Chapter 3: Problem 20
Find \(d y / d x .\) Assume \(a, b, c\) are constants. $$x^{2 / 3}+y^{2 / 3}=a^{2 / 3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) is \(-\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^{1/3}\).
Step by step solution
01
Define Implicit Differentiation
The equation involves both x and y, so we'll use implicit differentiation to find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\). This means we differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x, treating y as a function of x.
02
Differentiate Both Sides of the Equation
Differentiate the left side: The derivative of \(x^{2/3}\) with respect to x is \(\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}\). The derivative of \(y^{2/3}\) with respect to x is \(\frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}\cdot\frac{dy}{dx}\) by chain rule. The right side, a constant \(a^{2/3}\), has a derivative of zero.
03
Write the Derivative Equation
After differentiating, the equation becomes: \[\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3} + \frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}\cdot \frac{dy}{dx} = 0\]
04
Solve for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\)
Rearrange the equation to solve for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\): Subtract \(\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}\) from both sides: \[\frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}\cdot \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}\] Divide both sides by \(\frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}\): \[\frac{dy}{dx} = - \frac{\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}}{\frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}} = -\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)^{-1/3}\]
05
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the result: Since \(\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)^{-1/3} = \left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^{1/3}\), the solution is: \[\frac{dy}{dx} = -\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^{1/3}\]
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Chain Rule
The Chain Rule is a fundamental concept in calculus used to differentiate composite functions. In this exercise, we deal with expressions where variables are raised to a power, like \[ y^{2/3} \] which is dependent on \( y \), itself a function of \( x \) in implicit contexts.
To apply the Chain Rule, we view \( y^{2/3} \) as a composition of the power function and \( y(x) \). When differentiating, we proceed as follows:
This approach is pivotal when dealing with implicitly defined functions, allowing us to find derivatives even when the function isn't expressed explicitly.
To apply the Chain Rule, we view \( y^{2/3} \) as a composition of the power function and \( y(x) \). When differentiating, we proceed as follows:
- Differentiating the outer function, treating the inside as a fixed object, gives us \( \frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3} \).
- The inner derivative of \( y(x) \) concerning \( x \) is \( \frac{dy}{dx} \).
This approach is pivotal when dealing with implicitly defined functions, allowing us to find derivatives even when the function isn't expressed explicitly.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a core concept in calculus, representing the process of finding the rate at which a function changes at any point. It is fundamental to understanding changes in quantities in various fields.
In implicit differentiation, like in our exercise, both \( x \) and \( y \) are treated as variables that depend on each other. The process requires us to:
In implicit differentiation, like in our exercise, both \( x \) and \( y \) are treated as variables that depend on each other. The process requires us to:
- Differentiate the given equation with respect to one variable, typically \( x \).
- Use the Chain Rule when appropriate, especially when differentiating terms involving \( y \).
- Solve the resulting equation to express \( \frac{dy}{dx} \), representing the slope of the tangent line to the curve at any given point.
Implicit Function Theorem
The Implicit Function Theorem is a significant result in mathematical analysis that relates functions implicitly defined by an equation. This theorem assures us that under certain conditions, a relation \( F(x, y) = 0 \) can be thought of as defining \( y \) as a function of \( x \).
In our exercise, \( x^{2/3} + y^{2/3} = a^{2/3} \), the theorem implies that locally around a point, \( y \) can be expressed as a function of \( x \) as long as certain conditions are met (such as \( F_y eq 0 \)).
In our exercise, \( x^{2/3} + y^{2/3} = a^{2/3} \), the theorem implies that locally around a point, \( y \) can be expressed as a function of \( x \) as long as certain conditions are met (such as \( F_y eq 0 \)).
- This is crucial because it allows us to use implicit differentiation with confidence.
- It also helps us understand that implicit differentiation not only gives the derivative but confirms the existence of \( y \) as a function of \( x \) at least locally.