- #1
fleazo
- 81
- 0
Hello. I know how to do implicit differentiation taught in calculus 1, but I'm confused by something regarding it.
Take the example:
y3+y2-5y-x2=4
If we do implicit differentation we get:
3y2(dy/dx)+2y(dy/dx)-5(dy/dx)-2x=0
dy/dx=2x/(3y2+2y-5)
Now, it makes sense how to compute it, but I have troubles really understanding why it works. For example, if I graph the original function I find it fails the vertical line test (for example at -2) so I know it's not a function. But I only really understand what it means for a function to be differentiable. I guess what I mean is, when I think of something being differentiable, I think of a continuous function. What exactly is the original equation? How can I think of it as being continuous or differentiable or any such things? Can I use epsilon and delta definitions like I would normally to determine things like limits and continuity and differentiability?
I hope this question makes sense. It's just, I know how to do the implicit differentiation, I just have difficulty thinking of taking the derivative of anything other than an actual function, if that makes sense.
Take the example:
y3+y2-5y-x2=4
If we do implicit differentation we get:
3y2(dy/dx)+2y(dy/dx)-5(dy/dx)-2x=0
dy/dx=2x/(3y2+2y-5)
Now, it makes sense how to compute it, but I have troubles really understanding why it works. For example, if I graph the original function I find it fails the vertical line test (for example at -2) so I know it's not a function. But I only really understand what it means for a function to be differentiable. I guess what I mean is, when I think of something being differentiable, I think of a continuous function. What exactly is the original equation? How can I think of it as being continuous or differentiable or any such things? Can I use epsilon and delta definitions like I would normally to determine things like limits and continuity and differentiability?
I hope this question makes sense. It's just, I know how to do the implicit differentiation, I just have difficulty thinking of taking the derivative of anything other than an actual function, if that makes sense.