Components using partial derivatives

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of partial derivatives in the context of a mathematical problem involving variables such as "r" and "θ". Participants are examining the rules and conventions associated with taking partial derivatives, particularly focusing on the presence of negative signs in the derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the treatment of negative signs when taking partial derivatives, specifically why a negative multiplication is not applied in certain cases. There is also a focus on the constancy of variables during differentiation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the derivative calculations and clarifying their understanding of the rules. Some have provided examples of derivatives, indicating a productive exchange of ideas, but no consensus has been reached regarding the initial questions posed.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the application of the derivative rules, particularly in relation to the constants involved in the differentiation process. The original post has been modified to clarify the question being asked.

transgalactic
Messages
1,386
Reaction score
0
here is the question:
http://i44.tinypic.com/xe53tc.gif

here is the solution:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2nuokfq.gif
my first question regarding this whole thing is.
why when the doing the partial derivative by "r" we don't multiply by minus
the formula says (minus derivative)
but all they do is making a derivative without multiplying by minus?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi transgalactic! :smile:
transgalactic said:
here is the question:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2nuokfq.jpg

here is the solution:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2nuokfq.gif

erm :redface: … they're the same :confused:

get some sleep! :zzz:​
why when the doing the partial derivative by "r" we don't multiply by minus
the formula says (minus derivative)
but all they do is making a derivative without multiplying by minus?

?? :confused: but they have multiplied by the minus …

∂/∂r (1/r2) = -2/r3, and ∂/∂θ (cosθ) = -sinθ :smile:
 
but we are doing a derivative by 'r'(partial derivative)
we don't touch [tex]\theta[/tex] ,its constant
 
Last edited:
i changed the original post
now its ok
 
transgalactic said:
but we are doing a derivative by 'r'(partial derivative)
we don't touch [tex]\theta[/tex] ,its constant

ok, but still ∂/∂r (1/r2) = -2/r3 :smile:
 
thanks
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K