' abscissa CE,t then the geometrical restrictions of this
variable are such that its values must always lie between
the limits x = and x = 26, a and b denoting the semi-
axes.
By the equation of the corve.
EF' = f = ^i2bx-:c')
a"
... CF^ — w — ^ + IT (2^^ — xF) = maximum.
du „ , , "^ d^ ,
d'—b^
and since -r-^ = 2 (1 — y^) it follows that the foregoing expres-
sion for x renders u a maximum for all values of 6 less than a, and a
minimum for all values of b greater than a. Hence if the relation
n-h
between a and b be such that — r^ may exceed 26, the analytical
expression for CF will admit of a maximum value, although such
value, not coming within the geometrical restrictions of the problem,
a^b
is inadmissible. If the relation between a and 6 be such that — j-„
a-' — 6^
= 26, that is, if a^ = 26^ the solution will be valid, and in the ellipse
whose axes are thus related CD will be the longest line that can be
dravm from C, agreeably to the analytical determination, and the
solution will always be vahd if the axes of the ellipse arc related so
a^b
that p; is not greater than 26, which leads to the condition 26^^
a" — 6"
not greater than a^.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 81
CHAPTER VII.
ON THE DIFFERENTIATION AND DEVELOPMENT
OF FUNCTIONS OF TWO INDEPENDENT
VARIABLES.
Differentiation of functions oftivo independent variables.
(56.) Let z = F {x, y) be a function of two independent varia-
bles ; then since in consequence of this independence, however either
be supposed to vary, the other will remain unchanged : the function
ought to furninsh two differential coefficients ; the one arising from
ascribing a variation to x and the other from ascribing a variation to
y, y entering the first coefficient as if it were a constant, and x enter-
ing the second as if it were a constant. The differential coeffi-
dz
cient arising from the variation of a: is expressed thus, — ; and that
arising from the the variation of y thus, — ; and these are called the
partial differential coefficients, being analogous to those bearing the
same name considered in chapter IV. We have seen, in functions
of a single variable, that if that variable take an increment, and the
function be developed, what we have called the differential coefficient
will be the coefficient of the first power of the increment in that de-
velopment ; so here, as will be shortly shown, the partial differential
coefficients are no other than the coefficients of the first power of
the increments in the development of the function from which they
dz
are derived. As to the partial differentials they are obviously — dx
and -J- dy and hence we call -r- dx -^ -r- dii the total differential
ay dx dy "^
of the function, that is,
dz = -r- dx + -r- dy,
dx dy
and we immediately see that this form becomes the same as that
11
82 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
given in chapter IV. for the differential of F {x, q) as soon as we
suppose 7/ to be a function of x, for we then have
dz . dz dz dy
^ux dx dy dx^
as indeed we ought.
In a similar manner, if the function consist of a greater number of
independent variables as « = F (x, y, z, &c.) we should necessarily
have as many independent differentials, of which the aggregate
would be the total differential of the function, that is
du =^ -r- dx + -r- dy -\- ^- dz -\r &c,
dx dy dz
Hence, whether the variables are dependent or independent, we
infer, generally, that
The total differential of any function is the sum of the several
partial differentials arising from differentiating the function relatively
to each variable in succession, as if all the others were constants.
We shall add but few examples in functions of independent varia-
bles, seeing that the process is exactly the same as for functions of
dependent variables.
d {x -^r ]}) = dx -^r dy
d . xy ^ ydx + xdy
1 X _ ydx — xdy
y ¥
ay as^dy — ayxdx
Vxr' + y'' (^ + 2/')*
, . , X ydx — xdy
d tan.~' - =
y f -V 3?
d
y _ yd^ — ^y^dy — xdy
3j/2— X {^Mf — xf
d. a' b^ c' = a'b^ c''{dx log. a ■\- dy log. h-{-dz log. c)
d log. tan. - = ^^-^ — ^^y = 2 {ydx — xdy)
y o ■ X X „ . 2x
y sm. - cos. - w^ sm. —
y y '^ y
dy' = f log. ydx + I/*-' xdy.
(57.) If the function that x, 2/ is of 2 is given implicitly, that is by
the equation
then
but (39),
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 88
« = F {x, y, z) = 0,
■du^^ „ , .du.
^dx^
du du
dx dz
dx
du du
dy dz '
■? = «
dy
, Au , du dz^ , , ,du , du dz _
^dx dz dx' dy dz dy' -^
Thus : let Ax" + Bi/=' + Cc^ _ i = o,
.-. du = {Ax + Cz^) dx + (By + Cz^) dy = 0.
(58.) If « = Fz, z being a function of x and y, the two differen-
tial coefficients are (33)
du _ du dz du _ du dz
dx dz ' dx* dy dz ' dy
and the total differential is, therefore,
* The brackets arc employed here for the same purpose as at (37), viz. to im-
ply the total differential coefficient derived/ram u, considered as a function of a single
variable. This form it will be necessary to adopt whenever m contains, besides x,
other variables that are functions of x, provided we wish to express the total coeffi-
cient with respect to a:. No ambiguity can arise from our calling these same coef-
ficients partial in one sense, and total in another. They are partial coefficients in
relation to the whole variation of i«, but they are total coefficients as far as that
variable is concerned whose differential forms the denominator; and it may be re-
marked here, once for all, that when we enclose a differential coefficient in brack-
ets, we mean the tot(d differential coefficient to be understood, arising from consi-
dering the function, whose differential is the numerator, as simply a function of th«
variables whose diflerentials form the denominator.
84 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULDS.
- du dz - , du dz
dU = -r- . -r- dX -{- -r- . -f- AV.
dz dx dz drj
Now it is worthy of notice, that the ratio of the tieo partial differ-
ential coefficients is independent of F, so that this may be any func-
tion whatever. Thus
du , du du dz _ du dz dz . dz
dx ' dy dz' dx ' dz' dy dx ' dy
which is an important property, since it enables us to eliminate any
arbitrary function F of a determinate function y'(,r, ij) of two variables.
We shall often have occasion to employ it in discussing the theory of
curve surfaces. By means of this property too we may readily as-
certain whether an expression containing two variables is a function
of any proposed combination of those variables. For, calling this
combination z and the function «, we shall merely have to ascertain
whether or not the above condition exists, or, which is the same thing,
whether or not the condition .
du dz du dz _
dx ' dy dy' dx
exists. For instance, suppose we wished to know whether m = a?*
-f- 2x^f + ?/* is a function o^ z ^= oc^ ■{• y^.
Here
^« . ■, I . » ^^'* . o I . -^ o,z ^ dz
- = 4.^ 4- 4:ry^- = ^x^y + Ay^,- = 2y,-= 2x;
du dz du dz ,,■,,. n\ ^ , ^ n , . t^ ^
dx dy dy dx ^ j ^ j v :; n j
consequently, since the proposed condition exists, we infer that u is
a function of x.
We shall now proceed to apply Taylor's theorem to functions of
two independent variables.
Development of Functions of two Independent Variables.
(59.) In the function z = F (x, y) suppose x takes the increment
h, the function will become F (a; + h, y), y remaining unchanged,
since it is independent of x, then, by Taylor's theorem,
dz d-z h^ d^z h^
&c. . . . (1).
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 85
But if y also take an increment k, then z will become
dij dif 1*2 dif 1 • 2 • d
dz
so that in the expression (1) we must for -j- substitute
dz d^z d?z
dz djj If F _LS. ^' , o
dx "^ c/x ^'+ rfo; •1-2'^ dx • 1.2-3 + ^^'
dz d^z d^z
d^z "^ ' dy "* dy' Jf_ _J_f_ ^-^
d^ dFz cPz
d^z ' dy ' dw^ k^ ' dy^ P
1 ± h J ±— 4- i_ L fop
dx" ^ dar" '^^ dr* •1-2^ dx" •l-2-3^*^*^'
and so on. Before, however, we actually make these substitutions,
we shall, for abridgment, write
dz drz
d'z ^ ' dji _^z__ ^' df di^z
dydx dx ' dy^ dx dx S 7 ^yidxP
d'z
for •'
dxP
this last expression implying that after having determined the qth
differential coefficient of the function z relatively to the variable i/,
the j9th differential coefficient of this is taken relatively to the other
variable x. Hence, the result of the proposed substitutions in (1)
will be
. ¥{x-\-h,y^h) =
86
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
ax
dz
dy
k
+
d'^z h^
dx^ * 1 • 2
dydx
dh ¥
dtf '1-2
c/y dx^
d'z
d^f dx
i.^z
df
1 •2-3
hh~
1 • 2
¥h
1 -2
1-2-3
+ &C.
The general term of the development being
di/* d.i'' ' (1 • 2 . . . 5)(1 -2 . . .pY
If in the proposed function z = 'F {x, y) we had supposed y to vary
first, then, instead of (1), whe should have had
^■2 . d'z P
+ &c. . . . (2).
But, if a: take the increment h, z will become
dz , , d'z h^
z + — h •+■ .
dx ^ d3^ 1-2
+
d'z
df' l-2'3
+ &C.
dx' 1 • 2 • 3
and, therefore, we must substitute, agreeably to the foregoing nota-
tion for
dz
dy
for
dz . d^z ,
dy dxdy
di'z
dh
+
d'z
da^ dy * 1 • 2 dx'^ dy 1 • 2 • 3
+ &c.
df
dPz _fz__ ^^ d'z
df dx dy^ dx^ df
h^ d'z
K'
1 • 2 dx^dy'' ' 1 • 2 • 3
+ &C.
for
df
d'z
d^z , , d^z
h +
Iv"
+
d'z
df ' dx dy"^ '" ' dir dy' * 1 • 2 dx' df ' 1 • 2 • 3
and so on ; so that the development would be
F {x -\- h, y -\- k) =
+ &c.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
87
,dz ,
dx
dz
dx
-t-
d"-z
Iv"
dor
1 . 2
d'z
dxdij
d'z
hk
df
1 . 2
+
d'z
h^
dx' '
d'z
1 •2-3
]rk
dx^ dy '
d'z
dx dif '
d'z
1 • 2
1 • 2
df
1 • 2 -3
+ &C.
hP . h'i
the general term being
d'-^z
~dxP df ' {1 -2. . .p) (1 -2 .. . q)'
As this development must be identical with that exhibited above,
we have, by equating the like powers of h and A;,
d'z _ d^z d^z _ dPz
dijdx dxdij dy dx^ dx^ dy
and generally
d^-^z _ dP-^z
dif dxP ~ dxP dy'' '
we conclude, therefore, thatif we first determine the gth differential
coefficient relatively to the variable y, and then the pih. differential
coefficient of this relatively to the variable x, the final result will be
the same as if we first determine the jpth differential coefiicient rela-
tively to Xy and then the qth differential coefficient of this relatively
to y ; so that the result is the same in whichever order the differen-.
tiations are performed.
(60.) We see from the foregoing development, that the partial
differential coefficients of the first order are the coefficients of h and
k, the first power of the increments, so that the term containing these
first powers is in this respect analogous to that containing the first
power of the increment in the development of functions of a single
variable, and, by a very slight transformation, it will be seen that the
same analogy extends throughout a 1 the terms of the two develop-
ments. For the development just given may be put under the form
Fix + h,y + k) =
z
+(^^ + 1*)
^dx
88 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
+ _J_ f^ 7,3 . 2 '^'^ hk 4- ^^ k")
, 1 ,d^2 ,„ , „ d^z ,,, , „ rf^2 , ,, , d^z J..
2-3 VjH du^ dij dx dy^ dx' '
+ &c.
where the partial differential coefficients in each term are identical
with those which appear in the differential of the preceding term, as
the actual differentiation shows, thus :
dz — -^dx-\-~dy. . . . (1),
dx dij
the coefficients y-, -^, being functions of x and y, we have
dz _ d'z d'z
dx dx^ dxdy
dz _ d^z d'^z
dy dydx dif
and, consequently,
In like manner, these coefficients being functions of a: and y, we
have
d'z _ d'z d'z
dx^ dx' dj^ dy
d'z d'z d'z
dxdy dx^ dy dx dy^
, d'z d'z , d'z ■
d ' —r^r = , ., , + — r-, — dy
dy^ dy dx dif
so that
'^"y- ■ ■ '■ ■ (^''
and so on ; the numeral coefficients agreeing with those in the cor-
responding powers of the expanded binomial.
(61.) Having now applied Taylor's theorem to functions of two
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 80
Variables, we may equally extend Maclaurin's Theorem. For, if in
the foregoing development, we suppose x and y each = 0, the de-
velopment will become that of the function F {h, k) according to the
powers of h and k ; or, substituting x and y for the symbols h and k,
since these are indeterminate, we have
The principles by which we have thus extended the theorems of
Taylor and Maclaurin are sufficient to enable us to extend these
theorems still further, even to the development of functions of any
number of variables whatever, but this is unnecessary. It maybe
remarked, however, that if we wish to develop a function of several
variables according to the powers of one of them, it may be done
independently of any thing taught in this chapter ; for, if all the varia-
bles but this one were constants, the development would agree with
that already established for functions of a single variable, and, as
these constants may take any value whatever, they may obviously be
replaced by so many independent variables. We shall give one
instance of this extension of Maclaurin's theorem to a function of two
independent variables, choosing a form of extensive application and
of which the development is known by the name of
Lagrange's Theorem.
(62.) The function which we here propose to develop according
to the power of x, is
M = Fz, in which z = y -\- xfz,
z being ob^ously a function of the independent variables x and y.
We shall first develop z = y -{- xfz according to the powers of x :
this development is by Maclaurin's theorem
dz d'z x^ , d^z T x^
' = W + ts^ - + [5?] —2 + fe-] FFTa + «"=•
and if we denote according.to the notation of Lagrange the successive
differential coefficients of/z, relatively to x hyf'z,f"z,J"'Zf &c. we
shall have
12
90 THE DIFTERENTIAL CALCULUS,
dz
&c. &c.
Consequently, when a; = 0,
W =y
^'d^^~^-d^J'J df
^da^^-^^^jy^ ^ ^ • ~di, d^ ^
&c. &c.
Hence
n J u -yjj ^-y ^y 1 . 2 ^ dy' 1 • 2 • 3
+ &C (1).
Now, instead of this development, we should obviously have
obtained that of Fz = F (]/ + xfz), if in place of ^ and its differen-
tial coefficients we had employed Fz and its differential coefficients.
We should then have had
u = F {y + xfz) . . therefore . . [ m ] = Fy
du _du dz du _ dFy
dx~ds'dx *■ dx^~ dy ^y
d'u_ d^u dz du dPz r^i —^Fl-f f \a 4.
d?~'d^^dx^ "^ dz' dx" '-(/a^-' dy" ^^^ "^
dFy
dFy d.{fyf ^ ^•'dj^fy^'
dy ' dy dy
&c. &c.
HeQC«
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 91"
Tz = F (y + xfz) = Fw + — -^ fy •- + ; . +
and this is Lagrange's Theorem.*
From this remarkable expression, which includes that marked (1),
other forms may be readily deduced as particular cases. Of these
the two following are the most important.
Put a? = 1, then the formula (1) becomes
z = y-\-fz = y-{-fy H hLLL. . L — \dAL . 4-
H i J a JiJ-r ^^ 1 . 2 ^ dy'' 1 • 2 • 3
&c (3),
and the formula (2),
d.Fy "*• dy ^^y^ 1
„ = F(y+/.)=F, + -^//,+ ^_._ +
^.^iJyf ,
la-^ — • TT^ + &^ (4).
(63.) We shall terminate the present section with one or tAvo ex-
amples of the application of these formulas, referring the student for
more ample details on this subject to Lagrange's Resohilion des
Equations J^Tumeriques, note xi. ; and Jephson's Fluxional Calculus,
vol. i.
EXAMFLES.
1. Given ^ — 52 + r = 0, to develop z according to the pow-
ers of r.
Since here2 = --] ,wehavey = -, fz = - 2^ .: fy =^ - (-Y
q q -^ q'J q J^ q^ q>
* For another and very complete demonstration of this theorem see note (Bl
at the end.
M THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
.difyy_ 1 d.t/_ 6 3 dFjfyY _ 1 ^Y _ 9 /^l/' _
di/ 9^ ' dy q^^ ' df q^ ' dy^ f ' dy
Hence, by the formula (3), we have, by putting for y its value -
= !:4.i rl-i-—!— '" I- ^ • ^ li + fe
q q^ 1 • 2^' 1 • 2 • 9"
2. Given the radius vector of an ellipse, viz. {Anal. Geom.)
1 — e^
r = a .
1 + e COS. u
to develop r", according to the powers of cos. w.
Since r = o (1 — c-) — e cos. w . r, we have, by putting y for
0(1 — e^) and ar for — e cos. cj,
Fr = F (t/ + x/r) = F (y + X • r) = (y + X • r)".
Hence, by the formula (2)
dy' X dy ^ x^
'" = J/"+%- 2'- 1 + dy -1^ +
dy ^ x'
= y- + ny . I + n (n + 1) y" . ^p-_ +
n{n-{- l)(n + 2)t/".^-^+ &c.
= a- ( 1 -' e^)" ( 1 - "^^^^^ + ^ ^^ "^ ^^
C COS." W —
n(n+l)(n + 2) , ,
fTY-l '^ <^os- <^ + &c.
8. It is required to revert the series
a + I3z + ys? ■{■ dz' + &,c. = 0,
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 93
that is, to express the valufe of z in terms of the coefficients. Here
2 = — 1--|- (7 + ^^ + &c.) = 2/ +/^
therefore, by the formula (3),
^ d.^,(r + 5,/ + &c.)^ ^
d^ "I, (r + ^2/ + &c.)^ J
1^ (7 + % + &c.) (5 + 2sy + &c.)
-^ 6 |j (7 + 5y + &c.)=' + &c.
+ &C.
where t/ = ^ . consequently
4. Given 1 — z + az = to develop log. z, according to the
powers of a.
log. 2 = a + 1 o^ + 1 a^ + i a* + &c.*
* This we know from other principles ; for, since the proposed expression re-
dncestoz = — — - .•. log. z = — log. (1 — a) and this, in the hyperbolic system,
is equal to the above series. (See the Essay on Logarithms, p. 3.)
94 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
CHAPTER VIII.
ON THE MAXIMA AND MINIMA VALUES OF FUNC-
TIONS OF TWO VARIABLES, AND ON CHANGING
THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE.
(64.) It remains to complete the theory of maxima and minima
by applying the principles established in Chapter VI. to functions of
two independent variables.
