Implicit Differentiation Problem

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an implicit differentiation problem involving the equation x^2(x-y)^2 = x^2 - y^2. Participants are exploring how to differentiate this equation with respect to x to find dy/dx.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts to differentiate the equation and presents their work, while others question the clarity of the original problem statement and the notation used. There is a suggestion to clarify the problem explicitly in the post.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and guidance on how to approach the differentiation process. There is a recognition of the need for clearer problem statements, and some participants are exploring the implications of the differentiation steps presented.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the importance of providing clear problem statements in homework posts, as well as a reminder about the forum's approach to guiding understanding rather than providing direct answers.

Mathos
Messages
25
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement

x[tex]^{}2[/tex](x-y)[tex]^{}2[/tex]=x[tex]^{}2[/tex]-y[tex]^{}2[/tex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I can get this far: x[2(x-y)(1-dy/dx)]+2x(x-y)=2x-2ydy/dx

Any small hint as to where to go from here would be much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the question?
You posted an equation,
[tex]x^2(x - y)^2 = x^2 - y^2[/tex]
(and the way you posted it makes me wonder why you did just the superscript in LaTeX which didn't really make it a superscript anymore :smile:) and then went on to write a differential equation. :confused:
 
I assume, CompuChip, that the actual problem was in the title: "implicit differentiation problem". That is, to use implicit differentiation to find dy/dx when [itex]x^2(x-y)^2= x^2- y^2[/itex].

Mathos, it's a real good idea to actually state the problem in the post!

You say you have differentiated to get x[2(x-y)(1-dy/dx)]+2x(x-y)=2x-2ydy/dx (warning: I did not check that!) Now you want to solve that equation for dy/dx. Since differentiation is "linear", that is always a simple linear equation in dy/dx. Go ahead and multiply the left side to get -2x(x-y)dy/dx and add 2y dy/dx to both sides to isolate dy/dx. The divide by its coefficient.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Your not supposed to give the answer right away. Your supposed to give clues to how to do it. Ever hear the phrase Give a man a fish; you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; you feed him for life.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K