Solving y' in 2x+2xy'+2y+3y2y'

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the first derivative, y', in the expression 2x + 2xy' + 2y + 3y^2y', with the context being calculus and differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to isolate y' and question the absence of an equation to solve. There is mention of treating y' as a variable for factoring purposes, and some participants clarify the meaning of the notation used.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on recognizing the need for an equation and exploring the treatment of y' as a variable. There is acknowledgment of the need to factor and isolate y' from the expression.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the expression is set equal to zero, which is crucial for solving for y'. There is also a mention of the importance of understanding the notation and its implications in the context of calculus.

Centurion1
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Homework Statement


Solve for y'

2x+2xy'+2y+3y2y'


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so the ' means degrees right?
Would you start by grouping like terms. My real question is how that ' makes the other variables change?
 
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No, y' is the first derivative of y. You need to isolate y' from the other variables, but I see one problem: you don't have this expression set equal to anything: as it stands you can factor it (a little), but there is no way to solve it for any of the quantities.
 
You need to be more specific. To solve for a variable you need to have an equation. What you have written down is not an equation at all so make sure you also write down the other side of the equation like so, 'what you have'=...

Usually y' means the derivative of y. In this case I would guess with respect to x.
 
sorry it is =0
 
Centurion1 said:
sorry it is =0

Then, factor out y' and solve the equation.
 
You mean, 2x+2xy'+2y+3y2y' = 0, and want to find y'.

You can precisely perform steps according to:

Commutative property of addition;
Additive Inverse property;
Like Terms or Reverse of Distributive Property;
Multiplicative Inverse property.
 
so y' is treated like another variable. I can do normal factoring and just treat it like it was a third variable like if it was a z instead?
 
Centurion1 said:
so y' is treated like another variable. I can do normal factoring and just treat it like it was a third variable like if it was a z instead?

YES, from the viewpoint of "Pre-Calculus" and any Math course below. Some variable names may have subscripts to distinguish between or among similar main symbols. The "prime" notation can also be used sometimes. You have the variable written, y', spoken as "y prime". Your example also has the variable, y. So, two of your variables in your example are y and y' ("y" and "y prime"). We assume that they share some character but that they represent different numbers.
 
yes i understand now, thank you. i think i can handle the factoring.
 

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