$\sqrt{|xy|} = 1$
Attempting to find the derivative gives me $$\frac12(xy)^{-1/2}\left(x\frac{dy}{dx} + y\right) = 0$$
But I haven't figured out how to simplify this further. My teacher says that that's all I'll need to know, but I want to understand how the derivative of $\sqrt {xy} = 1$ is $-\frac{y}x$.
Edited to explain that I know the whole thing equals zero, but how do I solve for (dy/dx)?
Attempts to solve get me this far:
Best Answer
You need to take the derivative of the righthand side of $\sqrt{xy}=1$ as well: the derivative of the constant $1$ is $0$, so you get
$$\frac12(xy)^{-1/2}\left(x\frac{dy}{dx} + y\right)=0\;.$$
Now solve this equation for $\dfrac{dy}{dx}$.