Differentiation of cos(x)cos(y) or sin(x)sin(y)

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The discussion revolves around differentiating the functions cos(x)cos(y) and sin(x)sin(y) in the context of determining if a given equation is exact. It clarifies that when differentiating with respect to one variable, the other variable is treated as a constant. The participants confirm that the equation is not exact based on the condition that the partial derivatives do not equal each other. The correct differentiation methods are emphasized, leading to the conclusion that the equation is indeed exact. Understanding these differentiation techniques is crucial for solving similar problems in multivariable calculus.
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[SOLVED] differentiation of cos(x)cos(y) or sin(x)sin(y)

Homework Statement


Determine if the equation is exact, if exact solve.
[cos(x)cos(y)+2x]dx-[sin(x)sin(y)+2y]=0

Homework Equations


I have forgotten how to take the derivative of cos(x)cos(y) or sin(x)sin(y). Is this a product rule thing, or is it the chain rule?

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that if
$$\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}=\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}$$
then the equation is exact and you can integrate M w/respect to x and N w/respect to y and combine the similar terms for the solution f(x,y)=solution.

Here $$\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}\neq\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}$$
because the derivative of sin is cos and the derivative of cos is -sin. So while I know the equation isn't exact. I'm still bugged about the whole derivative thing.

Thanks in advance geniuses O o O ><((<))">
 
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When you're differentiating a function of two variables, then you treat the one you are not differentiating with respect to as a constant. So, if you want to differentiate sin(x)sin(y) wrt x, then sin(y) is a constant, so this is equal to the derivative of Asin(x), for some constant A. I presume that you know the derivative of this is Acos(x), thus plugging in A gives cos(x)sin(y) as your result.

Use a similar method for the other part: this should tell you whether the equation is exact or not.
 
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Follow cristo's advice, the equation IS exact.
 
Hi Miranda and welcome to PF,

I'm guessing that your original equation should be [cos(x)cos(y)+2x]dx-[sin(x)sin(y)+2y]dy=0. You should note that with partial differentiation, assuming that x and y are independent (that is x is not a function of y as visa-versa), you need only differentiate with respect to one variable, whilst holding the other variables constant. So for your example if we take,

\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left[\cos(x)\cos(y)\right]

Then you would treat y and hence cos(y) as a constant and then differentiate as normal. Hence,

\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left[\cos(x)\cos(y)\right] = \cos(y)\frac{d}{d x}\cos(x) = -\cos(y)\sin(x)

Do you follow?

Edit: Too damn slow, the roles are reversed cristo :-p!
 
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1,000 thanks I'm not worthy.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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