Partial Derivative of z w/ Respect to x: Theta Constant

In summary, the problem involves finding the partial derivative of z with respect to x, when theta is constant, and using the given equations for x and y. After substituting for dx and dy, the resulting expression for dz is 2x(cos(theta)dr + sin(theta)dr).
  • #1
jesuslovesu
198
0
Whoops got it now, didn't carry out my substitutions far enough.

Homework Statement


[tex]
z = x^2 + 2y^2
[/tex]
[tex]
x = rcos(\theta)
[/tex]
[tex]
y = rsin(\theta)
[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Find [tex](\partial z/\partial x)[/tex] (theta is constant)

dz = 2xdx + 4ydy
dx = cos[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr - rsin[tex](\theta)[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]
dy = sin[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr + rcos[tex](\theta)[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]

Unfortunately I'm not really quite sure where to go from here, I know that
[tex](\frac{ \partial z } { \partial x} )[/tex] is 2x when y is constant. But how to factor in theta being constant?
I suppose I could reduce
dx to dx = cos[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr
and dy = sin[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
jesuslovesu said:
Whoops got it now, didn't carry out my substitutions far enough.

Homework Statement


[tex]
z = x^2 + 2y^2
[/tex]
[tex]
x = rcos(\theta)
[/tex]
[tex]
y = rsin(\theta)
[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Find [tex](\partial z/\partial x)[/tex] (theta is constant)

dz = 2xdx + 4ydy
dx = cos[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr - rsin[tex](\theta)[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]
dy = sin[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr + rcos[tex](\theta)[/tex]d[tex]\theta[/tex]

Unfortunately I'm not really quite sure where to go from here, I know that
[tex](\frac{ \partial z } { \partial x} )[/tex] is 2x when y is constant. But how to factor in theta being constant?
If [itex]\theta[/itex] is a constant, then [itex]d\theta= 0[/itex]

I suppose I could reduce
dx to dx = cos[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr
and dy = sin[tex](\theta)[/tex]dr
Yes, that is exactly correct. Then dz= dx+ dy= ?
 

FAQ: Partial Derivative of z w/ Respect to x: Theta Constant

What is a partial derivative?

A partial derivative is a mathematical concept that measures the rate of change of a function with respect to one of its variables, while holding all other variables constant.

What does "z w/ respect to x" mean in the context of partial derivatives?

In this context, "z w/ respect to x" means that we are interested in finding the rate of change of the function z with respect to the variable x, while keeping the variable theta constant.

What is the significance of the theta constant in this partial derivative?

The theta constant represents a fixed value for the variable theta. It is held constant in the partial derivative, meaning that it does not change while we are calculating the rate of change of z with respect to x.

How is the partial derivative of z w/ respect to x calculated?

The partial derivative of z with respect to x is calculated by taking the derivative of the function z with respect to x, while treating all other variables as constants. This results in a new function that represents the rate of change of z with respect to x.

What is the practical application of calculating the partial derivative of z w/ respect to x with a constant theta?

The partial derivative with a constant theta can be used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics to analyze how a change in one variable affects the function while keeping another variable constant. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the relationship between variables and can help in making predictions or optimizing systems.

Back
Top