Partial derivative Definition and 374 Threads

  1. V

    Partial derivatives and thermodynamics

    Hi all. Suppose I have the ideal gas law $$P=\frac{RT}{v}$$If I'm asked about the partial derivative of P with respect to molar energy ##u##, I may think "derivative of P keeping other quantities (whatever those are) constant", so from the formula above I get $$\frac{\partial P}{\partial...
  2. pawlo392

    What Conditions Determine the Existence of These Mathematical Limits?

    Hello . I have problems with two exercises . 1.\lim_{t \to 0 } \frac{2v_1-t^2v_2^2}{|t| \sqrt{v_1^2+v_2^2} } Here, I have to write when this limit will be exist. 2.\lim_{(h,k) \to (0,0) } \frac{2hk}{(|h|^a+|k|^a) \cdot \sqrt{h^2+k^2} } Here, I have to write for which a \in \mathbb{R}_+ this...
  3. D

    Partial derivative problem.... why is my answer wrong?

    Homework Statement The entire problem is in the attached picture. I have been checking and double checking for about an hour, found solutions online which agree with my solution, but I cannot find any answer beside -3.697 m/s which is marked wrong by the computer program. Homework Equations Is...
  4. M

    Question about finding area using Green's Theorem

    Homework Statement Use Green's Theorem to find the area of the region between the x-axis and the curve parameterized by r(t)=<t-sin(t), 1-cos(t)>, 0 <= t <= 2pi Attached is a figure pertaining to the question Homework Equations [/B] The Attempt at a Solution Using the parameterized...
  5. R

    Definition of Momentum in terms of a partial derivative

    Dear Members, I was going through some video lecture (Quantum Mechanics) when I encountered a definition of momentum as shown in the attached picture. I do not understand how iota and ħ is ignored ? There are some negligible terms after plus sign. What are those ? In short how they have...
  6. D

    Partial Derivative Homework: Calculate ∂f/∂x

    Homework Statement The question asks to calculate ∂f/∂x for f(x,y,t) = 3x2 + 2xy + y1/2t -5xt where x(t) = t3 and y(t) = 2t5 Homework Equations The answer is given as ∂f/∂x = 6x + 2y - 5t The Attempt at a Solution I'm confused because the answer given seems to treat x,y ,t as...
  7. E

    I What is the Result of this Partial Derivative

    What is the result of this kind of partial differentiation? \begin{equation*} \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \left(\frac{\partial x}{\partial t}\right) \end{equation*} Is it zero? Thank you in advance.
  8. L

    Thermodynamics. Partial derivative tricks.

    If we consider function ##z=z(x,y)## then ##dz=(\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})_ydx+(\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})_xdy##. If ##z=const## then ##dz=0##. So, (\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})_ydx+(\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})_xdy=0 and from that \frac{dx}{dy}=-\frac{(\frac{\partial z}{\partial...
  9. JERRY-thechuha

    How to solve this partial derivative which includes a summation?

    I was reading a research paper, and I got stuck at this partial differentiation. Please check the image which I have uploaded. Now, I got stuck at Equation (13). How partial derivative was done, where does summation gone? Is it ok to do derivative wrt Pi where summation also includes Pi...
  10. T

    Partial derivative stationary point

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I am having real trouble with the function 10ii) I can take the derivatives, but I feel like I am missing something, with what I have done. I set $f_x=0$and $f_y=0$ but really can't seem to find away to solve, i keep getting (0,0) which when I plug into wolfram it...
  11. T

    Partial derivative second order

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I am have a problem with the question displayed below: [/B] Its 6.1 ii) I am really not sure how I am suppose to approach this. I am new to partials, so any advice would be great. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution So far I have: $$\frac{\partial ^2...
  12. P

    I A directional, partial derivative of a scalar product?

    Let's say I have two vector fields a(x,y,z) and b(x,y,z). Let's say I have a scalar field f equal to a•b. I want to find a clean-looking, simple way to express the directional derivative of this dot product along a, considering only changes in b. Ideally, I would like to be able to express...
  13. L

    Partial derivative of inner product in Einstein Notation

    Homework Statement Can someone please check my working, as I am new to Einstein notation: Calculate $$\partial^\mu x^2.$$ Homework Equations 3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B] \begin{align*} \partial^\mu x^2 &= \partial^\mu(x_\nu x^\nu) \\ &= x^a\partial^\mu x_a + x_b\partial^\mu x^b \ \...
  14. T

    I Fixed Variables in Partial Derivatives

    My physics book is showing an example of why it matters "what variable you hold fixed" when taking the partial derivative. So it asks to show that ##(\frac{\partial{w}}{\partial{x}})_{y} \neq (\frac{\partial{w}}{\partial{x}})_z## where ##w=xy## and ##x=yz## and the subscripts are what variable...
  15. Adeel Ahmad