The same character belongs to a maximum, or minimum function
of two variables that belongs to a maximum or minimum function of
one variable, that is, the maximum value exceeds the contiguous va-
lues of the function, and the minimum value falls short of them.
Hence, if
2 = F {x,y)
be any function of two variables, wliich becomes a maximum for cer-
tain particular values of them, then h and Jc being finite increments,
however small the condition is that, between such finite values and
0, we must always have
Flx,9j-]>F[x± h,y± kl
and, consequently, (60),
(±£*±?/)+*(^*'±^^"+^*=)+^-<''-*
If, therefore, of the small values which we suppose h and k to take,
h be the smallest, a part of k maybe taken so small as to be less than
h, or, which is the same thing, equal to one of the values of h between
the proposed value and 0, so that we have h' — k' ; therefore, the
above condition is
'- dx dx ' dar^ dx dy dy'^
This condition being similar to (1) art. (49), we infer, by the same
reasoning, that
dx dy
* This is the manner in M^hich analysts have agreed to express an isolated ne-
gative quantity ; which must necessarily have resulted from the subtraction of a
greater from a less quantity. It is not, however, to be inferred that a negative
quantity is less than zero, as the above expression indicates, as such supposition
would be manifestly absurd, Ed.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 95
which cannot be for both the signs ± unless
*=0,^ = 0....(l).
ax: ay
By continuing to imitate the reasoning in (49), we find that these
same conditions must exist for all the values of the variables that ren-
der the function a minimum. ' ,
Hence (49), we have, in the case of a nuiuHatnn, the condition
^ ^da^ dx dy dif
and in the case of a minimum,
d-z d-z , d^z -,,,„, o
SO that, supposing these first terms do not vanish for the values of j:
and y given by (1), the condition of maximum is
and the condition of minimum,
d-z d'z d'z
'-dx^ dy dx dy^
In either case, therefore, the expression within the brackets must
have the same sign independently of the sign of the middle term. To
determine upon what other condition this depends, let us represent
the expression by
A ± 2B + CorA(l ± 2^ + ^).
B^ B^
Adding — — — = to the quantity within the parenthesis, its
JO. A.
form is
B , . C B2
A((i± _)=+___).
Now this expression will always have the same sign as A provided
C B^
C has, and that "x > Ti' *^^* ^^' ^^ 7 ^^ °^ AC — B^ 7 0, be-
cause then the factor of A will be necessarily positive. Hence, be-
side (1), the condition that a maximum or a minimum may exist is
96 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
and we are to distinguish the maximum frcm the minimum by ascer--
taining whether the proposed values of x and y render
^ZOor/O,
or, which amounts to the same, whether
^ZOor/O.
d?z "3 _ 12a — 2 [p'"^}
~ L p" J 5"^
... 3 [p"2] = 12a.-. [//'] = ± 2 V a,
as before.
The two examples following will suffice to exercise the student in
this doctrine, which is merely an extension of the principles treated
in Chapter V. to implicit functions.
1. Given
f = {x-aY(x-^b)
to determine the values of -z-, when x = a,
ax
dii.
2. Given
(^y __ xf — {x — ay {x — b)=0
dy iPi/
to determine the values of -j- and -irr, when x = a.
_dy d^ii
We here terminate the First Section, having fully considered the
various particulars relating to the diiferentiation of functions in gene-
ral.
THE DnFTERENTIAL CALCULUS. 113
SECTION II.
APPLICATION OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS
TO THE THEORY OF PLANE CURVES.
CBAFTSn Z>
ON THE METHOD OF TANGENTS.
(77.) We now proceed to apply the Calculus to Geometry, and
shall first explain the method of drawing tangents to curves.
The general equation of a secant passing through two points (x',
y')i {^"i !/")> i^^ ^"y plane curve, is {Anal. Gcom.)
V' — '/"
y—y' = '^'^],"{^ — ^')^
y' — J/", being the increment of the ordinate or proposed function
corresponding to x — x" the increment of the abscissa or independ-
ent variable. The limit of the ratio of these increments, by the prin-
ciples of the calculus, is -y-, ; that is to say, such is the representation
of the ratio when x — x" = 0, and, consequently, y' — y" = 0.
But when this is the case the secant becomes a tangent. Hence the
equation of the tangent, through any point (x', y') of a plane curve, is
dy'
y—y''='db'i''--^') • • • • (!)•
dii'
It appears, therefore, that the differential coefficient -i-, for any
proposed point in the curve has for its value the trigonometrical tan-
gent of the angle included by the linear tangent and the axis of x, that
is, provided the axes are rectangular. If the axes are oblique, the
same coefficient represents the ratio of the sines of the inclinations
of the linear tangent to these axes. {See Anal. Geom.)
By means of the general equation (1) we can always readily de-
termine the equation of the tangent to any proposed plane curve when
the equation of the curve is given, nothing more being required than
to determine from that equation the differential coefficient.
15
114 THE DIFFERENTIAL CAtCTTLUS.
dy'
for the ellipse. We here have to determine -— from the equation
Suppose, for example, it were required to find the particular form
3re have to determine -
d
and which is
dy' _ BV
dx' ~ Ay
therefore the equation of the tangent is
y—y =— Ay ^''■~"''^*
{x, y) being any point m the curve, and (x, y) any point in the tan-
gent.
Again ; let it be required to determine the general equation of the
tangent to a line of the second order.
By differentiating the general equation
Ay" + Bx'tj' + Ca;'2 + Dy' + Ex' + F = 0,. *
we have
2Ay'^ + Bar' -^ + By' + 2Ca;' + D -^ + E = 0^
dy' _ 2Ca;' + By' + E
•*' Ix' 2Ay' + Ba;' -\-~I)
so that the general equation is
2Cx' + By' + E
y-y =-2Ay' + Bx'+^^^-^^-
(78.) As the normal is always perpendicular to the tangent, its
general equation must be, from (1),
!/-2/'=-^C^-^') t.-..(2).
♦ The general equation of lines of the second order in its most commodiou*
form is
t/'J =: mx' + nx'\
from which, by differentiation, we have
dy' m-{-2nx'
'd^'~ 2y'
and the equation of the tangent to a line of the second order is thereforo
, m + 2nx'
dx'
^ dy'^ ' Ed.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
116
It is easy now to deduce the expressions for the subtangent and sub-
normal. For if, in the equation of the tangent, we put y = 0, the
resulting expression for x — x' will be the analytical value of that part
of the axis of x intercepted between the tangent and the ordinate y' of
the point of contact, that is to say, it will be the value of the subtan-
gent T^ {Anal. Geom.),
.'. T = — ^ .... (3).
dx'
If, instead of the equation of the tangent, we put y = in that of the
normal, then the resulting expression for x — x' ^vill be the value of
the intercept between the normal and the ordinate y\ that is, it will
belong to the subnormal N,,
.•.N,=,'|....(4).
As to the length of the tangent T, since T = -s/i/^ -f T/, w«
have, in virtue of (3),
dx'^
Also, since the length of the normal N is N = V y''' + N'^ w©
have, by (4),
N = !/' V (1 + ;g[) . . . . (6).
The foregoing expressions evidently apply to any plane curve what-
ever, that is, to any curve that may be represented by an equation
between two variables, whatever be its degree, or however compli-
cated its form.
We shall now give a few examples principally illustrative of the
method of drawing tangents to the higher curves, for which purpose
we shall obviously require only the formula (3), for it is plain that to
any point in a curve we may at once draw a tangent, when the length
and position of the subtangent is determined. Or, knowing the point
{x', y'), we may, by putting successively x = and t/ = 0, in the equa-
tion (1), determine the two points in which the required tangent ought
dy'
to cut the axes of the coordinates and then draw it through them. If-—-.
or
116 THE DIFFERENTIAli CALCULUS.
is at the proposed point, the tangent will be parallel to the axes of x,
because, as remarked above, -r-, is the value of the trigonometrical
ax
tangent of the inclination of the linear tangent to the axes of x, and for
this reason also the tangent will be parallel to the axes of y when — -,
is infinite at the proposed point.
EXAMPLES.
(79.) 1. To draw a tangent to a given point P in the common
or conical parabola. •
By the equation of the curve
.^ ^y' _ P
' ' 'dx' 2y'
' -^ 2y' p
Hence, having drawn from P, the perpendicular ordinate PM, if wo
set off the length, MR, on the axis of x, equal to twice AM, and then
draw the line RP, it will be the tangent required.
2. To determuie the subtangent and subnormal at a given
point (x'j y') in the parabola of the nth order, represented by the
equation
y = aaf
dy'
ax
.-. T, = t/' -r nax"-^ = -, N, = y' nax'"*-^ = na'aP"-^ or —-,
3. To determine the subtangent at a given point in the loga-
rithmic curve.
The equation of this curve related to rectangular coordinates is
y = a%
which shows that if the abscissas x be taken in arithmetical progres-
sion, the corresponding ordinates y will be in geometrical progres-
sion, so that the ordinates of this curve will represent the numbers,
the logarithms of which are represented by the corresponding ab-
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
117
scissas, a being the assumed base of the system. Hence, calling the
modulus of this base m, we have, by differentiating (13),
dy _ 1
drx~my'
.-. T, = y -
y
Hence the remarkable property that the subtangent is constantly equal
to the modulus of the system, lohose base is a.
4. To determine the subtangent at a given point in the curve
whose equation is
a^ — 3axy + y^ = 0.
Here
A=3^_3.,-3„| + 34^ = 0.
•** dx'
.-. T, =
ay — X-
y
aa/*
y^ — ax y
ay — X *
6. To draw a tangent to a rectangular hyperbola between the
asymptotes, its equation being xy = a.
T, = x'.
6. To determine the subtangent at a given point in a curve
whose equation is y"' = aif, which, because it includes the common
parabola, is said to represent parabolas of all orders.
T^ = ^x'.
n
7, To determine the subtangent at a given point in a curve
whose equation is x" y" = a, which, because it includes the com-
mon hyperbola, is said to belong to hyperbolas of all orders.
T^ = ^x'.
m
(80.) If the proposed curve be related to polar coordinates, then
the expressions in last article must be changed into functions of these.
If the curve AP be related to polar coor-
dinates FP = r, PFX = CO, then if PR be
a tangent at any point, P and PN the nor-
mal, and if RFN be perpendicular to the ra-
dius vector FP, the part FR will be the polar
tubtangentt and the part FN the polar sub-
118 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
normal. When the pole F and the point P are given, it is obvious
that the determination of the subtangent FR will enable us to draw
the tangent PR.
The formulas for transforming the equation of a curve from rec-
tangular to polar coordinates, having the same origin, are {Anal:
Geom.)
X = r cos u,y—'r sin. u, x^ -\- y'^ = t'^,
and the resulting equation of the curve will have the form
r = Fw, or F (r, u) = 0,
in which we shall consider w as the independent variable. Now
RF = PF • tan. Z P = ** tan. Z P, but by trigonometry,
tan. cj — tan. a
tan. Z P
1 + tan. w tan. a
that is, since
dy . w
tan. a = -y- and tan. u = -
ax X
tan. Z P = " f
X ax
therefore r times this expression is the value of the polar subtangent.
dy
But the differential coefficient -p, which implies that x is the princi-
pal variable, ought to become, when the variable is changed to Ur
(66),
dx dy
dv dv dx -n du dui
■r- = rr- -^ -T- -'• tan. z P = — r 7-
dx d(ji aw dx . du
X _i_ „ — —
du *' dox
Also, from the above formulas of transformation,
dx dr . dy dr .
= — — COS. u — r sm. w, -^ — = -7— sm. w + r cos. w
du du du du
• *. H —, — = ** ~; — sin. w cos. u — r^ sin.^ u
•^ acj du
^y ^^ ■ L ^ a
X -r— = 5* —, — sm. w COS. w + r* cos." w
au du
■THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 119
dx dr „ o •
X = r -7— COS. w — r* sm. w cos. u
dcjj du
dy dr . . , „ .
« — ^ = r -5 — sin.^ '^ + IT sin. w cos. u
whence
dx dy „ dx . dy dr
x-f- = —ir',x-r-+ y-r~— ^ -T-
dcj aw aw aw aw
consequently,
tan. / P = -^ .-. RF = -7- = subtangent.
dr dr
dw dw
Also
FN = = r^ -T- = = subnormal.
FR dr dw
dw
(81.) We shall apply these formulas to spirals, a class of curves
always best represented by polar equations.
8. To determine the subtangent at any point in
the Logarithmic Spiral, its equation being
r =
= a
dr
w
w
—
log.
a a =
dw
m
J
. a a = -^— I /^ ^
m I /
.'. IT — -7 — = mr = i
dw
Hence, if a represent the base of the Napierian system, since the
modulus will be 1, the subtangent will be equal to the radius vector,
and therefore the angle P equal to 45°, because tan. ^ P — 1.
Since, by the equation of this curve, log. r = w log. a, it follows
that, if a denote the base of any system, the various values of the
angle or circular arc w will denote the logarithms of the numbers
represented by the corresponding values of r. Hence, the propriety
of the name logarithmic spiral. In this curve
tan. / P = r — — — = a — = m ;
dw m
hence the curve cuts all its radii vectores under the same angle.
120 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
9. To determine the subtangent at any point in the Spiral of
Archimedes, its equation being
r = au
dr . dr „ „
• •• -r— = a .'.T^ -7- —r- = aijf = rw = T,
aw aw
so that FR is equal to the length of the circular arc to radius r, com-
prehended between FR, FA ; when, therefore, u = ^ir^ the subtan-
gent equals the length of the whole circumference. The spiral of
Archimedes belongs to the class of spirals represented by the general
equation
r = aw".
When n = — 1, we have rw = a, and the spiral represented is
called the hyperbolic spiral, on account of the analogy between this
equation and xy = a. It is also calle^ the reciprocal spiral.
10. To determine the polar subtangent at any point in the hy-
perbolic spiral.
T, =a.
11. To determine the polar subtangent at any point in the spiral
— L
whose equation is r = aw ^ .
T = 2aw^ = — .
r
12. To determine the polar subtangent at any point in the para'
—
bolic spiral, its equation being r = aw 2.
T =^
a" '
13- To determine the polar subtangent at any point in a spiral
whose equation is
(,^ _ ar) w^ — 1 = 0.
^' 3 •
(r' — ar)'^
Rectilinear Asymptotes.
(82.) A rectilinear asymptote to a curve may be regarded as a
tangent of which the point of contact is infinitely distant, so that the
determination of the asymptote reduces to the determination of the
TPHE DIFFERENTIA-L CALCULUS.
121
t&ngent on the hypothesis that either or both y' — 0, x' = 0, the
portions of the axes between the origin and this tangent being, at the
same time, one or both finite.
The equation of the tangent being
we have, by making successively y = 0, x = 0, the foTlovving ex-
pressions for the parts of the axes of x and y, between the tangent
flnd the origin, viz.
x' — ^mdy'—x'-^. . . .(1).
dii' ^ dx' ^ '
W
If for a; = CO both these are finite, thsy will determine two points,
one on each axis, through which an asymptote passes If for a: = cd
the first expression is finite and the second infinite, the first will de-
termine a point on the axis of x, and the second will show that a line
through this point and parallel to the axis of y is an asymptote. If,
on the contrary, the second expression is finite, and the first infinite,
the asymptote will pass through the point in the axis of]/, determined
by the finite value, and will be parallel to the axis o(x.
When, however, asymptotes parallel to the axes exist, they may
generally be detected by merely inspecting the equation, as it is only
requisite to ascertain for what values of a-, y becomes infinite, or for
what values of?/, x becomes infinite. Thus, in the equation xi/ = a,
X = 0^ renders j/ = cjo » and y = renders a; = co , therefore the
two axes are asymptotes. Again, in the equation
bx*
cfiy^ — ''f ^ — ^-p" = 0, or y^ = — ;
U' XT
it is plain that x = db a renders y = oo, we infer, therefore, that the
curve represented by this equation has two asymptotes, each parallel
to the axis of y, and at the distance a from it.
If both expressions are infinite, there will be no asymptote corres-
ponding to X = 00 .
If both expressions are 0, the asymptote will pass through the origin,
.... diy'
and its mclmation d, to the axis of x will be determined by -rr- ==*
tan. 6.
16
122 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
If for J/ = 00 one or both of the above expressions are finite, there
will be an asymptote, and its position may be determined as in the
foregoing cases.
EXAMPLES.
(83.) 1. Let the curve be the common hyperbola, of which the
equation is
b
a
dy _ bx
" ^ a ^/ x' — a?
hence the general expressions (82) are
x^ — a? _ a"
X X
and
6 a? ba
X 1 -J
both of which are 0, when a? = oo ; hence an asymptote passes through
the origin.
Also
dw , 6 1
-r-= ± — .
Ax a ^/ a^
which becomes ± — , when x = oo , therefore, this being the tangent
a
of the inclination of the asymptotes to the axis of x, they are both rep-
resented by the equation
y = ± - X,
^ a
2, To prove that the hyperbola is the only curve of the second
order that has asymptotes.
The general equation of a line of the second order, when referred
to the principal diameter and tangent through the vertex as axes, is
if = mx + nx^,
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
123
y
2tf _mx + 2na^ — 2f _
m + 2«a; m + 2nx
mx
dy
m + 2nx
dx
^
mx + 2niP _ 2tf — mx — 2nx' _
mx
^ ^dx ^ 2ij 2y 2s/wx + ju-^
Dividing numerator and denominator of each of these expressions by
jj, they reduce to
m , ♦»»
and
- + 2» 2 n/^ + n
•* X
and these, when x = oo , or indeed when y = cc , become
m
and
2» 2Vn
Hence the curve will have asymptotes, provided n be neither nor
negative, that is to say, provided the curve be neither a parabola nor
an ellipse, but if it be either of these, there can exist no asymptote ;
therefore the hyperbola is the only Une of the second order which has
asymptotes.
(84.) When the curve is referred to polar coordinates, then, since
the radius vector of the point of contact is infinite when the tangent
becomes an asymptote, it follows that if for r = co the subtangent
is finite, this subtangent may be determined by (80) in terms of w,
and w may be found from the equation of the curve, so that there
will thus be determined a point in the asymptote and its direction,
which is all that is necessary to fix its position. There will always
be an asymptote if w is finite, for r = oo . If, for r = oo , w is al.«o
00 , there exists no asymptote.
