Need help on a partial derivative problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second-order partial derivatives of a given function, specifically examining the equality of mixed partial derivatives. The function in question is f(x,y)=x^{3}+x^{2}y+x+4.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the first and second partial derivatives and questions the equality of mixed partials. Some participants suggest reviewing the differentiation process, noting potential errors in variable differentiation. Others recommend using specific notation to clarify the order of differentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and suggesting ways to avoid confusion in notation. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the derivatives, and multiple interpretations of the differentiation process are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential misunderstandings related to the order of differentiation and notation conventions in partial derivatives. There is an emphasis on ensuring clarity in the differentiation process.

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Find the second-order partial derivatives of the given function. In each case, show that the mixed partial derivatives [tex]f_{xy}[/tex] and [tex]f_{yx}[/tex] are equal.

Function:
[tex]f(x,y)=x^{3}+x^{2}y+x+4[/tex]

My work (Correct me if I am wrong):
[tex]\frac{\partial{f}}{\partial{x}}}=3x^{2}+2xy+1[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial{f}}{\partial{y}}}=x^{2}[/tex]

[tex]f_{xx}=6x+2y[/tex]

[tex]f_{yy}=0[/tex]

[tex]f_{xy}=6x+2y[/tex]

[tex]f_{yx}=0[/tex]

If I am correct, which I am probably not, how could [tex]f_{xy}[/tex] possibly be equal to [tex]f_{yx}[/tex]? Shouldn't that always be true anyways? If that's so, then obviously I messed up somewhere. Please help!
 
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How did you find those mixed partials? You seem to have done the exact same thing to find [itex]f_{xy}[/itex] as you did for [itex]f_{xx}[/itex] (and the same for [itex]yy[/itex] and [itex]yx[/itex]). I think if you check your work over, you'll see that you differentiated wrt the wrong variables a couple of times :wink:
 
Use Jacobi's notation for partial derivatives.It will leave no room for any confusion once u realize the order of differentiation.And if u use Lagrange's one,do it properly

[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\equiv f'_{x}[/tex]

Daniel.
 
Nothing wrong with notation evolving. I've never seen notation like [itex]f^\prime_x[/itex], though.
 
Did I atleast get the first partial derivatives correct?
 
Your second partials are wrt to the wrong variables

[tex]f_{xy}[/tex] means differentiate [itex]f_x[/itex] with respect to y.
 

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