Applications of differentiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applications of differentiation, specifically in the context of a position function given in terms of trigonometric functions. Participants are exploring how to derive the velocity from the position function and how to apply the chain rule in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving a question related to applications of differentiation and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant provides the position function and asks how to find the velocity by equating it to zero.
  • A participant mentions having found the first derivative for velocity but is unsure how to proceed with the given value for theta.
  • One participant points out the need to apply the chain rule and provides the derivative of the function with respect to theta.
  • There is a query about determining the value of dθ/dt based on the relationship given for theta.
  • Two participants express a desire for continued help in solving the problem, indicating a collaborative effort to work through the question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to apply the chain rule and differentiate the position function, but there is uncertainty regarding the application of the derivative and the value of dθ/dt. The discussion remains unresolved as participants are still working through the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the function and the application of the chain rule, as well as the dependence on the specific value of theta provided in the problem.

Colin2
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I need help solving all three parts to this question, never seen a question regarding applications of differentiation that is this hard before!

View attachment 4094

All help is much appreciated.
 

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We are given the function:

$$x=\cos(\theta)+\sqrt{16-\sin^2(\theta)}$$

This is the position function...how can we find the velocity so that we may equate it to zero and solve?
 
View attachment 4096

I found the first derivative to obtain the velocity, but I'm stuck here.
I also don't know what to do with the value that is given for theta.
 

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You are neglecting to apply the chain rule. You are given:

$$x=f(\theta)$$

And so we must have:

$$\d{x}{t}=\d{f}{\theta}\cdot\d{\theta}{t}$$

Now, you have correctly computed:

$$\d{f}{\theta}=-\sin(\theta)\left(1+\frac{\cos(\theta)}{\sqrt{16-\sin^2(\theta)}}\right)$$

We are given:

$$\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}t$$

So, what is $$\d{\theta}{t}$$?
 
I kinda forgot that I posted this, anyone still willing to help me solve this just for the sake of solving it?
Any help is much appreciated!
 
Colin said:
I kinda forgot that I posted this, anyone still willing to help me solve this just for the sake of solving it?
Any help is much appreciated!

Hi Colin,

Have you tried to follow what Mark has shown above. Did you find $\frac{d\theta}{dt}$?
 

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