Change in x (Differentiation) - Calc III needed?

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around solving for the derivative dx/dy in a calculus problem, where the initial solution did not match any answer choices. The user initially attempted to derive the equation but struggled with applying the chain rule correctly. After receiving guidance to focus on time rates of change (dx/dt and dy/dt), the user recalculated using dy/dt as -1/2 and successfully derived dx/dt as -2/3. Ultimately, the user confirmed that the correct answer is option D, indicating a clearer understanding of the differentiation process.
Qube
Gold Member
Messages
461
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



http://i.minus.com/jDtSwpCGlrMhP.jpg

Homework Equations



Solving for dx/dy (change in x with respect to y) I get a solution that isn't one of the answer choices.

The Attempt at a Solution



3y^2 = 8x' + x'/x

Coordinate:

x = 1 (given)
y = 2 (solved for in original equation)

3(4) = 9x'
12/9 = dx/dy
4/3 = dx/dy (change of x with respect to y).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Qube said:

Homework Statement



http://i.minus.com/jDtSwpCGlrMhP.jpg

Homework Equations



Solving for dx/dy (change in x with respect to y) I get a solution that isn't one of the answer choices.

The Attempt at a Solution



3y^2 = 8x' + x'/x

Coordinate:

x = 1 (given)
y = 2 (solved for in original equation)

3(4) = 9x'
12/9 = dx/dy
4/3 = dx/dy (change of x with respect to y).

You want to think about dy/dt and dx/dt not dy/dx. For example, d/dt(y^3)=3y^2*dy/dt. Try that again. There is a correct answer in there.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
No matter what derivatives you take, please make sure you apply the chain rule properly. I don't think you did that in your attempt.
 
The tipoff that they're looking for time rates of change (dx/dt and dy/dt) is the units in the answers - units/sec.
 
brmath said:
No matter what derivatives you take, please make sure you apply the chain rule properly. I don't think you did that in your attempt.

I'm not seeing the issue when I take the derivative of the equation with respect to y.
 
Mark44 said:
The tipoff that they're looking for time rates of change (dx/dt and dy/dt) is the units in the answers - units/sec.

Thank you. That makes more sense. I found dx/dt and plugged in dy/dt which is -1/2.

3y^2(dy/dt) = 8(dx/dt) + dx/dt*(1/x)

y=2, as always.

3(4)(-1/2) = 9(dx/dt)

-6 = 9(dx/dt)
-2/3 = dx/dt

It appears the answer is D.
 
Qube said:
Thank you. That makes more sense. I found dx/dt and plugged in dy/dt which is -1/2.

3y^2(dy/dt) = 8(dx/dt) + dx/dt*(1/x)

y=2, as always.

3(4)(-1/2) = 9(dx/dt)

-6 = 9(dx/dt)
-2/3 = dx/dt

It appears the answer is D.

Yes, it is.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K