Second derivatives using implicit differentiation

In summary, implicit differentiation can be used to find the second derivatives of a function. Using the given example of an ellipse, the partial derivatives and chain rule are used to find the second derivative with respect to y.
  • #1
Telemachus
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Hi there. Well, I wanted to know how to find the second derivatives of a function using implicit differentiation. Is it possible? I think it is. I think I must use the chain rule somehow, but I don't know how... I'm in multivariable calculus since the function I'm going to use could be seen as a function of only one variable.

An ellipse: [tex]F(x,y)=4x^2+y^2-25=0[/tex]

So we have the partial derivatives:
[tex]F_x=8x[/tex], [tex]F_y=2y[/tex]
[tex]F_{xx}=8[/tex], [tex]F_{yy}=2[/tex]

So then, using implicit differentiation:

[tex]\frac{{\partial x}}{{\partial y}}=-\displaystyle\frac{\frac{{\partial F}}{{\partial y}}}{\frac{{\partial F}}{{\partial x}}}=\displaystyle\frac{-y}{4x}[/tex]

But now if I want to find [tex]\frac{{\partial^2 x}}{{\partial y^2}}[/tex] how should I proceed?
 
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  • #2
I believe you're going about this in the wrong way, since partial derivatives are not required.

If 4x2 + y2 + 25 = 0,
then 8x + 2y*y' = 0 ==> y' = -4x/y

To get y'', simply take the derivative with respect to x of -4x/y, using the quotient rule and the chain rule.
 
  • #3
Or, much the same way, but, I think, a bit more in keeping with the spirit of "implicit differentiation", from [itex]4x^2+ y^2+ 25= 0[/itex], [itex]8x+ 2y y'= 0[/itex] and differentiating again, [itex]8+ 2y'(y')+ 2yy"=[/itex][itex] 8+ 2y'^2+ 2yy"= 0[/itex] and solve that for y".
 
  • #4
Thanks!
 

FAQ: Second derivatives using implicit differentiation

What is implicit differentiation?

Implicit differentiation is a technique used in calculus to find the derivatives of a function that is not expressed in the form of y = f(x). This method involves treating both the dependent and independent variables as functions and using the chain rule to find the derivative.

Why do we need to use implicit differentiation?

Implicit differentiation allows us to find the derivatives of functions that cannot be easily expressed in terms of y. It is especially useful when dealing with equations involving multiple variables or when the dependent variable is not explicitly stated.

What is the process for finding the second derivative using implicit differentiation?

To find the second derivative using implicit differentiation, we first find the first derivative using the chain rule. Then, we differentiate the first derivative with respect to the independent variable, treating the dependent variable as a function. This will give us the second derivative of the original function.

What are the common mistakes when using implicit differentiation?

One common mistake when using implicit differentiation is forgetting to apply the chain rule. It is also important to keep track of which variable is the dependent variable and which is the independent variable. Another mistake is not simplifying the final expression after finding the derivatives.

How is implicit differentiation used in real-world applications?

Implicit differentiation is used in many real-world applications, such as physics, engineering, and economics. It can be used to find the velocity and acceleration of objects in motion, determine the rate of change of a system, and optimize functions in various industries.

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