CBSE Class 12 Maths Chapter-6 Application of Derivatives Important Questions - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE Maths Chapter 6 Application of Derivatives 2024-25
1. What are the most important types of questions from CBSE Class 12 Maths Chapter 6: Application of Derivatives for the 2025 board exams?
- Rate of change problems: Questions involving physical quantities like area, volume, profit, etc.
- Increasing/Decreasing functions: Determining intervals of increase or decrease using first derivatives.
- Maxima and minima: Using first and second derivative tests to find extreme values.
- Tangent and normal equations: Finding equations and slopes at specific points.
- Application-based HOTS: Scenarios requiring linking concepts (e.g., optimization in geometry/economics).
2. How do rate of change questions test conceptual understanding in Application of Derivatives?
These questions assess if you can apply the derivative to real-life contexts—such as how fast area, volume, or cost changes with respect to another variable. You must interpret variables, relate them via formulas, and differentiate implicitly—showing not just calculation skill, but understanding of underlying patterns and units.
3. What is a common trap students fall into with increasing/decreasing function questions?
Many students only check where f'(x) > 0 or < 0 without noting the interval’s domain, critical values, or endpoints. In CBSE 2025–26, full marks require careful attention to domain restrictions and justification using sign charts or intervals; mislabeling can cost marks.
4. How are tangent and normal problems structured in board exams, and what gets high marks?
- You’re usually given a function and either a value of x or a point.
- To score full marks, you must:
- Differentiate correctly for slope;
- Use the correct point in tangent/normal formula;
- Write the answer as a complete equation, showing logical steps.
- Final answers must be boxed/highlighted (as per CBSE presentation norms).
5. Why is the first derivative test fundamental for maxima and minima in Application of Derivatives?
The first derivative test helps identify where a function's slope changes from positive to negative (local maximum) or negative to positive (local minimum). It ensures you not only compute critical points but also interpret the behavior of the function around those points, which directly aligns with CBSE’s examiners’ marking rubrics.
6. Can questions link Application of Derivatives to economics or physics in Class 12 CBSE exams?
Yes, application-based questions frequently test the practical use of derivatives in fields such as economics (e.g., marginal cost, marginal revenue) and physics (e.g., velocity, acceleration). For example, you may be asked to find the rate at which cost/profit changes as production increases, or how the area of a wave expands over time.
7. What are the official CBSE marking weightages for Application of Derivatives questions?
Typically:
- 1-mark: Concept checks, direct formula use.
- 2/3-mark: Short application, basic computation.
- 4/5-mark: HOTS/derivation, multiple steps, complete justifications.
8. What constitutes a Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) question in Application of Derivatives?
A HOTS question goes beyond direct computation—expect to apply concepts in a novel, multi-step scenario (e.g., optimize fencing with constraints, or prove a function's minimum is always above a certain value). They require analysis, synthesis, and justification, not just calculation.
9. How can I avoid losing marks in application questions involving tangents and normals?
Follow these steps:
- Clearly state the point of contact.
- Differentiate the function accurately.
- Substitute values stepwise; don’t skip algebra.
- Present the final tangent or normal equation using standard form.
- Include units where relevant.
10. What is the best approach to solve questions on intervals where a function is increasing or decreasing?
First, differentiate to get f'(x). Second, find critical points where f'(x) = 0 or is undefined. Third, test the sign of f'(x) on intervals determined by these points. State answers referencing the precise interval—e.g., (0, π)—to match board answer key formats.
11. How do board examiners evaluate "rate of change" problems for full marks?
They look for:
- Step-by-step variable and relation setup
- Clear differentiation (chain rule if implicit)
- Substitution of given values with correct units
- Direct, boxed final rate with variable/units
12. How can you quickly verify maxima/minima answers in CBSE exams?
After solving with the first derivative, confirm using the second derivative test:
- If f''(c) > 0 at a critical point, it’s a minimum.
- If f''(c) < 0, it’s a maximum.
13. What are frequent misconceptions in Class 12 Application of Derivatives important questions?
Common misconceptions include:
- Assuming all critical points are maxima or minima (they may be inflection points).
- Confusing increasing/decreasing intervals with sign of the function, rather than its derivative.
- Neglecting endpoints and domain restrictions.
- Over-reliance on memorized patterns instead of process logic.
14. How should you present a 5-mark Application of Derivatives answer for CBSE 2025–26 to maximize scores?
- Write problem statement clearly.
- Define all variables and relationships initially.
- Show all derivative steps, with logical transitions.
- Justify conclusion using sign charts or explicit reasoning.
- Box or underline final answer with correct units.
15. Why are Application of Derivatives important questions prioritized in CBSE Class 12 Maths exams?
Derivatives are foundational for calculus and appear across STEM fields. Application questions test not only computational skill but also conceptual understanding and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. They form a core part of CBSE’s focus on analytical ability, making strong preparation crucial for scoring well in the 2025–26 board exams.











