X- and y-coordinate's rate of change

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a calculus problem from "A First Course in Calculus, fifth edition," involving the rates of change of x- and y-coordinates of a particle moving along the parabola defined by y=x². The correct point where the rates are equal is identified as (1/2, 1/4). The user initially miscalculated the relationship between dx/dy and dy/dx, leading to confusion about the correct values. The resolution confirms that the y-coordinate at x=1/2 is indeed 1/4, clarifying the misunderstanding.

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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and rates of change, as well as educators looking for examples of common misunderstandings in calculus concepts.

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Hi, I have a problem with an exercise in the book "A First Course in Calculus, fifth edition". The problem is stated as follows:
"A particle moves differentiably on the parabola [tex]y=x^2[/tex]. At what point on the curve are its x- and y-coordinate moving at the same rate? (You may assume dx/dt and dy/dt is not equal to 0 for all t)"
According to the book the answers should be 1/2 and 1/4 however I only get 1/2.

I solve it, as follows:
Their rate is the same when
[tex]\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
so I differentiate the equation with respect to x.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=2x[/tex]
And then with respect to y.
[tex]1=2x\frac{dx}{dy}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{1}{2x}[/tex]

Then to find when their rate of change is the same I write:
[tex]\frac{1}{2x}=2x[/tex]

[tex]4x^2=1[/tex]

[tex]x=\sqrt{1/4}[/tex]

[tex]x=\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

So, what have I done wrong? I'm not all that familiar with this stuff yet so I may have misunderstood the exercise.
 
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Maybe that 1/4 is the "y" value for the 1/2 "x" value ?

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Maybe that 1/4 is the "y" value for the 1/2 "x" value ?

Daniel.

Thanks, that must be it. I can't believe I failed to notice that.
 

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