What is the use of implicit differentiation in solving complex equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of implicit differentiation in calculus, particularly in the context of differentiating equations involving both x and y variables. Participants explore the nuances of applying the chain rule and the implications of treating variables differently in the differentiation process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of the chain rule in implicit differentiation, questioning how to differentiate terms involving y when x is the variable of differentiation. There are attempts to clarify the reasoning behind including dy/dx in certain terms while excluding it in others.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and clarifications on implicit differentiation. Some have offered guidance on how to approach the differentiation of specific terms, while others are exploring their understanding of the concepts involved. There is a sense of collaborative learning as participants engage with each other's reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of implicit differentiation and the chain rule, with some expressing confusion about the notation and its implications. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationship between the variables involved in the differentiation process.

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There is only one way to treat this and that is via the chain rule, you know that y=y(x) and so:
<br /> \frac{d}{dx}=\frac{dy}{dx}\frac{d}{dy}<br />
On a related note, you were wrong with your analysis because y=\pm\sqrt{1-x^{2}}.
 
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No. Implicit means implied, but not plainly expressed. Implicit differentiation isn't going to be a function like y' = x, you're going to keep a y variable, otherwise it's explicit.

Think about this: If I ask for dy/dx, I'm asking for derivative of function y with respect to variable x. I can't find the dy/dx of 2y, because there is no variable x in 2y! That's why we implicitly differentiate.

First, let me give you a hand:

x^2+y^2=1

First, find the dy/dx of x^2. This has a variable of x, so it's just 2x.

Next, find dy/dx of y^2. 2y, right. Well, we have no x variable. So, include y' in this derivative. In other words, 2y times y', or 2yy'. Whenever the variable we are deriving in respect to is absent, we must multiply by y'. (that's why we need to multiply the entire derivative by dr/dt in your related rates problem ;) )

Lastly, find dy/dx of 1. You know that the derivative of a constant is always 0.

So now,

2x + 2yy&#039; = 0

Do you understand how I came to that result?

Now, purely algebriacly, I want you to solve the equation for y'. Treat it as you would any variable.
 
I'll just add another reply, which may help.

Your differentiation of y2 should be:

\frac d {dx}(y^2) = 2y \frac {dy} {dx}

This is the application of the chain rule.

If you replace this in your equation, you should be able to solve the problem.
 
I guess my mistake was not differentiating y^2, and that's because I thought that the notation means to differentiate only x. But, apparently, you differentiate everything! But I don't get one thingIn this \frac d {dx}(y^2) = 2y \frac {dy} {dx}How come for the "y" expression you also have dy/dx, and for the x expression you don't?
 
Because y and x variables are not equals here. dy/dx means derivative with respect to variable x. We include dy/dx with 2y because we have no variable x in that term.

Just like if I asked dy/dx of 5t, 6q, 7u, or any other variable that was not x.

Or if I asked dy/du of 5x, 6t, or any other variable that was not u.

You have to include it when we have a "mismatched variable" to put it very informally. Chain rule shows this.
 
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Because y and x are not equals here. dy/dx means derivative with respect to variable x. We include dy/dx with 2y because we have no variable x in that term.

That makes sense!

So could I say then that...

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2134/vissm.jpg
 
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Femme_physics said:
How come for the "y" expression you also have dy/dx, and for the x expression you don't?
You could look at it this way:\frac{d}{dx}(x^2) = 2x \frac{dx}{dx}so it's the same as in the y case. But dx/dx=1, so you get\frac{d}{dx}(x^2) = 2x
 
  • #12
w00t! Thanks! :biggrin: The idea of starting with simple problem is a lot better I see :approve:

You guys rock for helping me! :smile:
 
  • #13
It's why we're here.
 

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