Simple Implicit Differenentiation Help

  • Thread starter Asphyxiated
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In summary, the original function y = 13 arctan(sqrt(x)) is simplified by changing it to tan(y/13) = sqrt(x). When differentiating, the chain rule is used to get 1/13*sec^2(y/13)*dy/dx = 1/2sqrt(x). Simplifying this further, we get dy/dx = 13/2sqrt(x)*sec^2(y/13). Using the trig identity sec^2(y/13) = 1+tan^2(y/13), we can simplify the final answer to dy/dx = 13/(2sqrt(x)+2sqrt(x)tan^2(y/13)).
  • #1
Asphyxiated
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Homework Statement



The original function is given as such:

[tex] y = 13 arctan(\sqrt{x}) [/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I went ahead and changed it into:

[tex] tan(\frac{y}{13}) = \sqrt{x} [/tex]

I thought it would be simpler this way. So now I differentiate:

[tex] \frac{1}{13} sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac {1}{2\sqrt{x}} [/tex]

Notice that the 1/13 came from the y/13 derivative, as obviously this is why dy/dx is there as well.

So it should be this:

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}}{\frac{sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})}{13}} [/tex]

which is:

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {1}{2\sqrt{x}} * \frac {13}{sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})} [/tex]

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))} [/tex]


Where did I go wrong? This is evidently not the correct answer so... yeah. I have done it over a couple times but perhaps my algebra in the very beginning doesn't hold true, I don't know.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Asphyxiated said:

Homework Statement



The original function is given as such:

[tex] y = 13 arctan(\sqrt{x}) [/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I went ahead and changed it into:

[tex] tan(\frac{y}{13}) = \sqrt{x} [/tex]

I thought it would be simpler this way. So now I differentiate:

[tex] \frac{1}{13} sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac {1}{2\sqrt{x}} [/tex]

Notice that the 1/13 came from the y/13 derivative, as obviously this is why dy/dx is there as well.

So it should be this:

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}}{\frac{sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})}{13}} [/tex]

which is:

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {1}{2\sqrt{x}} * \frac {13}{sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13})} [/tex]

[tex] \frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))} [/tex]


Where did I go wrong? This is evidently not the correct answer so... yeah. I have done it over a couple times but perhaps my algebra in the very beginning doesn't hold true, I don't know.

Thanks!

That's perfectly correct. There's a simpler way to write the answer. Use that sec(y/13)^2=1+tan(y/13)^2. You could have gotten there directly by just differentiating the arctan.
 
  • #3
Ok so basically you are saying that:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))}
[/tex]

is:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(1+tan^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))}
[/tex]

so then I get:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{2\sqrt{x}+2\sqrt{x}tan^{2}(\frac{y}{13})}
[/tex]

right? I tried this answer as well and it is evidently not correct either.

The question does say to simplify as much as possible but unless I need to make more trig subs I don't see how that is possible.

thanks again!
 
  • #4
Asphyxiated said:
Ok so basically you are saying that:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(sec^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))}
[/tex]

is:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{(2\sqrt{x})(1+tan^{2}(\frac{y}{13}))}
[/tex]

so then I get:

[tex]
\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {13}{2\sqrt{x}+2\sqrt{x}tan^{2}(\frac{y}{13})}
[/tex]

right? I tried this answer as well and it is evidently not correct either.

The question does say to simplify as much as possible but unless I need to make more trig subs I don't see how that is possible.

thanks again!

tan(y/13)=sqrt(x). That's what you said in the first post. Use that to simplify.
 
  • #5
Yeah I got it after you posted! Thanks though, quite a bit.
 

FAQ: Simple Implicit Differenentiation Help

What is simple implicit differentiation?

Simple implicit differentiation is a mathematical technique used to find the derivative of an implicit function, where the dependent variable is not explicitly written in terms of the independent variable.

Why is simple implicit differentiation important?

Simple implicit differentiation is important because it allows us to find the rate of change of a function, even when it cannot be easily expressed in terms of the independent variable. This is particularly useful in real-life applications, such as physics and economics.

How do I perform simple implicit differentiation?

To perform simple implicit differentiation, you must first identify the dependent and independent variables in the given function. Then, use the chain rule and product rule to find the derivative of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable.

What are the common mistakes made in simple implicit differentiation?

One common mistake is forgetting to use the chain rule when taking the derivative of a composite function. Another mistake is not correctly differentiating the product of two functions. It is important to carefully follow the rules of differentiation and pay attention to the order of operations.

How can I practice and improve my skills in simple implicit differentiation?

The best way to practice and improve your skills in simple implicit differentiation is to work on a variety of problems and exercises. You can also seek help from a tutor or join a study group to clarify any doubts and get feedback on your work. Additionally, utilizing online resources and practice quizzes can also be helpful in improving your skills.

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