Need Help, Stuck on Calc 1 Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a calculus homework problem set, including finding constants in a differential equation, evaluating a limit involving sine functions, and differentiating a complex expression. The subject area is primarily calculus, focusing on derivatives, limits, and differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find constants A, B, and C for a quadratic function that satisfies a differential equation, but expresses confusion on how to proceed after taking derivatives. They also explore the limit of a sine function and question the application of derivative rules for a complex expression.

Discussion Status

Participants are providing hints and guidance, particularly on the first problem, suggesting the identification of terms and the use of derivatives. There is ongoing exploration of the second problem, with references to L'Hôpital's rule, although the original poster indicates a lack of familiarity with it. Multiple interpretations and approaches are being discussed without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates that the problems are more challenging than those encountered in previous exams, which may contribute to their difficulty in progressing. There is an expectation for participants to show their attempts before receiving substantial help.

kingkong11
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Need Help, Stuck on Calc 1 Homework!

1. Find constants A, B, and C such that the function [tex]y = Ax^2 + Bx + C[/tex] satisfies the equation [tex]y'' + y' - 2y = x^2[/tex]2. Find [tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow 0} \frac{sin(a + 2x)-2sin(a + x)+sin a}{x^2}[/tex]3. If [tex]y = \frac{x}{\sqrt{a^2-1}} - \frac{2}{\sqrt{a^2-1}} \arctan\frac{\sin(x)}{a+\sqrt(a^2-1)+\cos(x)}[/tex] show that [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{a+\cos(x)}[/tex]
I'm completely stuck with these questions; they are much harder than the ones on the exam. I'd appreciate anyone who can point me in the right direction as to where/how to start.
 
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Hello King Kong, welcome to the Forums. You are pretty much required to show your attempt before you will receive much help. Since this is your first post, I will just give you a hint on the first one. Take the derivatives, plug them in, and see what A,B, and C work.
 


LCKurtz said:
Hello King Kong, welcome to the Forums. You are pretty much required to show your attempt before you will receive much help. Since this is your first post, I will just give you a hint on the first one. Take the derivatives, plug them in, and see what A,B, and C work.

Thanks for the welcome. I have attempted these problems on my own but got stuck and don't know how to continue.
For problem #1, I took the first and second derivatives of [tex]y = Ax^2+Bx+C[/tex]
[tex]y' = 2Ax + B[/tex] and [tex]y'' = 2A[/tex]. Then I plug them in and got:
[tex]2A + 2Ax + B - 2Ax^2 - 2BX - 2C = X^2[/tex]. This is where I got stuck, what should I do next?

For problem #2, I used the addition formula for sin which is sin(x+y) = sinxcosy + cosxsiny. But the result did not help me get rid of the X^2 in the denominator.

As for problem #3, the only way I can think of is to apply the quotient and product rule, which will result in a long and tedious operation.

I appreciate any additional hint/advice.
 


For 1, on the left side of the equation there is only one term that has [tex]x^2[/tex], that is of course [tex]-2Ax^2[/tex], so from that you know that A must be -1/2, using that A you can figure out how all the other terms cancel out.
 


mmmboh said:
For 1, on the left side of the equation there is only one term that has [tex]x^2[/tex], that is of course [tex]-2Ax^2[/tex], so from that you know that A must be -1/2, using that A you can figure out how all the other terms cancel out.
I got A = -1/2 part and If I substitute -1/2 for A in the equation I get -1-x-B-2BX-2C = 0 but how do I use it to solve for other terms? Can you elaborate on that please? thanks!
 


You want it to come out x2 + 0x + 0.
 


Bump... still need help with problem 2 and 3.
 


For number 2, do you know Hopital's rule?
 


mmmboh said:
For number 2, do you know Hopital's rule?
Nope.
 
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