3. Let the curve be the hyperbolic spiral.
By ex. 10, art. 81 , the subtangent at any point is constant, and equal
to a, therefore there must be an asymptote ; also
a
by the equation of the curve w = - = 0, when
r = 00 , therefore the asymptote is perpendicular
to the fixed axis at the distance a from the pole.
Neither the logarithmic spiral, nor the spiral of
Archimedes have an asymptote.
124 THE DIFFERENTIAL CAtCULCr.-
■4. Let the spiral whose equation is
C.2 _ 1 1 _ U-'
be proposed, M'hich admits of a rectilinear asymptote, because w= I
renders r = co . Ths direction, therefore, of the asymptote is ascer-
tained, and consequently the direction of the infinite radius vector,-
sinco they must be parallel. It remains, therefore, to determine the
subtangent, or distance of the asymptote from the pole
ctr _ 2au)-^ _ 2r^
d(ji (1 — u~~)^ au^
» _^ rfr _ ^ 2r^ _ "'■^^ _ ** _ rp
du ou' 2 2 '
because w = 1 when r = co .
(85.) Although we do not propose to treat fully in this place of
curvilinear asymptotes, yet we may remark in passing, that if r should
be finite a' though w be infinite, it will prove that the spiral must be
continued for an infinite number of revolutions round its pole, before
it can meet the circumference of a circle whose radius is this finite
value. In such a case, therefore, the •spiral has a circular asymptote.
If, moreover, the value of r for w = co be greater than the value of v
for every other value of w, the spiral will be included within its circu-
lar asymptote, but, otherwise, it will be without this circle.
5. Thus in the spiral whose equation is
(r* — ar) cP — 1 = or w = —
•«/ »*^ — ar
cj is infinite when r = a, and for all less values of r, u is imaginary ;
hence the spiral can never approach so near to the pole as r = a, till
after an infinite number of revolutions, so that the circumference
whose radius is a is within the spiral and is asymptotic.
If, on the contrary, the equation had been
1
V ar — r*
then also r = a gives w = oo , but for all other real values of w, r is
less than a, so that this spiral is enclosed by its asymptotic circle, the
radius of which is a.
4' Co
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
125
6. To determine the rectilinear asymptote to the logarithmic
curve.
The axis of a?.
7. To determine the equation of the asymptote to the curve
whose equation is
The equation isy =^ x -\- \ a.
8. To determine the rectilinear asymptote to the spiral whose
equation is ,
I
r = ow - .
The fixed axis is the asymptote.
9. To determine whether the spiral shown to have a rectilinear
asymptote in ex. 4 has also a circular asymptote.
The circle whose centre is the pole and radius = a is an asymp-
tote.
(86.) Before terminating the present chapter, it will be necessary
to exhibit the expression for the differential of the arc of any plane
curve, as we shall have occasion to employ this expression in the next
chapter.
Let us call the arc AB of any plane curve s, and
the coordinates of B, x, i/ ; let also BD be a tan-
gent at B, and BC any chord, then if BE, ED are
parallel to the rectangular axes, BC will be the in-
crement of the arc s corresponding to BE = h, the
increment of the abscissa x.
Now, putting tan. DBE = a, we have
and
ED = /ia .-. BD = n/ /i2 + k'a?
BD + DC _ ^ h^(^\ + oC') -f /la— CE
BC
x/ A^ + CE''
CE
This ratio continually approaches to t— or to unity as h diminish-
es and this it actually becomes when h = 0. Consequently, since the
arc BC is always, when of any definite length, longer than the chord
126 THE DIFPERENTIAL CALCULUS.
BC and shorter than BD + BC,* it follows that when h = that
the ratio of the arc to either of these must be unity ; therefore
. , ,. . arc BC arc BC chord BC
in the hmit -r— 3-^7; = 1 •*• — r — -^ , = l^
chord BC h h
but
chord BC n/ /i2 + CE^^ n/j CE^
h h h' '
and CE is the increment of the ordinate y corresponding to the incre-
ment h of the* abscissa x ; hence, when h = 0, the ratio becomes
^ ^ ^1 + -^ = 1
dx ' daP
ds V df
dx dx^
If any other independent variable be taken instead of x, then, denoting
the several differential coefficients relatively to this new variable by
((ic), (dt/), {ds) we have (66)
At the point where -^ = 0,— = 1, or (ds) = {dx).
CHAPTER II.
ON OSCULATION, AND THE RADIUS OF CURVATURE
OF PLANE CURVES.
(87.) Let
2/=/p. Y = Fx,
be the equations of two plane curves, in the former of which we shall
suppose the constants a, 6, c, &c. to be known, and therefore the
curve itself to be determinate ; while in the latter we shall consider
the constants A, B, C, &c. to be unknown, or arbitrary, and there-
* See Young's Elements of Plane Geometry.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 1'27
fore the species only of the curve given. The constants which enter
into the equation of a curve, are usually called the parameters.
If, now, X take the increment h, and the corresponding ordinates
y% Y' be developed, we shall have, by Taylor's theorem,
Now, the parameters which enter (2) being arbitrary, they maybe
determined so as to fulfil as many of the conditions
dy_dY d^y _dn
^^-^'d^-^'d^-d^'^^ ^^^'
as there are parameters, but obviously not more conditions.
We shall thus have the values of A, B, C, &c. in terms of x, and
of the fixed parameters a, 6, c, &c. ; which values, substituted in (2),
will cause so many of the leading terms in both series to become
identical, whatever be the value of a;. Other corresponding terms of
the two series may, indeed, be rendered also identical, but this can
take place only accidentally, not necessarily. Hence, whatever par-
ticular value we now give to x, the resulting values of the corres-
ponding coefiicients will necessarily agree to the extent mentioned,
that is, as far as the n first terms, if there are n constants originally
in (2) ; and this is true, even if such particuleir value of x render any
of the coefficients infinite, inasmuch as they are always identical as
far as these terms, but no further.
We know, however, that in those cases where any of the coeffi-
cients become infinite, (1) and (2) will fail to represent the true de-
velopments of the ordinates y', Y' at the proposed points. Neverthe-
less, as the two series have been rendered identical, as far as n terms,
should they both fail within this extent, the terms which supply these
in the true development, must necessarily be identical. (See note C
at the end.) //
Now the greater, number of leading terms in the two developments,
which are identical, the nearer will the developments themselves ap-
proach to identity, provided, at least, h may be taken as small as we
please ; for if »t — 1 terms in each are identical, we may represent
the difference of the two developments by
128 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
A„ A'^ + S — {k'X' + S') (4),
where S, S' represent the sums of the remaining terms in each series
after the nth. Hence, ^ being the highest power of A. which enters
this expression, for the difference it follows from (47), that a value
may be given to h small enough to cause the term A„ h to become
greater than all the other terms in (4), and consequently, for this
small value,
A„ h"- — a; }/ 7 S — S',
and, therefore, the whole difference (4) is greater than twice S — S',
but when the nth term is the same in both developments, as well as
the preceding terms, then the difference (4) is reduced simply to
S — S', which we have just seen to be less than (4). Consequently
the developments approach nearer to identity, for all values of h be-
tween some certain finite value h' and as the number of identical
leading terms become greater.
When the first of the conditions (3) exist, the curves have a com-
mon point ; when the second also exists they have a common tangent
at that point, and are consequently in contact there, and the contact
will be the more intimate, or the curves will be the closer in the
vicinity of the point, as the number of following conditions become
greater ; so that of all curves of a given species, that will touch any
fixed curve at a proposed point with the closest contact whose para-^
meters are all determined agreeably to the conditions (3). No other
curve of the same species can, from what is proved above, approach
so nearly to coincidence with the proposed, in the immediate vicinity
of the point of contact, as this ; so that no other of that species can
pass between this and the proposed. A curve, thus determined, is
said to be, in reference to the proposed curve, its osculating curve of
the given species.
(88.) It appears, from what has now been said, that there may be
different orders of contact at any proposed point. The two first of
the conditions (3) must exist for there to be contact at all ; therefore,
when only these exist, the contact is called simple contact, or contact
of the first order ; if the next condition also exist, the contact is of
the second order, and so on; and it is obvious, that of any given,
species, the osculating curve will have the highest order of contact^
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 129
at any proposed point, in a given curve. If the curve, given in
species, has n parameters, the highest order of contact will be the
» — 1th, unless, indeed, the same values of these parameters that
fulfil the n conditions (3), should happen also to fulfil the n + 1th,
the n + 2th, &c. ; but this, as observed before, can take place only
accidentally, and cannot be predicted of any proposed point, although
we see it is possible for such points to exist.
(89.) At those points in the proposed curve, for which Taylor's
development does not fail, contact of an even order is both contact
and intersection, and contact of an odd order is without intersection ;
before proving this, however, we may hint to the student that contact
is not opposed to intersection, for two curves are said to be in con-
tact at a point, when they have a common tangent at that point ; and
yet, as we are about to show, one of these curves may pass between
the tangent and the other, and so intersect where they are admitted to
be in contact. To prove the proposition, let us take the difference
(4), which, when Taylor's theorem holds, is
(A„ — A'„) A"" + S — S' (5,)
A„ A'„ being here the n — 1th differential coefficients. If these are
odd, the contact is of an even order, also a being odd, h"" will have
contrary signs for h = -\- h' and h = — ft', and therefore, since for
these small values of ft, the sign of the whole expression (5) is the
same as that of the first term, the differences of
the ordinates corresponding to a? + ft, and to
X — ft, will be the one positive and the other
negative, so that the two curves must necessarily
cross at the point whose abscissa is x.
But if a is even, the contact is of an odd order, and the difference
(5) between the ordinates of the two curves corresponding to the
same abscissa, a: + ft, will, for a small value of ft, have the same
sign, whether ft be positive or negative ; so that, in this case, the
curves do not cross each other at the point of contact.
(90.) The student must not fail to bear in remembrance, that the
proposition just established, comprehends only those points of the
proposed curve, at which none of the differential coefficients become
infinite from the first to that immediately beyond the coefficient which
fixes the order of the contact. For it is only upon the suppositicm
130 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
that the true development, within the limits, proceeds according to
the ascending integral and positive powers of h, that the foregoing
conclusions respecting the signs of the difference (5) can be fairly
drawn. (See note C.)
(91.) From the principles of osculation now established, it is evi-
dent that any plane curve being given, and any point in it chosen, we
may always find what particular curve, of any proposed species, shall
touch at that point with the closest contact, or which shall most
nearly coincide with the given curve in the immediate vicinity of the
proposed point. Thus an ellipse or a parabola being given, and a
point in it proposed, we may determine the circle that shall approach
more nearly to coincidence with that ellipse or parabola in the vicinity
of the proposed point, than any other circle, and which will therefore
better represent the curvature of the given curve at the proposed point
than any other. On account of its simpUcity and uniformity, the
circle is the curve employed to estimate, in this way, the curvature of
other curves at proposed points; that is, the curvature is estimated by
the curvature of the osculating circle, or rather as the curvature of
a circle increases as the radius diminishes, and vice versa, it is usual
to adopt, as a fit representation of the curvature, the reciprocal of the
radius.
The osculating circle is called the circle of curvature, and its ra-
dius the radius of cimature, and, from what has been said above, it
follows that the determination of the curvature at any point in a pro-
posed curve, reduces itself to the determination of this radius : to this,
therefore, we shall now proceed.
Radius of Curvature.
FROBLEM I.
(92.) To determine the radius of curvature at any proposed point
of a given curve.
The general equation of a circle being
(^x~uY+{y—l3y = r\
it becomes determined as soon as we fix the values^f the parameters
a, jS, r, and these may be determined, so as to fiilfil any three inde-
pendent conditions, but not more. In the case before us, the condi-
tions to be fulfilled are those of (3) art. (87), that is to say, putting
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 131
p', p", &c. for the successive differential coefficients derived from Y
= Fx, the equation of the given curve, the conditions to be fulfilled
are
y ^Ux ^'dx" ^'
in order that the resulting values of a, ^, r, may belong to the equa-
tion of the osculating circle. Now
dy _ X — a dy- _ 1 (^ — o-Y r^ ,
di f^ij^'t? ^^^ W—^f" iy — ^r
hence the three equations for determining a, (3 and r, are
(X — a)+l>'(2/ — /3)=0..,.(2),
From the second equation
{x-o,r = p'^y-^r.
Substituting this in the first,
ip' + 1) (y ~ I^T = r"'
Adding this last to the third, there results
y-^ = -'-^'
?
which,
substituted in (2), gives
X — a —
p" ■
Consequently,
a = x
. p" + 1
y+ p"
da^'
r :
P"-
These equations completely determine the osculating circle, when-
ever the co-ordinates x, y of the proposed point £ire given.
Should this point be such as to render p = 0, then the expression,
for the radius of curvature at that point, becomes
182 THK DIFPERENTIAL CALCULTTS.
p" w
dor'
But when p' = 0, the tangent at the proposed point must be pa-
rallel to the axis of x (78), or, which is the same thing, the axis of y
must coincide with the normal ; hence, under this arrangement of the
axes, x = at the proposed point, and therefore
Should p" = at the proposed point, r will be infinite, whether
jj' = or not, so that the osculating circle then becomes a straight
line ; as, therefore, this straight line has contact of the second order,
/ the parts of the curve in the vicinity of the point
"y^ will lie on contrary sides of it, as in the annexed
diagram (89), that is, supposing p'" is neither nor
CO . Ifp'" = 0, and the next following differential coefficient nei-
ther nor C30 , the contact will be of an order which is unaccompanied
by intersection.
A point at which the tangent intersects the curve, or at which the
curve changes from convex to concave, is called a point of inflexion^
or, a point of contrary flexure. The analytical indications of such
points will be more fully inquired into, when we come to speak of the
singular points of curves.
(93.) By referring to equation (2) above, which has place even
when the contact is but of the first order, we learn that the centre
(a, |8) of every touching circle, is always on the normal at the point
of contact ; for that equation is the same as
dx
We shall now apply the general expression, for the radius of cur-
vature, to a few particular cases.
EXAMPLES.
(94.) 1. To determine the radius of curvature, at any point in a
parabola.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CAIiCULUg. 133^
Differentiating the equation of the curve,
y^ = 4mx,
we have,
2yp = 4m .•. p = —
2yp"-{-2p- = 0.'.p" = ^ = -^
= r — (See Anal. Geom.)
4nr
As the expression for the normal dimini^es with x, the vertex is
the point of greatest curvature, r being there equal to 2m, or to half
the parameter.
2. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in an el-
lipse.
By differentiating the equation
ay + 6V = oFl^,
we have
a)fp' + b^x = .'. p' =
ahjp" + ay2_j. 5a = o.-.p
„ _ 6' + ay
a^y ay
''•*" p" ay * 6^ a'b* " ^^'
From this expression, others occasionally useful may be readily
derived. Thus, since {Anal. Geom.) the square of the normal, N, is
b*
— - ar" + «^, therefore.
«
a*N^ = 6V + aV .-. r = ^ = -^ N^ . . . (2).
Again, since {Anal. Geom.),
aN = 66' .-. r = ^ . . . . (3).
134 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
At the vertex r = — = semiparameter {Anal. Geom.)
From equations (2) and (3) it follows that, in the ellipse, the radius
of curvature varies as the cube of the normal, or as the cube of the
diameter parallel to the tangent through the proposed point.
It is often desirable to obtain *• as a function of X, the angle inclu-
ded between the normal and the transverse axis. For this purpose
we have since
ar^ = o^ (1 _ |!.) and f = TS^ sin.=^
a^ b^ '
.•.NM1-(1— ^)sin.^|=-^
but {Anal. Geom.)
.■.N=-^ I
a
(1 — e^ sin.2X)2
= ^ N3 ^ ^1^ a (1 — e^)
a (1 — e^ sin. ^X) ^ ( 1 — e^ sin. ^X) ^
(95.) Since, in the ellipse, the principal transverse is the longest
diameter, and its conjugate the shortest {Anal. Geom.), it follows
from (3), that the curvature - is greatest at the vertex of the trans-
verse, and least at the vertex of the conjugate axis. At the former
fe2 a^
point r = -T , and at the latter r = -j-.
The present is a very important problem, being intimately con-
nected with inquiries relative to the figure of the earth.
By means of the last expression for r, the ratio of the polar and
equatorial diameters of the earth, may be readily deduced, when we
know the lengths of a degree of the meridian in two known latitudes,
L, I, for these lengths may, without error, be considered to coincide
with the osculating circles through their middle points ; and since
THE DIFFERB9rTIA.L CALCULUS. 135
similar arcs of circles are as their radii, we have, by putting M, m for
the measured degrees, and R, r for the corresponding radii,
R : r : : M : m,
but
g (1 - e') _ «(l-e^)
R = ^^ '. — - and r = -^
(1 — e2sin.2L)2 (1 — e==sin.2/)2
therefore, since r»R = Mr, we have
m M
(1— e^sin.^L)^ (1— e^sin.^/)^
or
m\(l — sm.^l) = M3 (1 — e^sin-^'L),
62 M^ — m3
.'.e^= 1
""" M^sin-^L — m3sin.2i
o_ , . M3 sin. ^L— m3sin.2i
••• 1 - V I -_ ^
• m^cos.^/ — M^cos.^'L
2.
sin.'^L — (^sin.^/
= ^{^ }•
(:jr|) COS.^/ COS.^L
If / = 0, that is, if the degree m is measured at the equator, then,
a , sin. L ,
3. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in the loga-
rithmic curve, its equation being y = a',
(m* + f)^ , . .
r = :i-^ , m beme the modulus.
my
4. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in the cu-
bical parabola, its equation being ■f = ax.
Qa'y
136 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
PROBLEM II.
(96.) To determine these points in a given curve, at which the
osculating circle shall have contact of the third order.
It is here required to find for what points of a given curve the val-
ues of a, (3, r, determined by the three first conditions (3), art. (87)
satisfy also the fourth condition.
The differential coefficient p'" as derived fi"om equation (3), p.
131, is
and this must agree with the p" derived from the equation of the pro-
posed curve, at those points where the contact is of the third order ;
that is, the abscissas of these points will all be given by the roots of
the equation
{y — (3)p"' + Sp"p' = o,
and it may be easily shown, that the points which satisfy this equa-
tion are those of greatest and least curvature, for since
,_ ( P"+1)^
P"
. ^^ _ — 3 ip" + 1)^ p'p'"" + ip'^ + l)^ p"
**• di ~ p"^
and when r is a maximum or a minimum this expression is equal ta
(49) ; hence
— 3p'p"^-\.{p'^'+ l)p"' = 0,
or, dividing by p" and recalling the value of y — ^ deduced in (92),,
we have, finally,
{y^^)p"'+3p"p' = 0,
which being the same equation as that deduced above, it follows that
the points of maximum and minimum curvature are the same as those
at which the contact is of the third order.
