How to differentiate absolute value of multivariable function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the absolute value of a multivariable function, specifically focusing on the function $$|\sin(x+y)|$$. Participants explore the application of differentiation rules, including the chain rule and trigonometric identities, while attempting to find the maximum and minimum values of the function.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a differentiation approach for $$|\sin(x+y)|$$ but questions the correctness of their result, suggesting $$f_x(x,y)=\frac{\sin(2x)}{2\sqrt{\sin^2(x+y)}}$$.
  • Another participant points out that the derivative of the absolute value function involves the signum function and provides a formula for the derivative of $$|\sin(x+y)|$$ using the chain rule: $$\frac{ \partial}{ \partial x}| \sin(x+y)|= \frac{ \sin(x+y)}{| \sin(x+y)|} \, \cos(x+y)$$.
  • Several participants express confusion regarding the differentiation process, particularly about the role of the variable $$y$$ in the numerator and the application of trigonometric identities.
  • One participant attempts to clarify the sine function's argument and its implications for differentiation, leading to a discussion about the relationship between $$\sin(x+y)$$ and $$\sin(2x)$$.
  • Another participant suggests that $$\sin(x+y) \cos(x+y)$$ can be expressed in terms of $$\sin(2(x+y))$$, indicating a potential simplification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to differentiate the function, with no consensus reached on the final method or result. Confusion persists regarding the application of trigonometric identities and the treatment of variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of differentiating functions involving absolute values and trigonometric identities, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the inner differentiation process and the application of relevant rules.

Petrus
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Hello MHB,
I am working with finding max and min value and I always hesitate when I got absolute value so the one I strugle is to derivate $$|\sin(x+y)|$$
if we do it respect to x is this correct?
$$f_x(x,y)=\frac{\sin(2x)}{2\sqrt{\sin^2(x+y)}}$$$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
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Hmm. I think you're missing some stuff. One thing is certain:
$$ \frac{d}{dx} |x|= \frac{x}{|x|} = \frac{|x|}{x}= \text{signum}(x).$$
Using the chain rule, therefore, you'd have
$$ \frac{ \partial}{ \partial x}| \sin(x+y)|= \frac{ \sin(x+y)}{| \sin(x+y)|} \, \cos(x+y).$$
You could probably simplify this a bit using some trig identities, but I don't think it would come down to what you got. Also note that $|x|= \sqrt{x^{2}}$, which does agree with your denominator.
 
Hey Petrus,

Check the argument of the sine function in the numerator...
 
Hello,
Thanks for the fast responed!:)
hmm.. I prob can't use the hanf angle formulas what I did and get it wrong, hm.. I don't see what to do the inner deferentiate, What do you mean Mark?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Where did $y$ go in the numerator?
 
MarkFL said:
Where did $y$ go in the numerator?
Now I understand but I did not think clearly cause now when I think, I don't know what to do with numberator, we got two rules
$$\sin(x+y)=\sin(x) \cos(y)+ \cos(x) \sin(y)$$
and $$\sin^2(x)=\frac{1+ \cos(2x)}{2}$$
so I am back to spot one... How shall I do this..?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
From $\sin(x+y) = \sin(x) \cos(y)+ \cos(x) \sin(y)$, set $x=y$ and obtain $\sin(2x)= \sin(x) \cos(x)+ \cos(x) \sin(x) = 2 \sin(x) \cos(x)$. Therefore,
$$\sin(x) \cos(x)= \frac{ \sin(2x)}{2}.$$
So what would $\sin(x+y) \cos(x+y)$ be?
 
Ackbach said:
From $\sin(x+y) = \sin(x) \cos(y)+ \cos(x) \sin(y)$, set $x=y$ and obtain $\sin(2x)= \sin(x) \cos(x)+ \cos(x) \sin(x) = 2 \sin(x) \cos(x)$. Therefore,
$$\sin(x) \cos(x)= \frac{ \sin(2x)}{2}.$$
So what would $\sin(x+y) \cos(x+y)$ be?
Hello Ackbach,
$$\sin(x+y)=2 \sin(x) \cos(x)$$
$$\cos(x+y)= \cos(x) \cos(y)- \sin(y) \sin(x)$$ set $$x=y$$ and obtain
$$\cos(2x)= \cos^2(x)- \sin^2(x)$$
so $$\sin(x) \cos(x)= \frac{ \sin(2x)}{2}(\cos^2(x)- \sin^2(x)) $$

Regards
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
In your original post, you are essentially positing:

$$2\sin(x+y)\cos(x+y)=\sin(2x)$$

Do you see the problem with this?
 
  • #10
Petrus said:
Hello Ackbach,
$$\sin(x+y)=2 \sin(x) \cos(x)$$
$$\cos(x+y)= \cos(x) \cos(y)- \sin(y) \sin(x)$$ set $$x=y$$ and obtain
$$\cos(2x)= \cos^2(x)- \sin^2(x)$$
so $$\sin(x) \cos(x)= \frac{ \sin(2x)}{2}(\cos^2(x)- \sin^2(x)) $$

Regards
$$|\pi\rangle$$

I don't think you're seeing the pattern here. What would $\sin(z) \cos(z)$ be? What would $ \sin( \xi) \cos( \xi)$ be? What would $ \sin( \aleph) \cos( \aleph)$ be? So what must $\sin(x+y) \cos(x+y)$ be?
 
  • #11
Hello,
I think I see now $$\sin(x)\cos(x)=\frac{\sin(2x)}{2} <=>\sin(x+y)\cos(x+y)=\frac{\sin(2(x+y))}{2} $$

Well it is really late and I am tired so I can't think clear right now, I need to sleep so hopefully tomorow I understand a lot better!

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
  • #12
Petrus said:
Hello,
I think I see now $$\sin(x)\cos(x)=\frac{\sin(2x)}{2} <=>\sin(x+y)\cos(x+y)=\frac{\sin(2(x+y))}{2} $$

Well it is really late and I am tired so I can't think clear right now, I need to sleep so hopefully tomorow I understand a lot better!

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

You got it.
 

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