    Partial Derivatives: Solve Homework Quickly

    Homework Statement So I know I have to take the derivative with respect to x, then respect to y, then respect to z, but I am not getting the right answer. I know that the answer is 0 and my professor did it with very few steps that I do not understand. Can someone please guide me through it?
  16. H

    I Partial derivative of a total derivative

    Hi, So, in order to calculate a Jacobian, I need to evaluate a partial derivative of a total derivative, i.e. Let's say I have a function f(x), how do I calculate something like: ∂(df/dx)/∂f?
  17. weezy

    Proof of independence of position and velocity

    A particle's position is given by $$r_i=r_i(q_1,q_2,...,q_n,t)$$ So velocity: $$v_i=\frac{dr_i}{dt} = \sum_k \frac{\partial r_i}{\partial q_k}\dot q_k + \frac{\partial r_i}{\partial t} $$ In my book it's given $$\frac{\partial v_i}{\partial \dot q_k} = \frac{\partial r_i}{\partial q_k}$$...
  18. toforfiltum

    Confused about partial derivative to function

    Homework Statement Let ##f(x,y) = \|x \| - \|y\| - |x| - |y|## and consider the surface defined by the graph of ##z=f(x,y)##. The partial derivative of ##f## at the origin is: ##f_{x}(0,0) = lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{ f(0 + h, 0) - f(0,0)}{h} = lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac {\|h\| -|h|}{h} =...
  19. D

    I Difficulty with function dependencies f(u,x)

    If you have a function x = x(u,t) then does u necessarily depend on x and t? so u = (x,t) For example, if x(u,t)=u^2 t it seems that because t=x/u^2 , t=t(x,u) I am having difficulty working out the general equation for dz \over dx if z=z(x,y,t) x=x(u,t) y=y(u,v,t) The chain rule...
  20. ibkev

    I Partial derivative used in Calc of Variation

    I'm working through the discussion of calculus of variations in Taylor's Classical Mechanics today. There's a step where partial differentiation is involved that I don't understand. Given: $$S(\alpha)=\int_{x_1}^{x_2} f(y+\alpha\eta, y'+\alpha\eta', x)\,dx$$ The goal is to determine ##y(x)##...
  21. A

    I What is a partial derivative and how is it used in Schrodinger's equation?

    I am a 7th grader who is interested in Quantum mechanics and I'm learning schroninger's equation and there is a partial derivative in it and I looked it up but the best I could find was that it was a function of variables of the variables derivatives, but that didn't make much sense. Can someone...
  22. T

    I Verifying derivative of multivariable integral equation

    I had posted a question earlier which this is related to, but a different equation. $$\frac{d}{dt} \int_0^t H(t,s)ds = H(t,t) + \int_0^t \frac{\partial H}{\partial t}(t,s)ds$$ This was another formula needed in a proof however I don't see how this one holds either. I tried following a proof of...
  23. G

    Distance from a point to a plane

    Homework Statement What is the distance from the point P to the plane S? Homework Equations ## S = \left \{ r_{0} + s(u_{1},u_{2},u_{3})+t(v_{1},v_{2},v_{3}) | s,t \in \mathbb{R} \right \} ## The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I found an expression for the general distance between point P and a...
  24. J

    Problem about existence of partial derivatives at a point

    Homework Statement I have the function: f(x,y)=x-y+2x^3/(x^2+y^2) when (x,y) is not equal to (0,0). Otherwise, f(x,y)=0. I need to find the partial derivatives at (0,0). With the use of the definition of the partial derivative as a limit, I get df/dx(0,0)=3 and df/dy(0,0)=-1. However, my...
  25. G

    MHB How to find a partial derivative from such a complicated object

    Hi guys. I have the following equilibrium equation from which I want to extract \d{\theta}{\nu} z+\theta m(\theta)[\,\frac{\int_{0}^{n^*} \,W(n)g(n)dn+h(n^{*})W(n^{*})G^{*}}{1-(1-h(n^{*}))G^{*}}-U\,]=-c+m(\theta)J'(0) Where \nu, z, c, n, r, \delta, \xi are parameters, m(.), w(.) and h(.)...
  26. K

    Are Partial Derivatives Commutative for Functions of Multiple Variables?

