Implicit differentiation question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around implicit differentiation, specifically focusing on the differentiation of equations involving both x and y variables, such as x³ + y³ = 4 and the product of variables like 100xy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the chain rule in implicit differentiation, questioning how to differentiate terms involving y. There are inquiries about the product rule and the treatment of constants during differentiation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's questions, providing insights into the rules of differentiation. Some guidance on the product rule and the treatment of constants has been shared, but there remains a lack of consensus on certain aspects of the differentiation process.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of differentiation rules, particularly in the context of implicit differentiation and the treatment of constants. Participants express uncertainty about the assumptions made during differentiation.

Obsidian
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Find y' = dy/dx for x3 + y3 = 4


Okay, now what's really confusing me is that for the y3 is that you need to use the chain rule for it. When you do, the answer is 3y2(dy/dx). How does that actually work?

And if anyone can give me any good advice on any good guidelines on how to properly implicitly differentiate, it would be most helpful. Thanks. :)
 
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My next question is, in my book, they differentiate d/dx(100xy) and turn it into:

100[x{dy/dx) + y]

How did they get to that?
 
Product rule. You can't just think of y as a constant when you differentiate implicitly.
 
Yeah, I felt it had something to do with the product rule, but why did they take out the 100 like that?
 
It's just a constant, so that can be moved out. d/dx[100xy] = 100 d/dx[xy] = 100[x*dy/dx + dx/dx*y]
 
But can't you do that only if the 100 is being multiplied in both x and y? I mean, the way it is, wouldn't it only be multiplying to either the X or the y, not twice to both of them?
 
You really have to know algebra in order to do calculus! 100xy= (100x)y= x(100y)= 100(xy).
 
No, I know that's how it works, but I guess my question is, why isn't the derivative of 100 being taken as well? Why is it being left out?

Sorry for the dumb questions. :/
 
  • #10
Obsidian said:
No, I know that's how it works, but I guess my question is, why isn't the derivative of 100 being taken as well? Why is it being left out?

Sorry for the dumb questions. :/
Ok, take the derivative of this problem. Treat it as if it's a product.

\frac{d}{dx}(100x)

What is your answer?

Now go back to your derivative properties in which, \frac{d}{dx}cf(x)=cf'(x)

Now do you see why it can be left out?
 
  • #11
Ah, of course! Me so dumb. Thanks a lot. :)
 

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