Multivariable Chain Rule of sin(x)cos(2y)

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The discussion revolves around finding the derivatives zs and zt for the function z=sin(x)cos(2y), with x and y defined in terms of s and t. The initial calculations for zs and zt included errors related to the application of angle addition identities, which the user was advised to correct. The user expressed confusion about the complexity of their solution and sought simpler methods for tackling such problems. They also mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the pace of recent lectures. Clarification on angle addition identities was provided, confirming the user's understanding was on the right track.
SweetBabyLou
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Hi all, I've got a Calculus III Question

Homework Statement


Find the derivative zs and zt, where z=sin(x)cos(2y)

Homework Equations


x=s+t
y=s-t

The Attempt at a Solution



I had a go at the solution and this was what I ended up getting

for zs, I ended up getting (cosxcos2y)(1)-2sinxsin2y(1)

where the 1 at the end of the δx and δy were the partial derivatives of x=s+t and y=s-t

I subbed in s and t values for x and y, and I ended up with

zs=((cos(s)+cos(t))(cos(2s)-cos(2t)))-((2sin(s)+2sin(t))(sin(2s)-sin(2t)))

I did the same process for t and got

zt=((-cos(s)-cos(t))(-cos(2s)+cos(2t)))+((2sin(s)+2sin(t))(sin(2s)-sin(2t)))

this seems like a really unnecessarily long answer and I'm pretty sure I messed something up. I can't seem to find the mistake though (I have a feeling its right under my nose).

Also, I don't know if this is really the easiest way to go about doing these problems. I felt like the past few chapters we've learned in lecture have been kinda rushed. If there is any way where these problems could be solved in an easier way, that advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks

--my brain feels like its turning into mush

P.S. if there are any post-editing mistakes, please forgive me. I am not used to posting on this site yet.
 
Last edited:
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SweetBabyLou said:
Hi all, I've got a Calculus III Question

Homework Statement


Find the derivative zs and zt, where z=sin(x)cos(2y)


Homework Equations


x=s+t
y=s-t

The Attempt at a Solution



I had a go at the solution and this was what I ended up getting

for zs, I ended up getting (cosxcos2y)(1)-2sinxsin2y(1)
Hello SweetBabyLou. Welcome to PF !

You're correct up to this point.

where the 1 at the end of the δx and δy were the partial derivatives of x=s+t and y=s-t
What you have next, is incorrect.
cos(a+b) ≠ cos(a) + cos(b), etc.

Use angle addition identities.
I subbed in s and t values for x and y, and I ended up with

zs=((cos(s)+cos(t))(cos(2s)-cos(2t)))-((2sin(s)+2sin(t))(sin(2s)-sin(2t)))

I did the same process for t and got

zt=((-cos(s)-cos(t))(-cos(2s)+cos(2t)))+((2sin(s)+2sin(t))(sin(2s)-sin(2t)))

this seems like a really unnecessarily long answer and I'm pretty sure I messed something up. I can't seem to find the mistake though (I have a feeling its right under my nose).

Also, I don't know if this is really the easiest way to go about doing these problems. I felt like the past few chapters we've learned in lecture have been kinda rushed. If there is any way where these problems could be solved in an easier way, that advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks

--my brain feels like its turning into mush

P.S. if there are any post-editing mistakes, please forgive me. I am not used to posting on this site yet.
 
Hi SammyS,

I'm sorry, but I'm not really familiar with Angle Addition Identities (It is probably something I've learned, but has slipped my mind). I did, however, look it up on the friendly neighborhood Google, and saw in Wolfram Alpha's MathWorld, that if I had sin(a+b) (or in this case, s+t) then the result should be something along the lines of, sin(a)cos(b)+sin(b)cos(a). I also see that for cos(a+b) the result should be cos(a)cos(b)-sin(a)sin(b). Am I headed in the right direction?
 
SweetBabyLou said:
Hi SammyS,

I'm sorry, but I'm not really familiar with Angle Addition Identities (It is probably something I've learned, but has slipped my mind). I did, however, look it up on the friendly neighborhood Google, and saw in Wolfram Alpha's MathWorld, that if I had sin(a+b) (or in this case, s+t) then the result should be something along the lines of, sin(a)cos(b)+sin(b)cos(a). I also see that for cos(a+b) the result should be cos(a)cos(b)-sin(a)sin(b). Am I headed in the right direction?
Yes, those are the angle addition identities .
 
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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