Calc III Chain rule - which vars to put in?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the partial derivative of a function z defined as z = cos(x^2 + 3y^2), where x and y are expressed in terms of variables u and v. Participants are exploring the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriate variables to use when applying the chain rule, particularly whether to express derivatives in terms of u and v or to retain x and y. There is a focus on the treatment of variables as constants during differentiation.

Discussion Status

The conversation has evolved with participants clarifying their understanding of partial derivatives and the conditions under which variables are held constant. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of derivatives, but there remains a lack of explicit consensus on the best approach to expressing the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of multivariable calculus and the nuances of the chain rule, with some confusion regarding the treatment of variables during differentiation. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in notation and the implications of holding certain variables constant.

1MileCrash
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Homework Statement



z = cos(x^2 + 3y^2)
x = ucosv
y=usinv

find dz/dv

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




I think I can do these fairly well, but I'm a little unsure of the "protocol" for which variables to put back in. Sometimes (in this case) I can't really put everything as v. So I choose to put everything as u and v since they are on the same "level."

for example, I get that

(dv/dv) = (dy/dv)(dz/dy) + (dx/dv)(dz/dx)

When taking those partials and multiplying out ( leaving variables as they are.. )

= - ucos(v)sin(x^2 + 3y^2)6y + usin(v)sin(x^2 + 3y^2)2x

So what is the technique? Replace all x and y with ucosv and usinv respectively, and leave u in the partial derivative?
 
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1MileCrash said:
(dv/dv) = (dy/dv)(dz/dy) + (dx/dv)(dz/dx)

When taking those partials and multiplying out ( leaving variables as they are.. )

= - ucos(v)sin(x^2 + 3y^2)6y + usin(v)sin(x^2 + 3y^2)2x

This is not quite right. The partial derivatives you have defined are keeping x constant (to get dy/dv) and y constant to get dx/dv. So u is not necessarily kept constant, but you have taken the partial derivative as if it were constant.

EDIT: So sorry! I got myself confused! you have done it correctly! Ignore Everything I was saying please!
 
I have no idea what you mean.

My partials are
dy/dv = ucos(v)
dz/dy = -sin(x^2 + 3y^2)6y
dx/dv = -usinv
dz/dx = -sin(x^2 + 3y^2)2x

Then I multiplied them and added as such:

(dy/dv)(dz/dy) + (dx/dv)(dz/dx)

What part of this is wrong?



EDIT:

Saw your edit, no apologies needed. Is it correct to use u and v in the final partial and phase out x and y?
 
OK, so now I've looked at it again, I see what you are saying:
[tex]\frac{dz}{dv} = \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \LARGE | \small _y \normalsize \ \ \frac{dx}{dv} + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} \LARGE | \small _x \normalsize \ \ \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]
Right? (I hope I did the latex correctly). Anyway, your evaluation of the partial derivatives are correct, but you derivatives (i.e. dx/dv and dy/dv) are not correct, because they are full derivatives, yet you have treated u as constant.

Edit: my latex skills aren't amazing, but the line and small x (or y) show what is being held constant when the partial derivative is taken.
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry, it's my fault for not being clear (latex stopped working on my browser) but, EVERY derivative I've written here is intended a partial, including dz/dv. My goal is the partial derivative of function z with respect to variable v. That's why I hold u constant.
 
Oh, I get you. So the goal is the partial derivative of z with respect to v, while holding u constant. Yes, I think you've got the right answer then. So in the final answer you can have u, v, x and y in there, it doesn't matter, you can rearrange it whichever way you like really.
 

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