What is the significance of the 1/b factor in this differentiation problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differentiation problem involving a factor of 1/b. Participants are exploring the implications of this factor in the context of a solution provided by a professor.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the necessity and significance of the division by b, particularly in relation to unit consistency. There is also a mention of how the factor b was present before differentiation and how the resulting 1/b has canceled it out.

Discussion Status

Some participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the assumptions made regarding the factor b and its role in the differentiation process. There is acknowledgment of oversight in understanding the cancellation of the factor.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that the added constant may relate to a physical scenario involving a wheel, suggesting that the horizontal component's relevance might be limited. This introduces a potential assumption about the physical context of the problem.

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Homework Statement


Screenshot_2015-08-05-16-27-07-1.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


This is actually part of the solution that was provided by the professor. However, I do not fathom two portions of the steps taken (written in orange). Part of the solution is in the picture below.
Screenshot_2015-08-05-16-37-12-1.png


Please help
 
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Why do you expect a division by b? That would get the units wrong.
The added constant could come from a wheel that moves (rolls on the floor). If this is the horizontal component, it does not matter anyway.
 
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Before differentiation there was a factor b. The 1/b that came as a result of the differentiation has canceled that.
 
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haruspex said:
Before differentiation there was a factor b. The 1/b that came as a result of the differentiation has canceled that.
Gosh, I didn't notice that haha
. Thanks
 

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