Chain rule in a multi-variable function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the chain rule to a parameterized multi-variable function represented as F[x(t), y(t), \dot{x}(t), \dot{y}(t)]. The correct expression for the total derivative with respect to time t is given by the formula: dF/dt = ∂F/∂x * dx/dt + ∂F/∂y * dy/dt. Participants clarify that additional terms involving \dot{x}(t) and \dot{y}(t) must also be included in the total derivative if they are present in the function. Therefore, the complete expression for the total derivative should encompass all relevant variables.

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Ananthan9470
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Suppose you have a parameterized muli-varied function of the from ##F[x(t),y(t),\dot{x}(t),\dot{y}(t)]## and asked to find ##\frac{dF}{dt}##, is this the correct expression according to chain rule? I am confused because of the derivative terms involved.

##\frac{dF}{dt}=\frac{\partial F}{\partial x} \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dt}##

Or similar terms containing ##\dot{x}(t)## etc should also be included or it is something else altogether?
 
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Ananthan9470 said:
Suppose you have a parameterized muli-varied function of the from ##F[x(t),y(t),\dot{x}(t),\dot{y}(t)]## and asked to find ##\frac{dF}{dt}##, is this the correct expression according to chain rule? I am confused because of the derivative terms involved.

##\frac{dF}{dt}=\frac{\partial F}{\partial x} \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dt}##

Or similar terms containing ##\dot{x}(t)## etc should also be included or it is something else altogether?
If the function had parameters x, y, z, and w, the total derivative would have four terms, with the last two being ##\frac{\partial F}{\partial z} \frac{dz}{dt} + \frac{\partial F}{\partial w} \frac{dw}{dt}##. I believe that the derivative you're trying to find needs similar terms, with the partials being with respect to ##\dot{x}## and ##\dot{y}##.
 

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