Finding the Derivative of a Function with Implicit Differentiation

In summary, the derivative of y with respect to x, y', can be found by using the chain rule on the equation (x^3+y^3)^20. The correct solution is 20(x^3+y^3)^19 * (3x^2+3y^2*y'). Thank you for the explanation, it helped clear up any confusion.
  • #1
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Assume that y is a function of x . Find y' = dy/dx for (x^3+y^3)^20

when i solved this i got y'= (20(x^3+y^3)^19 * 3x^2)/(-3y^2)

is this correct or am i missing something?
 
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  • #2
It's not entirely right, remember that y(x) is an unknown function of x!

[tex]
\begin{gathered}
y = \left( {x^3 + y^3 } \right)^{20} \hfill \\
y' = 20\left( {x^3 + y^3 } \right)^{19} \cdot \left( {x^3 + y^3 } \right)^\prime = 20\left( {x^3 + y^3 } \right)^{19} \cdot \left( {3x^2 + 3y^2 \cdot y'} \right) \hfill \\
\end{gathered}
[/tex]

Now you can solve for y'.
 
  • #3
thanks a lot man. the grader only took off 3 pts for that prob and didnt say anything else, so i didnt know what i did wrong.

THANKS A LOT, you just saved me from making several mistakes on my final exam tommorow :D
 
  • #4
Good luck! :smile:
 

FAQ: Finding the Derivative of a Function with Implicit Differentiation

What is implicit differentiation?

Implicit differentiation is a mathematical technique used to find the derivative of an equation that is not explicitly written in terms of the independent variable. This means that the independent variable is not isolated on one side of the equation.

When is implicit differentiation used?

Implicit differentiation is used when it is difficult or impossible to solve for the dependent variable explicitly. It is commonly used in calculus, specifically in finding derivatives of implicit functions.

How is implicit differentiation performed?

To perform implicit differentiation, the chain rule and product rule are used. The dependent variable is treated as a function of the independent variable, and the derivative is found by taking the derivative of both sides of the equation.

What is the difference between implicit and explicit differentiation?

The main difference between implicit and explicit differentiation is that in explicit differentiation, the dependent variable is isolated on one side of the equation, making it easier to find the derivative. In implicit differentiation, the dependent variable is not isolated, making it more challenging to find the derivative.

What are the applications of implicit differentiation?

Implicit differentiation has many applications in physics, engineering, and economics. It is used to find rates of change in complex systems, such as in optimization problems and related rates problems.

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