Implicit Derivation: Finding 2nd Derivative of y^2 = x^3

Click For Summary
To find the second derivative of the implicit function y^2 = x^3, the first derivative is correctly identified as dy/dx = 3x^2/2y. The discussion highlights difficulties encountered while deriving the second derivative, with participants suggesting that the differentiation process needs careful attention, particularly regarding the application of the product rule. A key point raised is the necessity of squaring dy/dx when differentiating terms involving y. The correct form of the second derivative is noted to be 3x/4y, emphasizing the importance of precise calculations in implicit differentiation. Overall, the conversation underscores the challenges of implicit differentiation and the need for meticulous attention to detail in each step.
Bashyboy
Messages
1,419
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement


I am suppose to find the second derivative implicitly of the function y^2 = x^3. I find the first derivative to be dy/dx = 3x^2/2y, but shortly find myself having difficulty in the second derivation. My steps for the second derivative is in the file attached; there are a few additionally steps, but, at the last step, I am in no way nearing the actual answer.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

  • Untitled.jpg
    Untitled.jpg
    25 KB · Views: 581
Physics news on Phys.org
Bashyboy said:

Homework Statement


I am suppose to find the second derivative implicitly of the function y^2 = x^3. I find the first derivative to be dy/dx = 3x^2/2y, but shortly find myself having difficulty in the second derivation. My steps for the second derivative is in the file attached; there are a few additionally steps, but, at the last step, I am in no way nearing the actual answer.
attachment.php?attachmentid=44684&d=1330827924.jpg


I assume that you result for implicitly differentiating y^2 = x^3, the first time was something like:
\displaystyle 2y(dy/dx)=3x^2​
Differentiate that again before solving for dy/dx. It's easier to work with.
 
Well, I took the derivative from where you advised me to; but I still feel I am getting it wrong. Here are some of the steps I took, though there are few because I had the intuition that I was getting them wrong.
 

Attachments

  • Derivative.jpg
    Derivative.jpg
    12.7 KB · Views: 495
Bashyboy said:
Well, I took the derivative from where you advised me to; but I still feel I am getting it wrong. Here are some of the steps I took, though there are few because I had the intuition that I was getting them wrong.
attachment.php?attachmentid=44708&d=1330867488.jpg


That looks OK so far.
 
Well, the answer is 3x/4y, and I am still not getting this.
 
SammyS said:
attachment.php?attachmentid=44708&d=1330867488.jpg


That looks OK so far.

You miss a square in the second step . d/dx(yy')=y'2+yy".

ehild
 
ehild, I am terribly sorry: I don't really understand what you are saying; I can't not see what it is that I should be fixing in my second step.
 
ehild, I believe you may have made a mistake when typing with latex.
 
Do again the derivative of y dy/dx. It is (dy/dx)2+yd2y/dx2.

ehild
 
  • #10
SammyS said:
attachment.php?attachmentid=44708&d=1330867488.jpg


[STRIKE]That looks OK so far[/STRIKE].
I was wrong. As ehild pointed out, the dy/dx should be squared.

\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(2y\frac{dy}{dx})=2\frac{dy}{dx}\frac{dy}{dx}+2y\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K