How Do You Apply Implicit Differentiation Correctly?

Click For Summary
To apply implicit differentiation correctly for the equation x + xy = y^2, the initial differentiation yields 1 + xy' + yy' = 2yy'. Rearranging the terms leads to 1 + xy' - 2yy' = 0. Factoring out y' gives y'(xy - 2y) = -1, resulting in y' = -1/(xy - 2y). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the product rule for differentiating the term xy, confirming that the correct derivative of xy is y + xy'.
JessicaJ283782
Messages
41
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Find the derivative of:

x+xy=y^2


Homework Equations




So I know you have to differentiate it, and it would be:

1+xyy'=2yy'

The Attempt at a Solution




Moving the terms with y' to one side:
1+xyy'-2yy'=0

xyy'-2yy'=-1

Factoring out y'

y'(xy-2y)=-1

y'=-1/(xy-2y)

Did I do that correctly?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The derivative of xy is not xyy' but it is y + xy'
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
For the xy part, you should use the product rule, f'g+g'f
 
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 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K