Finding d^2y/dx^2 in terms of F(x,y)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the second derivative of y with respect to x, denoted as d²y/dx², given the implicit function F(x,y)=0. The context is rooted in calculus and differential equations, specifically dealing with partial derivatives and their applications in implicit differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the expression for dy/dx to find d²y/dx², with some questioning how to handle the partial derivatives Fx and Fy. There are attempts to clarify the meaning of these derivatives and how they relate to the total derivative of F.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants offering insights into the differentiation process and the application of the chain rule. Some express confusion about the relationship between the derivatives and the original function, while others suggest methods for approaching the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of consensus on the interpretation of the partial derivatives and their implications for finding d²y/dx². Some participants are still grappling with the concepts involved, indicating a need for further clarification.

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Homework Statement



If F(x,y)=0 find d^2y/dx^2 in terms of the partial derivatives of F(x,y).


Homework Equations


dy/dx= -Fx/Fy


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to differentiate dy/dx with respect to x again, I thought I can get d^2y/dx^2 . But I couldn't find it. Actually I don't know how to deal with Fy or Fx. When I differentiate Fx with respect to x, Fx becomes Fxx? Or when I differentiate Fy with respect to x, it equals Fyx or not?
 
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What is Fx or Fy? Use the total derivative:

\frac{dF}{dx} = \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx}
 
Amok said:
What is Fx or Fy? Use the total derivative:

\frac{dF}{dx} = \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx}

But when I do that, I get dy/dx. But I have to find d^2y/dx^2.
 
if you mean F_{xy} = \frac{\partial^2 F }{\partial y \partial x}, then yes, so i would attempt to differntiate again w.r.t. x
 
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diff said:
But when I do that, I get dy/dx. But I have to find d^2y/dx^2.

You'll have to do it twice :p

What do you mean by Fx and Fy?
 
Amok said:
You'll have to do it twice :p

What do you mean by Fx and Fy?

The problem is that I couldn't do it :P

Fx means partial derivative of F w.r.t x
 
lanedance said:
if you mean Fxy = \frac{\partial^2 F }{\partial y \partial x} then yes, so i would attejmpt to differntiate again w.r.t. x

Sorry, but I don't understand.
 
differntiate this expression again w.r.t. x using the chain rule & partial differntiation
<br /> \frac{dF}{dx} = \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx} <br />
 
Since, as Amok and lanedance have said,
\frac{dF}{dx}= \frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}

\frac{d^2F}{dx^2}= \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)
= \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)+ \frac{\partial}{\partial y}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)\frac{dy}{dx}
 
  • #10
A chain rule problem perhaps?

<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial x} (-\frac{Fx}{Fy}) = -\frac{Fxx}{Fy} + Fyx\frac{Fx}{(Fy)^2}<br />

If you treat Fx and Fy as just 'ordinary' functions you can manipulate them by taking another partial differential and still be independent of the total function (since the outcome is all wrt x anyhow).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
lanedance said:
differntiate this expression again w.r.t. x using the chain rule & partial differntiation
<br /> \frac{dF}{dx} = \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx} <br />

I did it in the first step, thanks anyway.
 
  • #12
HallsofIvy said:
Since, as Amok and lanedance have said,
\frac{dF}{dx}= \frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}

\frac{d^2F}{dx^2}= \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)
= \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)+ \frac{\partial}{\partial y}\left(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dx}\right)\frac{dy}{dx}




Thanks for your help, I need to find d^2y/dx^2 not d^2F/dx^2. I think I can find it now.
 
  • #13
mege said:
A chain rule problem perhaps?

<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial x} (-\frac{Fx}{Fy}) = -\frac{Fxx}{Fy} + Fyx\frac{Fx}{(Fy)^2}<br />

If you treat Fx and Fy as just 'ordinary' functions you can manipulate them by taking another partial differential and still be independent of the total function (since the outcome is all wrt x anyhow).

Actually when you take the partial derivative of F w.r.t x , it is quite different from Fxx. But, thanks anyway.
 
  • #14
diff said:
Thanks for your help, I need to find d^2y/dx^2 not d^2F/dx^2. I think I can find it now.

Do what HOI said till the end and you'll see that \frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} is bound to appear.
 
  • #15
Amok said:
Man, just do till the end and you'll see that \frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} is bound to appear.

Yeah, I know it, thanks, finally I found it :D
 

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