Implicit Differentiation: Finding Tangent Line and Second Derivative

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around implicit differentiation applied to the equation x3 + y3 + 2xy = 4, specifically at the point where y = 1 when x = 1. Participants are tasked with finding the equation of the tangent line, the second derivative at that point, and determining the concavity of the graph near x = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the first derivative using implicit differentiation and the subsequent evaluation at the point (1, 1). There is also exploration of the second derivative and its implications for concavity. Some participants express uncertainty about their steps in the calculations for the second derivative and concavity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed their calculations for the first derivative and tangent line equation, while others are questioning their approach to the second derivative and its interpretation regarding concavity. There is a productive exchange of ideas about the differentiation process and the implications of the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is an ongoing discussion about the correctness of specific steps in the differentiation process.

JBD2
Messages
61
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Consider:
x^3+y^3+2xy=4, y=1 when x=1
a.) Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve when x=1.
b.) Find y'' at x=1.
c.) Is the graph of y=f(x) concave up or concave down near x=1?

Homework Equations


Any derivative rules...

The Attempt at a Solution


For Part a:

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

After substituting x=1 and y=1:

y'=-1

For y=mx+B, B=2

y=-x+2

For Part b:

y''=\frac{vu'-uv'}{v^2}

u=-2y-3x^2
u'=-2y'-6x
v=3y^2+2x
v'=6yy'+2

y''=\frac{-(3y^2+2x)(2y'+6x)+(6yy'+2)(2y+3x^2)}{(3y^2+2x)^2}

After substituting x=1, y=1, and y'=-1:

y''=-1.6

For Part c:

Would it be concave down because I just tested y'' with x=1?

I'm mostly unsure about my steps in part b.) and c.), and I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thanks for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sorry for this unnecessary post, but I don't have much time and need to be sure this is correct.
 
JBD2 said:

Homework Statement


Consider:
x^3+y^3+2xy=4, y=1 when x=1
a.) Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve when x=1.
b.) Find y'' at x=1.
c.) Is the graph of y=f(x) concave up or concave down near x=1?

Homework Equations


Any derivative rules...

The Attempt at a Solution


For Part a:

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

After substituting x=1 and y=1:

y'=-1
Yes, that is right. But I wouldn't bother to solve for the general expression for y'.
By implicit differentiation you got 3x2+ 3y2y'+ 2y+ 2xy'= 0. Setting x= y= 1 in that, 3+ 3y+ 2+ 3y'= 5+ 5y'= 0 which gives y'= -1.

For y=mx+B, B=2

y=-x+2
Yes, that is correct.

For Part b:

y''=\frac{vu'-uv'}{v^2}

u=-2y-3x^2
u'=-2y'-6x
v=3y^2+2x
v'=6yy'+2

y''=\frac{-(3y^2+2x)(2y'+6x)+(6yy'+2)(2y+3x^2)}{(3y^2+2x)^2}
Again, I would work from 3x2+ 3y2y'+ 2y+ 2xy'= 0. Differentiating both sides of that, with respect to x, 6x+ 6y(y')2+ 3yy"+ 2y'+ 2y'+ 2xy"= 0.

Again, setting x= y= 1 and y'= -1,
6(1)+ 6(1)(-1)2+ 3(1)y"+ 4(-1)+ 2(1)y"= 0
6+ 6+ 3y"- 4+ 2y"= 0 gives 5y"= -8, y"= -8/5.

After substituting x=1, y=1, and y'=-1:

y''=-1.6
Yes, -8/5= -1.6.

For Part c:

Would it be concave down because I just tested y'' with x=1?
Yes, y"< 0 so the graph is concave down.

I'm mostly unsure about my steps in part b.) and c.), and I want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thanks for your help.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Again, I would work from 3x2+ 3y2y'+ 2y+ 2xy'= 0. Differentiating both sides of that, with respect to x, 6x+ 6y(y')2+ 3yy"+ 2y'+ 2y'+ 2xy"= 0.

Thank you so much, that makes a lot more sense to do it that way. I was wondering though, for your second derivative, is 3yy" supposed to be 3y2y" or is there something I'm forgetting? Thanks again.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K