    Homework Statement I would just like to know if this statement is true. Homework Equations \frac {\partial^2 f}{\partial x^2} \frac{\partial g}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial g}{\partial x} \frac {\partial^2 f}{\partial x^2} The Attempt at a Solution I've thought about this a bit and I haven't...
  27. A

    B Partial derivative of the harmonic complex function

    For a harmonic function of a complex number ##z##, ##F(z)=\frac{1}{z}##, which can be put as ##F(z)=f(z)+g(\bar{z})##and satisfies ##\partial_xg=i\partial_yg##. But this function can also be put as ##F(z)=\frac{\bar{z}}{x^2+y^2}## which does not satisfy that derivative equation! Sorry, I...
  28. E

    I Did I Compute the Partial Derivative Correctly to Minimize This Function?

    I tried calculating the partial derivative of ##\varphi\left(x, y\right) = \sum_\lambda\left\{H\left(\lambda\right) \left[C_E\left(\lambda; x, y\right) + \sum_n a_n\left(x, y\right) e_n\left(\lambda\right)\right]^2\right\}## with respect to ##a_n## and equating it to zero to minimise the...
  29. T

    I Change of variable - partial derivative

    I am trying to prove that the above is true when performing the change of variable shown. Here is my attempt: What I am not quite understanding is why they choose to isolate the partial derivative of ##z## on the right side (as opposed to the left) that I have in my last line. This ultimately...
  30. O

    MHB Calculate Change in Q(K,L) w/ Partial Derivatives Given

    Production function Q(K,L) without equation However partial derivatives are given Partial derivatives: Q(K,L) = (K^2 - KL + L^2)/(K+L) + 4K . ln(K+L) Derivative to K Q(K,L) =( K^2 + L^2) / (K+ L) Dervative to L A. Calculate the derivative in point (10,L) If I am correct...
  31. A

    Partial derivative of Lagrangian with respect to velocity

    I came across a simple equation in classical mechanics, $$\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{q}}=p$$ how to derive that? On one hand, $$L=\frac{1}{2}m\dot{q}^2-V$$ so, $$\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{q}}=m\dot{q}=p$$ On the other hand...
  32. S

    Partial derivative of potential energy and work

    For a conservative force \vec{F}=-\vec{\nabla} U \implies dW=-\vec{\nabla}U \cdot d\vec{s} Where d\vec{s} is the infinitesimal vector displacement. Does the following hold? -\frac{\partial U}{\partial \vec{s}}=-\vec{\nabla} U \cdot d\vec{s}=d W, i.e. the infinitesimal work is minus the...
  33. A

    I Are the derivatives of eigenfunctions orthogonal?

    We know that modes of vibration of an Euler-Bernoulli beam are given by eigenfunctions, with the natural frequency of each mode being given by its eigenvalue. Thus these modes are all mutually orthogonal.Can anything be said of the derivatives of these eigenfunctions? For example, I have the...
  34. N

    Is This Calculation of ∂z/∂x Correct for the Given Function?

    Homework Statement ∂z/∂x of ycos(xz)+(4xy)-2z^2x^3=5x[/B] Homework Equations n/a The Attempt at a Solution ∂z/∂x=(5+yz-4y+6z^2x^2)/(-yxsin(xz)-4zx^3)[/B] Is this correct? Just trying to make sure that's the correct answer. I appreciate the help. I can post my work if need be. Thanks
  35. Z

    Partial Derivative of a Definite Integral

    I'm trying to find the partial derivatives of: f(x,y) = ∫ (from -4 to x^3y^2) of cos(cos(t))dt and I am completely lost, any help would be appreciated, thanks.
  36. C

    Understanding Traffic Flow Equations: Integrals and Partial Derivatives

    (Hope it's okay that I'm posting so much at the moment, I'm having quite a bit of trouble with something I'm doing) Homework Statement I'm having trouble with the simplification of the following equation. The answer is shown, but I can't figure out the process to get to it. \frac{d}{dt}...
  37. S

    Partial derivative of a complex number

    Homework Statement Given n=(x + iy)/2½L and n*=(x - iy)/2½L Show that ∂/∂n = L(∂/∂x - i ∂/∂y)/2½ and ∂/∂n = L(∂/∂x + i ∂/∂y)/2½ Homework Equations ∂n Ξ ∂/∂n, ∂x Ξ ∂/∂x, as well as y. The Attempt at a Solution ∂n=(∂x + i ∂y)/2½L Apply complex conjugate on right side, ∂n=[(∂x + i ∂y)/2½L] *...
  38. R

    Multivariable partial derivative

    Homework Statement From the transformation from polar to Cartesian coordinates, show that \begin{equation} \frac{\partial}{\partial x} = \cosφ \frac{\partial}{\partial r} - \frac{\sinφ}{r} \frac{\partial}{\partialφ} \end{equation} Homework Equations The transformation from polar to Cartesian...
  39. B

