Analyzing the Setup
Imagine you are standing at the edge of a complex mathematical landscape. You are presented with the equation loge(x+y)=4xy, and your mission is to find the second derivative, dx2d2y, at the point x=0.
At first glance, this looks like a daunting task. The logarithm is intertwined with an implicit function, and the prospect of differentiating this twice seems like a recipe for an algebraic headache.
But fear not! In this masterclass, we will peel back the layers of this problem, transforming a terrifying expression into a series of elegant, manageable steps.
Phase 1
The Liberation
The first step is often the most important. We are given loge(x+y)=4xy.
If we differentiate this as it stands, we are forced to deal with the derivative of a logarithm, which introduces a fraction: x+y1⋅(1+y′). This is a trap.
Instead, let us use the fundamental property of logarithms: loge(A)=B⇒A=eB. By rewriting our equation as x+y=e4xy, we have liberated ourselves from the fraction.
This exponential form is much friendlier to the chain rule. Before we proceed, we need to know where we are on the graph.
At x=0, our equation becomes 0+y=e4(0)y, which simplifies to y=e0, or y=1. So, we are working at the point (0,1). Keep this coordinate in your pocket; it will be our anchor.
Phase 2
The First Derivative
Now, we differentiate x+y=e4xy with respect to x. On the left, the derivative is simple: 1+y′.
On the right, we apply the chain rule. The derivative of e4xy is e4xy multiplied by the derivative of the exponent 4xy. Using the product rule, the derivative of 4xy is 4(y+xy′).
Thus, our first derivative equation is:
1+y′=e4xy(4y+4xy′)
Let us find the value of
y′ at
x=0. Substituting
x=0 and
y=1, we get:
1+y′=e0(4(1)+4(0)y′)
1+y′=4
Therefore, y′=3 at x=0. We are making excellent progress.
Phase 3
The Second Derivative
Now for the main event: the second derivative. We differentiate 1+y′=e4xy(4y+4xy′) again.
The left side becomes y′′. The right side is a product of two functions: u=e4xy and v=(4y+4xy′). Applying the product rule, we get u′v+uv′.
The first part,
u′v, is:
e4xy(4y+4xy′)⋅(4y+4xy′)=e4xy(4y+4xy′)2
The second part, uv′, is e4xy⋅dxd(4y+4xy′). Differentiating the second term, we get 4y′+4(y′+xy′′)=8y′+4xy′′.
So, the full expression is:
y′′=e4xy(4y+4xy′)2+e4xy(8y′+4xy′′)
Phase 4
The Collapse
This looks like a monster, but watch what happens when we substitute x=0,y=1, and y′=3. The e4xy terms become e0=1.
The first term becomes:
1⋅(4(1)+4(0)(3))2=42=16
The second term becomes:
1⋅(8(3)+4(0)y′′)=24
Adding these together, y′′=16+24=40. The monster has collapsed into a simple, beautiful integer.
We have arrived at our destination: the second derivative at x=0 is 40. This journey shows that even the most intimidating calculus problems can be tamed with the right strategy and a calm, step-by-step approach.