Theorem that says partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed?

In summary, the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed, also known as Schwarz's theorem or lemma, states that the order of differentiation does not matter for functions with continuous second partial derivatives. This is important in simplifying calculations and understanding multivariable functions. An example of its application is shown with the function f(x,y) = x^2y + xy^2. However, there are limitations and exceptions, such as only applying to functions with continuous second partial derivatives and rare exceptions known as Clairaut's theorem exceptions.
  • #1
Nusc
760
2
F(q_1,...,q_n,t)

[tex]
\frac{d}{dt}\frac{\partial}{\partial \dot{q}} \frac{dF}{dt} = \frac{\partial}{\partial q} \frac{dF}{dt}
[/tex]

what's the theorem that says partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed?
 
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  • #2


That's, not, strictly speaking, a mathematics question. The equation you have is a specific physics or fluid dynamics formalism. It's not a matter of a "theorem", it is a matter of notation. And, again, it is physics notation, not mathematics.
 

1. What is the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed?

The theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed is known as the Schwarz's theorem or the Schwarz's lemma. It states that if a function has continuous second partial derivatives at a point, then the order of differentiation does not matter, and the mixed partial derivatives will be equal.

2. What is the importance of the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed?

The theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed is important because it allows us to simplify the calculation of mixed partial derivatives by knowing that the order of differentiation does not matter. This can save time and effort in solving complex mathematical problems.

3. How does the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed relate to multivariable functions?

The theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed is specifically related to multivariable functions, as it deals with the derivatives of functions with more than one independent variable. It helps us to better understand and analyze the behavior of these functions.

4. Can you provide an example of how the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed is applied?

Sure, let's take the function f(x,y) = x^2y + xy^2. Using the theorem, we can easily calculate the mixed partial derivatives by finding the first partial derivatives with respect to x and y, and then differentiating again with respect to the other variable. This gives us fxy = 2y+2xy and fyx = 2x+2xy, which are equal, as the theorem states.

5. Are there any limitations or exceptions to the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed?

There are a few limitations to the theorem that states partial and ordinary derivatives are mixed. It only applies to functions with continuous second partial derivatives, and it does not hold for functions with discontinuous partial derivatives. Additionally, there are some rare cases where the mixed partial derivatives may not be equal, known as Clairaut's theorem exceptions.

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