Using dx/dy to find a y-parallel tangent

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The discussion centers on the curve defined by the equation y = x^2 + 0.2sin(x+y) and the determination that it has no tangents parallel to the y-axis. The analysis shows that for a tangent to be y-axis parallel, dx/dy must equal zero, leading to the equation 1 = 0.2cos(x+y). Since the cosine function cannot exceed 1, this indicates that no values of (x,y) satisfy the condition, confirming the absence of such tangents. Participants express confusion about the use of dx/dy and seek validation of the solution, which is ultimately affirmed by others in the thread. The conclusion is that the original solution is correct, reinforcing the understanding of the relationship between dy/dx and dx/dy.
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Homework Statement


The curve ##C## has equation
$$y=x^2+0.2sin(x+y)$$
Show that ##C## has no tangent(no point where ##dy/dx=∞##), that is parallel to the y axis.

Attempt
$$1=2x\frac{dx}{dy}+0.2cos(x+y)(1+\frac{dx}{dy})$$

For a tangent to be parallel to y-axis,

$$\frac{dx}{dy}=0$$

$$1=0.2cos(x+y)$$

$$cos(x+y)=5$$

No value of ##(x,y)## exist for which ##cos(x+y)>1##, hence no y-axis parallel tangent.

**Confusion**
Never been taught or encountered ##\frac{dx}{dy}## and thus I am having doubts over the validity of the solution.

Can somebody please verify it?
 
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What about ##dx\over dy## if ##{dy\over dx} < Z## where you can show that Z is finite ?
 
Thread moved. @Faiq, in the future, please post questions about derivatives in the Calculus & Beyond section, not the Precalc section.
 
Why not just find dy/dx, and show that it is defined for all real x?
 
BvU said:
What about ##dx\over dy## if ##{dy\over dx} < Z## where you can show that Z is finite ?
OK, ' is finite for all finite x ' -- thanks, Mark !
 
BvU said:
What about ##dx\over dy## if ##{dy\over dx} < Z## where you can show that Z is finite ?
Not sure what you're telling. Can you please elaborate?
 
Mark44 said:
Why not just find dy/dx, and show that it is defined for all real x?
I am just concerned whether my solution is correct or not.
 
Faiq said:
I am just concerned whether my solution is correct or not.
Your solution looks fine to me.
 
Faiq said:

Homework Statement


The curve ##C## has equation
$$y=x^2+0.2sin(x+y)$$
Show that ##C## has no tangent(no point where ##dy/dx=∞##), that is parallel to the y axis.

Attempt
$$1=2x\frac{dx}{dy}+0.2cos(x+y)(1+\frac{dx}{dy})$$

For a tangent to be parallel to y-axis,

$$\frac{dx}{dy}=0$$

$$1=0.2cos(x+y)$$

$$cos(x+y)=5$$

No value of ##(x,y)## exist for which ##cos(x+y)>1##, hence no y-axis parallel tangent.

**Confusion**
Never been taught or encountered ##\frac{dx}{dy}## and thus I am having doubts over the validity of the solution.

Can somebody please verify it?
I guess it is correct because by inverse function theorem ##D_x (y) = 1/D_y(x)##. So if ##D_y(x) \to \infty##, ## D_x(y) \to 0##.
 
  • #10
Faiq said:
I am just concerned whether my solution is correct or not.

In that case, you may need to show how it is that requiring dx/dy = 0 gets you from
##\displaystyle 1=2x\frac{dx}{dy}+0.2cos(x+y)(1+\frac{dx}{dy}) ##​
to
##\displaystyle 1=0.2cos(x+y) ##​
.
 
  • #11
Okay thanks to all of you very much.
 

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