Finding the Second Derivative Using the Chain Rule

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The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative using the chain rule, specifically addressing the calculations and justifications for the derivatives involved. The initial solution attempts to apply the chain rule but encounters questions regarding the correctness of the approach and the arithmetic involved. Participants highlight potential issues with sign ambiguity and the application of the chain rule in the context of the given functions. A more detailed breakdown of the differentiation process is provided, confirming the validity of the approach when applied correctly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful arithmetic and justification in derivative calculations.
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


Chain rule.

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\frac {dy}{dt} . \frac{dt}{dx} = \sqrt{t^2+1}.cos(π.t)$$
$$\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}.(\frac{dt}{dx})^2 = 2 $$
$$\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}.(t^2+1).cos^2(π.t)= 2 $$ and for the t=3/4,
$$\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}.\frac{25}{16}.\frac{1}{2} = 2 $$
$$\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} = \frac{64}{25}$$
$$\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{8}{5}$$

I count the dt\dx as the function itself because it is the previous status of the function, I mean the function in the problem statement is a result of dt/dx.

Is my solution correct? Is my approach correct? If not , where am I wrong and how to solve?

Thank you!
 

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Check your arithmetic on the last step. Also note that cos(3π/4) is negative but there's a sign ambiguity for (dt/dx), if you're getting it from your second equation.
 
Can you justify ##\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}\left(\frac{dt}{dx}\right)^2##?
I tried it with x=tm, y=tn and it did not seem to work.
 
Last edited:
John Park said:
Hmm: ##\frac d {dx} = \left( \frac {dt} {dx} \right ) \frac d {dt}## applied twice to y looked credible. But you're right: it doesn't seem to work for your case.
For typing ease, I'll use dot for d/dt and ' for d/dx.
##\dot y=y'\dot x##
Differentiating and applying the product rule:
##\ddot y=\dot x \frac d{dt}y'+y'\ddot x##
##=\dot x \frac {dx}{dt}y"+y'\ddot x##
##=\dot x^2y"+y'\ddot x##.
That checks out with my example.
 
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Looks good. I can insist to myself that I've learned from the experience.
 
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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