Partial derivative Definition and 374 Threads

  1. PsychonautQQ

    Question on Partial Derivative.

    Homework Statement The function given is (1+xz)^(1/2) + (1-xy)^(1/2) I have to take the partial derivative with respect to x, y, and z. The question says Choose the order wisely. I don't understand what it means? How could I choose the order badly? Can anyone skilled in explaining math to...
  2. M

    Partial derivative that contains the independent variable as an deriva

    Homework Statement \frac{\partial f}{\partial t},\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} where f=f(x,t,\frac{dx}{dt}) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think it's impossible to consider it as a simple partial derivative.
  3. 1

    Find the first partial derivative of

    Homework Statement Find the first partial derivatives ∂z/∂x and ∂z/∂y of sin(0x+5y+z)=0 at (0,0,0). Homework Equations sin(0x+5y+z)=0 The Attempt at a Solution 0x+5y+z=kπ z=kπ-5y So, ∂z/∂x= 0 and ∂z/∂y= -5 What I do not understand is WHY 0x+5y+z=kπ is an acceptable...
  4. 1

    Partial Derivative Signs Through Level Curves

    Homework Statement Question 2 from http://math.berkeley.edu/~mcivor/math53su11/solutions/hw6solution.pdf here. I do not understand b) and e). How do I think of the slope with respect to y? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I do know that the partial derivatives are...
  5. H

    Continuity equation derivation in Griffiths - why partial derivative?

    Greetings, In Griffiths E&M, 3rd. Ed., on page 214, the following is part of the derivation of the continuity equation (the same derivation is shown on the Wikipedia article for the current density, under the continuity equation section: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_density)...
  6. R

    Partial Derivative of Z: Step-by-Step Solution

    Hi everyone, Z=y+x^2*y+x^2+x^3+x^4+5 I would like to find the partial derivative of: diff(z,x) ? diff(z,y)? Kindly give me a step by step solution. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanking you all in advance for your replies.
  7. T

    Is \frac{∂y}{∂x}×\frac{∂x}{∂z}=-\frac{∂y}{∂z}?

    Is \frac{∂y}{∂x}×\frac{∂x}{∂z}=-\frac{∂y}{∂z}?
  8. D

    Why does the dx cancel out in partial derivatives for conservative fields?

    Hi, I was reading something on conservative fields, in this example \phi is a scalar potential. (Please refer to the attatched thumbnail). It's partial derivatives, but I'm not sure why the d\phi/dx * dx, the dx should cancel out? and that should leave d\phi. So the integral should be -3∫d\phi...
  9. Y

    Partial derivative in Spherical Coordinates

    Is partial derivative of ##u(x,y,z)## equals to \frac{\partial u}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}+\frac{\partial u}{\partial z} Is partial derivative of ##u(r,\theta,\phi)## in Spherical Coordinates equals to \frac{\partial u}{\partial r}+\frac{\partial u}{\partial...
  10. P

    Ambiguity with partial derivative notation

    Suppose I have some function f that depends on three variables, namely x, y, and t; i.e., f=f(x,y,t). Now suppose that y depends on x, i.e., y=y(x). Taking this into account, we see that f is really just a function of two independent variables, x and t. So my question is this: if I write down...
  11. D

    MHB Where can I find info on the partial derivative of elastic energy wrt position?

    I've been studying a version of the finite element method. The author of a paper I was reading refers to the partial derivative of total elastic energy wrt position, partial derivative of surfacic energy wrt position, and partial derivative of strain wrt position. Does anyone know of a good...
  12. N

    Is there such a thing as a total partial derivative?

    Is there such a thing as a total "partial" derivative? Total Derivative as I've Been Taught From my understanding, if we have a function s = f(x, y) where the two arguments x and y are related by another function y = g(x), then there is a great deal of difference between ds/dx and ∂s/∂x. ∂s/∂x...
  13. L

    Simple partial derivative question

    Hello, just a quick question about interpreting the partial derivative as a rate of change. My example is the area of a parallelogram: A = absinθ, with a and b being the adjecent sides with θ being the angle between them. We found the rate of change of the area A with respect to the side...
  14. Z

    Total derivative to partial derivative by division? (Calc./Thermo.)

