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 initial steps involve applying the product rule and chain rule, leading to the expression dy/dx = 2arccos(3x) - [2x/sqrt(1-(3x)^2)](3). Participants point out errors in the initial calculations, particularly regarding the multiplication of terms. A suggestion is made to use the definition of the inverse function to simplify the derivative further, ultimately involving sin(arccos(3x)). The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful differentiation and simplification in calculus problems.
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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.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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