Finding dx/dt & d^2x/dt^2 for x+e^x=t

  • Thread starter Thread starter coverband
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
To find dx/dt and d^2x/dt^2 for the equation x + e^x = t, the correct approach involves implicit differentiation. The first derivative, dx/dt, is correctly determined as (1 + e^x)^-1. However, the second derivative d^2x/dt^2 was initially calculated as zero, which is incorrect because x is a function of t. To find d^2x/dt^2, the chain rule must be applied, leading to a more complex expression involving dx/dt. Proper differentiation of (1 + e^x)^-1 reveals the need for further calculations to accurately determine d^2x/dt^2.
coverband
Messages
170
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



x+e^x=t. find dx/dt and d^2x/dt^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


dt/dx = 1 + e^x
Therefore dx/dt = (1+e^x)^-1 This is right.
d^2x/dt^2 = 0. This is wrong. Why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
coverband said:

Homework Statement



x+e^x=t. find dx/dt and d^2x/dt^2

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


dt/dx = 1 + e^x
Therefore dx/dt = (1+e^x)^-1 This is right.
d^2x/dt^2 = 0. This is wrong. Why?

Because x is a funtion of t, not constant. You need to use the chain rule. And it would also have been more in the spirit of the problem to differentiate the original equation implicitly instead of solving for t.
 
yea, its not 0

how do you differentiate

(1+ex)-1 ??
 
Well, given that x=x(t) (x being a function of t) you get -(1+e^x)^{-2}*e^x*\frac{dx}{dt} And you've already calculated dx/dt.
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K