    I don't understand the calculus behind this thermodynamics concept: S = f(T,P) dS = (∂S/∂T)_P*dT + (∂S/∂P)_T*dP (∂S/∂T)_V = (∂S/∂T)_P + (∂S/∂P)_T*(∂P/∂T)_V Basically, I don't get why and how you get (∂S/∂T) when you divide dS by dT. Also, I don't understand why the constant volume...
  15. D

    Why Is the Second Step in the Partial Derivative Explanation Confusing?

    Hello, Could anyone please explain me the steps in these pictures. I do not understand the second step. http://imgur.com/AvVbPu5,Ust2Zpx#0 Second one: Third step ( i don't understand) http://imgur.com/AvVbPu5,Ust2Zpx#1 If anyone can give me detail explanation, i would really appreciate it.
  16. D

    Partial Derivative Homework: Prove f_{x}(tx,ty)=t^{n-1}f_{x}(x,y)

    Homework Statement If f is homogeneous of degree n, show that f_{x}(tx,ty)=t^{n-1}f_{x}(x,y). Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution There are many solutions out there, and here's one of them: The proof is nice, but I just don't get it why from step 1 to step 2, \frac{\partial...
  17. P

    Continuity equation, partial derivative and differential operators

    Hi all! I have the following slide, and whilst I understand that the original point is "the rate of density, ρ, in each volume element is equal to the mass flux"...i am totally lost on the mathematics! (And I am meant to be teaching this tomorrow). I do not have any information on what the...
  18. C

    Subscripts in partial derivative notation

    Hi everyone, We just started learning partial derivatives and I understand the fx notation, but I'm confused when I'm asked for the value of fxy. Does this mean multiply the two derivatives together? For example: What is fxy when f(x,y) = (x+2y)ln(xy) Thanks!
  19. V

    Partial Derivative of Integral

    Homework Statement Find df/dx, f(x,y)=integral of sqrt(1-t^3)dt from x^2 to x^3. Since it is asking to find the derivative with respect to x,should I regard t as a constant? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I tried to find the antiderivative of the integral...
  20. M

    Symbol for partial derivative not used for partial integrals?

    {\frac{∂(xy)}{∂x}=x} Going backwards. If we took, ∫x dy we get xy+f(x) Now, the only way that ∫x dy is a valid operation, is if we know that we came from a partial derivative. Why, when taking a partial...
  21. phosgene

    Finding the 2nd Partial Derivative of f(x,y) = 1/(2x^2 + y)

    Homework Statement Given the function f(x,y)=\frac{1}{2x^2 + y} Find the partial derivative fxx(x,y) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Seems pretty straight forward, just treat y as a constant and differentiate twice. But I keep getting the answer wrong and I have...
  22. R

    What Is the General Form of the Third Partial Derivative Test?

    When discussing the second partial derivative test in multivariate calculus, a reference is usually made to an elusive "higher order test" that one must defer to in the case that the second partial derivative test fails. Does anyone know the general form of these higher order test? My first...
  23. R

    Partial derivative and chain rule

    How is the double derivative equal to that in the equation 2 in the attachment? =|
  24. P

    Partial derivative chain rule for gradient

    Homework Statement compute the gradient: ln(z / (sqrt(x^2-y^2)) Homework Equations ∇=(∂/(∂x)) + ... for y and z I just want to know how to do the first term with respect to x The Attempt at a Solution I am so rusty I don't know where to begin.
  25. T

    Interchanging integration and partial derivative

    Homework Statement f\in L_{loc}^1(\mathbb{R}_+). Need show that for Re(z)>\sigma_f (abscissa of absolute convergence) we have $$\mathcal{L}[tf(t)](z)=-\frac{d}{dz}\mathcal{L}(z)$$where \mathcal{L} denotes Laplace transform. The Attempt at a Solution The proof comes down to whether...
  26. U

    Finding the Implicit Partial Derivative (∂y/∂x)z for x3 + y3 + z3 - 3xyz = 6

    Homework Statement x3 + y3 + z3 - 3xyz = 6 Find (∂y/∂x)z. Homework Equations [b]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/ can i simply take the partial derivative of both sides treating z as constant? x3 + y3 + z3 - 3xyz - 6 = 0 f(x,y,z) = 0 (∂f/∂x)z = 0
  27. D

    Dx and delta(x) (in partial derivative)

