Calculus Problem: Showing Partial Derivatives Equal Each Other

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating the equality of partial derivatives for the function z = f(x,y) in polar coordinates, where x = r * cos(φ) and y = r * sin(φ). The key equations derived are ∂z/∂r = ∂z/∂x * cos(φ) + ∂z/∂y * sin(φ) and ∂z/∂φ = -∂z/∂x * r * sin(φ) + ∂z/∂y * r * cos(φ). The goal is to prove that (∂z/∂x)² + (∂z/∂y)² = (∂z/∂r)² + (1/r²)(∂z/∂φ)². Fred suggests squaring both previous equations and adding them to approach this proof.

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Mathman23
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Hi

Given a function

z = f(x,y), where x = r * cos(\phi) and y = r * sin (\phi)

First I show that

[tex]\frac{\partial z}{\partial r} = \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} cos(\phi) + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} sin (\phi)[/tex]

and

[tex]\frac{\partial z}{\partial \phi} = - \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} r \cdot sin(\phi) + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} r \cdot sin(\phi)[/tex]

Finally I need to show that

[tex](\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})^2 + (\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^2 = (\frac{\partial z}{\partial r})^2 + \frac{1}{r^2} (\frac{\partial z}{\partial \phi}) ^2[/tex]

How do I approach this part of the problem?

Sincerley

Fred
 
Last edited:
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Hmm..square both previous equations and add them together, mayhap?
 
This is my solution for (b) please look at them at see if I made a mistake:

solving (b)


[tex](\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}^2) ^2 + \frac{1}{r^2} (\frac{\partial z}{\partial \phi})^2 = (\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})^2 \cdot cos ^2 (\phi) + (\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^2 \cdot sin(\phi) + 2 \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \cdot \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} sin(\phi) \cdot cos(\phi) + (\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}) ^2 \cdot \frac{r^2 \cdot sin^2 (\phi)}{r^2} + (\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^2 \cdot \frac{r^2 \cdot cos^2 (\phi)}{r^2} - 2 \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \cdot \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} \cdot \frac{r^2 sin(\phi) \cdot cos(\phi)}{r^2} =[/tex]

[tex]= (\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})^2 \cdot (cos^2(\phi) + sin^2 (\phi) \cdot (\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^2 sin^2 (\phi) = (\frac{\partial z}{\partial x})^2 + (\frac{\partial z}{\partial y})^2[/tex]


Sincerely Yours
Fred
 
Last edited:

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