Calculating Partial Derivative of Log(x^2+y^2) w/r/t x

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the partial derivative of the function log(x² + y²) with respect to x. Participants explore the implications of changing the logarithm's base and the resulting expressions for both first and second derivatives. The context includes mathematical reasoning and potential applications in demonstrating harmonic functions using the Laplacian.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a change of base is necessary when calculating the partial derivative of log(x² + y²) with respect to x, suggesting it leads to the expression involving log₁₀e.
  • Another participant agrees with the need for the change of base and provides a derivative expression, but later expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their second derivative calculation.
  • A different participant notes that the second derivative yields a specific value, which they find unusual, and questions whether it will be the same for the partial derivative with respect to y.
  • Further, a participant suggests that the second derivatives should cancel out when combined in the context of the Laplacian, indicating a potential harmonic nature of the function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of their calculations, particularly concerning the second derivative. There is a shared understanding that the derivatives with respect to x and y may yield similar results, but the discussion remains unresolved on the exact values and implications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the second derivative calculations, and participants express varying degrees of confidence in their results. The discussion also hinges on the definitions and properties of logarithmic functions and their derivatives.

Somefantastik
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I'm trying to get

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x} log(x^{2} + y^{2})[/tex]

let z = x2+y2

Do I need to do a change of base to go from log10z to logez before I can do the partial w.r.t. x?

That would make it

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x} log(x^{2} + y^{2}) = \frac{1}{x^{2}+y^{2}} \ (2x) \ (log_{10}e)[/tex]

Does this look right?

Then

[tex]\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial x^{2}}(log(x^{2}+y^{2})) = - \frac{1.72x^{2}}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{2}} + 0.86(x^{2}+y^{2})[/tex]

?? that doesn't look right.
 
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Somefantastik said:
Do I need to do a change of base to go from log10z to logez before I can do the partial w.r.t. x?

That would make it

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x} log(x^{2} + y^{2}) = \frac{1}{x^{2}+y^{2}} \ (2x) \ (log_{10}e)[/tex]

Hi Somefantastik! :smile:

Yes, that's fine …

logab = [tex]\frac{log_eb}{log_a}[/tex]

and of course logab = 1/logba :wink:
[tex]\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial x^{2}}(log(x^{2}+y^{2})) = - \frac{1.72x^{2}}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{2}} + 0.86(x^{2}+y^{2})[/tex]

?? that doesn't look right.

ha ha!

how about [tex]\frac{0.86}{(x^{2}+y^{2})}[/tex] ? :smile:
(and then of course combine both fractions into one)
 
Hello tiny-tim, from the sunny south [usa] :)

That gives -0.86 /(x2 + y2)

It just seems like a weird number to me.

That's going to be the same number for the partial with respect to y, isn't it?

They should cancel out; I'm trying to show that this is a harmonic using the laplacian.
 
Hi Somefantastik! :smile:
Somefantastik said:
That's going to be the same number for the partial with respect to y, isn't it?

They should cancel out; I'm trying to show that this is a harmonic using the laplacian.

Yup …

[tex]\left(\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial x^{2}}\ +\ \frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial y^{2}}\right)(log(x^{2}+y^{2})) = - \frac{1.72(x^{2}\,+\,y^2)}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{2}}\ +\ 0.86/(x^{2}+y^{2})\ +\ + 0.86/(x^{2}+y^{2})\ =\ 0\[/tex] :wink:
 

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