Implicit Differentiation: How Can I Solve for y' in e^(x/y)=x-y?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative y' in the equation e^(x/y) = x - y, which requires implicit differentiation techniques. The discussion centers around the application of logarithmic properties and the chain rule in differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of logarithmic differentiation and the chain rule, questioning the validity of changing e^(x/y) to logarithmic form. There is an exploration of whether differentiating (x/y) = ln(x-y) might simplify the process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their attempts and questioning each other's methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differentiation process, but there is no clear consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of an answer key that differs from the participants' results, leading to confusion about the correct application of differentiation rules. The discussion also notes the complexity of the problem and the potential for mistakes in the differentiation process.

JustinLiang
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Homework Statement


Find y' in
e^(x/y)=x-y

2. The attempt at a solution
I tried to differentiate it by changing it so that there would be a natural log (as seen in my attachment). However the end result is not the same as the answer key.

How the answer key did it was they used the chain rule on e^(x/y). So...

e^(x/y)*(x/y)'=1-y'

And then they solve for y'.


Why can I not change the e^(x/y) to the logarithmic notation?
 

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JustinLiang said:

Homework Statement


Find y' in
e^(x/y)=x-y

2. The attempt at a solution
I tried to differentiate it by changing it so that there would be a natural log (as seen in my attachment). However the end result is not the same as the answer key.

How the answer key did it was they used the chain rule on e^(x/y). So...

e^(x/y)*(x/y)'=1-y'

And then they solve for y'.

Why can I not change the e^(x/y) to the logarithmic notation?
Without seeing exactly what you did, there is no way to say whether or not your method is correct.

Is it any easier to find y' by differentiating (x/y) = ln(x-y) ?
 
SammyS said:
Without seeing exactly what you did, there is no way to say whether or not your method is correct.

Is it any easier to find y' by differentiating (x/y) = ln(x-y) ?

Oops, I forgot to attach it. It is harder but I was just doing it for practice, it seems like I was unable to get the correct answer... Do you know why? I attached the photo.
 
JustinLiang said:
Oops, I forgot to attach it. It is harder but I was just doing it for practice, it seems like I was unable to get the correct answer... Do you know why? I attached the photo.
It does look difficult to get the answer into the same form once you get rid of the exponential. Taking the derivative then gets rid of the logarithm.

You do have a mistake in your work. [itex]\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\ln(x-y)=\frac{1-y'}{x-y}\,.[/itex]

Added in Edit:

Actually, it's not that difficult to compare the results. Take the book answer and replace [itex]\displaystyle e^{x/y}[/itex] with [itex]x-y\,.[/itex]
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
It does look difficult to get the answer into the same form once you get rid of the exponential. Taking the derivative then gets rid of the logarithm.

You do have a mistake in your work. [itex]\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\ln(x-y)=\frac{1-y'}{x-y}\,.[/itex]

Added in Edit:

Actually, it's not that difficult to compare the results. Take the book answer and replace [itex]\displaystyle e^{x/y}[/itex] with [itex]x-y\,.[/itex]

Wow... I need some sleep haha. Thanks.
 

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