Chain rule partial derivatives

In summary, the equation $x = r\cos\theta$ and $y=r\sin\theta$ is used to derive the second derivative of $u$ with respect to $\theta$ using the chain rule. The resulting equation is $\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial\theta^2} =r\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}\left(-\sin \theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \cos\theta\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\right)$.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$x = r\cos\theta$ 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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  • #2
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,

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

What is the chain rule for partial derivatives?

The chain rule for partial derivatives is a mathematical rule that allows us to find the derivative of a function with respect to another variable. It states that the partial derivative of a composite function is equal to the product of the partial derivatives of the inner and outer functions.

When do we use the chain rule for partial derivatives?

The chain rule for partial derivatives is used when we have a function that is composed of multiple nested functions, and we need to find the partial derivative with respect to a particular variable.

How do we apply the chain rule for partial derivatives?

To apply the chain rule for partial derivatives, we first identify the inner and outer functions. Then, we take the partial derivative of the outer function with respect to the inner function, and multiply it by the partial derivative of the inner function with respect to the variable of interest.

Can the chain rule for partial derivatives be used for multivariable functions?

Yes, the chain rule for partial derivatives can be used for multivariable functions. In this case, we take the partial derivative with respect to one variable while treating the other variables as constants.

Why is the chain rule important in multivariable calculus?

The chain rule is important in multivariable calculus because it allows us to find the derivative of a composite function, which is a common scenario in many real-world applications. It also helps us to simplify complicated functions and make them easier to work with.

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