Implicit differentiation: two answers resulted

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around implicit differentiation of the equation \(\frac{x}{x+y}-\frac{y}{x}=4\). The original poster attempts to find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) using two different methods, leading to two distinct answers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes using the quotient rule and simplifying the equation before differentiation, but ends up with different results. Some participants question the validity of the steps taken, particularly in the simplification process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the steps taken and the discrepancies in the results. Corrections have been made regarding the expressions used, but confusion remains about the reasoning behind the differing answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential errors in the algebraic manipulation of the equation, specifically regarding the transition between lines of reasoning. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the expressions are accurate before proceeding with differentiation.

benhou
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Could anyone explain that I got two different answers for this question: find [tex]dy/dx[/tex] of [tex]\frac{x}{x+y}-\frac{y}{x}=4[/tex].

1. using quotient rule:
[tex]\frac{x+y-(1+dy/dx)x}{(x+y)^{2}}-\frac{x\frac{dy}{dx}-y}{x^{2}}=0[/tex]
[tex]\frac{y}{(x+y)^{2}}-\frac{x}{(x+y)^{2}}\frac{dy}{dx}+\frac{y}{x^{2}}-\frac{1}{x}\frac{dy}{dx}=0[/tex]
[tex](\frac{x}{(x+y)^{2}}+\frac{1}{x})\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{y}{(x+y)^{2}}+\frac{y}{x^{2}}[/tex]
[tex]x(\frac{1}{(x+y)^{2}}+\frac{1}{x^{2}})\frac{dy}{dx}=y(\frac{1}{(x+y)^{2}}+\frac{1}{x^{2}})[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=y/x[/tex]

2. simplify using common denominator before taking derivative:
[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{x^{2}+xy}-\frac{xy+y^{2}}{x^{2}+xy}=4[/tex]
[tex]x^{2}-xy-y^{2}=4x^{2}+4xy[/tex]
[tex]-y^{2}=3x^{2}+5xy[/tex]
[tex]-2y\frac{dy}{dx}=6x+5y+5x\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=-\frac{6x+5y}{2y+5x}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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[tex] x^{2}-xy-y^{2}=4x^{2}+4xy[/tex]
[tex] y^{2}=3x^{2}+3xy[/tex]

The second line does not follow from the first.
 
Sorry, it's suppose to be "5xy"
 
and it's suppose to be -y^2. Now I corrected it.
 
Help, anyone? i still don't get why.
 

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