3(x^2 + y^2)^2 = 25(x^2 - y^2) implicit differentiation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the implicit differentiation of the equation 3(x^2 + y^2)^2 = 25(x^2 - y^2) to find the slope of the tangent line at the point (2,1). Participants are exploring the steps involved in transitioning from the original equation to a form suitable for differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implicit differentiation process and express confusion about specific algebraic manipulations, particularly how certain terms appear or disappear in the transition between equations. There is also a focus on defining variables to simplify the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to manipulate the equation and have confirmed the correctness of certain steps taken. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the method used and its relevance to broader mathematical concepts.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions their background in college algebra and how their absence from class may have impacted their understanding of the current calculus problem. This context highlights potential gaps in foundational knowledge that are influencing the discussion.

LearninDaMath
Messages
295
Reaction score
0
Use implicit differentiation to find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at the specified point.

3(x^2 + y^2)^2 = 25(x^2 - y^2) ; (2,1)

This is where I'm stuck:

algebra.png


I know how to get up to the first equation...and I know how to get to the final answer from the second equation, but I have no clue how to get from the first equation in the picture to the second in the picture.It kind of reminds me of this:

miracle.gif
Please help me if you could...I tried factoring out the twos, I just can't figure out how to get the same polynomial in the numerator and denominator...i mean, how the heck do the twos disappear? How does the 25 appear in both the numerator and denominator? I don't understand what steps are being taken here.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you had A+ Bx= C+ Dx, how would you solve for x?
 
Hmm.
Let's make it a little more explicit (if you don't mind HoI).

You have:
$$6(x^2+y^2)(2x+2y{dy \over dx}) = 25(2x-2y{dy \over dx})$$

Let's define:
$$\begin{array}{l}A=6(x^2+y^2)\\B=2x\\C=2y\\z={dy \over dx}\end{array}$$
Then your equation becomes:
$$A(B+Cz)=25(B-Cz)$$
Do you know how to solve such an equation for z?
 
I like Serena said:
Hmm.
Let's make it a little more explicit (if you don't mind HoI).

You have:
$$6(x^2+y^2)(2x+2y{dy \over dx}) = 25(2x-2y{dy \over dx})$$

Let's define:
$$\begin{array}{l}A=6(x^2+y^2)\\B=2x\\C=2y\\z={dy \over dx}\end{array}$$
Then your equation becomes:
$$A(B+Cz)=25(B-Cz)$$
Do you know how to solve such an equation for z?

Well, i gave it a try and got [itex]\frac{B(A-25)}{-C(A+25)}[/itex] = z

I multiplied A into (B+Cz) to get (AB+ACz). Then multiplied 25 into (B - Cz) to get (25B - 25Cz). Next, I got all the z terms on one side and everything else on the other. Then factored out the z from both terms and divided to isolate the z. Then I factored out B from the numerator and C from the denominator.

Is that correct?
 
Yes, that is correct.

Now replace A,B,C, and z by the definitions for them?
 
Got it, thanks much! Is the formula you presented one that fits a type of equation that comes up often? Are there like a group of general formulas such as the one you presented intended for various equations? I wonder if this is something that was covered in college algebra. My job schedule (military) pulled me out of class at the beginning of that semester for a couple weeks and so I told my professor i'd retake the course the following semester. When I went to sign up again, I found that the professor decided to pass me with a C. I was ecstatic at the time, but now it seems college algebra would make things a lot less confusing in calculus. I'm getting by, but it's taking a lot of extra studying. I really appreciate the help.
 
You're welcome. :)

It's a pretty standard method to give sub expressions names in the form of a single letters.
Then replace them by the letter, do whatever you need to, and replace the letters again by the sub expressions.

Edit: Oh, and I liked the picture with the blackboard you included. ;)
 
I like Serena said:
You're welcome. :)

It's a pretty standard method to give sub expressions names in the form of a single letters.
Then replace them by the letter, do whatever you need to, and replace the letters again by the sub expressions.

Edit: Oh, and I liked the picture with the blackboard you included. ;)


Thanks, feel free to use that picture whenever. I heard about it a while ago when watching some youtube video of a talk by an engineer turned biologist at a conference. Just search up "and then a miracle occurs" and you'll get a few variations of this picture.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
49
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K