Differentiating $f(F,\theta)$: Why the Answers Differ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function \( f(F,\theta) = F \cos \theta \) and understanding why two different methods yield different results for \( df \). The subject area includes calculus and differentiation techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore two methods of differentiation: direct differentiation and logarithmic differentiation. Questions arise regarding the discrepancies in the results obtained from each method. Some participants suggest rechecking derivatives and the importance of signs in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions about the differentiation methods. There is a focus on understanding the implications of errors and how they relate to the methods used. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correlation of errors and the validity of both methods for calculating relative error.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using radians in the differentiation process and discuss the implications of sign changes in the context of the problem. There is mention of a textbook reference that suggests a specific method for calculating relative error.

agnimusayoti
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Homework Statement
A force of 500 N is measured with a possible error of 1 N. Its component in a
direction 60◦ away from its line of action is required, where the angle is subject to an
error of 0.5◦. What is (approximately) the largest possible error in the component?
Relevant Equations
For ##f(F,\theta) \rightarrow dF= \frac{\partial f}{\partial F} dF +\frac {\partial f}{\partial \theta} d\theta ##
From the question,
$$f(F,\theta)=F \cos \theta$$

1. If I use:
$$df=dF \cos{\theta} -F \sin {\theta} d\theta$$
and using radian,
$$df=dF \cos{\theta} -F \sin {\theta} d\theta \frac {\pi}{180^\circ}=5.28 N$$

2. But, if I take logarithm to both side:
$$ln f=ln F+ln \cos{\theta}$$
differentiate both sides:
$$\frac{df}{f}=\frac{dF}{F} + \frac{\sin\theta}{\cos \theta} d\theta$$
Using radian, it gives ##df=4.28 N##My question is, why the answers are different? Thanks.
 
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Signs matter.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Delta2, fresh_42 and DaveE
Recheck your derivatives
 
I think it should also be added that there is no reason to assume that the errors are correlated.
 
Yeah the second should be negative ##-\tan \theta d\theta##. But then for the worst case or should be positive, because we can take d\theta ia negative then ##-\tan \theta d\theta## becomes positive.

With this condition (worst case), so the first one becomes positive and brings ##df=5.28 N##What do you mean by the errors are correlated? Could you please explain itu further? Because the book show to get relative error by the second method. But i just wonder why can't be calculated by 1st method.
 
agnimusayoti said:
Because the book show to get relative error by the second method. But i just wonder why can't be calculated by 1st method.
You can. If you divide your expression for ##df## you got using the first method by ##f##, you get the expression you found for ##df/f## using the second method.
 
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Likes   Reactions: agnimusayoti, joshyewa and Delta2
Uh youre right. Thanks!
 
But again what is the meaning by the errors are correlated?
 

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