Calculus I - Double Derivitive

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the first and second derivatives of the function y = x / (x^2 + 1). The first derivative is calculated using the quotient rule, yielding dy/dx = (1 - x^2) / (x^2 + 1)^2. The participants also discuss the challenges of readability in the calculations and suggest simplifying expressions before differentiating again. The second derivative is approached but not fully resolved, indicating potential mistakes in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with the quotient rule for differentiation
  • Ability to simplify algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of product rule for differentiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice using the quotient rule with various functions
  • Learn how to simplify expressions before differentiation
  • Study the product rule and its applications in calculus
  • Explore advanced topics in calculus, such as higher-order derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on differentiation techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of derivative calculations and simplification strategies.

RaptorsFan
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Homework Statement



Find dy/dx and d^2y/dx^2

y = x / (x^(2)+1)

Homework Equations



d/dx (f/g) = (g d/dx f - f d/dx g) / g^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Finding d/dx:

d/dx y = (x^(2)+1) d/dx (x) - (x) d/dx (x^(2) + 1) / (x^(2)+1)^2

= (x^2 + 1) - (2x^2) / (x^(2)+1)^2

So that's my first derivative answer.. now on to the second.

d/dx(d/dx y) (x^2 + 1)^2 d/dx [(x^(2)+1)-(2x^2)] / (x^(2)+1)^4

((x^(2)+1)^2)(2x-4x)-[4x(x^(2)+1)-(2x^2)/ (x^(2)+1)^4So, there is bound to be a mistake somewhere.. thank you in advance
 
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RaptorsFan said:

Homework Statement



Find dy/dx and d^2y/dx^2

y = x / (x^(2)+1)


Homework Equations



d/dx (f/g) = (g d/dx f - f d/dx g) / g^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Finding d/dx:

d/dx y = (x^(2)+1) d/dx (x) - (x) d/dx (x^(2) + 1) / (x^(2)+1)^2

= (x^2 + 1) - (2x^2) / (x^(2)+1)^2
i find it quite difficult to read, as you leave out brackets,

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

[tex]= \frac{(x^2 + 1)\frac{d}{dx} (x) - x \frac{d}{dx}(x^2 + 1)}{(x^2 + 1)^2}[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{((x^2 + 1) - 2x^2) }{(x^2 + 1)^2}[/tex]
looks similar to what you had, but with an extra bracket,

though you should also simplify before differentiating again
[tex]= \frac{ 1 - x^2 }{(x^2 + 1)^2}[/tex]



RaptorsFan said:
So that's my first derivative answer.. now on to the second.

d/dx(d/dx y) (x^2 + 1)^2 d/dx [(x^(2)+1)-(2x^2)] / (x^(2)+1)^4

((x^(2)+1)^2)(2x-4x)-[4x(x^(2)+1)-(2x^2)/ (x^(2)+1)^4


So, there is bound to be a mistake somewhere.. thank you in advance
as mentioned its hard to read without missing +,-,= & brackets

that said I find wreting it as below, then diifferntiating again using the product rule a little easier, though it will lead to identical result as the quotient rule
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = (1 - x^2)(x^2 + 1)^{-2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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