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Sometimes, it is impossible to give the equation of a curve in the form

y=f(x)

for example, the set of (x,y) satisfying

y+sin(2y)=4xx2+1

gives us the curve

but we cannot give y as an explicit function of x. Rather, the points y are defined implicitly.

In this case, we still imagine y is a function of x, and to differentiate

f(y)

we use the chain rule:

ddxf(y)=f(y)dydx
  1. The curve C is defined by

    xy22x+y2+y3=4

    Verify that the point P(1,3) lies on the curve, and find the rate of change of y with respect to x at this point.

  2. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve

    xy3x2y+5=2

    at the point where x=3.