Chain rule: partial derivatives transformation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around transforming a differential equation involving second order partial derivatives of a function g(x,y) into new variables u=x²-y² and v=xy. Participants are exploring the application of the chain rule in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule for calculating first and second derivatives with respect to the new variables. There are attempts to clarify the use of product and chain rules in the differentiation process. Some participants express confusion about the correct application of these rules and the notation involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights and references to resources that may help clarify the concepts. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in the differentiation process, particularly regarding the notation and the handling of multiple variables.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions a textbook that provides a detailed explanation of similar problems, suggesting that the issue may partly stem from notation. There is an indication that the original poster is seeking to understand the fundamental concepts before proceeding further.

notReallyHere
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Hello.

Let g(x,y) be a function that has second order partial derivatives. Transform the differential equation

[tex]\frac{\delta ^{2}g}{\delta x^{2}}-\frac{\delta ^{2}g}{\delta y^{2}}=xyg[/tex]

by chaning to the new variables [tex]u=x^2-y^2[/tex] and [tex]v=xy[/tex]
The equation doesn't have to be solved.

Okay, so this is basically an exercise in using the chain rule.
The first part is pretty easy.

A
[tex]\frac{\delta g}{\delta x}=\frac{\delta g}{\delta u}\cdot \frac{\delta u}{\delta x}+\frac{\delta g}{\delta v}\cdot \frac{\delta v}{\delta x}=2x\cdot \frac{\delta g}{\delta u}+y\frac{\delta g}{\delta v}[/tex]
and
B
[tex]\frac{\delta g}{\delta y}=\frac{\delta g}{\delta u}\cdot \frac{\delta u}{\delta y}+\frac{\delta g}{\delta v}\cdot \frac{\delta v}{\delta y}=-2y\cdot \frac{\delta g}{\delta u}+x\frac{\delta g}{\delta v}[/tex]

Now I try to find [tex]\frac{\delta ^{2}g}{\delta x^{2}}[/tex] using the information from A. I realize I'm supposed to use the chain rule again, but I just can't get the right answer, so I guess I'm missing some fundamental understanding of what's going on here.

Here's what the first part of the problem eventually should boil down to:
[tex]\frac{\delta ^{2}g}{\delta x^{2}}=2\frac{\delta g}{\delta u}+4y^{2}\cdot \frac{\delta^{2} g}{\delta u^{2}}+4xy\cdot \frac{\delta^{2} g}{\delta u\delta v}+y^{2}\cdot \frac{\delta^{2} g}{\delta v^{2}}[/tex]

This part above is what I need help with, if I understand that part, I think I can manage to solve the rest of the problem.

Help is much appreciated. If I find out how to do it I will post here later. Thanks.
 
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There is a rather old textbook, "Advanced Calculus" by Angus Taylor that addresses the kind of problem you are experiencing very carefully in Chapter 6 in a section titled "Second derivatives by the chain rule". Your library may have a copy. As I recall, when I first ran into this problem, the issue was as much notation as anything else.
 
I see where you are stumbling:

do you know how to do:

d/dx [ dg/du ] ?

Are you correctly using the product rule as:

it's d/dx[ 2x . dg / du]?

Do you know that dg/du consists of two variables (u,v) so you need to take care of that .. ?

I got the first part.. apparently, there aren't any tough work involved. You just need to understand:
d/dx [df (x,y) /dx] = d^2.f / (dx.dy) + d^2 . f/ (dx^2)

Use trees - they help: write f, and then two children u,v .. both have x,y children
 
Last edited:
[tex]\frac{\delta ^2 g}{\delta x^2}=\frac{\delta }{\delta x} \left(\frac{\delta g}{\delta x}\right)[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{\delta }{\delta x} \left( \frac{\delta g}{\delta u}\cdot \frac{\delta u}{\delta x} \right) + \frac{\delta }{\delta x} \left( \frac{\delta g}{\delta v}\cdot \frac{\delta v}{\delta x} \right)[/tex]

Then use the product rule on each. then the chain rule again when differentiating a partial differential of g. It's long winded but it'll do the trick!
 

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