The parametric equations of a curve are
\(x = 3(1 + \\sin^2 t)\), \(y = 2 \\cos^3 t\).
Find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) in terms of \(t\), simplifying your answer as far as possible.
Solution
To find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\), we use the chain rule:
First, find \(\frac{dx}{dt}\):
\(x = 3(1 + \sin^2 t)\)
\(\frac{dx}{dt} = 3 \cdot 2 \sin t \cdot \cos t = 6 \sin t \cos t\)
Next, find \(\frac{dy}{dt}\):
\(y = 2 \cos^3 t\)
\(\frac{dy}{dt} = 2 \cdot 3 \cos^2 t \cdot (-\sin t) = -6 \cos^2 t \sin t\)
Now, use the chain rule to find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\):
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{dy/dt}{dx/dt} = \frac{-6 \cos^2 t \sin t}{6 \sin t \cos t}\)
Simplify:
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = -\cos t\)
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