(97.) In the preceding investigations we have always considered
X to be the independent variable, because the expression for the ra-
dius of curvature has been obtained conformably to this hypothesis.
But if any other quantity is taken for the independent variable, the
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS, 137
foregoing expression for r will not apply ; therefore, in order to give
the greatest generality possible to the formula for the radius of cur-
vature, we shall now suppose any arbitrary quantity whatever to be
the independent variable, x and y being functions of it. Hence, in-
stead ofp' and p", we shall have (66)
&) and {d'y){dx)-{d'x){ dy)
(dx) {dx')
the parentheses intending to intimate that the independent variable,
according to which the differentials of the functions x, y are taken, is
arbitrary, and the differential of which when chosen is with its proper
powers to be introduced as denominators of the above differentials.
Making, therefore, these substitutions in the expression for r, it be-
comes
( {dyr + {dxf )i
{dFy) (dx) - {dJ^x) {dy)
■or, since (86)
{ds)=^{dyr-\-idxr,
whatever be the independent variable,
(dsy
. (1).
{d^y) {dx) - {d'x) {dy)
(98.) This expression is of the utmost generality, and will furnish
a correct formula for every hypothesis respecting the independent va-
riable. Thus, if X be chosen for the independent variable, then
(dx) = 1 and (d^x) = 0, and the formula in that case is
d£_
~d^
r-^ .... (2).
dx"
being the same as that at first given as it ought to be. Ify be the
independent variable, then (dy) = 1 and (di'y) = 0, so that upon this
hypothesis the formula is
. = ^^....(3).
dy'
18
138 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
If 5 be the independent variable, then {ds) = 1 ;
.-. id^s) = d VJWWyr - .-. {d^y) =-^^{d^x) . . . (4).
substituting this in the denominator of (1) we have
dy
. - _ ») ^ (U^^-JJff =_ (M =_5 . . . . (5).
(d'x) ■ ' ' ' ^' (d^x) _d^
By squaring ( 1 ) on this last hypothesis we have
r'= '
but, since from (4)
(d'y) {dy) + {d'x) {dx) = 0,
it may be added to the denominator of this expression for r^ without
affecting its value, so that
1
f^ =
{d^y) {dx) - {d^x) {dy) Y-\-{dhj) {dy) + {d^x) {dx) Y
1
(dy)2+ (rfx)2 X {dY/-\-{dPx)''
1 1
(d^y)^ + {di'x)^ 1 rf2„ dX.
(6).
(99.) We shall now proceed to determine a suitable formula for
polar curves.
If the circle whose equation is (1) p. 131, be transformed from
rectangular to polar coordinates, the pole being at the origin of the
primitive axes, and the axis of x being the fixed line from which the
variable angle u of the radius vector y is measured, we shall have
{Anal. Geom.)
(y COS. Gj — a)^ + {y sin. w — (3^) = r^ . . . . (1).
If, therefore, we differentiate on the supposition that w is the inde-
pendent and y the dependent variable, and denote the first and second
differential coefficients by p, and p,,, we shall have
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 139
(ycos.a) — a) (;?,cos.&)— y sin. to) + (y sin. — y sin. &))''+ (y COS. w — a) (p„ COS. w — 2/?,sin.ft» — ycos.w) +
{p, sin. 0) + y COS. &))2-j- (y sin. to — 0) (p„ sin. a + 2/), cos. lo — y sin. to) = ... (3)
If from the two latter equations we determine the values of y sin.
w — (3 and y cos. w — a, and substitute them in (1), we shall obtain
the following expression for r in functions of y and its differential
coefficients, viz.
_Jf + p^ .... (4)
■f + ^f'-m,
But we shall arrive at this expression more readily by first deducing
from the equations «•
y = Y sin. u, x = y cos. w
the differential coefficients
—^ = y COS. u -{-p, sin. w = (dy)
-T— = — y sin. w + p^ cos. w = (da?)
-T-^ = — y sin. w + 2p^ cos. w + p^^ sin, w = (cFi/)
cPx
-5-5- = — y cos. w — 2p^ sin. u + p^^ cos. w = (d^a?)
and then substituting them in the general formula (1).
Since (80) the expression for the normal PN is
N - y^ + p^K
we may put the above expression for r under the form
_ W
''""^M^P? — y/?, ■ * ■ ■ ^^^'
5. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in the loga-
rithmic spiral
dry a y
du m m
dPy _ y
'd^~~^ ~ ^"'
140 THE DIFPBRKNTIAL CALCULUS.
Hence
(y^ _1_ „ 2^2 1 I 1
I I
y v/ 1 -I- (art. 80) = y cosec P.
tan.- P
It appears, therefore, that the radius of curvature is always equal to
the normal.
6. To determine the radius of curvature at any point in the curve
whose equation is
y = 2 cos. w ± 1
3
(5 ± 4 cos. u)-
.*. r = •
9 ± 6 COS. cj
CHAPTER III.
ON INVOLUTES, EVOLUTES, AND CONSECUTIVE
CURVES.
(100.) If osculating circles be applied to cwr?/ point in a curve,
the locus of their centres is called the evoliUe of the proposed curve,
this latter being called the involute.
The equation of the evolute may be determined by combining
the equation of the proposed curve with the equations (2), (3) p. 131,
containing the variable coordinates a, /3 of the centre. As these
three equations must exist simultaneously for every point of contact
[x, y), the two quantities x, xj may be eliminated, and therefore, a
resulting equation obtained containing only a and j8, which equation
therefore will express the general relation between a and jS for every
point {x, y) ; in other words, it will represent the locus of the centres
of the osculating circles.
Or, representing the equation of the proposed curve by t^ = Fx,
we shall have to eliminate x and y from the equations (p. 131)
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
141
y = F^»
when the resulting equation in a, /3 will be that of the evolute.
EXAMPLES.
(101.) To determine the evolute of the common parabola
f = 4mx.'.p' = — .'.p" = — —
.'. 1 -{- p^ - y^ + ^"^' = 1 + ^,^ = _i
* * '^ y^ x^ p'' 2m
. y^ , « , « a — 2m
.*. a = ar + ■—- + 2m = 3a; + 2m .-. x =
^ = y
2m
7/=* _—f_ — 2:r^ ^ _ wijS^ ^
Am^~y y^ T~ ''' ^ ~ ~^
... -f 111,2
.•./3^
27
(a — 2m)^
which is the equation of the evolute. If the origin be removed to
that point in the axis of x whose abscissa is 2m, then the equation be-
comes
The locus of which is called the semicubical parabola.
It passes through the origin because ^ = when
a = ; therefore the focus of the proposed involute is
in the middle, between its vertex and the vertex of the
evolute. {Anal. Geom. art. 100.) The curve con-
sists of two branches symmetrically situated with respect to the axis
of a? or of a, and lies entirely to the right of the origin, for every posi-
tive value of a gives two equal and opposite values of (3, and for
negative values of a, (3 is impossible. It is easy to see, there-
fore, that the form of the curve is that represented in the margin.
2. To determine the evolute of the ellipse.
By example 2, page 133, we have
142 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
b'x „ b*
P — 2-' P = —3
Now, since, by the equation of the curve,
.'. a'f + b'x' = 6" {a' — c'x') or = a" {¥ + c^)'
c^ being put for a^ — 6^. Hence, by substitution,
Substituting these values in the equation of the involute, we have
c c
a^b^
or, finally, dividing all the terms by — , we obtain for the evolute the
A'
C3
equation
If a = 0, then (3 = ± -j-, so that the curve meets
6
the axis of y in two points, c, rf, equidistant from
the origin 0. If /3 = 0, then a = ± — , so that
a
it also meets the axis of a; in two points, 6, a, equi-
distant from 0. If a is numerically greater than — theordinatesbe-
come imaginary, and if ^ is numerically greater than -r-the abscissa
becomes imaginary ; therefore the curve is limited by the four points
a, 6, c, d, and touches the axes at those points. It consists, there-
fore, of four breinches symmetrically situated as in the figure.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 143
3. To detemiine the evolute of the rectangular hyperbola, its
equation between the asymptotes being ocy = a^.
The equation of the evolute is
2
2. 2 flS
(a + /3)3_(a_/3)^ =-.
43
THEOREM.
(102.) Normals to the curve are tangents to the evolute.
Let the equations of the curve and of its evolute be
y = Fx and (3 = fa,
then differentiating the equation (2) p. 131, considering a, ^ as va-
riables as well as x, y, we have
,_| + p..(,_« + ,-=_p.f = 0,
but (130)
Hence, by substitution,
^+p'jf =
ax ax
dB da d^ 1 — y,
.'. -f- — ^ or -J- = - = ' ^ fequa.2,p. 131).
dx, dx da p a — x -^ '
dB
Now -T— expresses the trigonometrical tangent of the angle be-
tween the axis of x and a linear tangent through any point (a, j8) of
the evolute, and ;- expresses the trigonometrical tangent of the
angle between the axis of x and a normal at any point {x, y) of the
involute ; but this normal necessarily passes through a point (a, (3)
of the evolute, and, therefore, in consequence of the above equality,
it must coincide with thq tangent at that point.
THEOREM.
(103.) The difference of any two radii of curvature is equal to the
arc of the evolute comprehended between them.
Differentiating the equation
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
on the hjrpothesis that a is the independent variable, we have
but by last article
y-f3 = ia:-a)^
and
_(._„K^ +„=.*...(.).
Dividing (2) by the square root of (1) we have
that is (86)
da? da
ds dr ■
— =-j- .'. — s =r ± a constant,
da, da.
for otherwise there could not be — = -r-.
da da
Hence if r, v be the radii of curvature of any two points, and s, s'
the corresponding arcs of the evolute, then
r ± const. = — s
r' ± const. = — s'
s.
so that the difference of the two radii is equal to the arc of the evolute
comprehended between them ; therefore, if a string fastened to one
extremity of this arc be wrapped round it and continued in the direc-
tion of the tangent at the other extremity as far as the involute curve,
the portion of the string thus coinciding with the tangent will by (102)
be the radius of curvature at that point P of the involute curve which
it meets, and, consequently, by the above property, if the string be
now unwound, P will trace out the involute.
THE DIFPERKNTIAL CALCULUS. 146
On Consecutive Lines and Curves.
(104.) Every equation between two variables aiay always be con-
sidered as the analytical representation of some plane curve, given in
species by the degree of the equation, and determinable both in form
and position by the constants which enter it, provided, these
constants are fixed and determinate. If, however, the equation con-
tains an arbitrary or indeterminate constant a, then, by assuming dif-
ferent values for a the equation will represent so many different curves
varying in form and position, but all belonging to the same family of
curves.
Now if we consider the form and position of one of these curves to
be fixed by the condition a = a', another, intersecting this in some
point (x', y'), may be determined from a new condition a = a' + ^ ;
and if ^ be continually diminished, this latter curve will approach more
and more closely to the fixed curve, and will at length coincide with
it. During this approach, the point of intersection {x, y') necessarily
varies, and becomes fixed in position only when the varying curve
becomes coincident with the fixed curve. In this position the point
is said to be the intersection of consecutive curves, so that what mathe-
maticians call consecutive curves, are, in reality, coincident curves,
and the point which has been denominated their point of intersection
may be determined as follows :
(105.) Let
F{x,y,x') = (1)
represent any plane curve, x being a parameter, and for any inter-
secting curve of the same family let x' become x' + h, then, since
however numerous these intersecting curves may be, the x, y of the
intersections belong also to the equation (1) ; it follows that as far as
these points are concerned, the only quantity in equation (1) which
varies is x', therefore, considering x, y as constants in reference to
these points, we have, by Taylor's theorem,
F(x,j/,x'-i-;i)=F(:r,i/,a:')+ ^^^ /^ +
'PF{x, y, x') h? ■■ .
—17^ — r:^ + ^^-
but F (x, y, x) = 0, therefore
19
146 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
F (.r, y, X' + h) __ (IF (t, y, x') drF (y, y, x') h ^^
h ~ dx' dx'^ 1-2
hence, when the curves are consecutive, that is when /t = 0, we have
the following conditions, viz.
F {x, y, x') = \
dF (^, y, X') ^ ^ J .... (2)
dx *
to determine x and y.
Suppose, for example, it were required to determine the point of
intersection of consecutive normals in any plane curve.
Representing the equation of the curve by
y' = Fx\
and any point in the normal by (ar , y), we have for the equation of the
normal
y — y' = — -r{^—x')oT {y — y')p' + x — x' = 0.
This corresponds to the first of equations (2), x' being the parameter ;
hence, differentiating with respect to x of which y' is a function given
by the equation of the curve, we have
{y-y')p"-p"--^=o
p" + 1
••• !/ = !/' +
P"
P"
hence (92) consecutive normals intersect at the centre of curvature.
(106.) If we eliminate the variable parameter x' by means of the
equations (2), the resulting equation will belong to every point of m-
tersection given by every curve of the family
F{x,y,x,x') =0 . . . . (1),
and its consecutive curve ; for whatever value we suppose x' to take
in the equations (2), the result of the elimination will obviously be
always the same. Hence this resulting equation represents the locus
of all the intersections, and we may show that at these same inter-
sections this locus touches every individual curve in the family. The
equation (1), where x' represents a function of x, i/, determined by
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
147
the second of the conditions (2) in last article, is obviously the equa-
tion of the locus of which we are speaking, and the same equation,
when «' takes all possible values from to ± go, furnishes the family
of curves, which we are now to show are all touched by this locus.
Taking any one of this family, and differentiating its equation (1), x'
being constant, we have
, du . , du .
du = -T- dx + -T- ay = 0.
dx dij
Differentiating also the equation (1) of the locus, x' being given by
the second condition of (2) in last article, we have
du ,du , du _
but by the condition just referred to -j-^ = at the point where the
curves whose equations we have just differentiated meet; hence,
since at those points each of these equations give the same value for
-^, it follows that they have contact of the first order; we infer,
dx
therefore, that the equation ( 1 ) , when x' is determined from the second
of the conditions (2) last article, represents a curve which touches and
envelopes the entire family of curves represented by equation (1), x'
being any arbitrary constant. Thus, as we already know, the locus
of the intersections of normals with their consecutive normals is a
curve which touches them all at their points of intersection, being the
evolute of the curve to which the normals belong.
The following examples will further illustrate this theory.
EXAMPLES.
(1 07. ) 1 . To determine the curve which touches an infinite series
of equal circles, whose centres are all situated on the same circum-
ference.
Let the equation of the fixed circle be
^2 ^ y>2 ^ ^'2^
then, for the coordinates of the centre of any of the variable circles,
the expressions will be
x and \/r"^ — x'^.
148 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
SO that the general representation of these circles will be
(x _ x'f + (y— Vr'-' — x'y—r" == = « (1),
x' being considered as an arbitrary constant. If, however, x' be con-
sidered not as an arbitrary constant, but as a function of x and y,
du
fulfilling the condition -y-, = 0, then, by the preceding theory, (1)
tix
will represent the curve which touches all the circles in those points
where each is intersected by its consecutive circle. Hence, differ-
entiating (1) with respect to x, we have
-^, = — {x — x)-\- — - — x=^
ax ^ Vr — X'
... _ X Vr'^ — x'^'+x'y =
'/x
''' ""' ^ N/a^ + /
This, then, is the function ofx, y, which, substituted for x, in (1),
gives the equation of the locus sought. The result of this substitu-
tion is
x^ + y^ — 2r' Va;' + y" + r" = r",
or, extracting the root of each side.
>/a^ + y^ = r' zL r .-. x^ + y^ — {r ± ry,
an equation representing two circles, whose radii are respectively
r' + r and r — r. Hence the series of circles are touched and
enveloped by two circular arcs, having these radii, and the same centre
as the fixed circle.
2. Between the sides of a given angle are drawn an infinite
number of straight lines, so that the triangles formed may all have
the same surface, required the curve to which every one of these lines
is a tangent.
Let the given angle be 6, and, taking its sides for axes, we have,
for the equation of every variable line,
T/ = ax + /3 . . . . (1),
and, putting successively y = and a? = 0, the resulting expressions
for X and y denote the sides of the variable triangle, including the
-4 1, -t^— \— A-^W" '■
THE DIFFBRKNTIAL CALGVLVS. 149
given emgle, so that these sides are and [3; hence, calling the
constant surface s, we have
/S^ . /S^sin.^
s = sm. e .'. a, = ;
2a 2s
hence the equation (1) is the same as
y = — "^-^^ x-\-^ . . . . (2),
where (3 is considered as an arbitrary constant. But if for this arbi-
trary constant we substitute the function of a^, arising from the condition
dy
Tg- = 0, then (2) will represent the locus of the intersections of
each variable line, with its consecutive line, which locus touches
them all. Differentiating them with regard to ^, we have
{3 sin. 6 , ^ s
— x+ 1 =0.-. ^= ^— ,
s X sm. &
this substituted in (2) gives^for the equation of the sought curve
or rather
_ 8
hence the curve is an hyperbola, having the sides of the given angle
for asymptotes.
3. The centres of an infinite number of equal circles are all
situated on the same straight line : required the line which touches
them all ?
Ans. They are touched by two parallels to the line of
centres.
4. From every point in a parabola lines are drawn, making the
same angle with the diameter that the diameter makes with the tan-
gent : required the hne touching them all?
Am. They are touched by a point, viz. the focus, in
which therefore they all meet.
150 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
CEAFTER IV.
ON THE SINGULAR POINTS OF CURVES, AND ON
CURVILINEAR ASYMPTOTES.
jyitiltiple Points.
(108.) If several branches of a curve meet in one point, whether
by intersecting or touching each other, that point is called a multiple
point. In the former case the point is said to be of the first species,
and in the latter of the second species, and we propose here to in-
quire how, by means of the equation of any curve, these points, if any,
may be detected.
JVfultiple points of the first species. When the curve has multiple
points of the first species, we readily arrive at the means of determin-
ing their position from the consideratioa that at such points there must
be as many rectilinear tangents as there are touching branches, and,
dii
consequently, as many values for ^, the tangent of the inclination
ax
of any tangent through the point {x, y) to the axis of a- ; so that the
equation of the curve being freed from radicals and put under the
form
F {X, y) = 0,
its multiple points of the first species will all be given analytically
by the equation
, du , du
dx dy O'
so that no systems of values for x and y can belong to multiple points
of the fiirst species, but such as satisfy the conditions
dx dy
as well as the equation of the curve. Having, therefore, determined
all such systems of values by solving the two last equations, the true
values of p' for each system will be ascertamed by proceeding as in
(41), and those systems only will belong to multiple points of the
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 151
first species that give multiple values to p'. Let us apply this to an
example or two.
