How Do I Solve a Second Derivative Using Implicit Differentiation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of implicit differentiation to find the second derivative, d²y/dx², for the equation siny + cosy = x. Participants are exploring how to express this second derivative as a function of x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate the given equation but struggles with the process and the relationship between the variables. Some participants question the validity of the answer provided in the textbook and explore different differentiation steps. Others suggest examining the implications of the trigonometric identities and the geometric interpretation of the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing detailed differentiation steps and others expressing confusion about the process. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the correct answer, and while some guidance has been offered, no consensus has been reached on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is a concern regarding the accuracy of the textbook answer, and participants are navigating through the implications of the trigonometric functions involved. Additionally, a separate question about curves and tangents has been introduced, which some participants note as a deviation from the original topic.

GregA
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Need help with implicit differentiation

I have only just been introduced to implicit differentiation and am cluelessly stuck on this question:
Express d^2y/dx^2 as a function of x if siny + cosy = x
my first attempt was just to simply differentiate each term, and ended up with -(siny+cosy)d^2y/dx^2 = 0. The answer in the back of the book is: x/(2-x^2)^(3/2)...which unlike my answer is a function of x...my problem is that I really don't know how to arrive at this answer.
I can't think of any trig identity that can help me here and so my best guess is that I should find the three sides of a triangle with which siny and cosy make x, but I have no idea about how to go about finding these sides with the information I have been given.
part of the denominator: sqrt(2-x^2) seems like the hypoteneuse but I am having difficulty coming up with the other two sides and to make x. I apologise if solving this should be a no-brainer but I simply don't know how to proceed. Can someone please point me in the right direction?
 
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Then I suspect that the answer in the back of the book is wrong!

sin y+ cos y= x so, by implicit differentiation, cos y y'- sin y y'= 1 or
y'(cos y- sin y)= 1.

Differentiate again: y" (cos y- sin y)+ y'(-sin y- cosy)= 0 which is the same as y" (cos y- sin y)= (sin y+ cos y)y'= xy' (since sin y+ cos y= x).

But y'(cos - sin y)= 1 means that y'= 1/(cosy -sin y) so

y"(cos y- sin y)= x/(cos y- sin y)

y"= x/(cos y- sin y)2= x/(cos2[/sup y- 2sin ycosy+ cos2 y)= x/(1- 2sin y cos y)

Now, we know that x= sin y+ cos y so x2= (sin y+ cos y)2= sin2+ 2sin y cos y+ cos2 y= 1+ 2 sin y cos y.
1- 2 siny cos y= 2- (1+ 2 sin y cos y)= 2- x2.

The correct answer is just [tex]y"= \frac{x}{2-x^2}[/tex]. There is no "3/2" power.
 
That was brilliant HallsofIvy...Thankyou:smile:
 
The curve y1 is y1=ax^2+ax+b.The curve y2 is y2=cx-x^2.They both have
common tangent the line which passes through the ponit (1,0).Find the a,b,c.
Please somebody help me.Thank you.
 
1. Do not "hijack" someone else's thread to ask a completely new question- start your own thread.

2. Show us what you have done, what you have attempted.

You know that any line passing through (1,0) must be of the form y= m(x-1).
What are the conditions on m so that it is tangent to both curves (at some points on those curves)?
 

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