MHB Chain rule partial derivatives

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The discussion focuses on the application of the chain rule for partial derivatives in the context of polar coordinates, specifically using the transformations \(x = r\cos\theta\) and \(y = r\sin\theta\). The first derivative of \(u\) with respect to \(\theta\) is expressed in terms of partial derivatives with respect to \(x\) and \(y\). A participant seeks clarification on the next steps for calculating the second derivative, indicating confusion about the formulation of the equation. Another participant corrects the expression, suggesting it should represent the second derivative directly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately applying the chain rule in multivariable calculus.
Dustinsfl
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$x = r\cos\theta$ and $y=r\sin\theta$
$$
\frac{\partial u}{\partial\theta} = \frac{\partial u}{\partial x}\frac{\partial x}{\partial\theta} + \frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\frac{\partial y}{\partial\theta} = -r\sin\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + r\cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}
$$
So taking the second derivative.
$$
\frac{\partial u}{\partial\theta} = r\left[\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}\frac{\partial }{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)+\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\frac{\partial }{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)\right]
$$
What is the next step? I keep getting it wrong.
 
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dwsmith said:
$$
\frac{\partial u}{\partial\theta} = r\left[\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}\frac{\partial }{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)+\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\frac{\partial }{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)\right]
$$

I don't understand how you obtained the above equation. It should read,

\[\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial\theta^2} =r\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin \theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)\]
 
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