Question:medium

If $x = a(t + \sin t), y = a(1 - \cos t)$, then $\frac{dy}{dx} =$

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The parametric equations $x = a(t + \sin t), y = a(1 - \cos t)$ describe a standard cycloid. Its derivative always elegantly simplifies to $\tan(t/2)$. Memorizing this specific result can save you derivation time!
Updated On: Jun 4, 2026
  • $\tan \frac{t}{2}$
  • $-\frac{1}{2}\tan t$
  • $\frac{1}{2}\tan t$
  • $-\tan \frac{t}{2}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Note the setup.
Both $x$ and $y$ are given through a third variable $t$: $x=a(t+\sin t)$ and $y=a(1-\cos t)$. This is parametric form.

Step 2: Recall the parametric rule.
When $x$ and $y$ depend on $t$, \[ \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\,dy/dt\,}{\,dx/dt\,}. \] So we differentiate each with respect to $t$ and divide.

Step 3: Differentiate $x$.
\[ \frac{dx}{dt}=a(1+\cos t). \]

Step 4: Differentiate $y$.
\[ \frac{dy}{dt}=a(0+\sin t)=a\sin t. \]

Step 5: Divide to get $\frac{dy}{dx}$.
\[ \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{a\sin t}{a(1+\cos t)}=\frac{\sin t}{1+\cos t}. \]

Step 6: Use half-angle identities.
Write $\sin t=2\sin\frac{t}{2}\cos\frac{t}{2}$ and $1+\cos t=2\cos^2\frac{t}{2}$: \[ \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2\sin\frac{t}{2}\cos\frac{t}{2}}{2\cos^2\frac{t}{2}}. \]

Step 7: Cancel and finish.
Cancel $2$ and one $\cos\frac{t}{2}$: \[ \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\sin\frac{t}{2}}{\cos\frac{t}{2}}=\tan\frac{t}{2}. \] This is option (1).
\[ \boxed{\tan\dfrac{t}{2}} \]
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