    I have a question to ask, is dx = δx, can they cancel each other like \frac{dx}{δx}=1 and is it mean that: \frac{δf}{δx}\frac{dx}{dt}=\frac{df}{dt}? (f = f (x,y,z))
  28. M

    Partial Derivative of atan(xy/(1+x^2+y^2)^0.5)

    Homework Statement Prove that if ##z=\arctan(\frac{xy}{\sqrt(1+x^2+y^2)})## , then: ##\frac{\partial^2 z}{\partial x \partial y}=\frac{1}{(1+x^2+y^2)^\frac{3}{2}} ## Homework Equations ##\frac{d}{d x} (\arctan(x)) = \frac{1}{1+x^2}## The Attempt at a Solution Differentiating z...
  29. E

    Partial Derivative Product with variables as functions

    Homework Statement I'm trying to understand how a certain substitution can be made with regards to taking the partial derivative of a function product when the variable I am differentiating by is a function itself.Homework Equations (∂/∂p) (v(p)p(x,t)) = v(p) + (∂v/∂p)pThe Attempt at a...
  30. T

    Can f(x, t) be expressed as a function of x + ct?

    Homework Statement Suppose f: R^2 --> R is differentiable and (df/dt) = c(df/dx) for some nonzero constant c. Prove that f(x, t) = h(x + ct) for some function h. Homework Equations hint: use (u, v) = (x, x+ct) The Attempt at a Solution df/dt = limk-->0 (f(x, x+ct+k) - f(x...
  31. P

    Partial derivative chain rule proof

    Homework Statement If u=f(x,y) where x=escost and y=essint show that d2u/dx2+d2u/dy2 = e-2s[d2u/ds2+d2u/dt2 Homework Equations http://s11.postimage.org/sjwt1wkvl/Untitled.jpg The Attempt at a Solution ok i don't understand how they got to that i don't know what d/ds is...
  32. P

    Partial derivative query - guidance needed

    I have a question but have not seen an example or find anything in my textbooks so would love some advice on how to understand the problem. Its a theory question on partial derivatives of the second order... T=T(x,y,z,t) with x=x(t), y=y(t), z=z(t). Find the second derivative of T wrt t So...
  33. M

    Partial derivative exists at origin but not continuous there

    I always see the example f(x,y)={xy/(x2+y2) if (x,y) =/= (0,0) and 0 if (x,y)=(0,0)} given as the example of a function where the partial derivatives exist at the origin but are not continuous there. I have a difficult time wrapping my head around this and was hoping someone could...
  34. G

    How Do You Calculate Partial Derivatives for a Two-Phase Flow Equation?

    Homework Statement Hi! I have to derivate the two phase multiplier R which is a function of the following parameters: \dot{x} the steam quality, \rho_b and \zeta_b the density and the friction coefficient at the bubble point respectively, \rho_d and \zeta_d the density and the friction...
  35. L

    Partial derivative with respect to a function, rather than variable?

    Hi all. I've recently started working a lot on my background in math and physics, since this year I began a new masters program which is quite math/physics heavy and I don't have a formal background in either field. I will try to get active on this forum, since I've been luring for some time and...
  36. J

    Evaluate partial derivative. chain rule?

    Evaluate partial derivative. chain rule?? I would like to represent the term identified in the image as (term 1) in terms of those partial derviatives that are known. Unfortunatly I just can't seem to wrap my head around it at the moment. :bugeye: A prod in the right direction would be...
  37. N

    Time partial derivative of a wave function

    the probability of finding particle is a constant with time <ψ|\partialψ/\partial(t)> = -<\partialψ/\partial(t)|ψ> , the equation holds for all ψ so the time derivative operator is an anti-hermitian operator, but then consider any hermitian operator A, the rate of change of A is d(<ψ|Aψ>)/dt =...
  38. D

    Partial Derivative of Composite Functions

    Any help would be much appreciated - Is it possible to say the following? If z = g(s+at) + f(s-at), let u = s+at and v=s-at, where a is a constant. z = g(u) + f(v), \frac{∂z}{∂u} = g'(u), \frac{∂^{2}z}{∂v∂u} = 0? or can ∂u and ∂v not even exist because it depends on two variables (a and...
  39. R

    How Does the Reciprocal Nature of Partial Derivatives Apply to Ideal Gases?

