Finding the Second Derivative Using the Chain Rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative using the chain rule, specifically in the context of derivatives with respect to different variables. Participants are examining the relationships between derivatives and the application of the chain rule in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the chain rule to find the second derivative and questions the correctness of their approach. Other participants raise concerns about arithmetic errors and the justification of the derivative relationships used. There are also attempts to validate the application of the chain rule through examples.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on specific calculations and questioning the validity of certain steps in the original poster's reasoning. Some participants suggest that the original poster's approach may not be correct, while others explore the implications of their findings without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the complexities of applying the chain rule and the implications of their assumptions regarding the derivatives involved. There is mention of potential sign ambiguities and the need for careful justification of the derivative relationships.

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Homework Statement


Question has been attached to topic.

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.
 

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