Implicit Differentiation: Solving for dx/dy in an Example Problem

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Implicit differentiation can be challenging for beginners, especially when solving for dy/dx in complex equations. The example problem involves differentiating the equation (x² + y)² + x² + xy² = 100, leading to a derived expression for dy/dx. One participant confirms the correctness of the derived formula and suggests using the chain rule for simplification. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the chain rule to navigate implicit differentiation effectively. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the learning process and the need for practice in mastering these concepts.
A_Munk3y
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Let me first say i just learned implicit differentiation (earlier today) and i am also new in general to derivatives. I am finding implicit differentiation difficult but i want to understand it before we go over it in class.

Homework Statement


This is a example in my book. I have been trying to solve it for a while now, but I'm not sure i am doing it right and the book does not have answers so i can not check if i am even close to the right answer.
Find dx/dy by implicit differentiation (x2+y)2+x2+xy2=100

The Attempt at a Solution


(x2+y)2+x2+xy2=100
=(x2+y)(x2+y)+x2+xy2=100
=(x4+2x2y+y2)+x2+(xy2)=100
4x3+(2x2*1)(dy/dx))+y*4x+2y(dy/dx)+2x+(x*2y(dy/dx))+(1*y2)=0
-(4x3+y*4x+2x+1*y2)=(dy/dx)(2x2+2y+x*2y)
dy/dx=-(4x3+y*4x+2x+1*y2)/(2x2+2y+x*2y)
I don't think that is right is it?
 
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fixed it up... is that better now?
i removed the equal sign too, but didn't right anything on here (makes it confusing) :)
(x2+y)2+x2+xy2=100
=(x2+y)(x2+y)+x2+xy2=100
=(x4+2x2y+y2)+x2+(xy2)=100
4x3+(2x2*1)(dy/dx))+y*4x+2y(dy/dx)+2x+(x*2y(dy/dx))+(1*y2)=0
-(4x3+y*4x+2x+1*y2)=(dy/dx)(2x2+2y+x*2y)
dy/dx=-(4x3+y*4x+2x+1*y2)/(2x2+2y+x*2y)
 
Yes, that is correct. You could also do this without multiplying out the squares, using the chain rule:
((x^2+ y)^2)'= 2(x^2+ y)(x^2+ y)'= 2(x^2+y)(2x+ y')
while the derivative of x^2+ xy^2, with respect to x, is 2x+ y^2+ 2xyy'.

The derivative of (x^2+ y)^2+ x^2+ xy^2= 100, with respect to x, is 2(x^2+ y)(2x+y&#039;)+ 2x+ y^2+ 2xyy&#039;= 0[/math].<br /> <br /> Notice that I say &quot;is given by&quot;. To find the actual derivative of <b>y</b> with respect to x, you solve for y&#039; as you did.
 
Ahh... the chain rule :) I have such a hard time with that rule! lol
But thanks for the info. I don't really understand how you did that, but i will look up the rule again and then come back and see how you went about doing what you did.

Thanks a lot!
 
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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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