Conditions for change of order in derivative of a partial

In summary, the question asks under what conditions is the interchange of total and partial derivatives true when given a function F = F(x_1,...,x_n,t)? The answer is that if partial derivatives are used, there is only one set of conditions stated in Schwarz's theorem. However, if total derivatives are used, an additional condition is required: ##\frac{\partial x_j}{\partial t}=0## for all ##j##.
  • #1
Othin
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Sorry about the title, had a hard time trying to fit the question on the given space. The question is quite simple : If [itex] F = F(x_1,...,x_n,t) [/itex] , Under what conditions is [itex] \frac{d }{dt} \frac{\partial F }{\partial xi} = \frac{\partial }{\partial xi} \frac{dF }{dt} [/itex] true?
 
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  • #2
Did you mean to write total derivatives ##\frac{d}{dt}## instead of partials ##\frac{\partial}{\partial t}##?

If you meant to write partials then there is only one set of conditions, which are set out in Schwarz's theorem here.

If you meant to write ##\frac{d}{dt}## then there is an additional condition required, which is that ##\frac{\partial x_j}{\partial t}=0## for all ##j##.
 
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  • #3
andrewkirk said:
Did you mean to write total derivatives ##\frac{d}{dt}## instead of partials ##\frac{\partial}{\partial t}##?

If you meant to write partials then there is only one set of conditions, which are set out in Schwarz's theorem here.

If you meant to write ##\frac{d}{dt}## then there is an additional condition required, which is that ##\frac{\partial x_j}{\partial t}=0## for all ##j##.
I meant [itex] \frac{d}{dt} [/itex]. I knew Schwarz's Theorem, but wasn't sure on when to safely interchange total and partial derivatives. You solved the problem, thanks!
 

Related to Conditions for change of order in derivative of a partial

What is the definition of a partial derivative?

A partial derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function with respect to one of its input variables while holding all other input variables constant. It is denoted by ∂.

What are the conditions for the change of order in a derivative of a partial?

The conditions for the change of order in a derivative of a partial are that the function must be continuous and differentiable at the point of interest, and the partial derivatives must also be continuous and differentiable at that point.

Can the order of partial derivatives be changed for any function?

No, the order of partial derivatives can only be changed for functions that satisfy the conditions mentioned above. If the conditions are not met, the order cannot be changed and the partial derivative must be calculated using the original order.

Why is it important to understand the conditions for the change of order in a derivative of a partial?

Understanding these conditions is important because changing the order of partial derivatives can sometimes simplify the calculation process, but it is only valid under certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, changing the order can lead to incorrect results.

Are there any real-world applications of the change of order in a derivative of a partial?

Yes, the concept of changing the order of partial derivatives is commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics to simplify calculations and solve complex problems involving multiple variables.

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