EXAMPLES.
(109.) 1. To determine whether the curve represented by the
equation
ay^ — ar'y — bsP = 0,
has any intersecting branches
At the points where branches intersect we must have
3^" {y + b) = 0, 'Saf — 0^ =
.'. x = 0,y —
X = y/ 3ab% y = — 6 ;
this second system of coordinates do not satisfy the proposed equa-
tion, and therefore do not mark any point in the curve ; the first sys-
tem, which is admissible, shows that if there exist any multiple point
it must be at the origin. Hence, to ascertain the true value of p' at
this point, we have, by differentiating both numerator and denomina-
tor in the expression
__ 6x (y + 6) + Sx'p' _
"~ •- 6ayp' — 3ar -" ~
_ My + 6) + 12p'x -\- 3x^p" _ 66 n=,y^
L 6ayp" + 6ap'2 — 6x ^ 6a[ p'f"^^^ ^ a'
therefore, as this has but one real value, the curve has no intersecting
branches.
2. To determine whether the curve represented by the equation
x'* + 2a2fyf — ay^ =
has intersecting branches
^ = 4x{x^+ay) = 0,~ = a {2x^-3^) = 0.
I
152
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
There is but one system of values that can satisfy these three equa-
tions, viz.
so that if there are intersecting branches they must intersect at the
origin. To determine, therefore, whether at this point p' has multiple
values we have
[Pl
4x {jr + ay) -, _
_ Gr" + 2ay + 2 axp' _
'- 3ayp' — 2ax / ~0
- 4a [p']
3a[p'Y — 2a
.: 3a [p'Y — 6a [pq "=
... [p'] = or [/] = ± V 2;
hence three branches of the curve intersect at the
origin ; the tangent to one of them at that point is
parallel to the axis of x, and the tangents to the
other two are symmetrically situated with respect
to the axis of ?/, since they are inclined to the axis
of X, at angles whose tangents are -\- V 2 and — y/ 2.
(110.) Should the values ofp' corresponding to any values of ar
and y, which satisfy the equation of the curve, be all imaginary, we
must infer that, although such a system of values belong to a point
of the locus, yet that point must be detached from the other points of
the locus, for since, if the abscissa of this point be increased by h,
the development of the ordinate will agree with Taylor's develop-
ment, as far, at least, as the second term for all values of h, between
some finite value and 0, it follows that all the corresponding ordi-
nates between these limits must be imaginary, so that the proposed
point is isolated, having no geometrical connexion with the curve,
although its coordinates satisfy the equation. Such a point is called
a conjugate point.
(111.) From what has now been said, it appears that, by having
the equation of a plane curve given, those points in it where branches
intersect, as also those which are entirely detached from the curve,
although belonging to its equation, may always be determined by the
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 153
tipplication of the differential calculus, and independently of all con-
siderations about the failing cases of Taylor's theorem, except, in-
deed, those connected with the theory of vanishing fractions. We
shall now seek the analytical indications of
JVLulti'ple Points of the Second Species.
(112.) The second species of multiple points, or those where
branches of the curve touch each other, the differential calculus does
not furnish the means of readily determining from the implicit equa-
tion of the curve. We know that at such a point, p' cannot admit of
different values, since the branches have one common tangent ; and
we know, moreover, that if Taylor's theorem does not fail at that
point, we shall, by successively differentiating, at length arrive at a
coefficient which, being put under the form ^, the different values will
indicate so many different touching branches ; for if no coefficient gave
multiple values for the proposed coordinates x', y, then the ordinates
corresponding to the abscissas between the limits x and x ± h.,h
being of some finite value, would each have but one value, and, there-
fore, different branches could not proceed from the point {x\ if). But
we have no means of ascertaining « priori which of the coefficients
furnishes the multiple value. When, however, the equation of the
curve is explicit, then the multiple points of either species are very
easily determined. Thus, if the equation of the curve be
e^
y ~ {x — ay V X — 6 + c,
we at once see that x = a destroys the radical in y and p', that re-ap-
pears in p" ; therefore, at the point corresponding to this
abscissa, these will be but one tangent, and yet two
branches of the curve proceed from it on account of the
double value ofp". Hence the point is a double point of the second spe-
cies, the branches have contact of the first order, and, because p' = 0,
the common tangent is parallel to the axis of the abscissas ; if the radical
had been of the third degree, the point corresponding to the same abscissa
would have been a triple point, &c. It appears, therefore, that when
the equation of the curve is solved for y, there will exist a multiple
point, if in the expression for x a radical is multiplied by the factor
{x — a)"*. If ni = 1, the branches of the curve intersect at the point
■whose abscissa is x = a, because then p' at that point takes the same
20
154 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
values as the radical, but if m > 1 then the branches touch, because
then the radical is destroyed in p' for .t = a ; in both cases the index
of the radical will denote the number of branches which meet ui the
point. Such, therefore, are the geometrical significations of the cases
discussed in (75) and (76).
Ctisps, or Points of Regression.
(113.) A cusp or point of regression is that particular
— kind of double point of the second species in which the
two touching branches terminate, and through which they
— do not pass, so that on one side of such a point, viz. on
that where the branches lie, the ordinate has a double
value, and on the other side the contiguous ordinate has
an imaginary value.
The cusp represented in the first figure, where the branches are
one on each side of the common tangent, is called a cusp of the first
kind, and that in the second figure, where the branches are both on
one side, a cusp of the second kind.
(114.) It is obvious that cusps can exist only at those points, the
particular coordinates of which cause Taylor's theorem to fail, for if
Taylor's theorem did not fail at such a poini, then the ordinates in the
vicinity, corresponding both to x + h and to a; — h, would be both
possible or impossible at the same time. We are not, however, to
infer that when the adjacent ordinates are real on the one side of any
point, and on the other side imaginary, that a cusp necessarily exists
at that point, for it is plain that the same analytical indications are
furnished by the point which limits any curve in the direction of the
axis of X, or at which the tangent is perpendicular to that axis, as in
the third figure. It becomes important, therefore, in seeking parti-
cular points of curves to be able to distinguish the point which limits
the curve in the direction of the axes from cusps.
(115.) Now at the limits, the tangents to the curve are parallel to
the axes, the limits are therefore determined by the equations -^ = ao
ax
and ^ — ^1 ^^^ *h®y fulfil, moreover, the following additional con-
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 155
ditions, viz. 1°, the ordinate or abscissa, whichever it
^—^
may be, that is parallel to the tangent, immediately be-
yond the limit, must be imaginary ; but if it be ascertained
that this is not the case, the point is not a limit but a cusp
of the first kind, posited as in the annexed figures, or
else a point of inflexion ; the latter when the contiguous
ordinates are the one greater and the other less than that at the |
point. 2°, Besides the first condition there must exist also i^//'
this, viz. that immediately ivithin the limit the double ordinate '
or abscissa, whichever may be parallel to the tangent, must
have one of its values greater and the other less than at the
point, but if both are greater or both less the point is not a limit
but a cusp of the second kind, posited as in the annexed figures.
Hence, when the branches forming the cusp touch the abscissa or the
ordinate of the point, they may be discovered by seeking among the
values which satisfy the equations -j^ = and -^^ =00 , those which
(XJ[/ (XX
do not fulfil both the foregoing conditions. Let us illustrate this by
examples.
EXAMPLES.
(116.) 1. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
{y — bf={x-aY
has a cusp at the point where the tangent is parallel to the axis of?/.
By differentiating
dy _ 2 X — a
'dx~2,' {y —b y
this becomes infinite for y = b, therefore the point to be examined is
(a, 6). In order to this, substitute a ±: h for x, in the proposed equa-
tion, and we have, for the contiguous ordinates,
y = b± h^,
which is not imaginary either for + ^ or — A ; the point
(a, b) is therefore a cusp of the first kind, and posited as
in the figure, since the contiguous values of y are both
greater than b.
2. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
156 THE DIPFERENTIAL CALCULtlS.
tj — a = {x — b)^-\-{x— b)*
has a cusp at the point where the tangent is parallel to the axis of if.
Here the coefficient -~ becomes infinite for x = b, therefore the
ax
point to be examined is (6, a). Substituting 6 + ft for x, we have
y = a + h^ -\- h*.
For negative values of h this is imaginary, therefore the curve lies
entirely to the right of the ordinate y = a, so that the condition 1°
pertaining to a Hmit is fulfilled. To the right of this or-
dinate the two values of y, corresponding to a value of ft
ever so small, are both greater than y = a, so that the
condition 2° is not fulfilled, the point (6, a) is therefore
a cusp of the second kind, and posited as in the cut.
3. To determine the point of the curve whose equation is
{y — a-xy = {x — by,
at which the tangent is parallel to the axis of y.
The differential coefficient becomes infinite for x = b, therefore
the point to be examined is (6, a + 6). Substituting b -\- h for a:,
2/ = (a + 6) + ft* + ft,
^ negative values of ft render this imaginary, therefore the
*\^ condition 1° is .fulfilled; positive values give two values
3,
for y, and as ft may be taken so small that ft* may exceed
3
ft, and since, moreover, the two values of ft* are the one positive and
the other negative, it follows that the real ordinate contiguous to the
point has one value greater, and the other less, than that at the point
of contact ; hence the condition 2° is also fulfilled, and thus the point
marks the limit of the curve, which, therefore, lies to the right of the
ordinate, through x = b.
(117.) Having thus seen how to determine those cusps where the
branches touch an ordinate or abscissa, we shall now seek how to
discover those at which the tangent is oblique to the axes. The true
development of the ordinate contiguous to such a cusp must be of the
form
y'^'^h^ Aft"+Bft^ + &c.
ax
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
157
and the corresponding ordinate of the tangent will be
hence, subtracting this from the former, we have
A = A/i" + /3/i^ + &c.
(118.) Now in order that the pouxt (x', y') may be a cusp, this dif-
ference for a small value of h must have two values, and to be a cusp
of the first kind these two values must obviously have opposite signs ;
but since h may be so small that A^ may exceed the sum of all the
following terms, h must have two opposite values ; hence, a must
be a fraction with an even denominator, and, conversely, if a be a
fraction with an even denominator, the point {x', y') will be a cusp of
the first kuid. Hence, at such a point, -7^ is either or oo : if
/3 >2, and 00 if^ < 2.
(119.) In order that the cusp may be of the second kind, both
values of A must have the same sign there, for A cannot admit of
opposite values of the same value of h, consequently a must in this
case be either a whole number, or else a fraction with an odd denomi-
nator ; and conversely, if a be either a whole number, or a fraction
with an odd denominator, the point (x, y') will be a cusp of the second
kind, provided, of course, that A has two values. The position of the
branches will depend on the sign of A.
We shall now give an example or two.
(120.) 4. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
y =^ X ± x^
has a cusp.
Here y is possible for positive values of x, and imaginary for all
negative values ; hence there may he a cusp at the origin. To as-
certain this, put h for x, in the equation, and we have, for the con-
tiguous ordmate, the value
y = h ± h^.
I
158 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
/^X The coefficient of /i being 1 = -j-, we see that the tan-
gent to the curve at the origin is inclined at 45° to the
axes, and, since \ has an even denominator the origin is a cusp of the
first kind.
6. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
5
y — a = a? + hi? + cx^
has a cusp.
Here ?/ is imaginary for all negative values of .r, therefore the point
(0, a) nmy be a cusp. Substituting h for x, we have
t/ = o + /i + i/t' + cli^.
1^/ As before, the tangent is incUned at 45° to the axes,
and, since the exponent of the third term is a whole num-
ber, and the whole expression admits of two values, in
consequence of the even root \i^ , it follows that the proposed point
is a cusp of the second kind. The branches are situated to the right
of the axis of ?/, because h must be positive, and they are above the
tangent because h]^ is positive.
6. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
(2y + .T + \f= 2(1— x)**
has a cusp.
Here values of x greater than 1 are obviously inadmissible, and
to this value of x corresponds ?/ = — 1 ; hence the point having these
coordinates may be a cusp. Substituting 1 + fe for x, we have
therefore the tangent to the curve at the proposed point has the tri-
gonometrical tangent of its inclination to the axis of x equal to \ , and
since the fraction f has an even denominator, the point
is a cusp of the first kind. Because /i is negative, the
branches are to the left of the ordinate to the point which
\\ is below the axis of x, because this ordinate is negative.
Points of Inflexion.
(121.) Points of inflexion have been defined at (92), and we have
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 159
there shown that a point of this kind always exists when its abscissa
causes all the differential coefficients to vanish between the first and
the nih, provided the nth be odd and becomes neither nor go . The
simplest indication therefore of a point of inflexion is [-rj] — 0, and
[ -fj^] neither nor co ; such indications, however, cannot be fur-
nished by any point at which the tangent is parallel to the axis oft/,
since in this case [y^] and all the following coefficients become infi-
nite. Neither can these indications take place at any point, for which
Taylor's theorem fails after the third term. It becomes, therefore,
of consequence, in examining particular points of a curve, to be able
to detect the existence of points of inflexion by some general method,
independently of the diftcrential coefficients beyond the first. The
only general method of doing this is that which we have already em-
ployed for the discovery of cusps, and which consists simply in ex-
amining the course of the curve in the immediate vicinity and on each
side the point in question. Points of inflexion are somewhat similar
to cusps, each having some of the analytical characteristics common
to both, and to the limiting points of curves as already hinted at in
(114). But the characteristic property of a point of inflection is, that
the adjacent ordinates on each side are the one greater and the other
less than the ordinate at the point. This pecuharity distinguishes a
point of inflexion from a limit, inasmuch as at a limit
the ordinate immediately beyond is imaginary ; and
it distinguishes it from a cusp of the first kind, in-
asmuch as at such a cusp the adjacent ordinates
are either both greater or both less than at the point,
or else, as is the case when the tangent at the point is oblique to the
axes, one of these ordinates is imaginary, the other double. We have
then first to ascertain at what points of the curve inflexions may ex-
ist, or to find what points are given by the conditions
^ = Q =Oorcc,
or, which is the same thing, what points are given by the separate
conditions.
160 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
P = 0, Q = 0,
we are then, by examining the course of the curve in the vicinity of
each point, to determine to which of them really belongs the charac-
teristic of an inflexion.
Thus the means of distinguishing points of inflexion being sufli-
ciently clear, we shall proceed to a few examples.
EXAMPLES.
1. To determine whether the curve whose equatio n
y = b + {x — ay
has a point of inflexion where the tangent is parallel to the axis of a:.
Here
p' =zB(^x — ay,
and when the tangent is parallel to the axis oi" x, p' = 0, .: x = a
and 2/ = 6, at the proposed point. In the vicinity a; = a + A,
... ij = b + /i^
which is greater than b, the ordinate of the point when h is positive,
and less when h is negative ; the point (a, b) is therefore a point of
inflexion.
2. To determine whether the curve whose equation is y'^ = x^ or
5.
y = x^ has an inflexion at any point.
2 1.
3 * » i^ 3*3*
this becomes co for x = 0, therefore a point of inflexion may exist
at the origin. Putting h for x we have
y = h^,
which is greater than 0, the ordinate of the point, when h is positive,
and less when h is negative ; hence there is an inflexion at the ori-
gin. Also the equation of the tangent being
?/ = -I x^, the ordinates corresponding to x = ± h
are both less than those given by the above equa-
tion ; hence the curve lies above the tangent to the
right of the origin, and below it to the left, as in the
figure.
3. To determine whether the curve whose equation is
J
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 161
y — X = (x — a)^
has a point of inflexion
p' = i + f (a: — «)^p"=l•f (^ — «)"'
this becomes infinite for x = a, therefore a point of inflexion nwy
exist at the point (a, a). In the vicinity of this point x = a + ^i
.5.
.♦. 1/ = « + /i + h^t
which is greater than a when h is positive, and less
when h is negative ; hence (a, a,) is a point of in-
flexion. As the corresponding ordinates of the
tangent y = a ± h, one, viz. y = a -^ h, is less
than that of the curve, and the other greater ; hence
the curve bends, as in the figure.
On Curvilinear Asymptotes.
(122.) Two plane curves, having infinite branches, are said to be
asymptotes to each other, when they approach the closer to each
other as the branches are prolonged, but meet only at an infinite dis-
tance.*
Hence, since the expression for the difference of the ordinates cor-
responding to the same abscissa in two such curves becomes less
as the abscissa becomes greater, and finally becomes 0, when the
abscissa becomes co , it follows that that expression can contain
none but negative powers of x, without the addition of any con-
stant quantity. For, if a positive power of x entered the expres-
sion for the difference, that expression would become not but oo ,
when X = CO ; and, if there were a quantity independent of x, the dif-
ference would be reduced to this quantity, and not to 0, for x = 0,
Hence two curves are asymptotes to each other, when the general
expression for the difference of the ordinates corresponding to the
same abscissa is
A = A'x~" + B'x"^ + C'x"y + &c (1),
or when the general expression for the difference of the abscissas cor-
* Spirals meet their asymptotic circles only after an infinite number of revolu-
tions ; these we do not consider here, having examined them at (85).
21
162 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
responding to the same ordinate is
A = A'y~"' -\- B'y"^ + C'y~^ + &c (2),
and conversely, when the curves are asymptotes to each other ; one
or both these forms must have place.
If for one of the curves whose corresponding ordinates are sup-
posed to give the difference (1) there be substituted another, which
would reduce that difference to
B'x~l^ + C'x~'y + &c.
this new curve would be an asymptote to both, and would obviously,
throughout its course, continually approach nearer to that which it
has been compared to, than the one for which we have substituted it
does. In like manner, if a third curve would further reduce the dif-
ference (1) to
c'x~y + &c.
this third curve would approach the first still nearer, and all the four
would be asymptotes to each other. It appears, therefore, that every
curve of which the ordinate may be expanded into em expression of
the form
y = Aa^ + Bx* + . . . . A'x~"- + B'x~^ + &c (3).
admits of an infinite number of asymptotes.
