A curve is defined by the parametric equations: X = 3 – 4t , y = 1 + (2/t) Find (dy/dx) in terms of t.

When dividing fractions by fractions with a common factor:

(a/c) / (b/c) = (a/c) * (c/b) = (ac/bc) we can cancel the common factor to get (a/b).

So in this question we can do the same:

(dy/dt) / (dx/dt) = (dy/dt) * (dt/dx) = (dy/dx)

So calculating dy/dt:

Using d/dx x^n = nx^(n-1)

Y = 1 + (2/t) = 1 + 2t^(-1)

dy/dt = 0 – 2t^(-2) = -2/t^(2)

Calculating dx/dt:

X = 3 – 4t

dy/dx = -4

Finally, dy/dx:

dy/dx = (dy/dt) / (dx/dt) = (-2/t^(2)) / (-4) = -2/(-4t^2)

= 1/2t^2

EE
Answered by Eddie E. Maths tutor

5204 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cup of coffee is cooling down in a room following the equation x = 15 + 70e^(-t/40). Find the rate at which the temperature is decreasing when the coffee cools to 60°C.


What is y' when y=3xsinx?


What is the point of differentiation?


Solve the following equation for k, giving your answers to 4 decimal places where necessary: 3tan(k)-1=sec^2(k)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences