Chain rule: y = f(t, t^2, t^3) and y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2))

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying the chain rule to compute derivatives for functions defined with multiple variables. The specific functions in question are y = f(t, t^2, t^3) and y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2)). Participants express confusion regarding the presence of intermediate variables and the structure of the equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply the chain rule to find dy/dt, discussing the roles of independent and dependent variables. Some suggest that intermediate variables are implied and question how to properly express the derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the chain rule and the necessity of intermediate variables. Some guidance has been offered regarding the notation and structure of the derivatives, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion about the lack of explicit intermediate variables in the problems, leading to questions about how to connect the dependent and independent variables. Participants are also considering the implications of their notation and the definitions of the functions involved.

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Homework Statement



I am confused because for each problem there is no equation and for one no intermediate variables.

Compute dy/dt when

a) y = f(t, t^2, t^3)
b) y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2))

Homework Equations



a) y = f(t, t^2, t^3)
b) y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



a)
З1.jpg

dy/dt = ∂f/∂t * ∂f/∂t^2 * ∂f/∂t^3


2)
з2.jpg


dy/dt = ∂f/∂t + (∂g/∂h * dh/dt) + (∂g/∂k * dk/dt^2)
 
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939 said:

Homework Statement



I am confused because for each problem there is no equation and for one no intermediate variables.

Compute dy/dt when

a) y = f(t, t^2, t^3)
b) y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2))

Homework Equations



a) y = f(t, t^2, t^3)
b) y = g(t, h(t), k(t^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



a)
View attachment 68161
dy/dt = ∂f/∂t * ∂f/∂t^2 * ∂f/∂t^3


2)View attachment 68162

dy/dt = ∂f/∂t + (∂g/∂h * dh/dt) + (∂g/∂k * dk/dt^2)

There are intermediate variables, they are just implied so you don't see them. For a) think of ##u = t,~v = t^2,~w=t^3## and ##y = f(u,v,w)##. Now do you see how to calculate ##\frac{dy}{dt}## using the chain rule?
 
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LCKurtz said:
There are intermediate variables, they are just implied so you don't see them. For a) think of ##u = t,~v = t^2,~w=t^3## and ##y = f(u,v,w)##. Now do you see how to calculate ##\frac{dy}{dt}## using the chain rule?

Does this work?
Без імені.jpg

dy/dt = (∂y/∂u * du/dt) + (∂y/∂v * du/dt^2) + (∂y/∂w * dw/dt^3)
 
LCKurtz said:
There are intermediate variables, they are just implied so you don't see them. For a) think of ##u = t,~v = t^2,~w=t^3## and ##y = f(u,v,w)##. Now do you see how to calculate ##\frac{dy}{dt}## using the chain rule?

939 said:
Does this work?

dy/dt = (∂y/∂u * du/dt) + (∂y/∂v * du/dt^2) + (∂y/∂w * dw/dt^3)

Look up that chain rule in your calculus book. Is that what it says?
 
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LCKurtz said:
Look up that chain rule in your calculus book. Is that what it says?

Sorry... If it was i.e. y = (x, y), x = (t), y = (t^2) I would get it and there my book says you do the same steps as I listed above.

I'm just not sure here... y = f(t, t^2, t^3). Thus, y = dependent. t, t^2, t^3 are independent. Intermediate variables must connect the two... If that is not it, maybe just find derivatives f t, t^2 and t^3 in the equation?
 
939 said:
Sorry... If it was i.e. y = (x, y), x = (t), y = (t^2) I would get it and there my book says you do the same steps as I listed above.

I'm just not sure here... y = f(t, t^2, t^3). Thus, y = dependent. t, t^2, t^3 are independent. Intermediate variables must connect the two... If that is not it, maybe just find derivatives f t, t^2 and t^3 in the equation?
Yes. Using LCKurtz's suggestion these would be du/dt, dv/dt, and dw/dt.
 
939 said:
Does this work?
View attachment 68164
dy/dt = (∂y/∂u * du/dt) + (∂y/∂v * du/dt^2) + (∂y/∂w * dw/dt^3)

939 said:
Sorry... If it was i.e. y = (x, y), x = (t), y = (t^2) I would get it and there my book says you do the same steps as I listed above.

I'm just not sure here... y = f(t, t^2, t^3). Thus, y = dependent. t, t^2, t^3 are independent. Intermediate variables must connect the two... If that is not it, maybe just find derivatives f t, t^2 and t^3 in the equation?

You likely calculated them correctly but I was pointing out your notation was bad. Those two red factors should be dv/dt and dw/dt. The u was probably a typo but you shouldn't have t^2 and t^3 in the formulas.
 

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