Compute Higher Order Mixed Derivative.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves computing the second mixed derivative of a composition of functions, specifically d²(f o g)/dxdy, where f is an infinitely differentiable function of two variables and g is defined in terms of x and y. The discussion centers around applying the chain rule and higher-order derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule and attempt to differentiate the composition of functions. There are mentions of using Faà di Bruno's formula and various differentiation techniques, including product and chain rules.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made attempts to differentiate the function and express the derivatives in terms of known values. There is a mix of approaches being explored, with no explicit consensus on a single method or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific values for the derivatives of f at a given point, which are critical for their calculations. The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, emphasizing the need for careful differentiation.

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Homework Statement



Let f(u,v) be an infinitely differentiable function of two variables, and let g(x,y) = (x^2 + y^4, xy). If f[itex]_{v}[/itex] (5,2) = 1, f[itex]_{uu}[/itex] (5,2) = 2, f[itex]_{vv}[/itex] (5,2) = -2 and f[itex]_{uv}[/itex] (5,2) = 1, computer d^2(f o g)/dxdy at (2,1)

Homework Equations



The Chain Rule

The Attempt at a Solution



I set u = x^2 + y^4 and v = xy . Differentiating df/dx gives 2x(df/du) + y(df/dv) .[ df/dy gives 4y^3(df/du) + x(df/dv) but I don't think that's relevant ]. My idea from there was to use the results stated in the question to fill in these unknown derivatives.

Thanks!
 
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Yes, [itex]\partial f/\partial x= 2x \partial f/\partial u+ y\partial f/\partial v[/itex].

Now, differentiate that with respect to y:
[itex]2x\partial^2 f/\partial u^2(4y^3)+ ...[/itex]
 
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Use (derive?) Faà di Bruno's formula.
Just include all possibilities
or do
chain rule
product rule (twice)
chain rule (twice)

[tex](f \circ g)_{xy}=(f_u u_x+f_v v_x)_y \\<br /> = f_u u_{xy}+f_v v_{xy}+(f_u)_y u_x+(f_v)_y v_x\\<br /> =f_u u_{xy}+f_v v_{x y}+f_{uu} u_x u_y+f_{uv} u_x v_y+f_{vu} v_x u_y+f_{vv} v_x v_y[/tex]
where subscripts denote differentiation and g(x,y)=(u,v)
 
Ok so I'm pretty sure I got the derivative worked out. First we're trying to figure out d(f o g)/dxdy. So differentiate with respect to y first then x. Doing so gives:

[ df/dy = 4y3 df/du + xdf/dv ]

Differentiating with respect to x gives:

[ 4y3d/dx(df/du) + df/dv +d/dx(df/dv) ]

Then, differentiating d/dx(df/du) and d/dx(df/dv), and putting those back into the equation above gives:

4y3d2f/du22x + d2f/dudvy +df/dv + d2f/dvdu2x + d2f/dv2y


If anyone wants to link me a "how to write math properly on this forum guide" that would be swell..
 

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