How Do I Solve a Second Derivative Using Implicit Differentiation?

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The discussion centers around solving for the second derivative using implicit differentiation for the equation sin(y) + cos(y) = x. The user initially struggles with the differentiation process and arrives at an incorrect conclusion. Through further differentiation, they clarify that the correct expression for the second derivative is y" = x/(2 - x^2), correcting a misunderstanding about the presence of a "3/2" power in the answer. Additionally, a new question about finding common tangents to two curves is introduced, prompting reminders about proper forum etiquette and the importance of showing prior work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding implicit differentiation and correctly applying it to find derivatives.
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Need help with implicit differentiation

I have only just been introduced to implicit differentiation and am cluelessly stuck on this question:
Express d^2y/dx^2 as a function of x if siny + cosy = x
my first attempt was just to simply differentiate each term, and ended up with -(siny+cosy)d^2y/dx^2 = 0. The answer in the back of the book is: x/(2-x^2)^(3/2)...which unlike my answer is a function of x...my problem is that I really don't know how to arrive at this answer.
I can't think of any trig identity that can help me here and so my best guess is that I should find the three sides of a triangle with which siny and cosy make x, but I have no idea about how to go about finding these sides with the information I have been given.
part of the denominator: sqrt(2-x^2) seems like the hypoteneuse but I am having difficulty coming up with the other two sides and to make x. I apologise if solving this should be a no-brainer but I simply don't know how to proceed. Can someone please point me in the right direction?
 
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Then I suspect that the answer in the back of the book is wrong!

sin y+ cos y= x so, by implicit differentiation, cos y y'- sin y y'= 1 or
y'(cos y- sin y)= 1.

Differentiate again: y" (cos y- sin y)+ y'(-sin y- cosy)= 0 which is the same as y" (cos y- sin y)= (sin y+ cos y)y'= xy' (since sin y+ cos y= x).

But y'(cos - sin y)= 1 means that y'= 1/(cosy -sin y) so

y"(cos y- sin y)= x/(cos y- sin y)

y"= x/(cos y- sin y)2= x/(cos2[/sup y- 2sin ycosy+ cos2 y)= x/(1- 2sin y cos y)

Now, we know that x= sin y+ cos y so x2= (sin y+ cos y)2= sin2+ 2sin y cos y+ cos2 y= 1+ 2 sin y cos y.
1- 2 siny cos y= 2- (1+ 2 sin y cos y)= 2- x2.

The correct answer is just y"= \frac{x}{2-x^2}. There is no "3/2" power.
 
That was brilliant HallsofIvy...Thankyou:smile:
 
The curve y1 is y1=ax^2+ax+b.The curve y2 is y2=cx-x^2.They both have
common tangent the line which passes through the ponit (1,0).Find the a,b,c.
Please somebody help me.Thank you.
 
1. Do not "hijack" someone else's thread to ask a completely new question- start your own thread.

2. Show us what you have done, what you have attempted.

You know that any line passing through (1,0) must be of the form y= m(x-1).
What are the conditions on m so that it is tangent to both curves (at some points on those curves)?
 
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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