    Find y' at (0,1): Partial Derivative at (x,y)=(0,1)

    x2y2 + (y+1)e-x=2 + x Defines y as a differentiable function of x at point (x, y) = (0,1) Find y′: My attempt: ∂y/∂x =2xy3 + (-y-1)e-x=1 ∂y/∂y = 3x2y2 - e-x=0 Plugging in for x and y ⇒ ∂y/∂x = -3 ∂y/∂x = -1 For some reason I think y′ is defined as (∂y/∂x) /(∂y/∂y) = 3 At leas this give...
  40. wololo

    How Can dv/dx Be Determined to Solve for dv/dt?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Chain rule, partial derivation The Attempt at a Solution dv/dt=dv/dx*dx/dt+dv/dy*dy/dt dx/dt=-4t -> evaluate at (1,1) =-4 dv/dt=-4dv/dx+4(-2) dv/dt=-4dv/dx-8 How can I find the missing dv/dx in order to get a value for dv/dt? Thanks!
  41. K

    MHB Partial Derivatives: Solving Difficult Problems

    Hello I'm currently trying to solve these two problems: 1) Find the partial derivatives ∂m/∂q and ∂m/∂h of the function: m=ln(qh-2h^2)+2e^(q-h^2+3)^4-7 Here, I know I should differentiate m with respect to q while treating h as a constant and vice versa. But I'm still stuck, and I'm not sure...
  42. W

    Help understanding equation involving a partial derivative

    Mod note: Moved from a homework section 1. Homework Statement N/A Homework Equations f(x + Δx,y) = f(x,y) + ∂f(x,y)/∂x*Δx The Attempt at a Solution Sorry this isn't really homework. We were given this equation today in order to derive the Taylor expansion formula in two variables and I'm not...
  43. S

    Partial Derivative of x^2 on Manifold (M,g)

    How can I figure out ##\partial_\mu x^2## on the manifold ##(M,g)##? I thought that it should be ##2x_\mu##, but I think I'm wrong and the answer is ##2x_\mu+x^\nu x^\lambda \partial_\mu g_{\nu\lambda}##, right?! In particular, it seems to me, we can't write...
  44. B

    Evaluate the partial derivative of a matrix element

    Homework Statement A determinant a is defined in the following manner ar * Ak = Σns=1 ars Aks = δkr a , where a=det(aij), ar , Ak , are rows of the coefficient matrix and cofactor matrix respectively. The second term in the equation is the expansion over the columns of both matrices, δkr is...
  45. S

    What is the partial derivative of f with respect to w?

    Homework Statement Define f(x,y) = x+2y, w = x+y. What is ∂f / ∂w? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution f = w+y so: ∂f/∂w = ∂(w+y)/∂w = ∂w/∂w + ∂y/∂w = 1 + ∂y/∂w. But I'm really not sure if this is right and if it right so far, I can't figure out what ∂y/∂w should be...
  46. S

    Doubt in Partial derivative of complex variables

    Today, I had a class on Complex analysis and my professor wrote this on the board : The Laplacian satisfies this equation : where, So, how did he arrive at that equation?
  47. Prof. 27

    Partial Differentiation -- y deleted or ignored?

    Homework Statement Given: z = f(x,y) = x^2-y^2 To take the partial derivative of f with respect to x hold y constant then take the derivative of x. ∂f/∂x = 2x What I don't understand is why such would equal 2x, when the y is still there it just isn't variable and is ignored. Wouldn't it be...
  48. B

    Differentiate time derivative w/ respect to generalized var.

    Homework Statement Solve ∂v/∂θ and ∂v/∂r. (refer to attached image for equations) Homework Equations Refer to attached image. note that the velocity is expressed in cylindrical coordinates and attention must be paid to the directional unit vectors eθ and eρ.[/B] The Attempt at a Solution...
  49. T

    Covariant and partial derivative of metric determinant

    Homework Statement is this statement is true : ##\nabla_\mu \nabla_\nu \sqrt{g} \phi = \partial_\mu \sqrt{g} \partial_\nu \phi## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution well we know ##\nabla_\mu \sqrt{g} =0## so it moves back : ## \nabla_\mu \sqrt{g} \nabla_\nu \phi =\sqrt{g} \nabla_\mu...
  50. binbagsss

    Proving Total Covariant/Total Partial Derivative EFE Derivation

    I'm trying to prove that ##\sqrt{-g}\bigtriangledown_{\mu}v^{\mu}=\partial_{\mu}(\sqrt{-g}v^{\mu}) ## So i have ##\sqrt{-g}\bigtriangledown_{\mu}v^{\mu}=\sqrt{-g}(\partial_{\mu}v^{mu}+\Gamma^{\mu}_{\mu \alpha}v^{\alpha}) ## by just expanding out the definition of the covariant derivative...
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