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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of functions involving trigonometric expressions, specifically cos(x)cos(y) and sin(x)sin(y), within the context of determining the exactness of a differential equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of trigonometric functions of two variables, questioning whether to apply the product rule or chain rule. There is an attempt to clarify the process of partial differentiation while treating one variable as constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on how to differentiate the functions in question, suggesting methods for checking the exactness of the equation. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the exactness of the equation, with some asserting it is exact while others express uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of treating variables independently during differentiation and the implications this has for determining the exactness of the differential equation. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the setup of the original equation.

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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 ><((<))">
 
Last edited:
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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.
 
Last edited:
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!
 
Last edited:
1,000 thanks I'm not worthy.
 

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