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Problem 10 - Entrance Test

For the polar curve r = sec(θ)tan(θ), find dy/dx in terms of x.

Correct: A

First, convert the polar equation to rectangular form to simplify finding dy/dx. Given r = sec(θ)tan(θ). We know sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ) and tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ). So, r = (1/cos(θ)) * (sin(θ)/cos(θ)) = sin(θ)/cos²(θ). Now, express x and y in terms of θ: x = rcos(θ) = (sin(θ)/cos²(θ)) * cos(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ) = tan(θ). y = rsin(θ) = (sin(θ)/cos²(θ)) * sin(θ) = sin²(θ)/cos²(θ) = tan²(θ). From these conversions, we have x = tan(θ) and y = tan²(θ). Substitute x into the equation for y: y = x². Now, find dy/dx: dy/dx = d/dx (x²) = 2x. The final answer is A.