Derivatives of implicit functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding points on an implicit function where the derivative equals a specific value, in this case, 1/2. Participants are examining the implications of the derivative expression and the conditions under which the slope can be zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to solve for points where the slope is 1/2 by setting the derivative equal to that value and substituting back into the original equation. Others question the validity of this approach and the interpretation of results, particularly regarding the implications of setting the slope to zero.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions made about the original equation and the implications of the derivative. There is a focus on clarifying the mathematical reasoning behind the responses, particularly regarding the identity obtained when substituting specific values.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted absence of the original equation from which the derivative was derived, leading to some confusion about the validity of certain conclusions. Participants are also discussing the nature of the slope and its behavior at specific points.

courtrigrad
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If you are given the derivative of an implicit function as [tex]y' = \frac{y}{2y+x}[/tex] how would you find all points (x,y) such that the slope at those points is 1/2? Ok so I did: [tex]\frac{y}{2y+x} = \frac{1}{2}[/tex] and got x = 0. So if I substitute x = 0 back into the original equation I get [tex](0, \sqrt{2})[/tex]. Would this be the correct method to solve this question? Also show that the slope is never equaled to 0. So I did [tex]\frac{y}{2y+x} = 0[/tex]. If y = 0, then the original equation wouldn't make sense. Is this a valid response?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks
 
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Well, I wouldn't word it "the original equation wouldn't make sense". Can you word this more mathematically or demonstrate why cannot equal 0?
 
plugpoint said:
If you are given the derivative of an implicit function as [tex]y' = \frac{y}{2y+x}[/tex] how would you find all points (x,y) such that the slope at those points is 1/2? Ok so I did: [tex]\frac{y}{2y+x} = \frac{1}{2}[/tex] and got x = 0. So if I substitute x = 0 back into the original equation I get [tex](0, \sqrt{2})[/tex]. Would this be the correct method to solve this question? Also show that the slope is never equaled to 0. So I did [tex]\frac{y}{2y+x} = 0[/tex]. If y = 0, then the original equation wouldn't make sense. Is this a valid response?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks
When you solve:

[tex]\frac{y}{2y+x}=\frac{1}{2}\quad (1)[/tex]

and come up with x=0, I don't see how you get the square root of 2. Try plugging x=0 into equation (1). The y variable will cancel out and you get an identity. What does that tell you about the possible values of y?

Alex
 
apmcavoy said:
I don't see how you get the square root of 2.

He gave y', so I thought he plugged 0 into y, which he didn't give in his post.
 
apmcavoy said:
Try plugging x=0 into equation (1). The y variable will cancel out and you get an identity. What does that tell you about the possible values of y?

I think you forgot to note that equation one is the derivative of the function. I think plugpoint may have forgot to post the original equation to where he got the square root 2. The current differential is not separable.
 
mezarashi said:
I think you forgot to note that equation one is the derivative of the function. I think plugpoint may have forgot to post the original equation to where he got the square root 2. The current differential is not separable.
You don't need the original equation. If you plug x=0 into y', you get 1/2 no matter what value of y you have. This means that along the vertical line x=0 the slope is the same for all values of y.

Alex
 

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