Another differentiation problem

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The discussion centers on a differentiation problem involving the equation z² = x² + y², where dx/dt = 2 and dy/dt = 3. The user attempted to find dz/dt by applying implicit differentiation but arrived at an incorrect conclusion. The correct approach reveals that when x = 5 and y = 12, z equals +/- 13, leading to the correct result of dz/dt being +/- 46/13, not 40/z as initially calculated.

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Homework Statement



If z² = x² + y²
and
dx/dt = 2
and
dy/dt = 3

Find dz/dt when x=5 and y=12

Homework Equations



I used
mathtex.cgi?\frac{dy}{dt}%20\%20\%20=%20\%20\%20\frac{dy}{dx}\cdot%20\frac{dx}{dt}.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



But I resulted in:

2z dz/dt = 2x(dx/dt) + 2y(dy/dt)

Plugged in x,y,dx/dt, and dy/dt to get:

2z (dz/dt) = 2(5)(2) + 2(12)(3)

dz/dt = 80/2z
= 40/z
But the answer is +/- 46/13

Anyone know where I went wrong?
 

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  • mathtex.cgi?\frac{dy}{dt}%20\%20\%20=%20\%20\%20\frac{dy}{dx}\cdot%20\frac{dx}{dt}.gif
    mathtex.cgi?\frac{dy}{dt}%20\%20\%20=%20\%20\%20\frac{dy}{dx}\cdot%20\frac{dx}{dt}.gif
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b521 said:

Homework Statement



If z² = x² + y²
and
dx/dt = 2
and
dy/dt = 3

Find dz/dt when x=5 and y=12

Homework Equations



I used
mathtex.cgi?\frac{dy}{dt}%20\%20\%20=%20\%20\%20\frac{dy}{dx}\cdot%20\frac{dx}{dt}.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



But I resulted in:

2z dz/dt = 2x(dx/dt) + 2y(dy/dt)

Plugged in x,y,dx/dt, and dy/dt to get:

2z (dz/dt) = 2(5)(2) + 2(12)(3)

dz/dt = 80/2z
= 40/z



But the answer is +/- 46/13
5*2 + 12*3 = 46, not 40. Also, when x = 5 and y = 12, z = +/- 13.
b521 said:
Anyone know where I went wrong?
 
Ahhh thank you very much!
 

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