Partial derivative of function w.r.t. the percent change of the variable

In summary, the problem can be rewritten as finding the change in f(x,y) if x is increased by 1% and can be expressed as ∂f(x,y)/∂log(x) = x∂f(x,y)/∂x.
  • #1
Usuiisu
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0

Homework Statement



Rewrite this in terms of f, f, ∂f/∂x, and x:
∂f(x,y)/∂(%Δx) = ∂f(x,y)/∂(d log(x) )

Homework Equations



∂(%Δf(x,y))/∂(%Δx) = ∂logf(x,y)/∂log(x)= ∂f(x,y)/∂x*x/f(x,y).

∂f(x,y)/∂log(x)=x∂f(x,y)/∂x

The Attempt at a Solution



I found that (%Δx) can be written as the differential of log(x):
∂f(x,y)/∂(%Δx) = ∂f(x,y)/∂(d log(x) ).

But the partial of derivative of differential of the variable throws me off. It seems like the valid problems that people may have in real world: how much the level of function changes if you increase 1% of the variable, but I can't find anything on it.
 
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  • #2
I made a mistake in the relevant questions for one of the equations:

%Δf(x,y)/%Δx = ∂logf(x,y)/∂log(x)= ∂f(x,y)/∂x*x/f(x,y)
should be corrent.
 
  • #3
I am now confused. The quantity that I want to get is that
how much f(x,y) changes if you increase x by 1%.
If you say, "how much f(x,y) changes if you increase x by 1 unit", then
it should be ∂f(x,y)/∂x.
So, what I want is: Δf(x,y)/%Δx.
Can you write this as, ∂f(x,y)/∂log(x)? Then, the answer is x∂f(x,y)/∂x.
 

1. What is a partial derivative?

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

2. What is the purpose of taking a partial derivative?

Partial derivatives are commonly used in mathematical and scientific fields to help analyze and understand how a function changes in response to changes in its variables. They can also be used to optimize functions and solve equations.

3. What is the difference between a partial derivative and a regular derivative?

The main difference is that a partial derivative is taken with respect to one specific variable, while a regular derivative is taken with respect to the entire function. This means that when taking a partial derivative, all other variables are treated as constants.

4. How is the percent change of a variable related to its partial derivative?

The percent change of a variable is directly related to its partial derivative. The partial derivative measures the instantaneous rate of change of the function with respect to the specific variable, while the percent change measures the relative change in the variable over a certain period of time or distance.

5. Are there any practical applications of partial derivatives?

Yes, partial derivatives have many practical applications in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering. For example, they can be used to analyze the behavior of complex systems, optimize functions, and solve equations in multiple variables.

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