    Homework Statement Prove that (∂P/∂V) n,T = 1/(∂V/∂P) n,T n and T are supposed to mean that theyre just constants Homework Equations Ideal Gas PV=nRT The Attempt at a Solution I tried (∂P/∂V) n,T= ∂nRT/v/∂V = ∂nRT/V ∂V then I am stuck here
  40. U

    Partial Derivatives of U: Solving for Unknown Variables

    Homework Statement The problem is attached in the picture. The Attempt at a Solution I'm aware that: dU = T dS - P dV ∫ dU = ∫ (T) dS - ∫ P dV Are they assuming that T, P are constant so U = TS - PV ∂U/∂X = T (∂S/∂X) - P (∂V/∂X) Or is there a way to directly...
  41. G

    Finding Partial Derivatives of a Multivariable Function

    Hi! Here is my function: My task is to find: I think I know how to find ∂u/∂x, but I have no idea how to find ∂/∂z(∂u/∂x). Here is how I found ∂u/∂x: http://oi48.tinypic.com/prsly.jpg Does someone know how to find ∂/∂z(∂u/∂x)? I appreciate any help :)
  42. P

    How Partial Derivative Changing Variable Formula works ?

    Homework Statement The changing variable formula in partial derivative f(u,v) x=x(u,v) y=y(u,v) (∂f/∂x)y = (∂f/∂u)v(∂u/∂x)y + (∂f/∂v)u(∂v/∂x)y I khow the how chain rule works, but I don't know why in the (∂f/∂u) v is constant and in the (∂u/∂x) y is constant Homework Equations The...
  43. U

    Partial derivative: taking out the 'f'

    Homework Statement In the first paragraph, I know its missing a function which they did not put, g. Without puting ∂g/∂x but simply putting ∂/∂x, is that equation even mathematically correct? I know they are "filling in the g later" but does this corrupt the in-between steps in anyway? In the...
  44. S

    Partial Derivative Homework: Prove & Solve

    Homework Statement Hey, i ve got problem with a few partial derivative problems. 1.I have a function T(x,t) Prove that dT/dt=∂T/∂t +∂T/∂x dx/dt 2.Let u(x,y) and y(x,u) be continous, differentiable functions. Prove that ∂u/∂z=∂u/∂z ∂y/∂z 3 Let r(q1,q2,...qn) be a function of place...
  45. C

    Δ in derivative and partial derivative notation

    Homework Statement What does it mean when lowercase Delta (δ) is used in partial derivative and derivative notation? Does it make any difference? Or is it just a personal preference? Homework Equations - The Attempt at a Solution Google
  46. V

    Derivative Rule for y = f(X)^{g(X)}: Can Anyone Help?

    I am having trouble finding the rule for the (partial) derivative of an expression like y = f(X)^{g(X)} can anyone help?
  47. L

    Finding the Second Derivative of a Partial Derivative with Multiple Variables

    Could someone please explain to me how to find the derivative of this: dy/dx = φ(x, y) Should I break up the equation to make it dy/dx = φ(x) + φ(y) and then derive the parts? I would then get d²y/dx² = ∂φ/∂x + ∂φ/∂y do I have to also multiply both terms by their respective derivatives...
  48. D

    Clarification of the independent variable for a partial derivative

    For some non-linear 3D function, let's say I want to take the partial derivative for x where y is constant. Each point for Z will be different of course since it's non-linear. So let's say I plug in an X of 3 where Y is constant for some function and I get a slope of 5 as my answer. Is it...
  49. O

    Partial derivative in thermodynamics

    So I have a proof and I can't follow the process, I think its because I haven't learned how to do partial derivatives or I've forgotten, anyways can someone tell me if this is a rule in calculus (∂Cv/∂V)T=0 I've gotten to [(∂/∂V)(∂U/∂T)V]T and the proof I have goes to...
  50. T

    Understanding Partial Derivatives: Solving for f'(x) at a Specific Point

    Homework Statement If f(x,y) = x(x^2+y^2)^(-3/2)*e^(sin(x^2y)) find the derivative of f with respect to x at the point (1,0). The Attempt at a Solution The textbook solution just plugs 0 into y and gets f(x) = x^-2 and then proceeds to differentiate this resulting in the answer -2. I...
Back
Top