Solving Differential Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving derivatives of various expressions involving trigonometric and exponential functions, specifically in the context of differential calculus and the application of the chain rule.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of the chain rule for derivatives, questioning whether certain variables are functions of time. There is uncertainty about the assumptions regarding the relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the nature of the variables and their dependencies. Some guidance has been offered regarding the assumption that certain variables may be functions of time, which could influence the derivatives being calculated.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is presented under the topic of differential calculus, but there is ambiguity regarding the definitions and relationships of the variables involved, particularly whether theta is a function of t.

mattmannmf
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Solve the following:

d/dt cos(theta)
d/dt t sin(theta)
d/dt r cos (theta)
d/dt r^2 (theta)
d/dt e^ (-3x)
d/dt (x^2 + y^2)

I would assume all by the second one are 0 since your solving for terms dt and not theta, x, y, or r... I don't think its right at all. I know it goes something like this:
d/dt f(x) = dy/dx * dx/dt
I just am not sure how to grasp what I'm doing wrong.
 
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Is theta a function of t?
 
what do you mean?
 
is \theta =\theta (t), otherwise the derivative will be non-zero.
 
all it says its differential calculus and gives the problem as I stated above
 
From the title of the thread ("Calculus Chain Rule"), I think it's reasonable to assume that \theta is a differentiable function of t, and that you are meant to use the chain rule.
 

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