Partial Derivative of f(x,y) = ∫xy cos(t2) dt?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the partial derivatives of the function defined by the integral f(x,y) = ∫xy cos(t²) dt. Participants explore various approaches to differentiate this function with respect to x and y, considering the implications of the fundamental theorem of calculus and Leibniz's rule.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the partial derivatives are ∂f/∂x = -2x cos(x²) and ∂f/∂y = 2y cos(y²).
  • Others argue for different derivatives, suggesting ∂f/∂x = -cos(x²) and ∂f/∂y = -cos(y²).
  • A participant introduces the idea of using the fundamental theorem of calculus, stating that ∫cos(t²) dt = g(t) + C, leading to a different interpretation of the integral.
  • Another participant raises the possibility that the function is composite and requires the chain rule for differentiation, leading to a more complex expression for the partial derivatives.
  • Leibniz's formula is mentioned as a general approach to handle the differentiation of integrals, with some participants asserting its relevance despite disagreements on its application.
  • There is confusion about the correct application of variables and whether the integral involves a multi-variable function.
  • One participant attempts to simplify the discussion by focusing on a related function and its derivatives, seeking clarity on the concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct partial derivatives, with multiple competing views and interpretations of the integral and differentiation methods remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the variables and the application of differentiation techniques, particularly concerning the use of Leibniz's formula and the fundamental theorem of calculus. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and interpretation of these mathematical concepts.

gnome
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I need the partial derivatives of:

f(x,y) = ∫xy cos(t2) dt

are they simply:

∂f/∂x = -2xcos(x2)
and
∂f/∂y = 2ycos(y2)

or am I completely lost here?
 
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Are you sure it's not
∂f/∂x=-cos(x2)
and
∂f/∂y=-cos(y2)

?
 
No, I'm definitely not sure. Are you?
 
Well, let's say that
∫cos(t2) dt = g(t) + C
then
dg/dt= cos(t2) from the fundamental theorem of calculus.

Now we have
∫xycos(t2) dt=g(y)-g(x)
so I get
∂f/∂x=-cos(x2)
∂f/∂y=cos(y2)

Does that make sense to you?
 
I'm not sure. It's confusing.

Isn't this a composite function that calls for use of the chain rule?

I'm thinking that we have g(t) = t2 and the integral is f(g(t)) which gets evaluated at t=y and t=x, thus becoming f(g(x)) and f(g(y)), so cos(y2) - cos(x2) is df/dg and we still have to differentiate that wrt x to get ∂f/∂x and wrt y to get ∂f/∂y.

So, I guess I'm saying
∂f/∂x = df/dg * ∂g/∂x [edited: I had the derivatives & the partials reversed[/color]]
and
∂f/∂y = df/dg * ∂g/∂y [edited: same reason as above[/color]]

Then,
∂f/∂x = ∂/∂x[cos(y2) - cos(x2)] = -2xcos(x2)
and
∂f/∂y = ∂/∂y[cos(y2) - cos(x2)] = 2ycos(y2)

But I'm not sure I have the f's and g's right, & maybe all of that is nonsense.
 
Last edited:
Leibniz's formula is very general:

d/dx(∫b(x)a(x)f(x,t)dt)=

(db/dx)f(x,b(x))- (da/dx)f(x,a(x)+ ∫b(x)a(x)(∂f(x,t)/∂t dt)

It doesn't matter that you are dealing with two variables, x, y, since with partial derivatives you are treating one of them as a constant.

In particular, ∂/∂x(∫xycos(t2)dt= (-1)cos(x2) and
∂/∂y(∫xycos(t2)dt= (+1)cos(y2).
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Leibniz's formula is very general:

d/dx(∫b(x)a(x)f(x,t)dt)=

(db/dx)f(x,b(x))- (da/dx)f(x,a(x)+ ∫b(x)a(x)(∂f(x,t)/∂t dt)

I think you're mixing your variables. You should probably use something other than f and x inside the integral.

I also don't understand how Leibnitz's formula applies, since there is no multi-variable function inside the integral.

As I stated above, all you need to do is apply the fundamental theorem of calculus.
 
gnome:

Let's digress for a moment and look at the fundamental theorem of calculus:

∫xyg'(t)dt=g(y)-g(x)

Now, let's say we have some g(t) so that g'(t)=cos(t2) so:

∫xycos(t2)dt=g(y)-g(x)

Now, since g'(t)=cos(t2) we get
∂/∂x g(x) = g'(x)=cos(x2)
and
∂/∂x g(y) = 0

Does that make sense?
 
Well, I'm sure you're right & I'm sitting here with my textbook from calc I opened to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus trying to make sense of it. To simplify matters, I'm going to forget about partial derivatives for the moment, & just look at these:

f(x) = cos(2x-1)
f'(x) = -2sin(2x-1) (of this, I'm certain)

-------------------------------------

Now, what you're telling me is

g(x) = ∫sin(2x-1)dx
g'(x) = sin(2x-1)

Right?

And the more I think about that, the more sense it seems to make. But if you can add anything to that to make it clearer, please do.

Thanks.
 
  • #10
You've pretty much got it.
 
  • #11
I think you're mixing your variables. You should probably use something other than f and x inside the integral.
No, I was not mixing variables. It was necessary to use f and x "inside the integral" because they appeared outside the intergral. The only dummy variable was t.

I also don't understand how Leibnitz's formula applies, since there is no multi-variable function inside the integral.
Leibnitz's formula still applies, the last integral happens to be 0. The original question was about how you handled functions of x in the limits of integration. Leibnitz's formula does that nicely.
 

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