How to Simplify the Derivative of sqrt(x/y) + sqrt(y/x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the derivative of the expression sqrt(x/y) + sqrt(y/x). Participants are attempting to prove that this derivative equals y/x, exploring various steps and simplifications in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in simplifying the derivative and requests clarification on the process.
  • Another participant provides an expanded form of the derivative and suggests several simplification steps, including matching denominators.
  • A subsequent post questions how the simplifications lead to the conclusion that y' equals y/x.
  • A final post attempts to show the simplification process leading to the result, breaking down the expression into a square root form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the simplification process or the validity of the conclusion that y' equals y/x, as participants are still exploring the steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions or steps necessary to simplify the derivative, and there are indications of uncertainty in the simplification process.

yourmom98
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okay I am supposed to prove the derivative of: sqrt x/y + sqrt y/x
is equal to y/x

okay I am stuck where i have finally isolated y' i don't know how to reduce it further I am stuck with this at the moment (see attachment)
can you please tell me the process you went through to simplify it?
 

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It's better if you write out the equation is expanded form:

[tex]\frac{\frac{1}{\sqrt{xy}} - \frac{\sqrt{y}}{x^\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{\sqrt{x}}{y^\frac{3}{2}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{xy}}}[/tex]Doing a couple of simplifying operations

[tex]\frac{\frac{\sqrt{xy}}{xy} - \frac{\sqrt{y}}{x^\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{\sqrt{x}}{y^\frac{3}{2}} - \frac{\sqrt{xy}}{xy}}[/tex]

We try to match the denominators

[tex]\frac{\frac{\sqrt{x}\sqrt{xy}}{x^\frac{3}{2}y} - \frac{y\sqrt{y}}{yx^\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{x\sqrt{x}}{xy^\frac{3}{2}} - \frac{\sqrt{y}\sqrt{xy}}{xy^\frac{3}{2}}}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\frac{x-y}{\sqrt{y}x^\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{x-y}{\sqrt{x}y^\frac{3}{2}}}[/tex]

.
[tex]\frac{\sqrt{xy^3}}{\sqrt{yx^3}}[/tex]
 
okay so how does this prove y' = y/x?
 
[tex]\frac{\sqrt{xy^3}}{\sqrt{yx^3}}[/tex]
[tex]= \sqrt{\frac{xy^3}{yx^3}[/tex]
[tex]= \sqrt{\frac{y^2}{x^2}} = \frac{y}{x}[/tex]
 

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