Trouble with function definition

In summary, the given function is a partial derivative that is defined for t=0 and can be interpreted as a placeholder for partial differentiation by the first argument. The value of the integral at t=0 is simply the value of the partial derivative at that point. This information is taken from "do Carmo, Riemannian Geometry", Chapter 0, Lemma 5.5.
  • #1
monea83
20
0
Given is the following function (nevermind what the function h is):

[tex]
g(t, q) = \int_0^1 \frac{\partial h(ts, q)}{\partial(ts)} ds
[/tex]

This function is supposed to be defined for t = 0. However, I don't see how - the partial derivative in the integral then becomes [tex]\frac{\partial h(0, q)}{\partial(0)}[/tex] and this does not make any sense to me.

If it's any help, this was taken from "do Carmo, Riemannian Geometry", Chapter 0, Lemma 5.5
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Any derivative is a function, which can take on a particular value for a particular value of the argument. For your integral, by setting t=0, the integrand is no longer dependent on s, so the integral is simply the value of the partial derivative at t=0.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your answer, I think I understand it better now. The one thing that still bothers me is the [tex]\partial(ts)[/tex]. How is this to be interpreted? Is it just a placeholder that says "partial differentiation by the first argument"?
 
  • #4
That's what it looks like to me. Let u=ts, take the partial derivative with respect to u and then set u=ts after-wards before integrating with respect to s.
 

FAQ: Trouble with function definition

What is a function definition?

A function definition is a set of statements that define a specific task or operation in a computer program. It allows the programmer to encapsulate a set of instructions that can be called and executed multiple times throughout the program.

Why is function definition important?

Function definition is important because it helps to improve the organization and readability of code. It also allows for code reusability, as the same function can be called multiple times with different inputs. Additionally, function definition can help to reduce errors and improve the efficiency of a program.

3. What are the components of a function definition?

The components of a function definition include the function name, parameters, return type, and body. The function name is used to call the function, the parameters are the inputs that the function will use, the return type is the data type of the value that the function will return, and the body contains the set of statements that define the function's task or operation.

4. How do you define a function in a programming language?

The syntax for defining a function varies depending on the programming language, but in general, you start with the keyword "function" followed by the name of the function and a set of parentheses containing the parameters. The body of the function is then enclosed in curly braces. Example: function myFunction(param1, param2) { // function body}

5. What is the difference between a function definition and a function call?

A function definition is the set of statements that define a function, while a function call is the point at which the function is executed or "called" with specific inputs. The function definition is like a recipe, while the function call is the act of actually making the dish by following the recipe.

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