Second derivative with parametric equations

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The discussion focuses on the calculation of the second derivative using parametric equations, specifically addressing the condition that \(\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0\). In example 4, \(\frac{dx}{dt} = -2t\) becomes zero at \(t = 0\), leading to complications in simplifying \(\frac{dy}{dx}\). The author derives the second derivative expression, which approaches zero as \(t\) approaches zero, despite being undefined at \(t = 0\). This indicates a "hole" at the origin in the graph, where both \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and \(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\) are undefined. The discussion highlights the nuances of limits and continuity in parametric derivatives.
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http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/ParaTangent.aspx

On this page the author makes it very clear that:

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$$

provided ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.

In example 4, ##\frac{dx}{dt} = -2t##, which is zero when ##t## is zero. In simplifying ##\frac{dy}{dx}## the author even divides the numerator and denominator by ##t## which is only possible if ##t \neq 0##.
This is all consistent with the requirement ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.
The author then obtains an expression for the second derivative in terms of ##t##, plugs in zero, and finds out that the second derivative is zero at ##t = 0##.
How is this consistent with the assumption that ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##? What's going on here?
 
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MohammedRady said:
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/ParaTangent.aspx

On this page the author makes it very clear that:

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$$

provided ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.

In example 4, ##\frac{dx}{dt} = -2t##, which is zero when ##t## is zero. In simplifying ##\frac{dy}{dx}## the author even divides the numerator and denominator by ##t## which is only possible if ##t \neq 0##.
This is all consistent with the requirement ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##.
The author then obtains an expression for the second derivative in terms of ##t##, plugs in zero, and finds out that the second derivative is zero at ##t = 0##.
How is this consistent with the assumption that ##\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0##? What's going on here?
He doesn't actually "plug in" zero. Toward the bottom of the example he shows this work:
$$\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{-\frac 1 2 (35t^4 + 15t^2) }{-2t} = \frac 1 4 (3t^3 + 15t)$$
The expression in the middle is undefined if t = 0, but as t approaches zero, the value of this expression approaches zero as well. The 2nd and 3rd expressions are exactly the same except at a single point -- the origin. He could have elaborated on this fact a bit more.

The graph he shows doesn't make it clear that there is a "hole" at (0, 0). At this point both dy/dx and d2y/dx2 are undefined.
 
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