Derivative of y with Respect to x: Solving Implicit Differentiation Problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Twinflower
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Implicit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around implicit differentiation, specifically finding the derivative of y with respect to x for the equation 2xy + y² - 4x = 10. Participants are exploring the differentiation of terms involving both x and y, as well as the application of differentiation rules such as the product and chain rules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of y² and the product rule for the term 2xy. There are questions about the application of the chain rule and the handling of y' in the differentiation process. Some participants express uncertainty about their understanding of differentiation techniques.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on differentiation techniques and correcting each other's misunderstandings. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the steps involved in reaching the derivative, although no consensus on a final solution is reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention difficulties with differentiation and express a need for clarification on specific rules and their applications. There are indications of typos and misunderstandings in the differentiation process that are being addressed throughout the discussion.

Twinflower
Messages
109
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Derivate [itex]y[/itex] with regards to [itex]x, \frac{dy}{dx}[/itex]

[tex]2xy+y^2-4x=10[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I am not very good at differentiation, so I haven't got off to a good start, really.
I guess I can differentiate [itex]y^2 and -4x[/itex] "the usual way", but I am kind of stuck with the [itex]2xy[/itex]-part.

I also recon I have to put the equation = 0
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Twinflower said:

Homework Statement



Derivate [itex]y[/itex] with regards to [itex]x, \frac{dy}{dx}[/itex]

[tex]2xy+y^2-4x=10[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not very good at differentiation, so I haven't got off to a good start, really.
I guess I can differentiate [itex]y^2 and -4x[/itex] "the usual way", but I am kind of stuck with the [itex]2xy[/itex]-part.

I also recon I have to put the equation = 0
To find the derivative of 2xy, use the product rule.
 
Hi Twinflower! :smile:

How did you differentiate y2?
 
So [itex](2x)'(y) + (2x)(y)' ---> y + 2x[/itex] ?

That would yeld something like: y + 2x +2y - 1, but the answer is supposed to be
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2-y}{x+y}[/tex]
 
I like Serena said:
Hi Twinflower! :smile:

How did you differentiate y2?
[itex](y^2)' = 2y[/itex]

I think :)
 
Twinflower said:
So [itex](2x)'(y) + (2x)(y)' ---> y + 2x[/itex] ?
(2x)' = 2, because x' = 1.

Where did y' disappear to?
That would yeld something like: y + 2x +2y - 1, but the answer is supposed to be
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2-y}{x+y}[/tex]
 
Twinflower said:
So [itex](2x)'(y) + (2x)(y)' ---> y + 2x[/itex] ?

That would yeld something like: y + 2x +2y - 1, but the answer is supposed to be
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2-y}{x+y}[/tex]

I'm afraid you can't simplify (2x)(y)'.
y' is what you want to find.


Twinflower said:
[itex](y^2)' = 2y[/itex]

I think :)

Not quite.
You should apply the chain rule here, and leave the y'.
 
Twinflower said:
[itex](y^2)' = 2y[/itex]

I think :)
No.
d/dx(y2) = 2y[itex]\cdot[/itex]dy/dx = 2y[itex]\cdot[/itex]y'

You didn't use the chain rule.
 
Ok guys, I am going to sit down and try to work this out.
Thanks for pushing me in the right direction.

I'll be back later :)
 
  • #10
OK, I finally got it:
[tex]2xy+y^2-4x=10[/tex]

Differentiating each term:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}2xy = (2x)' \times y + 2x \times y' = 2y +2x \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}y^2 = 2y \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}-4x = -4[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} 10 = 0[/tex]

Combining the terms yelds:

[tex]2y +2x \frac{dy}{dx}+2y \frac{dy}{dx}-4=0[/tex]

Diving each term by 2 and combining both y'-terms:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}\times (x+y) + y-2 = 0[/tex]

Subtracting (y-2) on both sides:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}\times (x+y)=2-y[/tex]

Dividing by (x+y) yelds the final answer:

[tex]\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{2-y}{x+y}[/tex]Edit: Alcubierre posted the answer while I was creating mine :)
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Haha we posted pretty much at the same time. Congratulations though, good job!
 
  • #12
Good! :smile:

Btw, you did make a mistake here:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}y^2 = 2y + \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
which should be:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}y^2 = 2y \cdot \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
But apparently you fixed that while moving along.
 
  • #13
Ah, thanks Serena. Just a typo, it's not in my book.
Gonna fix my post to avoid any confusion in case others are trying to use this thread :)
 
  • #14
Hey Twinflower.

You still got 1 typo left, which is the one I actually mentioned. ;)
 
  • #15
Done!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K