Implicit Differentiation: Finding the Derivative of sin(xy)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around implicit differentiation, specifically focusing on finding the derivative of the expression d/dx[6+sin(xy)]. Participants are examining the application of the chain rule and the differentiation of products involving variables x and y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of sin(xy) and the application of the chain rule. There are questions about the correctness of using sin versus cos in the derivative and the necessity of rewriting d/dx as dy/dx d/dy. Some participants explore how to correctly apply the product rule in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the differentiation process, with some participants expressing confusion about the application of rules. One participant reports resolving their confusion after revisiting the problem, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential fatigue affecting the understanding of the problem, which may have contributed to initial confusion. The discussion reflects on the complexity of implicit differentiation and the nuances of applying differentiation rules correctly.

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Homework Statement


I'm working on implicit differentiation and there is one part of the problem I'm having trouble with so I just pulled it out.
d/dx[6+sin(xy)]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


They get the answer of this to be sin(xy) [(x) dy/dx+y] How do they get that? Here is what I get and how I arrive at it.
d/dx[6+sin(xy)]= d/dx[sin(xy)]= cos(xy) [d/dy (xy) ][dy/dx]= xcos(xy)dy/dx I believe the x comes out because we are evaluating the derivative of y at x, so the y is one but the x comes out, is that the right idea? Thanks.

-Kevin
 
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kevinnn said:
They get the answer of this to be sin(xy) [(x) dy/dx+y]
Are you sure its sin, and not cos?

kevinnn said:
d/dx[6+sin(xy)]= d/dx[sin(xy)]= cos(xy) [d/dy (xy) ][dy/dx]
Where did the d/dy come from? I guess you must have rewritten d/dx as dy/dx d/dy, using the chain rule. That seems unnecessary, since it's not easier to apply d/dy to xy than to apply d/dx to it.
 
Yes sorry it is cos(xy)
Yes, I was using the chain rule. So if apply d/dx to it then the answer for that part would be y correct?
 
kevinnn said:

Homework Statement


I'm working on implicit differentiation and there is one part of the problem I'm having trouble with so I just pulled it out.
d/dx[6+sin(xy)]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


They get the answer of this to be [STRIKE]sin[/STRIKE] cos(xy) [(x) dy/dx+y] How do they get that? Here is what I get and how I arrive at it.
d/dx[6+sin(xy)]= d/dx[sin(xy)]= cos(xy) [d/dy (xy) ][dy/dx]= xcos(xy)dy/dx I believe the x comes out because we are evaluating the derivative of y at x, so the y is one but the x comes out, is that the right idea? Thanks.

-Kevin
You should have

[itex]\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}(\sin(xy))=\cos(xy)\frac{d}{dx}(xy)\ .[/itex]

Now, what is [itex]\displaystyle \ \ \frac{d}{dx}(xy)\ ?[/itex]
 
Upon working through the problem again from the start I was able to solve it. I guess I was just tired when I first attempted it. Thanks for the help!
 

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