Implicit differentiation - Help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the second derivative, d²y/dx², for the equation cos y + x² = 12. The original poster (OP) expresses uncertainty about their approach, particularly after finding the first derivative, and notes that this question is more complex than others in their assignment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of implicit differentiation versus direct differentiation. The OP attempts to differentiate the equation but questions their results. Some participants suggest revisiting the chain rule and product rule in their calculations. Others express confusion about the correctness of the OP's findings and the implications for their assignment grade.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue about the correctness of the derivatives calculated by the OP. Some participants affirm the OP's approach while others highlight potential mistakes. The discussion reflects a mix of validation and uncertainty, with participants exploring different methods of differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of the assignment's weight on their final grade, which adds pressure to ensure accuracy. There is also a note about forum rules regarding the sharing of complete solutions, emphasizing the learning process over simply providing answers.

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Homework Statement


Find d2y/dx2 for cos y + x2 =12
The first derivative I think is correct but the second I am unsure of, this is Q5 of 10 in an assignment and every other question has been far cleaner and easier making me think that I've missed something.
We don't have to use implicit differentiation, I thought that it would be easiest though.
thanks for any future help.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


cos y=x-12
d/dx cos y = d/dx(12-x2)
dy/dx=-sin y = -2x
dy/dx=2x*cosec(x)
The first differential is easy, it gets messy from here.
d2y/dx2=d/dx*dy/dx
=d/dx 2x (sin y)-1
=2/(sin y) +2x d/dx (sin y)-1 -product
=2/(sin y) +2x [dy/dx -d/dy(sin y)-1]
=2/sin y = (-4x2 cos y)/(sin y)2
=2 cosec y + -4x2 cot y cosec2 y
 
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dy/dx=-sin y = -2x

This line confuses me... Anyways let's give this a whirl!

[tex]\frac{d(cos(y) + x^{2}=12)}{dx}[/tex]

[tex]2x - y'sin(y) = 0[/tex]

EDIT: Whoops I made a mistake after this point, I'll try to post the correct solution in my next post.:blushing:
 
Last edited:
thanks a lot jegues. Sorry if this is a bit rude but how sure are you that this is right? I only ask because the assignment is 20% of my final grade (ridiculous I know).
 
Wait on that chain rule step you have to use the product rule again: y' sin y isn't a function of sin y.

Anyway, OP, your answer is right, assuming you're allowed to express your answer implicitly. You can also set y = arccos(12-x2) and just differentiate directly, which after some mildly ugly algebra, results in an analytic expression in terms of x.
 
hgfalling said:
Anyway, OP, your answer is right, assuming you're allowed to express your answer implicitly. You can also set y = arccos(12-x2) and just differentiate directly, which after some mildly ugly algebra, results in an analytic expression in terms of x.
That was my first attempt but I have up when it got to ugly, also what is OP??
 
OP = "original poster", a common phrase on forums I've inhabited before, but not that common here now that I think about it.
 
OP = Original Poster

And personally, I would take the derivatives implicitly. It's not that hard, and jegues was even nice enough to give you the first derivative.

However, just to let you know, posting the complete solution is against the PF rules. We want our friends to understand where the answer comes from, and such. I'm sure you understand.

From his first derivative, though, it should be easy to get the second.
 
OP, your answer is right

Sorry about the confusion, after going through my steps again I realized I had some mistakes. You are indeed right.
 
alright, now I am confused am I right or wrong?
 
  • #10
thanks everyone - I am now assuming my OP was right.
 
  • #11
alright, now I am confused am I right or wrong?

You are correct.

2 cosec y -4x2 cot y cosec2 y is the right answer.

Again, sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
 

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