Basic differentiation questions

In summary, the conversation involved someone seeking help with their AP Calculus AB test corrections. They provided three different problems and their attempted solutions, asking for clarification and guidance. The expert summarizes the conversation and points out some key errors in the solutions provided. They also offer further assistance by suggesting steps to check and providing encouragement.
  • #1
computerex
68
0

Homework Statement



Hello guys. I had to do some test corrections for my AP Calculus AB class. I have completed all of them besides the four below. Can anyone tell me where I go wrong?


1. Differentiate y = (1+cosx)/(1-cosx)

dy/dx = [(1-cosx)(sinx)-(1+cosx)(sinx)]/(1-cosx)^2 (quotient rule)
= [(sinx - sinx cosx) - (sinx + sinx cosx)]/(1-cosx)^2 (distribution)
= (-sinx cosx - sinx cosx)/(1-cosx)^2 (simplification)
= (-2sinx cosx)/(1-cosx)^2 (simplification)

Answer choices:

a. -1
b. -2 cscx
c. 2 cscx
d. (-2sinx)/(1-cosx)^2

Choice D is the closest to my answer, however my answer multiplies cosx with the -2sinx.

2. Differentiate y = sin(x+y)
I did this by implicit differentiation:

y' = cos(x+y)[(x)+dy/dx] (doesn't seem correct...)

Choices are:

A. 0
b. [cos(x+y)]/[1-cos(x+y)]
c. cos(x+y)
d. 1

9. Differentiate: y = (secx)^2 + (tanx)^2

y' = [(2secx)(secx tanx)] + [(2tanx)(secx)^2] (product rule)
= 2 ((secx)^2)tanx + 2 tanx (secx)^2
= 2 (sec x)^2 + 3 tanx

Choices are:

a. 0
b. tan x + (secx)^4
c. ((secx)^2)((secx)^2 + (tan x)^2)
d. 4 (secx)^2 tanx

(I skipped Pre-Calculus, which was essentially a trigonometry class, so I had a particularly difficult time with this one)
 
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  • #2
computerex said:
1. Differentiate y = (1+cosx)/(1-cosx)

dy/dx = [(1-cosx)(sinx)-(1+cosx)(sinx)]/(1-cosx)^2 (quotient rule)
= [(sinx - sinx cosx) - (sinx + sinx cosx)]/(1-cosx)^2 (distribution)
= (-sinx cosx - sinx cosx)/(1-cosx)^2 (simplification)
= (-2sinx cosx)/(1-cosx)^2 (simplification)

d/dx cosx = - sinx NOT sinx

2. Differentiate y = sin(x+y)
I did this by implicit differentiation:

y' = cos(x+y)[(x)+dy/dx] (doesn't seem correct...)

Didn't check this one properly, but d/dx x = 1 NOT x

9. Differentiate: y = (secx)^2 + (tanx)^2

y' = [(2secx)(secx tanx)] + [(2tanx)(secx)^2] (product rule)
= 2 ((secx)^2)tanx + 2 tanx (secx)^2
= 2 (sec x)^2 + 3 tanx

Check step 3.

Hope that helps! :smile:
 

1. What is differentiation?

Differentiation is a mathematical process of finding the rate of change of a quantity with respect to another related quantity. It is used to calculate derivatives, which represent the slope of a curve at a specific point. In simpler terms, differentiation helps us understand how a function changes over time or space.

2. Why is differentiation important?

Differentiation is a fundamental concept in calculus and has many real-world applications. It is used in physics to calculate velocity and acceleration, in economics to determine marginal cost and revenue, and in biology to analyze growth rates. It also helps us solve optimization problems, such as finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.

3. What is the difference between differentiation and integration?

Differentiation and integration are inverse operations of each other. While differentiation calculates the rate of change of a function, integration calculates the accumulated change over an interval. In other words, differentiation finds the slope of a curve, while integration finds the area under the curve.

4. How do I differentiate a function?

To differentiate a function, you need to use the rules of differentiation, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules help you find the derivative of a function with respect to its independent variable. It is also important to remember to apply the chain rule when differentiating composite functions.

5. Can differentiation be used for non-linear functions?

Yes, differentiation can be used for non-linear functions. While the rules of differentiation are mostly used for linear functions, they can also be applied to non-linear functions. However, the process may be more complicated, and you may need to use techniques such as implicit differentiation or logarithmic differentiation.

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