Y = 2x arccos 3x Find the derivative

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function y = 2x arccos(3x). The correct derivative is derived using the chain rule and implicit differentiation, resulting in dy/dx = 6arccos(3x) - [2x/sqrt(1-(3x)^2)](3). Participants highlight the importance of correctly applying the chain rule and suggest using trigonometric identities to simplify the expression further. The final result incorporates both the arccos and sine functions derived from the inverse relationship.

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Homework Statement


y = 2x arccos 3x Find the derivative. Can be left unsimplified.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



y = 2x arccos 3x
y = 2x arccos (u) u = 3x
dy/du = d/dx(2x)arccos (u) + 2x[d/dx(arccos (u)] du/dx = 3
dy/du = 2arccos(u) + 2x[-1/sqrt of (1-u^2)]
dy/dx = 2arccos(3x) + 2x[-1/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)](3)
dy/dx = 2arccos(3x) - [2x/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)](3)
dy/dx = 6arccos(3x) - [2x/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)]
 
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Try using the definition of the inverse to switch to a normal trig function, then use implicit differentiation. You'll be left with a sin(something) in your solution, which you can evaluate by drawing a triangle & finding out its value and subbing that back into your equation, then just isolate dy/dx and simplify.
 
KMcFadden said:

Homework Statement


y = 2x arccos 3x Find the derivative. Can be left unsimplified.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



y = 2x arccos 3x
y = 2x arccos (u) u = 3x
dy/du = d/dx(2x)arccos (u) + 2x[d/dx(arccos (u)] du/dx = 3
dy/du = 2arccos(u) + 2x[-1/sqrt of (1-u^2)]
dy/dx = 2arccos(3x) + 2x[-1/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)](3)
dy/dx = 2arccos(3x) - [2x/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)](3)
dy/dx = [STRIKE]6[/STRIKE] 2arccos(3x) - [[STRIKE]2[/STRIKE] 6x/sqrt of (1-(3x)^2)]
Some of your steps are strange, if not downright incorrect, [STRIKE]but you get to the correct result (with a corrected typo)[/STRIKE].

Edit: See the "strike out".

The first term should not be multiplied by 3. The second term should be.
 
Last edited:
e^(i Pi)+1=0 said:
Try using the definition of the inverse to switch to a normal trig function, then use implicit differentiation. You'll be left with a sin(something) in your solution, which you can evaluate by drawing a triangle & finding out its value and subbing that back into your equation, then just isolate dy/dx and simplify.
e^(i Pi)+1=0,

I would likely do this problem in a manner similar to what you suggest.

Yes. there will be a sin(something). However, after simplifying the something you have sin(arccos(3x)), which is \displaystyle \sqrt{1-9x^2\ }\ .
 
Thanks for the help guys.
 

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