Derivative and trigonometric functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between derivatives and trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on how to express the second derivative in terms of trigonometric functions when the first derivative is given as a tangent function. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical exploration of derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the first derivative is set as \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \tan(\theta)\), the second derivative \(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\) should also be expressible in terms of trigonometric functions.
  • Others argue that the expression for the first derivative should be corrected to \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \tan(x)\) for clarity.
  • A participant suggests rewriting tangent in terms of sine and cosine and applying the quotient rule to derive the second derivative.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the relationship between \(x\) and \(\theta\), questioning whether they are independent variables.
  • There is a discussion about the need for clarity regarding the assumptions made in the problem, particularly whether \(r\) is a function of \(\theta\) and how that affects the derivatives.
  • One participant mentions that the expressions used do not make sense without proper context, particularly regarding the meaning of \(dr/d\theta\) if \(r\) is not a function of \(\theta\).
  • Another participant refers to a calculus textbook for guidance but notes that assumptions made in the text were not communicated in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to express the second derivative in terms of trigonometric functions. There are multiple competing views on the correct approach and the assumptions underlying the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear assumptions about the relationships between variables, particularly whether \(r\) is a function of \(\theta\) and how that affects the derivatives. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in the problem statement to avoid confusion.

Jhenrique
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Hellow!

If we can equal the first derivative with a trigonometric function:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]

So, the second derivative is equal to which trigonometric function?
[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=?[/tex]

Thanks!
 
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Jhenrique said:
Hellow!

If we can equal the first derivative with a trigonometric function:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]

So, the second derivative is equal to which trigonometric function?
[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=?[/tex]

Thanks!

You need to fix your derivative: dy/dx = tan(x) would be correct.

then use tan(x) = sin(x) / cos(x) and the division rule.
 
Last edited:
It is easier to derive if you rewrite tangent in terms of sine and cosine and use the quotient rule.

##\frac{dy}{d\theta} = \frac{\sin{\theta}}{\cos{\theta}}##
##\frac{d^2y}{d\theta^2} = \displaystyle\frac{\cos{\theta}\cos{\theta} + \sin{\theta}\sin{\theta}}{\cos^2{\theta}}##

And then simplify.
 
Jhenrique said:
Hellow!

If we can equal the first derivative with a trigonometric function:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]

So, the second derivative is equal to which trigonometric function?
[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=?[/tex]
If I take what you wrote at face value, the y'' = 0, assuming that x and θ are independent of one another.

Assuming as others in this thread have done, that you meant dy/dx = tan(x), the problem can be simplified.

If w = tan(x), then dw/dx = ? The derivative of the tangent function is shown in every calculus book.
 
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]
proceeded from:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\frac{dy}{d\theta}}{\frac{dx}{d\theta}}=\frac{\frac{dr}{d\theta}sin(\theta)+rcos(\theta)}{\frac{dr}{d\theta}cos(\theta)-rsin(\theta)}[/tex]

But, I don't know how do d²y/dx²
 
Jhenrique said:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]
proceeded from:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\frac{dy}{d\theta}}{\frac{dx}{d\theta}}=\frac{\frac{dr}{d\theta}sin(\theta)+rcos(\theta)}{\frac{dr}{d\theta}cos(\theta)-rsin(\theta)}[/tex]

But, I don't know how do d²y/dx²

Can you state the whole problem? It appears that theta is a function of x and y.
 
I just use the equality x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ) to find that dy/dx is tan(θ) (it's known). But I don't know to manipulate all this differential algebra to find d²y/dx² as a trigonometric equation... Do you know how do it?

EDIT: In other words... my ask is if is possible to express d²y/dx² in term of theta
 
Last edited:
Jhenrique said:
I just use the equality x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ) to find that dy/dx is tan(θ) (it's known). But I don't know to manipulate all this differential algebra to find d²y/dx² as a trigonometric equation... Do you know how do it?

EDIT: In other words... my ask is if is possible to express d²y/dx² in term of theta

I still don't see the problem you're trying to solve. The x=r cos(theta) and y=r sin(theta) are the conversion equations from polar to xy coordinate systems so what equation are you trying to differentiate.
 
Then you should state this in your initial post. We assumed that when you wrote dy/dx = tan(θ) that you had written θ when you meant x.
Jhenrique said:
I just use the equality x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ) to find that dy/dx is tan(θ) (it's known).
I don't see how this can be true.

Since y = r sin(θ) and x = r cos(θ), then y/x = sin(θ)/cos(θ) = tan(θ). Of course, y/x and dy/dx are not the same thing.

Jhenrique said:
But I don't know to manipulate all this differential algebra to find d²y/dx² as a trigonometric equation... Do you know how do it?

EDIT: In other words... my ask is if is possible to express d²y/dx² in term of theta
 
  • #10
Jhenrique said:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=tan(\theta)[/tex]
proceeded from:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{\frac{dy}{d\theta}}{\frac{dx}{d\theta}}=\frac{\frac{dr}{d\theta}sin(\theta)+rcos(\theta)}{\frac{dr}{d\theta}cos(\theta)-rsin(\theta)}[/tex]
The above doesn't make any sense to me. r is not a function of θ, so dr/dθ has no meaning. y is a function of θ, but it's also a function of r, so you would need to be dealing with partial derivatives. Same with x.
Jhenrique said:
But, I don't know how do d²y/dx²
 
  • #11
It is in page 670 of book of James Stewart's Calculus (see the image archived)

I don't undestood very well, but, anyway, I think that is possible to express d²y/dx² through of theta too. Is possible?
 

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  • #12
I don't read Portuguese, but I have a copy of Stewart's Calculus that contains the section you show. Stewart makes several assumptions that you didn't show - he assumes that θ is a parameter (i.e., essentially a constant) and that r is a function of θ. In other words, he writes r = f(θ). If you ask a question and don't include the assumptions that are being made, you're going to get answers like the ones you saw in this thread.

To find ##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{dy}{dx})##, differentiate your expression with respect to x. Using the chain rule, d/dx(g(θ)) = d/dθ(g(θ)) * dθ/dx. Here what I'm calling g(θ) is shorthand for the expression you have for dy/dx.
 
  • #13
Mark44 said:
I don't read Portuguese...

Darn, we could have made a movie and you'd be the next John Travolta as he was in 'Phenomena'
where he learned Portuguese on his way to rescue a missing boy.
 
  • #14
Mark44 said:
If you ask a question and don't include the assumptions that are being made, you're going to get answers like the ones you saw in this thread.
Sorry

jedishrfu said:
Darn, we could have made a movie and you'd be the next John Travolta as he was in 'Phenomena'
where he learned Portuguese on his way to rescue a missing boy.

Hilarious!
 
  • #15
No hablo portuguesa ahora, pero quiero estudiar portuguesa alguna vez.
 

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