Understanding Partial Derivatives in Harmonic Functions

In summary, the book states that if v is harmonic, ie. \; \nabla^2v=0 \; , then \nabla^2u=0. From the given equation, it can be seen that u_{xx}+u_{yy}=0.
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yungman
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Homework Statement



Show if v is harmonic ie. [itex]\; \nabla^2v=0 \;[/itex] , then [itex]\nabla^2u=0 \hbox { where } u(x,y)=v(x^2-y^2,2xy) [/itex]

[tex] \nabla^2u=0 \;\Rightarrow\; u_{xx}+u_{yy} = 0 [/tex]

From the book:

For [itex]u(x,y)=v(x^2-y^2,2xy)[/itex]

[tex]u_x=2xv_x + 2yv_y[/tex]

[tex] u_{xx} = 4x^2v_{xx} + 8 xyv_{xy} + 4y^2v_{yy} + 2v_x[/tex]

[tex]u_y=2yv_x + 2xv_y[/tex]

[tex] u_{yy} = 4y^2v_{xx} - 8 xyv_{xy} + 4x^2v_{yy} - 2v_x[/tex]

[tex] \nabla^2u = u_{xx} + u_{yy} = (4x^2+4y^2)(v_{xx}+v_{yy}) = 0 [/tex]




This is my work:

I don't understand the solution the book gave.

[tex]\nabla^2u = \nabla \cdot \nabla u = \nabla \cdot \nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy)[/tex]

[tex]\nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy) = [ \frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \frac{\partial (x^2-y^2) }{\partial x } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } \frac{\partial (2xy) }{\partial x }]\hat{x} \;+\; [\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \frac{\partial (x^2-y^2) }{\partial y } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } \frac{\partial (2xy) }{\partial y }]\hat{y} [/tex]

[tex]\nabla v(x^2-y^2,2xy) = [2x\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2y \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\hat{x} \;\;+\;\; [-2y\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2x \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\hat{y} [/tex]

[tex] \nabla^2 v = \nabla \cdot \nabla v = \frac{\partial}{\partial x} [2x\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2y \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] \;\;+\;\; \frac{\partial}{\partial y} [-2y\frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } \;+\; 2x \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) } ] [/tex]

[tex]\nabla^2 v = 4(x^2+y^2) [ \frac{\partial v}{\partial (x^2-y^2) } + \frac{\partial v}{\partial (2xy) }][/tex]



I don't even understand how [itex]u_x=2xv_x + 2yv_y[/itex]

And [tex] u_{xx} = 4x^2v_{xx} + 8 xyv_{xy} + 4y^2v_{yy} + 2v_x[/tex]

here stand for?


What is [itex]v_x,\; v_{xx},\; v_y \hbox { and } v_{yy} [/itex]


Please help explain to me.

Thanks

Alan
 
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FAQ: Understanding Partial Derivatives in Harmonic Functions

What is a partial derivative?

A partial derivative is a mathematical concept used in multivariable calculus to describe how a function changes with respect to one of its variables, while holding all other variables constant.

Why is it important to use partial derivatives?

Partial derivatives are important because they allow us to analyze the behavior of a function in multiple dimensions. They also help us to find critical points, which are important in optimization problems.

How do you calculate a partial derivative?

To calculate a partial derivative, you take the derivative of a function with respect to one of its variables, while treating all other variables as constants. This is similar to taking a regular derivative, but with only one variable at a time.

What is the difference between a partial derivative and a total derivative?

A partial derivative only considers the change in a function with respect to one variable, while holding all other variables constant. A total derivative takes into account the changes in all variables of a function.

In what fields of science are partial derivatives commonly used?

Partial derivatives are commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and statistics to analyze and optimize functions with multiple variables. They are also used in machine learning and data analysis.

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