How Do I Solve a Second Derivative Using Implicit Differentiation?

In summary, the speaker is struggling with implicit differentiation and needs help finding the second derivative of a function expressed in terms of x. They have made an attempt and are unsure of how to proceed. Another person responds with a detailed explanation and solution.
  • #1
GregA
210
0
Need help with implicit differentiation

I have only just been introduced to implicit differentiation and am cluelessly stuck on this question:
Express d^2y/dx^2 as a function of x if siny + cosy = x
my first attempt was just to simply differentiate each term, and ended up with -(siny+cosy)d^2y/dx^2 = 0. The answer in the back of the book is: x/(2-x^2)^(3/2)...which unlike my answer is a function of x...my problem is that I really don't know how to arrive at this answer.
I can't think of any trig identity that can help me here and so my best guess is that I should find the three sides of a triangle with which siny and cosy make x, but I have no idea about how to go about finding these sides with the information I have been given.
part of the denominator: sqrt(2-x^2) seems like the hypoteneuse but I am having difficulty coming up with the other two sides and to make x. I apologise if solving this should be a no-brainer but I simply don't know how to proceed. Can someone please point me in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
Then I suspect that the answer in the back of the book is wrong!

sin y+ cos y= x so, by implicit differentiation, cos y y'- sin y y'= 1 or
y'(cos y- sin y)= 1.

Differentiate again: y" (cos y- sin y)+ y'(-sin y- cosy)= 0 which is the same as y" (cos y- sin y)= (sin y+ cos y)y'= xy' (since sin y+ cos y= x).

But y'(cos - sin y)= 1 means that y'= 1/(cosy -sin y) so

y"(cos y- sin y)= x/(cos y- sin y)

y"= x/(cos y- sin y)2= x/(cos2[/sup y- 2sin ycosy+ cos2 y)= x/(1- 2sin y cos y)

Now, we know that x= sin y+ cos y so x2= (sin y+ cos y)2= sin2+ 2sin y cos y+ cos2 y= 1+ 2 sin y cos y.
1- 2 siny cos y= 2- (1+ 2 sin y cos y)= 2- x2.

The correct answer is just [tex]y"= \frac{x}{2-x^2}[/tex]. There is no "3/2" power.
 
  • #3
That was brilliant HallsofIvy...Thankyou:smile:
 
  • #4
The curve y1 is y1=ax^2+ax+b.The curve y2 is y2=cx-x^2.They both have
common tangent the line which passes through the ponit (1,0).Find the a,b,c.
Please somebody help me.Thank you.
 
  • #5
1. Do not "hijack" someone else's thread to ask a completely new question- start your own thread.

2. Show us what you have done, what you have attempted.

You know that any line passing through (1,0) must be of the form y= m(x-1).
What are the conditions on m so that it is tangent to both curves (at some points on those curves)?
 

FAQ: How Do I Solve a Second Derivative Using Implicit Differentiation?

What is differentiation?

Differentiation is a mathematical concept that involves finding the rate of change of a function with respect to one of its variables. It is used to solve problems involving rates of change, such as finding the velocity or acceleration of an object.

Why is differentiation important?

Differentiation is important because it allows us to analyze and understand the behavior of functions and their relationships. It is used in various fields such as physics, economics, engineering, and more. It also serves as the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts such as integration.

How do you differentiate a function?

To differentiate a function, you must use the rules of differentiation, which include the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules allow you to find the derivative of a function, which represents the rate of change of that function.

What is the difference between differentiation and integration?

Differentiation and integration are inverse operations. Differentiation finds the rate of change of a function, while integration finds the area under the curve of a function. In other words, differentiation is used to find the slope of a tangent line, while integration is used to find the area under a curve.

How can I improve my skills in differentiation?

To improve your skills in differentiation, you can practice solving various problems using the different rules of differentiation. You can also seek help from textbooks, online resources, or a tutor. It is important to have a strong understanding of algebra and basic mathematical concepts before diving into differentiation.

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