Since the general expression for the ordinate of a straight line is
y = Ax + B, for the difference between this ordinate and that of a
curve at the point whose abscissa is x, to have the form (1), the equa-
tion of the curve must be
y = Ax + B+ A'x'"- + B'x~^ + &c (4),
this equation, therefore, comprehends all the curves that have a rec-
tilinear asymptote, and among them the common hyperbola, whose
equation is
y=±^{jp — Ay = zp -? a: q= i ABx"' + &c.
The curves included in the equation (4) are therefore called hyper-
bolic curves.
The other curves comprised in the more general equation (3), not
admitting of a rectilinear asymptote, are c^}ied parabolic curves.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
i6d
The common hyperbola we see by the above equation admits of
TJ
the two rectilinear asymptotes y = ± j- x, and of an infinite num-
ber of hyperbolic asymptotes.
As an example of this method of discovering rectilinear and cur-
viUnear asymptotes, let the equation
my'^ — xy^ = mx^
be proposed. The development of y in a series of descending powers
ofx is (Ex. 9, p. 62,)
y = — m r — &c.
•^ x^
therefore the curve has one rectilinear asymptote, parallel to the axis
of X, its equation being y = — wi ; the hyperbolic asymptote next to
this, and which lies closer to the curve, is of the fourth order, its
equation being
yx"^ + mx"^ + m'' = 0.
Again, let the equation of the proposed curve be
b
y ~
= bx-' + &c (1),
also, since
b^ b^
x^ -> a^ = — .-. .r = a + J- . — «-^ + &c (2).
if ^ a ^
From (I) it appears that the curve has a rectilinear asymptote, coin-
cident with the axis of x, its equation being ?/ = ; the hyperbola
whose asymptotes coincide with the axes is also an asymptote, its
equation being xy = 6. From (2) it appears that the curve has
another rectilinear asymptote, parallel to the axis ofy, its equation
being x = a ; the hyperbola next to this is of the third order. If we
consider the radical, in the proposed equation, to admit of either a
positive or a negative value, then there will be two rectilinear asymp-
totes, parallel to the axis of y and equidistant from it, as also two hy-
perbolic asymptotes, symmetrically situated between the axes.
164 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS,
SECTION III.
ON THE GENERAL THEORY OF CURVE SURFACES
AND OF CURVES OF DOUBLE CURVATURE.
CnilFTEH I.
ON TANGENT AND NORMAL PLANES.
PROBLEM I.
(123.) To determine the equation of the tangent plane at any point
on a curve surface.
Let (x'j y\ z',) represent any point on a curve surface of which the
equation is
z = F {x, y),
then the tangent plane will obviously be determined, when two linear
tangents through this point are determined. Let us then consider,
for greater simplicity, the two linear tangents respectively parallel to
the planes ofxz, zy ; their equations are
z — z' = a{x — x') \ ^ij^
} (2),
y = y
and
z — z' = b{y — y')
X = x'
But since these are tangents to the plane curves, which are the sec-
tions through {x', y', z\) parallel to the planes ofxz,zy, therefore (77)
dz , , dz'
Moreover the traces of the plane through the lines (1), (2), upon the
planes of xz, zy, being parallel to the lines themselves, a and b must
be the same in the traces as in these lines, and since they are the
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 165
same in the plane as in its traces, it follows that the equation of this
plane must be
z-2'=p'(x—x') + q'{y-y') .... (3),
in which the partial differential coefficients p', q', express the trigono-
metrical tangents of the inclinations of the vertical traces to the axes
of X and y respectively.
For the angle which the horizontal trace makes with the axis of a?
we have, by putting s = 0, in (3),
P'
tan. mc. ^.
(124.) If the equation of the surface is given under the form
u = F{x,y,z,)=0 . . . . (4),
then the expressions for the total differential coefficients derived from
tt, considered as a function, first of the single variable x, and then of
the single variable y, are (57)
.du^ du .du , _ f.
dx dx dz
,du _ du .du , _ -
^dy^ dy dz^
from which we get the values
du du
, dx , _ dy
du du
dz dz
hence, by substituting these expressions in (3), the equation for the
tangent plane becomes
/v <^M , , ,. du , , ,. du ^ ,^.
(.-.') 5^+ (.-.■) 3J+ fa-*') ^ = . . . . (5).
PROBLEM II.
(125.) To determine the equation of the normal line at any point
of a curve surface.
We have here merely to express the equation of a straight line,
perpendicular to the plane (3), and passing through the point of con-
tact (ar', y\ z'.)
^f''
+ q"
-q'
+ 1
Vf'
+ 9"
1
+ 1
16B THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
New the projections of this line must be perpendicular to the traces
of the tangent plane, or to the lines (1), (2,) hence the equations of
these projections must be
x — x'+p'{z — z')=0\
y — y' + q'{^ — ^') = o]
which together, therefore, represent the normal.
(126.) If we represent by a, /3, y, the inclinations of this line to
the axes of x, y, s, respectively, then {Anal. Geom.)
cos. a
COS. ^ =
COS. y ^^,2 + g'2 4- 1
(127.) If the equation of the surface be given under the form (4),
last problem, then, in these expressions for the inclinations, we must,
instead of p' and q', write their values as before determined from that
equation. If, for brevity, we put
_ 1
the expressions for the cosines will then be
du - du du
cos. a = V -r-, COS. p = 1) -r-, COS. y = t) -j-.
dx dy dz
As every plane which contains the normal Une must be perpendicular
to the tangent plane, it is obvious that there exists an infinite number
of normal planes to any point of a surface.
PKOBLEM III.
(128.) To determine the equation of the tangent line to any point
of a curve of double curvature.
We have already indicated {Anal. Geom.) how this equation is to
be determined :
Let
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 167
y=fx,Z = Fx .... (1)
be the equations of the projections of the proposed curve, on the
planes o£xy, xz, and let (»', y', z',) be the point to which the linear
tangent is to be drawn, which point will be projected into {x, y') emd
{x', z',) on the plane curves (1), therefore tangents through them to
these plane curves will be represented by the two equations
these, therefore, together represent the required tangent in space.
PROBLEM IV.
(129.) To determine the equation of the normal plane at any point
in a curve of double curvature.
The equation of any plane passing through a proposed point is
{Anal. Geom.)
A{x — x')-\-B{y-y') + C{z — z')=0 .... (1),
and for the traces of this plane on the planes of xy, xz, we have, by
putting in succession z = 0, y = 0, the equations
A C
z — z' = —-^{x — x)-)r-^y',
but since these two traces are respectively perpendicular to those
marked (2), last problem,
B , C _ ,
hence the equation (1) becomes
x — x'+p' {y _ 7/') + 5' (5 — 2') = . . . . (2),
which represents the normal plane sought.
168 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS^
GBAPTER ZX.
ON CYLINDRICAL SURFACES, CONICAL SURFACES,
AND SURFACES OF REVOLUTION.
(130.) These surfaces have been considered in the Analytical
Geometry, and the general equations of the two first classes have
been deduced, on the hypothesis that the directrix is always a plane
curve. We shall now suppose the directrix to be any curve situated
in space, and investigate the differential equations of these surfaces,
as also ©f surfaces of revolution in general.
Conical and Cylindrical Surfaces.
PROBLEM I.
To determine the equation of cylindrical surfaces in general.
Let the equations of the generating straight line be
"~ X = az -]- a \ ( a = X — az ,-v
y = bz+ ^] •*• \^=y — bz'''' ^*^'
and the equations of any curve in space considered as the directrix,
F{x,y,z)=0,f{x,y,z)=0 .... (2).
Now for every point in this directrix, all these equations exist
simultaneously ; moreover, the constants a, 6, are fixed, since the
inclination of the generating line does not vary, but the constants
a, ^, are not fixed, since the position of the generating lines does
vary. If, then, we eUminate x, y, z, from the above equations, there
will enter, in the resulting equation, only the constants a, 6, and the
indeterminates a, /3, hence, solving this equation, for /3 we shall get
a result of the form (3 = (pa; consequently, if we now substitute in
this the values of a and /3 given above, in terms of x, y, z, we shall
have this general relation among these variables, viz.
y — bz = cp (x — az) = . . . . (3),
which is the equation of cylindrical surfaces in general, the function
' * ' ^ ■'*
R= — =C
These are called the principal radii of curvature at the proposed
point, and the sections themselves the principal sections through that
point.
(167.) If we know the principal radii and the inclination
0, and contrary signs if r'i' — s'^ <
; this last condition, therefore, exists in the case just considered.
(162.) We shall terminate these remarks by showing that a para-
boloid of the second order may always be found, such that its vertex
being applied to any point in any curve surface, the normal sections
through that point shall have the same curvature for both surfaces.
For, take the planes of the principal sections for those of ar, yz,
then the radii of these sections being R, r we know that a paraboloid,
whose vertex is at the origin, will in reference to the same axes be
represented by the equation {Anal. Geom.)
r and R being the semi-parameters of the sections of the paraboloid
on the planes of xz, yz. Now the equation of a normal section of
this paraboloid, by a plane whose inclination to that of X2 is
. . • . (A).
dx" dy' h^ J
188 THE DIFPERENTIAL CALCULUS.
The coordinates {x, y, z,) of the intersection of the proposed nonnals
will be obtained by the combination of the four equations (1) and (3)
in terms of x\ y' z', which are fixed, and of the increments k, h.
But from four equations three unknowns may be always ehminated,
and the result of this elimination will be an equation between the
other quantities ; hence then there exists a constant relation between
the increments k, h, when the normals intersect, these increments are
therefore dependent; consequently the y, x, of which these are the
increments, must be dependent ;* therefore when the normals are
consecutive, that is, when ^ = 0, the equations (3) become
dA dA dy' _
dx' dy' ' dx' i r„,v
dB dB_ 4^
dxf dy' ' dx'
:\-
or, by substituting for A and B their values (1),
1 + P' ( P' + 9' ■^) + (=' - ») Cr' + »■ -^j = . . . . (4),
from which, eliminating zf — 2, we have the following equation for
• . dy'
determmmg -^7
((1 + q'^) S' -p'q't') ^ + ((1 + q") r'-il+ r)t') g- -
(1 +p'=)s'+p'gV = . . . (6).
This being a quadratic equation furnishes two values for — the
tangent of the incUnation of the projection of the line of curvature
through {x', y', 2'), on the plane of x?/ to the axis of x. Hence, there
are two directions in which lines of curvature can be drawn through
any proposed point, and if in (6) we substitute for p', q', &c. their
general values in functions of x, y, that equation will then be the dif-
ferential equation which belongs to the projections of every pair of
* If this should appear doubtful to the student, its truth may be shown by re-
moving the axes of a;, y, to the proposed point, in which position k, h, will be the
variable coordinates of the line of curvature, and these will merely take a constant
when the axes are replaced in their first position.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULrS. 189
lines of curvature ; so that every line on a curve surface which at all
its points satisfies this equation, will be a line of curvature.
(166.) Between every pair of lines of curvature there exists a very
remarkable relation : it is that they are always at right angles to each
other. To prove this it will only be necessary to place the coordi-
nate planes, which have hitherto been arbitrary, so that the plane of
xy may coincide with, or at least be parallel to, the tangent plane at
the point to be considered, in which case p' and q' are both 0, and,
consequently, the equation (6) becomes
^ + tzzl ^_i^0 ..(7)
do^ ^ s' ' dx " • • • • UJ.
therefore, calling the two roots or values of -r^, tan. (p and tan. 9', we
have, by the theory of equations,
tan. 6 tan. d' = — 1,*
which proves that the projections of the two lines of curvature through
the origin, are perpendicular to each other, and consequently the lines
themselves are perpendicular to each other.
Moreover, the equation (7), if divided by-^^ = tan.^ 5 becomes
identical to equation (6), page 183, which determines the inclinations
of the principal sections ; hence, the lines of curvature through any
point, always touch the sections of greatest and least curvature at that
point. Also, in the same hypothesis, with respect to the disposition
of the coordinate planes 2' = 0, therefore the equation (4) or (6)
gives
1 tan. d
r' + s tan. a s' + /' tan. &
but if the plane of X2 coincide Avith a plane of principal section, it
will, as we have just seen, touch the line of curvature, and then ^ = 0,
so that
1 1
r t
and these are precisely the expressions found at (152), for the two
radii of curvature of the principal sections at the proposed point, in
♦ Since tangent f and tangent ^' are the roots of equation, (7), and — 1 is
their product, recollecting that tangent X cot. = radius' = 1, whence 0' is the
complement of '
The last equation is that of a plane, passing through the point (a,
(pa), or centre of the sphere ; it is, moreover, perpendicular to the tan-
gent to the curve (1) at this point, for the equation of this tangent is
(/3' — (3) = (p'a ((pa' — (pa),
and that above is
t,_'^+9'^ + p"(y-^)+9"(z-7)=0 (5),
mp" + nq" = . . . . (6).
All these six conditions, therefore, must exist for the contact at the
point {x, y, 2,) in the proposed curve to be of the second order ; and
as the equations (1), (2), of the touching curve, contain six disposable
constants, viz. a, f3, y, r, m, n, all these conditions may be fulfilled,
but no more ; hence, the circle, determined agreeably to these con-
ditions,'will touch the proposed curve more intimately than any other,
that is, it will be the osculating circle. From equations (4) and (6)
we get
(/' p"
m = , » = ~ ,
q'p" — p' q" q'p" — p'q"
hence, equation (2) becomes
x — a + ^-^ — {y — 13) — -^^ — (^z — y)= 0,
IP —pq qp —pq
or
^-y- ^'^"T^"^" (^-a)+^(y-/3) (7)
hence, the three conditions (2), (4), (6), determine the plane of the
osculating circle, and which is called the osculating plane, through
the proposed point {x, y, z.) Equation (7) then represents this
plane.
For the coordinates of the centre of the osculating circle we have^
from equations (1), (2), (3),
(np — mq') r „ (n — o') r
^-"^ M ^y-^ = M—^
_ {m — p')r
where M is put for the expression
x/ \ {np — mq'f + (w — qf + (m — p'Y\.
Substituting these values in (5) we have, for the radius of the oscu-
lating circle,
(1 -t- p'^ + 9"=) M
{n — q')p"—{m—p)q;''
Hence, putting for m and n the values already deduced, and restoring
the value of M, we have
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 221
{i+P^ + q-'r
V \p"^ + g "' + {p'q — qfYY
B = v4- (1 + p'^ 4- r) \f—p' {p'p" + q'q ") \
y = - + (!+?' + g'') |g" — q (p'p" + q'q ") \
p"' + q"+ ip'q'-q'p'r
(202.) The expression for r may be rendered more general, by-
considering the independent variable as arbitrary ; in which case we
have (66),
„ ^ {dry) {dx) — {(Px) (dtj) „ _ jdFz) (dx) — (fe) (dz)
^ {d^^ ' ^ {dxf •
Also (198)
{dxY ^^P ^ '^ '
hence, making these substitutions in the above expression, we have
((?5)»
*"" V \ (dx) {dh))-(ily)(a^)\'+(dz)(a-^x)-{dx) {a^z)\'+{dy) («^2)- (rfs) (ct^y) f |
(203.) If it were required to determine the circle having contact
of the first order, merely with the proposed curve, only the conditions
(1), (2), (3), (4), must be satisfied; the conditions (2),. (4), deter-
mine the plane of this circle, that is the tangent plane, but as the
condition (4) leaves one of the constants m, n, arbitrary, the tangent
plane is not fixed, but may take an infinite variety of positions ; but
as it must necessarily pass through the linear tangent, which is fixed,
it follows that a plane through this, and revolving round it, is a tan-
gent plane in every position, in one of which it touches the curve
with a contact of the second order, and thus becomes the osculating
plane.
(204.) There is another method of determining the equation of
the osculating plane, very generally employed by French authors ;
they consider a curve of double curvature to have, at every point, two
consecutive elements, or infinitely small contiguous arcs in the same
plane, but not more, the plane of these elements being the osculating
222 THE DIFFEREJfTIAL CALCULUS.
plane at the point. The process, then, is to assume the equation of
a plane through the point
x — x'-\-m{y—y')-^n{z — z') = 0.... (1),
and to subject it to the condition of passing also through the points
{x + dx', y' + dy', z' + dz%
and
X + Idx' + d\v, y' + 2%' + dhj , z' + 2dz' + d^z'.
Such a process, the student will at once perceive to be exceedingly
exceptionable ; for besides the vague notion attached to the infinitely
small consecutive arcs, the expressions x + dx, y + dy, and the like,
mean no more in the language of the differential calculus, than x, y,
&c., for dx, dy, &c. are not infinitely small, but absolutely 0, as we
have all along been careful to impress on the mind of the student.
The process is, however, susceptible of improvement thus : suppose
the plane (1) passing through one point {x',y',z') of the curve passes
also through a second point, of which the abscissa is a?' + A x', where
Ax' means the increment of x, then substituting x -\- A x' for x', the
equation (1) becomes
X — x ■\- m {tj — y) + n {z — z') — (Aa?' + inAy + wAs')
= . . (2),
which, in virtue of (1), is the same as
Ax' -j- mAy' + nAz' = 0,
or
Ay' . Az
Suppose now that these two points merge into one, that is, let
Ax' = 0, then
• > + "'|- + »^ = ----(«);
hence the plane becomes determinable by the conditions (1), (3).
Again, let this plane pass through a third point, x + Ax', then sub-
stituting this for x in both the equations (1), (3), they will furnish the
additional condition
dy' , dz'
THE' DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 223
hence, dividing by Ax', and supposing this third point to coincide with
the former, that is, supposing Ax' = 0, we have the new condition
The equations (3) and (4), determine m and n, and thence the
plane (1 ), which is such as to pass through but one point of the curve,
and at the same time to be so placed that the most minute variation
from this position will cause it to pass through three points of the
curve.
(205.) By whatever process the osculating plane is determined,
the radius of the osculating circle may be easily found from consider-
ations different from those at (201). For, as the linear tangent to
the curve, must also be tangent to the osculating circle, it follows
that the centre of this circle must be on the normal plane, as well as
on the osculating plane ; it must, therefore, lie in the line of intersec-
tion of this normal plane, with its consecutive normal plane ; hence,
if this line be determined, the combination of its equation with that
of the osculating plane, will give the point sought. Now (189) the
line of intersection of consecutive normal planes is
x — x'-^-p' {y—y')+q' {z — z') = \
p" iy — y') + q" i^ — ^') —p" — q"-i = oi
therefore, the centre is to be determined by combining these equa-
tions with that of the osculating plane, viz.
being precisely the samfe equations as those employed before, for the
same purpose. If the origin be at the point, and the tangent be the
axis of ar, then x', y', z',p', q', are each ; therefore, the equations of
the line of intersection are
q" . 1
X = 0,y = —2-z +— ,
and the equation of the osculating plane
p"z-q"y = 0;
this, therefore, is perpendicular to the line of intersection. {AncU.
