Crazy Partial derivative problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving partial derivatives and the composition of functions, specifically focusing on the function W defined as W = F(u(s,t), v(s,t)). The original poster presents initial values and derivatives at a specific point and seeks to find W_s(1,0) and W_v(1,0).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the chain rule for partial derivatives but expresses uncertainty about how to utilize the given values of F_u and F_v. Some participants question the relevance of changing coordinates from (s,t) to (u,v) and whether it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculation of W_s, with a participant indicating that the necessary quantities are available. However, there remains confusion about the coordinate transformation and its implications for the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the relationship between the (s,t) and (u,v) coordinates, with some uncertainty about how this affects the evaluation of the derivatives. The original poster's struggle with the initial steps indicates a need for clarification on the application of the chain rule in this context.

PsychonautQQ
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Homework Statement



Let W = F(u(s,t),v(s,t))

(in my notation, u_s would represent du/ds
u(1,0) = -7
v(1,0) = 3
u_s(1,0)=8
v_s(1,0)=5
u_t(1,0)=-2
v_t(1,0)=-4

F_u(-7,3)=-8
F_v(-7,3)=-2

Find W_s(1,0) and W_v(1,0)

Sort of having a hard time getting started here... I believe
W_s = df/du*du/ds + df/dv*dv/ds
and likewise for W_v...
I don't know how to make the knowledge of F_u(-7,3)=-8 and F_s(-7,3)=-2 useful though.
 
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F_u=G(u(s,t),v(s,t))
When (s,t)=(1,0), we must evaluate:
F_u(u(1,0),s(1,0))
 
how do I do that with no actual equations X_x?
 
You have all the quantities you need calculate W_s.

To get you started
F_u(u(1,0),v(1,0))=F_u(-7,3)=-8
u_s(1,0)=8

so F_u*u_s=-8*8=64

And so on.
 
it doesn't matter that the coordinates change from (-7,3) to (1,0)?? I confused X_x
 
PsychonautQQ said:
it doesn't matter that the coordinates change from (-7,3) to (1,0)?? I confused X_x
(1,0) are (s,t)-coordinates, whereas (-7,3) are the corresponding (u,v)-coordinates.
 

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