Chain rule partial derivatives

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the chain rule for calculating partial derivatives in polar coordinates, specifically for the function \( u \) expressed in terms of \( x \) and \( y \) where \( x = r\cos\theta \) and \( y = r\sin\theta \). The participants derive the first and second derivatives of \( u \) with respect to \( \theta \), highlighting the correct formulation of the second derivative as \( \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial\theta^2} = r\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin \theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right) \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the chain rule and the need for clarity in notation and steps during derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial derivatives and the chain rule in calculus
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates and their relationship to Cartesian coordinates
  • Knowledge of functions of multiple variables
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in higher dimensions
  • Learn about the implications of polar coordinates in multivariable calculus
  • Explore examples of second derivatives in polar coordinates
  • Review the derivation of partial derivatives using implicit differentiation
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with multivariable functions and require a solid understanding of partial derivatives and the chain rule in polar coordinates.

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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