Geom.)
(206.) The expressions in (201) for the coordinates of the centre
224 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
of the osculating circle will become very simple by introducing the
substitutions furnished by art. (202); the results of these substitutions
will be
the independent variable being s. (See JVote D.)
PROBLEM II.
(207.) To determine the centre and radius of spherical curvature
at°any point in a curve of double curvature.
We are here required to determine a sphere in contact with the
proposed curve at a given point, such that a line on its surface in the
direction of the proposed may in the vicinity of the point be closer to
the curve than if any other sphere were employed. In the direction
of the curve the z and the y of the sphere must be both functions of
X, so that the equation of the sphere is resolvable into two, corres-
ponding to the equations (2) art. (199), which two equations belong
to the curve which osculates the proposed. The actual resolution of
the equation into two is obviously unnecessary ; it will be sufficient
in that equation to consider x as the only independent variable.
The general equation of a sphere is
{x — ay+ {y—^y- + {z — yy = r' .... (1),
and the particular sphere required will be that whose constants are
determined from the following differential equations :
x — a + p'{y — l3) + q'{z — y) = . . . . (2)
P" {y-(3) + q" {z-y) + l-\-p"+q" = (3)
p'" (!/ - /3) + q'" (^ - 7) + 3 W + "/3 + q"y = 1, p'"/3 + q"'y = 0,
_ q" _ p'"
*'• ^ ~ p"q"' —f'q'"'^ ~ q"p"' — q''p" '
TttE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULVll. 225
iience, by substitution in (1),
r
^/ p"'a + q'"-
p"q"'-9"p"'
(208.) We already know that if to every point in a curve of double
curvature normal planes be drawn, the intersections of these planes
with the consecutive normal planes will be the characteristics of the
developable surface which they generate, and the intersection of any
characteristic with the consecutive characteristic will be a point in
the edge of regression, corresponding to the given point on the pro-
posed curve. Now equation (2) above being that of the normal
plane, this point is determined by precisely the same equations (2),
(3), (4), as determine the centre of spherical curvature, these points,
therefore, are one and the same, as might be expected ; hence the
locus of the centres of spherical curvature forms the edge of regres-
sion of the developable surface generated by the intei sections of the
consecutive normals. If then by means of one of the equations of
the proposed curve and the three equations of condition mentioned
we eliminate x, y, z, and then perform the same elimination by means
of the other equation of the curve and the same conditions, we shall
obtain two resulting equations in a, ^, y, which will be the equations
of the edge of regression.
PROBLEM III.
(209.) To determine the points of inflexion in a curve of double
curvature.
Since a curve of double curvature as its name implies has curva-
ture in two directions, if at any point its curvature in one direction
changes from concave to convex the point is called a point of simple
inflexion. But if at the same point there is also a like change of
curvature in the other direction, the point is then said to be one of
double inflexion. In other words, if but one projection of the tan-
gent crosses the projected curve the point is one of simple inflexion,
but if the tangent cross the curve in both projections then the point is
one of double inflexion. As in plane curves the teuigent line has
contact one degree higher at a point of inflexion, so here the contact
of the osculating plane is one degree higher. Hence, at such a
point besides the conditions in (201) which fix the osculating plane,
29
226 THE DIFFEREKTIAL CALCULUS.
we must at a point of simple inflexion have the additional condition
arising from differentiating (6), viz.
mp'" + nq" = 0.
Eliminating — from this and equation (6) vi^e have
p"q"' - q"p"%
which condition renders the expression for the radius of spherical
curvature at the point infinite, as it ought.* Unless, therefore, this
condition exist, the point cannot be one of inflexion ; but the point
for which the condition holds may be one of inflexion, yet to deter-
mine this the curve must be examined in the vicinity of the point.
As to points of double inflection,, it is evident from what has
been said (121) with respect to plane curves that such points must
fulfil the conditions
p" = or CO , g" = or CO ,
and these render the radius r of absolute curvature infinite or 0.
Evolutes of Curves of Double Curvature.
(210.) In speaking of the evolutes of plane curves we observed
(103,) that the evolute of any plane curve was such that if a string
* The French mathematicians consider a point of simple inflexion to be that at
which three consecutive elements of the curve lie in the same plane. In a recent
publication from the university of Cambridge the author has attempted to deduce
the above equation of condition, by viewing the point of inflexion after the manner
of the French. He has however confounded the consecutive elements of a curve
with what the same writers term consecutive points ; moreover, after having estab-
lished the conditions necessaiy for the plane
z = Aa; + Bj/ + C,
passing through one point (r, j/, r,) in the curve, to pass also through two points
consecutive to this, viz. the conditions
^=A + B^.|^=A+Bf?i
dx ax ' ax ax
where y„ z„ belong to one of tlie consecutive points, it is inferred that
dx^ dx^' dx^ dx^
an inference which is quite unwarrantable, and which cannot exist unless the plane
pass through/owr consecutive points instead of three.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 227
were wrapped round it and continued in the direction of its tangent
till it reached a point in the involute curve, the unwinding of this string
would cause its extremity to describe the involute. But besides the
plane evolute hitherto considered, there are numberless curves of
double curvature round which the string might be wound and con-
tinued in the direction of a tangent till it reached the involute, which
would equally, by unwinding, describe this involute ; and generally
every curve, whether plane or of double curvature, has an infinite
number of evolutes, as we are about now to show.
(211.) If through the centre of a circle, and perpendicular to its
plane, an indefinite straight line be drawn, and any point whatever
be taken in this line, then it is obvious that this point will be equally
distant from every point in the circumference of the circle, so that, if
a line be drawn from it to the circumference, this line, in revolving
round the perpendicular under the same angle, will describe the cir-
cumference. Such a point is called a pole of the circle, so that every
circle has an infinite number of poles, the locus of which is determined
when the places of any two are given.
(212.) Now, as respects curves of double curvature, we have seen
that the centre of the circle of absolute curvature corresponding to
any point is in the line where the normal at this point is intersected by
its consecutive normal, the centre itself being that point in this line
where it pierces the osculating plane, which (205) is the plane drawn
through the tangent line perpendicular to this line of intersection, or
characteristic ; hence the characteristic corresponding to any point
in the curve is the locus of the poles of curvature at that point, and
the intersection of this characteristic, with the perpendicular to it from
the corresponding point of the curve, is that particular pole which is
the centre of absolute curvature, the perpendicular itself being the
radius.
As the locus of the poles corresponding to any point is no other
than the characteristic, the locus of all the poles corresponding to all
the points of the curve must be the locus of all the characteristics,
and therefore (190) a developable surface.
(213.) Suppose now through any point, P, of the curve a normal
plane is drawn of indefinite extent, the characteristic or line of polef>
corresponding to the point will be in this plane ; let, therefore, any
straight line be drawn from P to intersect this line of poles in the point
228 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
Q, and be continued indefinitely. If this normal plane be conceived
to move, so that, while P describes the proposed curve, the plane
continues to be normal, the characteristic will undergo a correspond-
ing motion, and will generate the developable surface corresponding
to the curve described by P, and this motion of the characteristic will
cause a corresponding motion of the point Q, not only in space, but
along the arbitrary line from P, which has no motion in the moving
plane. As, therefore, Q moves along the characteristic successive
portions QQ' of the line, PQ will apply themselves to the surface
which the moveable characteristic generates, and there form a curve
to which always the unapplied portion QP is a tangent. Now the
normal plane being in every position tangent to the surface through-
out the whole length of the characteristic, it is obvious that, in the
above generation of this surface, nothing more in effect has been done
than the bending of the original normal plane, supposed flexible, into
a developable surface. If, therefore, we now perform the reverse
operation, that is, if we unbend the normal plane, the point P will de-
scribe the curve of double curvature, and the curve QQ' traced on
the developable surface will become the straight line PQ ; so that the
curve of double curvature may be described by the unwinding of a
string wrapped about the curve Q'Q, and continued in the direction
QP of its tangent, till it reaches the point P in the proposed curve.
It follows, therefore, that the curve Q'Q is an evolute of the curve of
double curvature proposed, and, moreover, that, as the line PQ ori-
ginally drawn was quite arbitrary, the proposed curve has an infinite
number of evohdes situated on the developable surface, which is the
locus of the poles of the proposed ; hence the locus of the poles is the
locus of the evolutes.
If the original line PQ be perpendicular to the corresponding line
of poles or characteristic, then, since this characteristic moves in the
moving plane while PQ remains fixed, PQ cannot continue to be per-
pendicular to the characteristic ; but the radius of absolute curvature
is always perpendicular to the characteristic, this radius therefore
cannot continue to intersect the characteristic in the point Q, so that
the locus of the centres of absolute curvature is not one of the evolutes
of the proposed curve,
(214.) Should the curve which we have all along considered of
double curvature be plane, then, indeed, since the characteristics are
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 229
^11 parallel, and perpendicular to the plane of the cun'e, the line PQ
once perpendicular will be always perpendicular to the chajacteristic,
so that then Q will coincide with the centre of curvature, PQ being
no other than the radius of curvature, the locus of the centres being
the plane evolute before considered. But when PQ is not drawn per-
pendicular to the original characteristic, but is inclined to it at an an-
gle a, then it always preserves this inclination during the generation
of the cylindrical surface which is the locus of the poles,^ therefore
every curvilinear evolute of a plane curve is a helix described on the
surface of the cyUnder, which is the locus of the poles of the plane
curve.
Every curve traced on the surface of a sphere, has, for the locus of
its evolutes, a conical surface whose vertex is at the centre of the
sphere ; because the normal planes to the curve being also normal
planes to the spheric surface, all pass through the centre.
(215.) From what has now been said, it is obvious that if from any
point in a curve a line be drawn to touch the developable surface which
is the locus of its poles, and its prolongation be wound about the sur-
face without twisting,* it will trace one of the evolutes, and, as the
string may be drawn to touch the surface in every possible direction,
it follows that every developable line on the surface will be an evo-
lute. If the curve be plane, the evolutes are all on the cylindrical
surface whose base is the plane evolute.
As obviously a developable line is the shortest on the surface that
can join its extremities, it follows that the shortest distance between
two points of an evolute measured on the surface is the arc of that
evolute between them.
PROBLEM IV.
(216.) Having given the equations of a curve of double curvature
to determine those of any one of its evolutes.
All the evolutes of the curve being on the same developable sur-
* This is what I understand Nonge to mean, when he says {Jlpp. de VAncd. de
Gdom. p. 348,) "si I'on plie librement sur cette surface le prolongement de cette
tangente." It seems not improper to call such lines placed on a developable sur-
face developable lines, and those which form curves on the developed surface hoist.
ed lines. Of these two species of lines all the former are evolutes, but none of the
latter are.
230 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
face, the equation of this surface must be common to them all, and
we have already seen (194) how the equation of the surface is to be
determined, so that it only remains to find for each evolute a particu-
lar equation which distinguishes it from all the others, and determines
its course on the developable surface. In order to this let us consi-
der that each evolute must be such that the prolongation of its tan-
gent at any point always cuts the involute, or, which is the same
thing, the tangent to the projection of the evolute at any point passes
through the corresponding point in the projection of the evolute ;
therefore, considering the plane of xy as that of projection, we have,
for the tangent at any point {x', y') in the projected evolute,
and, since the same line passes through a point {x, y,) in the project-
ed involute, its equation is also
Y — y' = yLz:yfx — x')
,.,M. - v'—y .
dx' x' — ar '
hence, combining this equation with that of the developable surface,
determined agreeably to the process pointed out in article, 194, and
eliminating x, y being a given function of x^ we shall have two equa-
tions in x\ y', z', of which one will contain partial differential coeffi-
cients of the first order, and which together will represent all the evo-
lutes. To find that particular one which is fixed by any proposed
condition, it will be necessary to discover, by the aid of the integral
calculus, the primitive equation from which the differential equation
mentioned is deducible ; this primitive equation will involve an arbi-
trary constant, whose value may be fixed by the proposed condition,
and thus the equations of the particular evolute will be determined.
We shall terminate this section by subjoining a few miscellaneous
propositions.
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 231
CHAFTER VII.
MISCELLANEOUS PROPOSITIONS.
PROPOSITION I.
(217.) To prove that the locus of all the linear tangents at any
point of a curve surface is necessarily a plane.
This property we have hitherto assumed ; it may, however, be de-
monstrated as follows :
Let the equation of any curve surface be
« =/(^'2/) • • • • (1)'
X and y being the independent variables.
Through any given point on this surface let any curve be traced,
then, the projection of this curve on the plane of xy will be represented
by
y = (px . . . . (2),
which will equally represent the projecting cylinder ; hence the com-
bination of the equations (1), (2), completely determines the curve,
and its projection on the plane of a;^ may be found by eliminating y
from these equations ; the result of this elimination will be the equa-
tion
z=f{x,C!)x)=-^x.... (3),
therefore, since the linear tangent in space is projected into tangents
to these two curves (2), (3), its equations must be
— X) \
— x'))
where a;', ?/', 2', are the coordinates of the proposed point on the sur-
face. Now —7— is the total differential coefficient derived from the
ax
function s = / (a?, t/), in which y is considered as a function of x given
by the equation (2), that is
233 TUB DIFFERBNTIAI. CALCULUS.
d^x _ cdz^ __ ^ ^ , d(px
ITx te« ~^ ' ^ dT'
hence, by substitution, the equations of the tangent in space become'
y—y --rfT"^''— "^^i
.-.' = ip' + ,''£)ix-x')]""^'^'
Now, to obtain the locus of the tangents whatever be the curve through
the point {x', tj', z'), we must eliminate the function (par, on which alone
the nature of the curve depends. Executing then this elimination by
means of the equations (4) and there results for the required locus
the equation
z—z' =-.p' (^x — x') + q'(y — y'),
which is that of a plane.
PROPOSITION II.
(218.) Given the algebraic equation of a curve surface to deter-
mine whether or not the surface has a centre.
That point is called the centre which bisects all the chords drawn
through it, so that if the equation of the surface is satisfied for any
constant values x\ y\ z', it will equally be satisfied for the same val-
ues taken negatively, that is, for — x', — y', — z', provided the ori-
gin of coordinates be placed at the centre, so that if no point exists
for the origin of coordinates, in reference to which the equation
f{x,rj,z,) =
of the surface remains the same whether the signs of the variables be
assumed all + or all — , then we may conclude also that no centre
exists.
The mode of proceeding, therefore, is to assume the indeterminates
x^, J/,, 2 , for the coordinates of the unknown centre, and to transport
the origin of the axes to that point by substituting in the equation of
the surface x -]- x^,y + y, z + 2 , for x, y, 2. This done we may
readily deduce equations of condition which will give the proper val-
ues of X, j/^, 2,, if a centre exists, or will show, by their incongruity,
that the surface has no centre. Thus, suppose the equation of the
surface is of an even degree, then we must equate to the coefficients'
THE DIFFERENTIAL. CALCULUS.
of all the odd powers and combinations of x, y, z, since the terms into
which these enter would change signs when the variables change
signs : we obtain in this way the equations of condition. If the equa-
tion of the surface be of an odd degree, then we must equate to zero
the coefficients of all the even powers and combinations of a*, ?/, 2 ; so
that only odd powers and combinations may effectively enter the
equation, for then whether the variables be all + or all — the function
f(x, y, s,) will still be 0.
Now the differential calculus furnishes us at once with the means
of obtaining the several expressions which we must equate to zero
without actually substituting x -{- x^,y+ y,? 2: + z^, for x, y, z, in the
equation of the surface. For if we conceive these substitutions made
in the function /(a?, »/, z), we may consider the result as arising from
^/' !//' ^/» taking the respective increments x, y, z, and we know that
every such function may by Taylor's theorem be developed accord-
ing to the powers and combinations of the increments, and that the
several terms of the development consist each of the partial differen-
tial coefficients of the preceding term, the first being/ (a:^, ?/^, zj.
Hence, if the coefficients of the first powers of x, y, z, are to be re-
spectively zero, then we have to equate to zero each of the partial
coefficients derived from u^ = /(^,» y,» «,>) = 0, or, which is the same
thing, from u=f{x^ y, z,) = the proposed equation ; if the coeffi-
cients of the second powers and combinations of x, y, z, are to be ren-
dered each 0, then we shall have to equate to zero each partial coef-
ficient derived from again differentiating, and so on.
As an illustration of this, let the general equation of surfaces of the
second order
Ar' + Ay -\- A"z' + 2Byz + 2B'zx + 2B"xi/ ) _ ^ _ ,,
+ 2Cx + 2C'y + 2C"z + E J -"-«... (1)
be proposed, then the degree of the equation being even, the coeffi-
cients of the odd powers of the variables in the equation arising from
putting X -\r x^, y -\r y^fZ -\- z^, for x, y, z, are to be equated to 0, and
as the equation is but of the second degree, these odd powers will be
of the first ; hence we have merely to equate the first partial differen-
tial cofficients to 0, that is
30
234 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
^ = Ax + B'z + B"y + C = ^
^ = A'v + Bz + B"x + C = V . . . (2).
dy
^ = M'z + B'z + B« + C" =
dz ^
The values of x, y, 2, deduced from these equations are the coordi-
nates x^yy^, 2 , of the centre. These values may be represented by
_N' _N' _N"
^ - D ' ^' ~ D ' ^' ~ D *
where
D = AB'' 4- AB"" + A"B"2 — AAA" — 2BB'B",
so that the surface has a centre if D is not 0, but if D = and the
numerators all finite, the surface has no centre, and, lastly, if D =
and either of the numerators, also 0, then the surface has an infinite
number of centres, and is, therefore, cylindrical.
The equations of condition (2) are the same as those at page
of the Analytical Geometry.
PROPOSITION III.
(219.) To determine the equation of the diametral plane in a sur-
face of the second order which will be conjugate to a given system
of parallel chords.
