Implicit Differentiation w/ trig functions check

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the derivative dy/dx for the equation y*sin(x^2) = 5 using implicit differentiation. The initial attempt incorrectly manipulated terms, leading to confusion about how 2xy transitioned from the denominator to the numerator. Participants emphasize the importance of isolating the dy/dx term correctly and avoiding illegal operations in algebraic manipulation. After reevaluating the steps, the correct expression for dy/dx is derived as -2xy*cot(x^2). The conversation highlights the significance of careful algebraic handling in implicit differentiation problems.
DollarBill
Messages
44
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Determine dy/dx when

y*sin(x2)=5

The Attempt at a Solution


y*2xcos(x2) dx/dx + sin(x2)*1 dy/dx = 0

2xy cos(x2)*dy/dx = -sin(x2)

dy/dx = -sin(x2) / 2xy cos(x2)

dy/dx = -2xy tan(x2)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How did 2xy magically pop from the denominator to the numerator?
 
Would it be +2xy tan(x2)?
 
y*2xcos(x2) dx/dx + sin(x2)*1 dy/dx = 0

2xy cos(x2)*dy/dx = -sin(x2)

What I notice is that you separated sin(x^2)dy/dx by subtraction..which is obviously "illegal"

Try isolating the term with dy/dx in it and then try to isolate just the dy/dx
 
I didn't even notice I did that

Working it out again:

y*2xcos(x2) dx/dx + sin(x2)dy/dx = 0

sin(x2)dy/dx = -2xycos(x2)

dy/dx = -2xycos(x2) / sin(x2)

dy/dx=-2xy*Cotx2
 
That looks better.
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K