Calculus: Finding First Derivatives for Functions - Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding first derivatives for various functions, including both single-variable and multivariable cases. The subject area is calculus, specifically focusing on partial derivatives and rates of change for given functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute first derivatives for several functions, including trigonometric and polynomial expressions. They express uncertainty regarding the approach for a generalized partial derivative in one of the questions and seek confirmation on their calculations. Some participants question the correctness of the derivative computations, particularly regarding the application of the Chain Rule.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts, providing feedback on specific computations and suggesting improvements. There is a focus on clarifying the use of mathematical rules, such as the Chain Rule, without reaching a consensus on the correctness of all computations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates uncertainty about whether to combine partial derivatives into a complete first derivative and expresses a need for assistance with one specific part of the problem set.

DTskkaii
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Hi, I was hoping someone could help me out with my homework set.
I have done a lot of the questions, and it would help if someone could tell me if I have done them correctly. Thanks! :)

Q1: Find first derivatives for the following functions
(a)g(s,t)=sin(st^3)
g_t=δg/δt=δ/δt*(sin(st^3))=t^3cos(st^3)
g_s=δg/δs=δ/δs*(sin(st^3))=3st^2cos(st^3)
Just wrote that out full for working, will shorten now
(b) f(x,y)=x(y^3)+(2x^4)y
f_x=(y^3)+8(x^3)y
f_y=3x(y^2)+2(x^4)
(c) g(r,x,z)=rsin(zx)
g_r=sin(zx)
g_x=rzcos(zx)
g_z=rxcos(zx)
(d) e_(X1,X2...Xn)=sqrt(X1^2+X2^2...Xn^2)
only write down one generalised partial derivative with respect to Xi
I am not sure how to approach this one, help would be great
I also am not entirely sure if I am somehow meant to put the two partial derivatives back together to get the complete first derivative?

Q2: y(x,t)=Asin(kx-wt) where w=(pi/2), k=pi, A=5
(a) find rate of change of y wrt to t at x=1, t=1
δy/δt=-Awcos(kx-wt)
=-(5/2)pi*cos(pi/2)
=-7.851
(b) find rate of change of y wrt to x at x=(1/2), t=1
δy/δx=-Akcos(kx-wt)
=-5pi*cos0
=15.708

If anyone could tell me if I am on the right track with these questions, and help out with Q1 (d), I would be super appreciative.
 
Last edited:
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DTskkaii said:
Hi, I was hoping someone could help me out with my homework set.
I have done a lot of the questions, and it would help if someone could tell me if I have done them correctly. Thanks! :)

Q1: Find first derivatives for the following functions
(a)g(s,t)=sin(st^3)
g_t=δg/δt=δ/δt*(sin(st^3))=t^3cos(st^3)
g_s=δg/δs=δ/δs*(sin(st^3))=3st^2cos(st^3)
Just wrote that out full for working, will shorten now
(b) f(x,y)=x(y^3)+(2x^4)y
f_x=(y^3)+8(x^3)y
f_y=3x(y^2)+2(x^4)
(c) g(r,x,z)=rsin(zx)
g_r=sin(zx)
g_x=rzcos(zx)
g_z=rxcos(zx)
(d) e_(X1,X2...Xn)=sqrt(X1^2+X2^2...Xn^2)
only write down one generalised partial derivative with respect to Xi
I am not sure how to approach this one, help would be great
I also am not entirely sure if I am somehow meant to put the two partial derivatives back together to get the complete first derivative?

Q2: y(x,t)=Asin(kx-wt) where w=(pi/2), k=pi, A=5
(a) find rate of change of y wrt to t at x=1, t=1
δy/δt=-Awcos(kx-wt)
=-(5/2)pi*cos(pi/2)
=-7.851
(b) find rate of change of y wrt to x at x=(1/2), t=1
δy/δx=-Akcos(kx-wt)
=-5pi*cos0
=15.708

If anyone could tell me if I am on the right track with these questions, and help out with Q1 (d), I would be super appreciative.

Your computation of g_t in (a) is incorrect; you need to use the Chain Rule to get a proper computation. You should have gotten g_t = 3 s t^2 \cos(st^3). I did not check the others, so there may or may not be additional errors.

RGV
 
micromass said:
DTskkaii,

It may be nice to use LaTeX in your post. That would make it so much more readable and easy for us!

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=546968

I'm glad you posted this link, as i just made it into my signature. Hopefully, it will help spread the message. :smile:
 

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