Implicit differentiation problem

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The discussion revolves around solving an implicit differentiation problem involving the equation x - z = arctan(yz). Participants clarify the differentiation process, emphasizing the correct derivative for arctangent, which is 1/(1 + x²). They discuss how to express dz/dx and dz/dy in terms of other variables and derivatives, noting potential confusion between total and partial differentiation notations. One participant highlights the importance of correctly applying these notations to avoid misunderstandings in the differentiation process. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment of the notation issue as a key point of confusion.
mr_coffee
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hello everyone I'm stuck! anyone have any ideas?
I'm suppose to find dz/dx and dz/dy with implicit differentation. This is calc III!
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Is the question "x - z = arctan(yz). Find dz/dx. Find dz/dy." ?

Differentiate throughout: dx - dz = (ydz+zdy)arctan'(yz).

Then manipulate into dz = A + Bdx where A and B are functions of x, y and z. Divide by dx to get dz/dx = A/dx + B.

Similar for dz/dy.
 
One problem you have is that you have the wrong derivative for arctangent!

The derivative of arctan(x) is \frac{1}{1+ x^2}

if x-z= arctan(yz) then, writing zx and zy for the derivatives of z with respect to x and y respectively, we have
1-z_x= \frac{yz_x}{1+ y^2z^}
which you can solve for zx and
-z_y= \frac{z+ yz_y}{1+ y^2z^2}
which you can solve for zy.
 
One thing I couldn't understand here was, what happened to dy/dx and dx/dy.

We have,

x - z = arctan(yz)

differentiating wrt x,

1 - dz/dx = d/dx{arctan(s)}, where s = yz
1 - dz/dx = d/ds{arctan(s)}.ds/dx
1 - dz/dx = 1/(1 + s²) * (y.dz/dx + z.dy/dx)
1 - dz/dx = (y.dz/dx + z.dy/dx) / (1 + y²z²)

Adopting HallsofIvy's notation,

1 - zx = (yzx + zyx)/(1 + y²z²)

What have I missed out ?
 
Fermat said:
One thing I couldn't understand here was, what happened to dy/dx and dx/dy.
Could it be that the OP used total diff. "d" notation but HallsOfIvy interpreted it as partial diff. "\partial" notation?
 
Last edited:
EnumaElish said:
Could it be that the OP used total diff. "d" notation but HallsOfIvy interpreted it as partial diff. "\partial" notation?
That explains it.
Thanks.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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