What is ##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2})##?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the expression ##\frac{x}{y^2}## with respect to ##x##. Participants explore the application of the quotient rule and implicit differentiation, addressing potential errors and clarifying steps involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present the differentiation of ##\frac{x}{y^2}## using the quotient rule, leading to a series of expressions that involve ##\frac{d}{dx}(x)## and ##\frac{d}{dx}(y^2)##.
  • There is a discussion about a potential typo regarding the differentiation of ##x##, with some participants asserting that ##\frac{d}{dx}(x) = 1##.
  • Participants question the correctness of the resulting expression, particularly the presence of ##y^4## in the denominator, suggesting it should be ##y^3## based on the differentiation rules.
  • Some participants argue that a common factor of ##y## can be canceled from the numerator and denominator, simplifying the expression further.
  • A participant provides a correction to the differentiation steps, reiterating the importance of implicit differentiation and clarifying the application of the quotient rule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the correctness of the initial differentiation steps, with multiple viewpoints on the presence of errors and the simplification of the expression. Some participants agree on the need for corrections, while others defend their original calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the implications of canceling terms and the proper application of differentiation rules, highlighting the complexity of implicit differentiation in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in calculus, particularly in differentiation techniques and implicit differentiation, may find this discussion beneficial.

askor
Messages
168
Reaction score
9
What is ##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2})##?

Please tell me is it correct or not:

##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2}) = \frac{[\frac{d}{dx}(x)] ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ [\frac{d}{dx} (y^2)]}{(y^2)^2}##
## = \frac{(x) ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ (\frac{d}{dy} (y^2)) ⋅ \frac{dy}{dx}}{y^4}##
##= \frac{xy^2 - (x)(2y)(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##
##= \frac{xy^2 - 2xy(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##
 
Physics news on Phys.org
askor said:
What is ##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2})##?

Please tell me is it correct or not:

##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2}) = \frac{[\frac{d}{dx}(x)] ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ [\frac{d}{dx} (y^2)]}{(y^2)^2}##
## = \frac{(x) ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ (\frac{d}{dy} (y^2)) ⋅ \frac{dy}{dx}}{y^4}##
##= \frac{xy^2 - (x)(2y)(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##
##= \frac{xy^2 - 2xy(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##
Do you know what ##\frac{d}{dx}x## is? And isn't there another ##y## that could be canceled?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Mastermind01
I think you made a typo - what is ## \frac{d}{dx}(x) ## ?

P.S - fresh_42 posted at the time I was typing. Yes a y can be cancelled.
 
Mastermind01 said:
I think you made a typo - what is ## \frac{d}{dx}(x) ## ?

P.S - fresh_42 posted at the time I was typing. Yes a y can be cancelled.

Yes, sorry, I've made a typo:

##\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{x}{y^2}) = \frac{[\frac{d}{dx}(x)] ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ [\frac{d}{dx} (y^2)]}{(y^2)^2}##
##= \frac{(1) ⋅ (y^2) - (x) ⋅ (\frac{d}{dy} (y^2)) ⋅ \frac{dy}{dx}}{y^4}##
##= \frac{y^2 - (x)(2y)(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##
##= \frac{y^2 - 2xy(\frac{dy}{dx})}{y^4}##

What y could be cancelled?
 
askor said:
What y could be cancelled?
You differentiated something with ##y^{-2}## which would give you something with ##y^{-3}## but your result is something with ##y^{-4}##.
 
fresh_42 said:
You differentiated something with ##y^{-2}## which would give you something with ##y^{-3}## but your result is something with ##y^{-4}##.

Do you mean the ##y^4## in the denominator?

What's wrong with that?

Isn't I am already correct?

The quotient rule is ##\frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}## where ##v = y^2##, am I right?
 
askor said:
What's wrong with that?
Nothing. If you like, you may even write ##y^{100}##. Just said it's not the usual way. And you don't have to shout here.
 
fresh_42 said:
Nothing. If you like, you may even write ##y^{100}##. Just said it's not the usual way. And you don't have to shout here.

I am not shouting. So, what do you mean with another ##y## that could be cancelled?

Please explain, I don't understand.
 
You have a common factor ##y## in each summand of the nominator and four of them in the denominator.
Or if you like to proceed with formulas: ##ab+ac=a(b+c)## and ##\frac{y(y-2xy')}{y^4}=\frac{y-2xy'}{y^3}##.
 
  • #10
fresh_42 said:
You have a common factor ##y## in each summand of the nominator and four of them in the denominator.
Or if you like to proceed with formulas: ##ab+ac=a(b+c)## and ##\frac{y(y-2xy')}{y^4}=\frac{y-2xy'}{y^3}##.

OK, but is it correct of what I've done so far?
 
  • #11
askor said:
OK, but is it correct of what I've done so far?
Yes.
And in case you want to differentiate it a second time, it will be a lot easier if ##y## is canceled out before. This also reduces the risk of making mistakes. Since ##y## must not be zero anyway, it may be canceled.
 
  • #12
There is a mistake in yours 2 step.
$$\because\;\dfrac{d}{dx}(x)=1\;\&\;\dfrac{d}{dx}(y)^2=2y\cdot\dfrac{dy}{dx}$$
So, your 2 step will be as-
$$\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac{x}{y^2}\right)=\dfrac{1\cdot y^2-x\cdot2y\dfrac{dy}{dx}}{y^4}$$
$$=\dfrac{y^2-2xy\left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)}{y^4}$$
I think this will help you in learning implicit differentiation.
http://www.actucation.com/calculus-...ative/implicit-derivative-and-its-application
 
  • #13
rahul_26 said:
There is a mistake in yours 2 step.
$$\because\;\dfrac{d}{dx}(x)=1\;\&\;\dfrac{d}{dx}(y)^2=2y\cdot\dfrac{dy}{dx}$$
So, your 2 step will be as-
$$\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac{x}{y^2}\right)=\dfrac{1\cdot y^2-x\cdot2y\dfrac{dy}{dx}}{y^4}$$
$$=\dfrac{y^2-2xy\left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)}{y^4}$$
I think this will help you in learning implicit differentiation.
http://www.actucation.com/calculus-...ative/implicit-derivative-and-its-application

Yes you're right. Thank you for the correction.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K