What is the mistake in my derivative calculation and how can I fix it?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a derivative calculation involving a complex expression with multiple variables, specifically focusing on the differentiation with respect to \( x \). Participants are examining the discrepancies between their results and those produced by a software tool, Maple.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate a fraction involving \( x \), \( y \), and \( z \), expressing confusion over the differences in results compared to Maple. Some participants question the accuracy of specific terms in the derivative, suggesting that the original poster may have overlooked certain factors in the denominator.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in identifying potential errors in the original poster's calculations. Some have provided alternative expressions for the terms in question, while others have noted that the discrepancies may stem from simplification steps or formatting issues in LaTeX. There is no explicit consensus on the exact nature of the mistake yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has referenced using Maple for verification and has indicated that they are facing challenges with the differentiation process, particularly when simplifying the expression. There are also constraints regarding file uploads that limit the sharing of their work directly.

quasar987
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(And you will be greatly rewarded in the afterlife)

It's crazy, I don't see where I goes wrong. Lookit..
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \left(\frac{x}{z\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2}\right)} \right)[/tex]
[tex]= \left(\frac{1}{z\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2}\right)} \right)[/tex]
[tex]+(x/z)(-1)\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2}\right)^{-2}\left((1/2)(x^2+y^2)^{-1/2}2x+(1/z^2)(3/2)\sqrt{x^2+y^2}2x\right)[/tex]
[tex]= \left(\frac{1}{z\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2}\right)} \right)[/tex]
[tex]-\frac{3x^2\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}{z^3\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2}\right)^2}[/tex]
[tex]-\frac{x^2}{z\sqrt{x^2+y^2}\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2} \right)^2}[/tex]

The first term agrees with Mapple but not the second and third.
In the second, the 3 is a 2 and in the third, the big parenthesis is not raised to the 2. (it's to the 1)

I have checked using the command 'simplify' that our two expressions are not equivalent. what Mapple does is that it get a (x²+y²)^½ out of the parenthesis before taking the derivative. And the worst thing is, when I do that too, I get the same result as mapple, but not when I don't take out (x²+y²)^½ first. I've banged my head on the desk for hours on this and get's see why I don't get the same answer by the two "methods". Help me obi-wan kenobi. You are my only hope.
:cry: :cry: :cry:
 
Last edited:
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quasar987 said:
[tex]-\frac{x^2}{z\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2} \right)^2}[/tex]
It seems that this term is wrong. I get:
[tex]- \frac{x ^ 2}{z\sqrt{x ^ 2 + y ^ 2} \left( \sqrt{x ^ 2 + y ^ 2} + \frac{\sqrt{x ^ 2 + y ^ 2} ^ 3}{z ^ 2} \right) ^ 2}[/tex]
*You seem to forget a [itex]\sqrt{x ^ 2 + y ^ 2}[/itex] in the denominator...*
You should check it again :wink:
 
Here's what I got

For that term, I get [tex]-\frac{x^2}{z\sqrt{x^2+y^2}\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} +\frac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}^3}{z^2} \right)^2}[/tex]

When I simplify that term I get [tex]-\frac{x^2}{\left( x^2+y^2\right)^{\frac{3}{2}} \left( x^2+y^2+z^2\right)^2}[/tex]


I attached a Maple worksheet with my work (I use Maple v9.51) rename the file without the .txt so it ends with .mw (PF wouldn't let me upload .mw files, but .txt OK).
 

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Last edited:
VietDao: you'Re right, but it was just a Latex error. I have that too and haver edited the original post.

I still don't see where my mistake is.
Here's what my mapple has to say:
 

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