Using derivatives to find equation for the graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a graph using derivatives, specifically a second-order differential equation given by d²y/dx² = 6x/5. The problem includes conditions such as passing through the point (-2,3) and having a slope of 1 at that point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integrating the second derivative to find the first derivative and then the original function. There are attempts to determine constants based on given conditions, and questions arise about how to effectively use the provided point and slope to solve for these constants.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their reasoning and calculations. Some have provided guidance on how to set up equations based on the conditions given, while others express confusion about solving for the constants involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on using the point (-2,3) and the slope of 1 to derive necessary constants, but participants note challenges in applying these conditions effectively. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the steps needed to progress in solving the problem.

donjt81
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Hi I have this problem where I have to find the equation of the graph using derivatives or anti-derivatives... I'm not sure... I really need some help on this...

Find the equation for the graph that passes through the point (-2,3) with the slope 1 given that d^2y/dx^2 = 6x/5

can someone point me in the right direction on how to start the solution.

Thanks in advance
 
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donjt81 said:
Hi I have this problem where I have to find the equation of the graph using derivatives or anti-derivatives... I'm not sure... I really need some help on this...

Find the equation for the graph that passes through the point (-2,3) with the slope 1 given that d^2y/dx^2 = 6x/5

can someone point me in the right direction on how to start the solution.

Thanks in advance

This is a second order differential equation which can be solved easily by direct integration. After integrating, you'll have two unknown constants, which you will calculate with the help of the given slope and point.
 
Integrate
[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}= \frac{6}{5} x[/tex]
to find dy/dx (plus a constant).
Integrate that to to find y (plus another constant).
Use the information given to determine what the two constants must be.
 
ok so y' = 3x^2/5 + C
y = x^3/5 + Cx + D

and also we have the point (-2,3) and slope 1
if we substitute the values for x and y here we get

3 = -8/5 -2C + D

?? how do we get the values of C & D... I'm stuck...
 
donjt81 said:
ok so y' = 3x^2/5 + C
y = x^3/5 + Cx + D

and also we have the point (-2,3) and slope 1
if we substitute the values for x and y here we get

3 = -8/5 -2C + D

?? how do we get the values of C & D... I'm stuck...
"also we have the point (-2,3) and slope 1" so you know that
y(-2)= 3 and y'(-2)= 1.

You have correctly put those values into the equation for y(x) to get one equation but you haven't used the fact that the slope there is 1. Now put x= -2, y'(-2)= 1 into the equation for y'(x) to get a second equation. It's easy to solve two linear equations for the two unknown values C and D.
 
ohhh ok so...

y' = 3x^2/5 + C
1 = 3(-2)^2/5 + C
C = -1.4

y = x^3/5 + Cx + D
3 = -2^3/5 - 1.4 * -2 + D
D = 1.8

So the eqn of the graph is
y = x^3/5 - 1.4x + 1.8

is that correct?
 
Check it yourself. If x= 1 what is y(x)? If x= 1, what is y'(1)? Does the second derivative satisfy the equation you were given?
 

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