Let the inclinations of the chords to the axes be a, /3, y, then the
equations of any one will be
x = mz -]r p^y = nz-\- q . . . . (1),
where
cos. a cos. ^
m = , n = .
cos. y cos. y
For the points common to this hne and the surface we must combine
this equation with equation (1) last proposition, and we shall have a
result of the form
Rz^ + Ss -f T = . . . . (2),
which equation will furnish the two values of 2 corresponding to the
two extremities of the diameter, and therefore half the sum of these
values will be the z of the middle, that is,
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. [ 285
2 = — ^.•. 2R2==S + . . . . (3),
which is obviously the differential coefficient derived from (2), or,
which is the same thing, the total differential coefficient derived from
( 1 ) last proposition, in which x and y are functions of z given by the
equations (1). This differential coefficient is, therefore,
dtt. du dx du dy du
dz* dx dz dy dz dz
du , du , du
= m—-\-n — + -j- = Q,.... (4 ,
dx dy dz
where p and 5, the only quantities which vary with the chord, are
eliminated ; hence, this last equation represents the locus of the mid-
dle points of the chords or the diametral surface, and it is obviously
a plane.
By actually effecting the differentiations indicated in equation (4)
upon the equation (1) last proposition, we have for the equation of the
required diametral plane,
m (Ax + B'z + B"y + C) + n (A'^ + Bs + B"x + C)
+ A"z + Br/ + Bx + C" = 0,
or
(Am + B' + B"n) x + (A'n + B + B"m) y +
(A" + Bn-I- B'm) z + Cm -f C'n + C" = 0.
PROPOSITION IV.
(220.) A straight line moves so that three given points in it con-
stantly rest on the same three rectangular planes ; required the sur-
face which is the locus of any other point in it.
Let the proposed planes be taken for those of the coordinates, and
let the coordinates of the generating point be x,y, z, and the invaria-
ble distances of this point from the three points resting on the planes
of yz, xz, and xy, X, Y, Z. The coordinates of these three points
will be
In the plane of yz, 0, y\ z'
xz, x", 0, z"
xy,x'",y"'0.
X
y — y' _
Y Z
y -y — y'"
X
z~z'
z
Y Z
— z" z
236 THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
Then, since the parts of any straight line are proportional to their
projections on any plane, each part having the same inclination to it,
it follows that if we project successively each of the parts X, Y, Z,
on the three coordinate planes, we shall have the relations
. . (1).
X Y Z
But the part X of the moveable straight line comprised between the
generating point {x, y, z,) and the point (0, r/,, z^,), resting on the plane
of y, z, has for its length the expression
or
J2 X^ ^ X'' • • • • ^^'
but from the equations (1)
!/ — !/' _ y z — z' _ z_
X Y ' X Z ' .
hence, by substitution, (2) becomes
\. ^— -\- =1
X*" Y^ 2^ '
consequently, the surface generated is always of the second order.
The surface would still be of the second order if the three directing
planes were oblique instead of rectangular,as is shown by JVf. Dupin,
in his Developpements, p. 342, whence the above solution is taken.
PROPOSITION V.
(221.) To determine the line of greatest inclination through any
point on a curve surface.
The property which distinguishes the line of greatest inclination
through any point is this, viz. that at every point of it the linear tan-
gent makes with the horizon a greater angle than any other tangent
to the surface drawn through the same point of the curve. Now, a»
all the linear tangents through any point are in the tangent plane ta
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 237
the surface at that point, that one which is perpendicular to the trace
of the tangent plane will necessarily be the shortest, and therefore
approach nearest to the perpendicular, that is, it will form a greater
angle with the horizon than any of the others. We have, therefore^
to determuie the curve to which the linear tangent at every point i»
always perpendicular to the horizontal trace of the tangent plane ta
the surface through the same point, or, which is the same thing, the
projection of the linear tangent on the plane ofxy must be perpen-
dicular to the trace of the tangent plane.
Now the equation of the projection of the linear tangent at any
point is
and, by putting z = in the equation of the tangent plane, we have
for the trace in the plane of xy the equation
— z'=p'{x—x')+q'{y-y'),
and, since these two lines are to be always perpendicular to each
other, we must have throughout the curve the general condition.
dx p' ' dx "
p' and q' being derived from the equation of the surface ; so that the
values of these being obtained in terms of x and y, and substituted in
the equation just deduced, the result will be the general differential
equation belonging to the projection of every curve of greatest inclina-
tion that can be drawn on the proposed surface. To determine that
passing through a particular point, or subject to a particular condition,
we must, by help of the integral calculus, determine the general
primitive equation from which the above is deducible, this primitive
will involve an arbitrary constant which may be fixed by the proposed
condition, and thus the particular line be represented.
PROPOSITION VI.
(222.) The six edges of any irregular tetraedron or triangular
pyramid are opposed two by two, and the nearest distance of two op-
posite edges is called breadth; so that the tetraedron has three
238
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
breadths and four heights. It is required to demonstrate that in every
tetraedron the sum of the reciprocals of the squares of the breadths is
equal to the sura of the reciprocals of the squares of the heights.
Let the vertex of the tetraedron be taken for the origin of the rec-
tangular coordinates, and let also one of the faces coincide with the
plane of xz, then the coordinates of the three comers of the base will
be
0, 0, 2', I x", 0, z", I x"\ y"\ 2'\
and the equations of the three edges terminating in the vertex will be
y =
X
y =
X
_2/"
s»
y = "^''-
Now the perpendicular distance between each of these edges and the
opposite edge of the base will evidently be equal to the perpendicular
-demitted from the origin on a plane drawn through the latter edge*
and parallel to the former. Hence, denoting the three planes through
the edges of the base by
Arr + Bt/ + Cz = 1 I Ex + Fy + Gz = 1 I la; + Ky + L2 = 1,
they must be drawn so as to fulfil the conditions (See Jlnal. Geom.)
Gz =1
Ea;"'+F«/"'+G2"' = l
Ex" +Gs"=0
dz =1
Ax" +C2"=1
Ax""+By"'+Cz"'=0
These conditions fix the following values for A, B, C, &c., viz
Ix" +Lz"=l
Ix"'+Kj/"' + L2"'=l
Lz' =0
- A--4
z ' x"
X z
X y z X y
x"'z"
y z
G = ir, E = _-4-,,F=4 +
z x z y X y z
L = 0, 1 = 4, K
y z
Hence, calling the breadths B, B', B", we have {Anal. Geom.)
■ = A='+B2+C2
:E3+F2+G==:
_ (y'V — y"'z"Y-\-{x"'z" — x"'z — x'V")^+ {x"y"y
{x"y"'z'y
{y"'z"Y-\- {x'z + x"'z" — x"z"'y + {x"y"y
{x'y'zf
THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS. 839
4-,= F+K=+L.-(!'-^'>'+(^"^-^'"^'>'
B"3 {x"y"'z'y
Hence ^ + ^ + ^ =
I {z'—z"')x"+x"z"\^+ {y"'zy-{- {x"—x"'yz'^ / • ^^ i/ ^ ^ ^'^
Again, the expressions for the heights or perpendiculars demitted
from each of the points
(0,0,0); (0,0,/); (x", 0, s") ; {x"\y"', z'"),
upon the plane which passes through the other three are, severally,
{Anal. Geom.)
(z" — z')- y'"^ + \ {z" — z) x" + (2 — z") a;"'P + {y"'x"Y
.. {^Y'^Y
{z"y"'Y + {x"z"' — x"'z"Y + {x"y"'Y
{y"'z'Y + {x"'z'f {x'z'Y
' -L + JL + JL+ '
• • 112 ^ Wa ^ IT//2 T^
{z"—z'Yy""'+\{z"'—zf)x"+{z'—z")x"'\^+ \
2{3^yy+{y'''zy-^{x''2'''—x'''zfy-i-{y'''''-{-x'''''-\-x'''')z'''i
■r- {x"y"'zfy . . . {2),
which expression is the same as that before deduced, and thus the
theorem is established by a process purely analytical. This remarka-
ble property was discovered by JVT. Brianchonj and formed the sub-
ject of the prize question in the Ladies' Diary for 1830 : a solution
upon difierent principles may be seen in the Diary for 1831.
END OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS.
NOTES
Note {A), page 19.
The expressions for the differentials of circular functions are all
readily derivable, as in the text, from the differential expressions for
the sine and cosine. We here propose to show how these latter may
be obtained, independently of the considerations in art. (14).
By multiplying together the expressions
COS. A + sin. A %/ — 1, cos. Aj + sin. Aj V — 1,
the product becomes
cos- A cos. Ai — sin. A sin. Ai,
= (cos. A sin. Ai + sin- A cos. Ai) V — 1-
But {Lacroix's Trigonometry.^
cos. A cos A, — sin. A sin. Aj = cos. (A + A,) ) ,, .
cos. A sin. A, + sin. A cos. Ai = sin. (A + Aj) | * ' * w'
hence the product is
cos. (A + Ai) + sin. (A + Ai) %/— 1,
= cos. A' + sin. A' ■s/— 1.*
Consequently, the product of this last expression, and
cos. Ajj + sin. A2 -s/ — 1,
is
cos. (A' + A2) + sin. (A' + A2) n/'^^oT,!
= cos. A" + sin. A" y/— 1,
the product of this last, and
COS. A3 + sin. A3 \/ — 1,
is
COS. A"' + sin. A'" v/— 1.
* Writing A' for A + A ,. + Writing A" for A' -f As &c. Ed.
31
242 NOTES.
Hence, generally,
(cos. AH- sin. An/ — l)(cos.Ai+sin.AiN/— l)(cos.A2+sin.A2V--l)
&c.
cos.(A-|-Ai+A2+A3+&c.)sin.(A + A, + A2+A3+&c.)N/— 1.
Supposing, now,
A = Ai = A2 = A3 = &c.
this equation becomes
(cos. A + sin. A \/ — 1)" = cos. nA ± sin. nA V — 1,
or, since the radical may be taken either + or —
(cos. A ± sin. A V — 1)" = cos. nA ± sin. nA \/ — 1,
which is the formula o^ Demoivre, n being any whole number.
n
Put a = — A then
m
(cos. a ± sin. a s/ — 1)" = cos. ma ib sin. ma \/ — 1,
= COS. nA ± sin. nA V — 1 = (cos. A ± sin. A \f — 1)",
therefore, extracting the mth root,
n n
COS. — A ± sin. — Av/ — 1 = (cos. A ± sin. A s/ — 1)"*
which is the formula when the exponent is fractional.
Having thus got Demoivre^s formula, we may immediately deduce
from it, as in art. (22), the series
cos. wA = cos. "A — — - cos."~^ A sin.^ A + &c.
sin. nA=» cos."-' A sm. A ^ -^ ^cos."-'Asm.3A+ &c.
Let n = i, sin. A = = A .*. nA = f = any finite quality a:,
hence, by these substitutions, the foregoing series become
cos.x=l-3-:^ + p-^-3-^-&c.
consequently,
d sin. X = (1 — - — - + :; — — &c.) dx = cos. xdar,
\ t a 1.^.0.4
NOTES.
243
I had intended to have given here another method of arriving at the
differentials of the sine and cosine, and to which allusion is made at
page 41, but, upon close examination, I find that the process I had
then in view -is liable to objection, and is therefore best omitted.
Note {B),page 91.
Demonstration of the Theorems of Laplace and Lagrange.
Let it be required to develop the function
u = Ys where z = F (t/ + xfz).
By differentiating the second of these equations, first relatively to
• tCj and then relatively to y, wc have
| = Fto+./.)(l+./'.|).
Multiplying the first by -j- and the second by ^, and subtracting,
there results
dz f dz _ dz _ dz
but since u or "Yz depends only on z, we shall have
du _ 1 dz du ^ dz
dx dx^ dy dy
therefore, eliminating Y'z, we get
du dz du dz _
dx dy dy dx '
dz
or putting for -7- its value (1), and making for abridgment /z = Z,
* At page 89 we put/'z to represent the differential coefficient of/z relatively
to *; here the same symbol denotes the coefficient relatively to z.
72
^-.. '^ri"vy^/,r
244
NOTES.
dz
this last expression becomes divisible by -r- and reduces to
dy
^_ydu
Tx-^d^j (^)'
so that we may always substitute for ~ the quantity Z -j-.
If we differentiate the preceding equation relatively to x, we shalli
obtain
du
dZ-r
which are the
di as ds
NOTES. 251
same as those of -j-j, -y^, -7-^, remain unchanged. Therefore
CtX (JLX 0tX
this second member being substituted in the expression for cos. w
leads to a result of the form
r = K cos. w,
K being a constant expression for all the curves on the proposed sur-
face which touch MT at the point M. Put now in this expression
cd =0, then r' becomes r, therefore
r = K, consequently r = r cos. w,
which result comprehends the theorem of JVlewsmer, since, if the curve
MG' is plane, its plane will coincide with N'MT, and the angle w of
the two radii will become the angle formed by the plane N'MT of the
oblique section with the plane NMT of the normal section passing
through the same tangent MT. — Leroy Analyse Appliquee d, la Ge-
ometne, p. 268.
We may take this opportunity of remarking that, in our investiga-
tion of this theorem, at p. 182, it might easily have been shown, with-
out referring to article 86, that
-— = 1 + tan.2 6,
dxr
because, by the right-angled triangle,
x" — x^ sec.^ d = a;^ (1 -f tan.^ H)
.'. -7-:r = 1 + tan.^4 = -—-.
dar dxr
Note (E), page, 106.
The erroneous doctrine adverted to at page 106 is laid down also
by Lacroix, in his quarto treatise on the Calculus, vol. 1, p. 340, from
whom, indeed, Mr. Jephson seems to have adopted it. The princi-
ple as stated by Lacroix is " que la serie de Taylor devient illusoire
pour toute valeur qui rend imaginaire Pun quelconque de ces terms ;
et que cela peut arriver sans que la fonction soit elle-meme imagi-
naire," It is very remarkable that analysts should have hitherto held
such imperfect notions respecting the failing cases of Taylor's theo-
rem.
NOTES BY THE EDITOR,
Note (A') page 15.
As the Algebra here referred to may not be in the hands of the
student, we shall find the differential coefficient of a logarithmic func-
tion, by previously obtaining that of an exponential one, which is the
course pursued by most writers on the calculus. Let
u = a' . . . . (1),
in which if a; be increased by h, we shall have
u' = a^ = a" X aK
Now in order to develop the last factor of this product, we suppose
a = 1 + 6, in order to subject it to the influence of the Binomial
Theorem, we shall then have
ji /, I ina t I Li I '*' ^ — 1 LI I h h — 1 h — 2
t^={l + bf = l + hb + -. —^ .b^^--. — 2— • — 3—
h' + &c.
The multiplication indicated in the second number of this being
executed, and the result ordered according to the powers of h, repre-
senting by sh^ the sum of all the terms containing powers of h above
the first, we shall then have
6^ 6^ 6^
a*= 1 + h{b — — + ___ + &c.) + s/i2
^ O 4
Both members of which being multiplied by a^, designating the coeffi-
cient of h within the parentheses by c, we shall then have
a' X a'' =u' = {1 + ch + sh?) a'.
The primitive function being taken from this, leaves
u' — M = ca'h + a'sh?,
whence
U tt , ,
— r — = ca' -f- a'sh.
NOTES. 253
which, when h = becomes
^ = 00-.... (2),
where
1 2 3 4 ^ ^
It is thus perceived that the differential coefficient of an exponen-
tial function, is equal to that function multiplied by a constant num-
ber c, which is the above function of its base. We have from equa-
tion (2),
du = ca'dx,
and we perceive from equation (1) that log. u = a;, whence d log.
u = dx'^ eliminating dx between this and the last, we have
du =■ ca'd log. M,
and
,, du I du
d log. u = —^ = — .—.
ca" c u
The differential coefficient therefore of a logarithmic function is
equal to the differential of the function divided by the function itself,
multipUed by the constant — , the modulus of the system whose base
is a. The modulus of the Naperian or Hyperbohc system of Loga-
rithms being unity, we have
d . lu = — ,
u
lu representing the Naperian Log. of «.
NoTis (B') page 21.
The leading part of article 15, in regard to the notation relative to
inverse functions, though very plausible, is nevertheless calculated to
mislead the student. For in the equation x = F~' y, expressing the
function that x is of y, the direct function being y = Fa:, the symbols
F and F~' should not be considered as quantities or operated upon as
such, since they here stand in place of the words a function of, the
forms of both functions being different.
254 NOTES.
Note (C) page 65.
Article 49 should have commenced with the equation
y = Far*
and though the succeeding articles are full and ample on the subject,
it may not be amiss to present the maxima and minima characteris-
tics of functions in less technical language.
Remembering the note page 63,
let u =fx
be the proposed function to ascertain whether it admits of maxima
or minima values ; and if so, by what means they and the variable on
which they depend may be discovered.
In the proposed function if the variable x first increase and then
decrease by any quEuitity h, we shall then have
u =fx .... (1),
and by Taylor's Theorem,
, ^, , ,, , dull , dFu h"" , dhi h^ , d'u
1.2.3. 4
+ &c (2),
" — ff j\ — du h d^u Ir d?u ¥ . d'^u
u -J{x — li)-u — —--Jr-^Y72~d^ 17273 "^"d^
^' + &c.' (3).
1.2.3.4
Now, in order that the function u under consideration may attain a
maximum or minimum value (2) and (3), must be both less, or both
greater than (1), and as h may be assumed so small that the term
containing its first power may be greater than the sum of all the suc-
ceeding terms, (2) will be greater than «, while (3) will be less.
Since the first differential coefiicient has different signs in the two
developments, the function therefore cannot attain maxima or mini-
ma values, unless this coefficient becomes zero. The roots of the
equation -p = 0, will give such values of x as may render the func-
tion a maximum or a minimum; such values of the variable being
NOTES. 255
substituted in the second differential coefficient -j-j- if these render its
value any thing, we are certain the function may become a maxi-
mum if that value is negative, or a minimum if it be positive ; for in
the first case (2) and (3) are both less than ii, and in the second they
are both greater. But if the same values of x render the second dif-
ferential coefficient zero, as well as the first, we readily see that the
third differential coefficient, must also become zero, in order that the
function may admit of maxima or minima values : because this coef-
ficient has different signs in (2) and (3), we then substitute the same
values of a: in the fourth differential coefficient, which has the same
sign in (2) and (3), if these render it negative we shall have a maximum
value of the function, and if positive a minimum value ; but should
this coefficient also vanish with the preceding ones, the next must be
examined, and so on.
In order therefore to determine the values of x, which render the
proposed function a maximum or minimum we must find the roots of
the equation — = 0, and substituted then in the succeeding differen-
tial coefficients, until we find one that does not vanish ; if this be of an
odd order, the roots we have employed will not render the function a
maximum or minimum, but if it be of an even order, then if this coeffi-
cient be negative we have a maximum value of the function, but if posi-
tive a minimum value.
THE END.
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