Calculus 3: Chain Rule for Finding dx/dy with x=yz and y=2sin(y+z)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative dx/dy given the equations x=yz and y=2sin(y+z). The discussion centers around the application of the chain rule in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of y=2sin(y+z) and how to correctly apply the chain rule to find dz/dy. There are attempts to clarify the steps taken in the differentiation process and to identify where errors may have occurred in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's reasoning, questioning specific steps in the differentiation process, and suggesting corrections. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the variables and the correct application of the chain rule.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the differentiation steps and the proper handling of terms in the equations. Some participants express uncertainty about the correct form of dz/dy and its implications for finding dx/dy.

AlonsoMcLaren
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Homework Statement



If x=yz and y=2sin(y+z), find dx/dy

Homework Equations



Chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution



From y = 2sin(y+z) we get
dz/dy= (1-2cos(y+z))/(2cos(y+z))
dz/dy=((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)

dx/dy = ∂x/∂y + ∂x/∂z dz/dy
= z + y ((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)
= z - y - (1/2) sec(y+z)

But the answer is z-y+tan(y+z) (Mathematical methods in the physical sciences, Boas, Ch. 4 Sec 7 Problem 1)

What is going wrong?
 
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Hi AlonsoMcLaren! :smile:
AlonsoMcLaren said:
From y = 2sin(y+z) we get
dz/dy= (1-2cos(y+z))/(2cos(y+z))

Nooo :redface:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi AlonsoMcLaren! :smile:


Nooo :redface:

So how to calculate dz/dy?
 
one line at a time, for a start! :rolleyes:

show us your first line :smile:
 
y - 2sin(y+z) = 0

Let f=y - 2sin(y+z)
Then ∂f/∂y = 1 - 2cos(y+z)
∂f/∂z = -2cos(y+z)

0 = df = (∂f/∂y)dy+(∂f/∂z)dz
= (1-2cos(y+z)) dy - 2 cos(y+z) dz

dz/dy = (1-2cos(y+z))/(2cos(y+z))
 
AlonsoMcLaren said:

Homework Statement



If x=yz and y=2sin(y+z), find dx/dy

Homework Equations



Chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution



From y = 2sin(y+z) we get
dz/dy= (1-2cos(y+z))/(2cos(y+z))
dz/dy=((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)

dx/dy = ∂x/∂y + ∂x/∂z dz/dy
= z + y ((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)
= z - y - (1/2) sec(y+z)

But the answer is z-y+tan(y+z) (Mathematical methods in the physical sciences, Boas, Ch. 4 Sec 7 Problem 1)

What is going wrong?

First of all differentiate y=2sin(y+z) with respect to y. From chain rule, we obtain

$$ 1=2cos(y+z) $$

Now solve for y and then I think you can solve it.
 
oops!

sorry, that is right :redface:

you've just left out a y when you expanded this bracket …
AlonsoMcLaren said:
dx/dy = ∂x/∂y + ∂x/∂z dz/dy
= z + y ((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)
= z - y - (1/2) sec(y+z)
 


tiny-tim said:
sorry, that is right :redface:

you've just left out a y when you expanded this bracket …

So how does it lead to z-y+tan(y+z)?
 
x/dy = ∂x/∂y + ∂x/∂z dz/dy

= z + y ((1/2)sec(y+z) - 1)

= z - y - (1/2) y sec(y+z)
= … ? :smile:
 

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