AP calculus, implicit derivatives

In summary, the first part of the homework involves finding the general expression for the slope of the given curve x² - xy + y² = 9. The second part requires finding the coordinates of points on the curve where the tangents are vertical. Finally, the third part involves finding the rate of change in the slope of the curve at the point (0,3) by taking the second derivative.
  • #1
chris40256
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Homework Statement


1. Given the curve x² - xy + y² = 9
(a) Write a general expression for the slope of the curve
(b) find the coordinates of the points on the curve where the tangents are vertical
(c) at the point (0,3) find the rate of change in the slope of the curve with respect to x.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


No problems with a or b i believe:
(a)2x - x(dy/dx) - y + 2y (dy/dx) = 0
Put all the terms containing dy/dx to one side and everything else on the other:
(2y-x) (dy/dx) = y-2x
dy/dx = (y-2x) / (2y-x)

(b) (2y)^2 - (2y)y + y^2 = 9
4y^2 - 2y^2 + y^2 = 9
y^2 = 3
y = +- sqrt(3) so x = +- 2sqrt(3)
So the points are (2sqrt(3),sqrt(3)) and (-2sqrt(3),-sqrt(3)).

(c) I'm not exactly sure how to do this one, I am thinking to just plug (0,3) into the first derivative? or do i need to take the 2nd derivative?
Help is appreciated
 
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  • #2
"slope" is derivative. So "rate of change of slope" is the derivative of the derivative. Yes, you need to find a second derivative.
 

1. What is AP Calculus?

AP Calculus is an advanced placement course in calculus that is offered in high schools. It covers both differential and integral calculus and is equivalent to a first-year college-level course.

2. What are implicit derivatives in AP Calculus?

Implicit derivatives refer to the process of finding the derivative of an implicit function. An implicit function is a function where the dependent variable cannot be easily expressed in terms of the independent variable. In AP Calculus, students learn how to use the chain rule and implicit differentiation to find these derivatives.

3. How do you find implicit derivatives?

To find an implicit derivative, you first need to identify the dependent and independent variables in the implicit function. Then, you can use the chain rule and implicit differentiation to find the derivative. This involves taking the derivative of each term in the function and using the chain rule to find the derivative of any nested functions.

4. What is the difference between explicit and implicit derivatives?

Explicit derivatives refer to the process of finding the derivative of a function where the dependent variable is expressed explicitly in terms of the independent variable. On the other hand, implicit derivatives refer to the process of finding the derivative of a function where the dependent variable is not expressed explicitly in terms of the independent variable.

5. Why are implicit derivatives important in AP Calculus?

Implicit derivatives are important because they allow us to find the rate of change of a function even when it is not explicitly defined. This is useful in real-world applications where the relationship between variables is often implicit. Additionally, understanding implicit derivatives is a crucial step in mastering the concepts of differential calculus.

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