The Ratio of Total Derivatives

In summary, the conversation discusses the ability to write the ratio of two total derivatives as a single derivative. This is possible with careful consideration and defining functions appropriately.
  • #1
Ahmed Mehedi
39
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TL;DR Summary
Total Derivative
If we have two functions C(y(t), r(t)) and I(y(t), r(t)) can we write $$\frac{\frac{dC}{dt}}{\frac{dI}{dt}}=\frac{dC}{dI}$$?
 
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  • #3
Ahmed Mehedi said:
Summary:: Total Derivative

If we have two functions C(y(t), r(t)) and I(y(t), r(t)) can we write $$\frac{\frac{dC}{dt}}{\frac{dI}{dt}}=\frac{dC}{dI}$$?
Essentially yes, but you need to be careful that it all makes sense. In this case we can define:
$$f(t) = C(y(t), r(t)) \ \ \text{and} \ \ u(t) = I(y(t), r(t))$$
Then ##\frac{df}{dt}## and ##\frac{du}{dt}## are well defined. You also have to imagine that you express ##t## as a function of ##u##, so that we have a further function:
$$F(u) = f(t(u))$$
Then:
$$\frac{dF}{du} = \frac{df}{dt} \frac{dt}{du} = \frac{df/dt}{du/dt}$$
 
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  • #4
PeroK said:
Essentially yes, but you need to be careful that it all makes sense. In this case we can define:
$$f(t) = C(y(t), r(t)) \ \ \text{and} \ \ u(t) = I(y(t), r(t))$$
Then ##\frac{df}{dt}## and ##\frac{du}{dt}## are well defined. You also have to imagine that you express ##t## as a function of ##u##, so that we have a further function:
$$F(u) = f(t(u))$$
Then:
$$\frac{dF}{du} = \frac{df}{dt} \frac{dt}{du} = \frac{df/dt}{du/dt}$$
Thanks a lot! You have been very helpful!
 

What is the ratio of total derivatives?

The ratio of total derivatives refers to the relationship between the change in two variables, where one variable is dependent on the other. It is a measure of how much one variable changes in response to a change in the other variable.

How is the ratio of total derivatives calculated?

The ratio of total derivatives is calculated by taking the partial derivative of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable, and dividing it by the partial derivative of the independent variable with respect to itself.

What is the significance of the ratio of total derivatives?

The ratio of total derivatives is important in many fields of science, as it helps to understand the relationship between two variables and how they affect each other. It can also be used to calculate rates of change and make predictions about future values.

How does the ratio of total derivatives differ from the ratio of partial derivatives?

The ratio of total derivatives takes into account the change in both variables, while the ratio of partial derivatives only considers the change in the dependent variable. This makes the ratio of total derivatives a more comprehensive measure of the relationship between the two variables.

Can the ratio of total derivatives be negative?

Yes, the ratio of total derivatives can be negative. This indicates that the two variables have an inverse relationship, where an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in the other. However, if the ratio is negative, the absolute value is typically used for analysis and interpretation.

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