Using dx/dy to find a y-parallel tangent

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the curve defined by the equation \(y = x^2 + 0.2\sin(x+y)\) and the determination that it has no tangent parallel to the y-axis. The analysis shows that for a tangent to be parallel to the y-axis, \(\frac{dx}{dy}\) must equal zero, leading to the equation \(1 = 0.2\cos(x+y)\). Since \(\cos(x+y)\) cannot exceed 1, it is concluded that no values of \((x,y)\) exist that satisfy this condition, confirming the absence of a y-axis parallel tangent. The validity of the solution was affirmed by multiple participants in the discussion.

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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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