Why Doesn't the Second Derivative Work Starting with y^2-xy=2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of finding the second derivative of the implicit function defined by the equation y² - xy = 2. Participants explore the differentiation techniques involved, particularly focusing on implicit differentiation and the application of the quotient rule.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method for finding the second derivative, starting from the implicit equation and deriving y' and y'' using substitutions.
  • Another participant clarifies that the goal is to implicitly differentiate to obtain d²y/dx², providing a step-by-step breakdown of their approach.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the application of the quotient rule, questioning the steps taken and the resulting expressions for the second derivative.
  • A participant suggests an alternative approach by considering what to replace y² with, rather than looking for y² - xy to substitute with 2.
  • There is a mention that the second derivative should always work, regardless of the context of its application.
  • Participants note discrepancies in the application of the quotient rule, with one pointing out that the method used differs from the standard formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the application of the quotient rule and the correctness of the steps taken to derive the second derivative. There is no consensus on the best approach to take or the validity of the methods presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the steps involved in differentiating the implicit function, particularly regarding the application of the quotient rule and the resulting expressions for the derivatives.

sjaguar13
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Starting with y^2-xy=2, then y'=y/(2y-x)

y''=(2y-x)y'-y(2y'-1)/(2y-x)^2

substitute y' in:
y''=(2y-x)(y/2y-x) - y(2(y/2y-x)-1)

the (2y-x) cancels:
y''=(y) - y(2y/2y-x)-1)

distribute:
y'' = y - (2y^2)/(2y-x)-y

Somewhere I need y^2-xy so I can replace it with the original 2, but I'm not getting it.
 
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No. He wants to implicitly differentiate to get [tex]\frac{d^2 y}{d x^2}[/tex].

[tex]y^2 - xy = 2 \Longrightarrow 2y\frac{d y}{dx} - y - x\frac{dy}{dx} = 0 \Longrightarrow \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{y}{2y-x}[/tex]

[tex]\Longrightarrow \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dx}}{2y-x} \ - \ \frac{y(2\frac{dy}{dx} - 1)}{(2y-x)^2} = \frac{\frac{y}{2y-x}}{2y-x} \ - \ \frac{y\left( \frac{2y}{2y-x} - 1\right)}{(2y-x)^2}[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{y}{(2y-x)^2} \ - \ \frac{y\frac{2y - (2y-x)}{2y-x}}{(2y-x)^2} = \frac{y}{(2y-x)^2} \ - \ \frac{yx}{(2y-x)^3} = \frac{y(2y-x) - xy}{(2y-x)^3} = \frac{2y^2 - 2xy}{(2y-x)^3} = \frac{4}{(2y-x)^3}[/tex]
 
I don't really follow. Why is the second derivative = first deriv - (top)(bottom)/(bottom)^2?

In the book, the quotient rule is ((bottom)(top)' - (top)(bottom)')/(bottom)^2. That's what I tried to do, but it didn't work.
 
sjaguar13 said:
I don't really follow. Why is the second derivative = first deriv - (top)(bottom)/(bottom)^2?

In the book, the quotient rule is ((bottom)(top)' - (top)(bottom)')/(bottom)^2. That's what I tried to do, but it didn't work.
Data chose to differentiate by using the product rule on the function [tex]y(x)*\frac{1}{2y-x}[/tex]

And, I have to add, the second derivative ALWAYS works, even if you don't know what to use it for..
 
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Instead of looking for a y^2 - xy that you can replace with 2, maybe you could figure out what to replace y^2 with? Why'd you want to do that anyways?

(I'm assuming your work was right)
 
y''=(2y-x)y'-y(2y'-1)/(2y-x)^2

sjaguar13 said:
In the book, the quotient rule is ((bottom)(top)' - (top)(bottom)')/(bottom)^2. That's what I tried to do, but it didn't work.

That's not what you did. Look above. It should be y'/(2y-x)-y(2y'-1)/(2y-x)^2.
 

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