How Do You Solve Second Derivatives Using Implicit Differentiation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivatives of functions defined implicitly, specifically through the equations 2xy = y² and xy + y³ = 1. Participants are exploring the application of implicit differentiation to derive y'' in terms of x and y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to differentiate the given equations implicitly and express y' and y'' in terms of x and y. There are questions about the correctness of their differentiation steps and the implications of certain terms, such as the zero encountered in the second equation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing guidance on the differentiation process and clarifying misunderstandings. Some participants suggest revisiting earlier steps to ensure accuracy, while others offer alternative methods for obtaining y'' without explicitly solving for y'. There is no clear consensus, but multiple interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines that require leaving answers in terms of x and y. There is also a focus on ensuring that the differentiation process is correctly applied, particularly regarding the use of product and quotient rules.

AdiV
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Hi, I need some help with these question, and would appreciate the help.

Homework Statement


Part 1
Use implicit differentiation to find y'' if 2xy = y^2 Simplify and Leaev in terms of x and y.

Part 2
Use implicit differentiation to find y '' if xy + y^3 = 1
Simplify your answer and leave it in terms of x and y

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


For part 1;

I had

2x dy/dx + 2y = 2y dy/dx
Took out 2's
solved for dy/dx

dy dx = y / [y-x]

Part 2
I tried the same, took d/dx to get

dy/dx + 3y^2 dy/dx = 0 But here I get stuck because of the zero.
 
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It asked for y'' not y', let me work it but am I correct on that part?
 
Ohh, so go through the process again? Ok, but can you help me along?
 
AdiV said:
Ohh, so go through the process again? Ok, but can you help me along?
Sure, so now we're at

y'=\frac{x}{y-x}

Take the derivative again, quotient rule:

y'=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y-x})

so...

y''=\frac{(y-x)\frac{d}{dx}(x)-x\frac{d}{dx}(y-x)}{(y-x)^2}
 
Last edited:
For part 2: You forgot or did the the product rule incorrectly;

xy+y^3 =1

xy'+y+3y^2 y'=0

The zero means nothing. It's the same thing as saying x-2=0, well then x=2.

Solving for y'

y'=\frac{-y}{x+3y^2}

Now take the 2nd derivative, quotient rule:
 
Last edited:
You don't need to solve for y' itself. If 2xy= y^2, then 2y+ 2xy'= 2yy'. Now differentiate both sides of that with respect to x: 2y'+ 2y'+ 2xy"= 2y'^2+ yy" or 4y'- 2y'^2= (y- 2x)y" so y"= (4y'-2y'^2)/(y- 2x). Personally, I would consider that a perfectly good answer but since your problem specifically says "leave in terms of x and y", NOW use x/(y- x).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wow, thanks for clearing it up for me, I greatly appreciate the help =]
 

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