Defferentiate this to simplest formy=a+bcosx/b+acosx

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves differentiating the function y = (a + b cos x) / (b + a cos x), where a and b are constants. The discussion centers around the application of differentiation rules, particularly the quotient rule.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the quotient rule for differentiation and question the simplification of the resulting expression. There are attempts to clarify the function's form and the differentiation process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the quotient rule and suggested alternative methods, such as logarithmic differentiation. There are indications of confusion regarding the correctness of certain steps and terms in the differentiation process, but no consensus has been reached on the simplest form of the derivative.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential mistakes in the differentiation process, and participants express uncertainty about the simplification of terms. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and approaches without resolving the initial question.

lakshmi
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can anybody defferentiate this to simplest form
y=a+bcosx/b+acosx
 
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Excuse me? bcosx/b= cos x doesn't it?
 
I'm pretty sure he means

[tex]y = \frac {a + b \cos x}{b + a \cos x}[/tex]

The rule you want to use to differentiate this is

[tex]{d\over dx} \left[{f(x)\over g(x)}\right]= {g(x)f'(x)-f(x)g'(x)\over [g(x)]^2}[/tex]

This is called the "quotient rule". In your problem, f(x) = a + b cos x, and g(x) = b + a cos x. If a and b are constants, then f'(x) = -b sin x, and g'(x) = -a sin x. You can substitute those into the quotient rule and then simplify the result, and your problem is solved.

Did that answer your question?
 
i tried it but i am not gettting simplest form
 
Do u mean Differential Eqn
 
Except for a pair of [tex]~ab~sinx~cosx[/tex] terms that cancel off in the numerator, there is no other simplification to do.
 
NOTE: Solution is wrong

Okay here's a second method:

[tex]y = \frac {a + b \cos x}{b + a \cos x}[/tex]

Take log to the base e (ln) of both sides.

[tex] ln(y) = ln(a + b \cos x) + ln(b+a \cos x)[/tex]

Differentiate both sides wrt x...

[tex] \frac{1}{y}\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{-b\sin x}{a+b\cos x} + \frac{-a}{b+a \cos x}[/tex]

Cross-multiply (or multiply both sides by y) and simplify...

This method looks more tedious but is less prone to errors...the product rule can cause problems if the functions are complicated. But then there is no golden rule to say that one method is superior over the other..

Hope that helps...

Cheers

Vivek
 
Last edited:
Maverick: You should have a minus sign between the two logarithms, not a plus sign.
 
Oh yeah arildno...please pardon my mistake :-)

There's also a mistake in the second term...which I have corrected here.

Here's the correct portion:

[tex]ln(y) = ln(a + b \cos x) + ln(b+a \cos x)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{y}\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{-b\sin x}{a+b\cos x} + \frac{a\sin x}{b+a \cos x}[/tex]

Cheers
Vivek
[NOTE: My previous solution is WRONG. Sorry for the inconvenience.]
 
  • #10
isn't SinX/CosX=TanX?
 
  • #11
by golly gosh, jimminy cricket there is right.
 
  • #12
Jamez said:
isn't SinX/CosX=TanX?

come to think of it...y did u actually bring that into question? :confused:
 
  • #13
Brennen said:
come to think of it...y did u actually bring that into question? :confused:

Yeah where does that come from in this question?
 
  • #14
:'( i was bored ok, and i wanted to know if it was right... sorry...
 
  • #15
well u were...but... yeah whatever it doesn't matter.

hey...doesnt 2+2=4?
 
  • #16
Zorodius said:
I'm pretty sure he means

[tex]y = \frac {a + b \cos x}{b + a \cos x}[/tex]

The rule you want to use to differentiate this is

[tex]{d\over dx} \left[{f(x)\over g(x)}\right]= {g(x)f'(x)-f(x)g'(x)\over [g(x)]^2}[/tex]

This is called the "quotient rule". In your problem, f(x) = a + b cos x, and g(x) = b + a cos x. If a and b are constants, then f'(x) = -b sin x, and g'(x) = -a sin x. You can substitute those into the quotient rule and then simplify the result, and your problem is solved.

Did that answer your question?

This answer should be right.
 

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