Solve Fractions Problem: Slope at (1,3)

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tmt1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fractions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the slope of the derivative y' = [3(y-x)^2 - 2x]/[3(y-x)^2] at the point (1,3). The initial calculation yields a slope of 5/6. A participant suggests simplifying the derivative to y' = -2x/[3(y-x)]^2, which would result in a slope of -1/6. The confusion arises from the incorrect assumption that the term [3(y-x)^2] can be canceled out, which is clarified by the hint that $$\frac{a}{a}=1$$ where $$a\ne0$$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with algebraic simplification techniques
  • Knowledge of evaluating functions at specific points
  • Basic understanding of limits and continuity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the rules of derivatives in calculus
  • Learn about the concept of limits and their application in derivatives
  • Explore algebraic manipulation techniques for simplifying expressions
  • Review examples of evaluating derivatives at specific points
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of derivatives and slope calculations.

tmt1
Messages
230
Reaction score
0
I have this derivative and I need the slope at (1,3).

y' = [3(y-x)^2 -2x]/[3(y-x)^2]

With this equation I plug in x and y and the slope equals 5/6.

However, can't y' be simplified further to:

y' = [3(y-x)^2]/[3(y-x)^2] -2x/[3(y-x)^2] ?

Thus can't it be simplified to:

y'= -2x/[3(y-x)]^2

thus the slope would be -1/6 when I plug in x and y.What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for all your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: $$\frac{a}{a}=1$$ where $$a\ne0$$

You are trying to say $$\frac{a}{a}=0$$.
 
Hopefully this helps.

EDIT: Fixed Image
9wew.png

Get it now?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K