Using dx/dy to find a y-parallel tangent

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the curve defined by the equation \(y=x^2+0.2\sin(x+y)\) and the inquiry into whether it has any tangents that are parallel to the y-axis, specifically focusing on the conditions under which \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of setting \(\frac{dx}{dy}=0\) and the resulting equation \(1=0.2\cos(x+y)\). There is a discussion about the validity of this approach and the conditions under which it holds.

Discussion Status

Several participants express confusion regarding the use of \(\frac{dx}{dy}\) and seek verification of the original poster's reasoning. Some suggest alternative methods, such as directly finding \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and discussing its behavior across real numbers. There is acknowledgment of the need for clarity on the relationship between \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and \(\frac{dx}{dy}\).

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has not previously encountered \(\frac{dx}{dy}\), which contributes to their uncertainty. There is also a mention of a potential misplacement of the thread in the forum's categories.

Faiq
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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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