Stuck getting derivative when can't isolate my variable

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function dy/dn = nc(a+b)/(nc+a). The original poster is unsure whether to apply the product rule or the quotient rule for differentiation. Participants clarify that either method can be used, with the product rule often being simpler. They also emphasize that when differentiating with respect to n, the derivative of n is simply 1. The conversation concludes with a preference for Leibniz notation for clarity in differentiation.
Jon9992
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Hi. This is not a homework assignment. I am working to get an extrema on a graph that involves a bunch of functions and got stuck on one step:

How to get the derivative of:
\frac{dy}{dn} = \frac{nc(a+b)}{nc+a}

I can't get "n" in a place where I recognize how to get the derivative of it. I get stuck here after the first step..
nc(a+b)*(nc+a)^{-1}

or do I use the quotient rule where it ends up:
\frac{[nc(a+b)]'*(nc+a) - nc(a+b)(nc+a)'}{(nc+a)^2}
\frac{c(a+b)*(nc+a) - nc(a+b)(c)}{(nc+a)^2} ??

Can anyone please help?
Thanks very much in advance
 
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Jon9992 said:
Hi. This is not a homework assignment. I am working to get an extrema on a graph that involves a bunch of functions and got stuck on one step:

How to get the derivative of:
\frac{dy}{dn} = \frac{nc(a+b)}{nc+a}
In other words, you want ##\frac{d^2 y}{dn^2}##, right? That is, the derivative, with respect to n, of dy/dn.
Jon9992 said:
I can't get "n" in a place where I recognize how to get the derivative of it.
Since you are differentiating with respect to n, then the derivative of n (with respect to n) is just 1. ##\frac{d}{dn}(n) = 1##.
Jon9992 said:
I get stuck here after the first step..
nc(a+b)*(nc+a)^{-1}

or do I use the quotient rule where it ends up:
\frac{[nc(a+b)]'*(nc+a) - nc(a+b)(nc+a)'}{(nc+a)^2}
\frac{c(a+b)*(nc+a) - nc(a+b)(c)}{(nc+a)^2} ??
You can use either the product rule (that you started with, above) or the quotient rule - your call. The product rule is usually easier to apply.
Jon9992 said:
Can anyone please help?
Thanks very much in advance
I'm not sure I understood what you were asking. If what I wrote isn't what you're looking for, please clarify your question.
 
Mark44 said:
In other words, you want ##\frac{d^2 y}{dn^2}##, right? That is, the derivative, with respect to n, of dy/dn.
Since you are differentiating with respect to n, then the derivative of n (with respect to n) is just 1. ##\frac{d}{dn}(n) = 1##.
You can use either the product rule (that you started with, above) or the quotient rule - your call. The product rule is usually easier to apply.

I'm not sure I understood what you were asking. If what I wrote isn't what you're looking for, please clarify your question.

Hi. Thanks. I'm not quite sure what you meant about the d squared y over d n squared. But it sounds like my quotient math above was correct. I wasn't sure if that was right at all.
 
Mark44 said:
In other words, you want ##\frac{d^2 y}{dn^2}##, right? That is, the derivative, with respect to n, of dy/dn.
Since you are differentiating with respect to n, then the derivative of n (with respect to n) is just 1. ##\frac{d}{dn}(n) = 1##.
You can use either the product rule (that you started with, above) or the quotient rule - your call. The product rule is usually easier to apply.

I'm not sure I understood what you were asking. If what I wrote isn't what you're looking for, please clarify your question.
Actually. I think I know what you meant. I think I wrote that wrong. I meant y=\frac{nc(a+b)}{nc+a}
 
So all is good, right? You can use either the product rule or the quotient rule for this problem.

I prefer the Leibniz notation for problems like this, rather than the Newton notation. IOW, I prefer d/dn[nc + a] over (nc+a)′, as it isn't clear in the latter notation that you are differentiating with respect to n.
 

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