Differentiating (sin(x*theta))/(2x-1)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differentiation of the function (sin(x*theta))/(2x-1), specifically exploring the application of the quotient rule and the resulting expressions for the derivative. Participants are examining the mathematical steps involved in taking the derivative and the discrepancies between manual calculations and calculator outputs.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why their derivative calculation yields a different result than their calculator, specifically regarding the elimination of the cos(x*theta) term.
  • Another participant clarifies that the derivative is taken with respect to x.
  • A participant provides their calculator's output for the derivative, which includes both terms: (theta * cos(x*theta))/(2x-1) and (-2sin(x*theta))/(2x-1)^2.
  • There is a discussion about whether to use the product rule in conjunction with the quotient rule for differentiation, with one participant suggesting that both methods are valid.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the elimination of the cos(x*theta) term, and there are differing views on the approach to take for differentiation, indicating that multiple perspectives exist on the method used.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the application of differentiation rules and the specific handling of terms in the derivative calculation. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and familiarity with calculus concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students in physics or mathematics, particularly those struggling with calculus and differentiation techniques.

avocadogirl
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Why does the derivative of (sin(x* theta))/(2x-1) equal [(-2sin(x*theta))/(2x-1)^2]?

I'm an undergraduate physics student with a shaky math background, who's enrolled in an advanced Physics math class for which I lack prerequisites. I'm working an infinite series where the general term comes to (sin(x*theta))/(2x-1) and, applying the quotient rule to take the derivative, I get the result:

(2x-1)(cos(x*theta))-(2sin(x*theta))
_______________________________

(2x-1) ^2

But, my TI-89 eliminates the first part of the numerator, giving me
[(-2sin(x*theta))/(2x-1)^2]

I don't really need help with the problem I'm solving, I would just like to know why the cos term is eliminated. I can't seem to find an identity to explain this, or, at least, I can't see the correlation. Any assistance is sincerely appreciated.

Thank you.
 
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Are you taking the derivative with respect to x or to theta?
 
with respect to x
 
My TI-89 gives me
[tex]\frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{\sin(x \theta)}{2x - 1} \right)<br /> = \frac{\theta \cos(\theta x)}{2x - 1} - \frac{2 \sin(\theta x)}{(2x - 1)^2}.[/tex]
 
okay...I see why I was getting that answer from the calculator. If you wanted to do the differentiation by hand, would you use the product rule to derive the terms with which you would use the quotient rule? Or, can you even do it that way?
 
avocadogirl said:
okay...I see why I was getting that answer from the calculator. If you wanted to do the differentiation by hand, would you use the product rule to derive the terms with which you would use the quotient rule? Or, can you even do it that way?

You can do it either way. Quotient rule is simply a derivative of the product rule.
 

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