2nd derivative change of variables

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the second derivative of the function f(x) = ax² and the implications of changing variables to y = √(ax). The correct application of the chain rule reveals that the second derivative transformation should yield d²f/dy² = (1/a)d²f/dx², correcting the initial miscalculation that resulted in a factor of 1/√a. Participants clarify the proper steps in applying the chain rule, ensuring accurate results in derivative transformations.

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  • Understanding of calculus, specifically derivatives and the chain rule.
  • Familiarity with variable substitution techniques in calculus.
  • Knowledge of quadratic functions and their properties.
  • Experience with mathematical notation and manipulation of equations.
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  • Explore variable substitution methods in differential equations.
  • Learn about the implications of changing variables in integration and differentiation.
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BrokenPhysics
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Let's say ##f(x)=ax^2##. Then ##d^2f/dx^2=2a##.

Now we can make the change of variables ##y\equiv\sqrt ax## to give ##f(y)=y^2##. Then ##d^2f/dy^2=2##.

It follows that
##\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}=a\frac{d^2f}{dy^2},##
but I can't replicate this with the chain rule.

I would put
##\frac{df}{dy}=\frac{df}{dx}\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{df}{dx}##
##\frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}\frac{dx}{dy}+\frac{df}{dx}\underbrace{\frac{d^2x}{dy^2}}_0=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{d^2f}{dx^2},##

which is a factor of ##1/\sqrt a## different from what we know the answer should be. So what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!
 
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BrokenPhysics said:
Let's say ##f(x)=ax^2##. Then ##d^2f/dx^2=2a##.

Now we can make the change of variables ##y\equiv\sqrt ax## to give ##f(y)=y^2##. Then ##d^2f/dy^2=2##.

It follows that
##\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}=a\frac{d^2f}{dy^2},##
but I can't replicate this with the chain rule.

I would put
##\frac{df}{dy}=\frac{df}{dx}\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{df}{dx}##
##\frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}\frac{dx}{dy}+\frac{df}{dx}\underbrace{\frac{d^2x}{dy^2}}_0=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{d^2f}{dx^2},##

which is a factor of ##1/\sqrt a## different from what we know the answer should be. So what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!
This step is wrong:
##\frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}\frac{dx}{dy}+\frac{df}{dx}\frac{d^2x}{dy^2}##
By the chain rule, it should be:
##\displaystyle \frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{df}{dy})\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{df}{dx})\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{d²f}{dx²}\frac1{\sqrt a}=\frac1{ a}\frac{d²f}{dx²}##
 
Last edited:
Samy_A said:
This step is wrong:
##\frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d^2f}{dx^2}\frac{dx}{dy}+\frac{df}{dx}\frac{d^2x}{dy^2}##
By the chain rule, it should be:
##\displaystyle \frac{d^2f}{dy^2}=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{df}{dy})\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{df}{dx})\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac1{\sqrt a}\frac{d²f}{dx²}\frac1{\sqrt a}=\frac1{ a}\frac{d²f}{dx²}##

That makes sense. Thanks a lot!
 

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