Differentiating a polar function

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To differentiate a polar function, the substitutions x=rcos(θ) and y=rsin(θ) are used to express z=f(x,y) in terms of polar coordinates. The partial derivatives ∂z/∂r and ∂z/∂θ can be calculated using the chain rule, leading to the expressions ∂z/∂r = (∂z/∂x)(∂x/∂r) + (∂z/∂y)(∂y/∂r) and ∂z/∂θ = (∂z/∂x)(∂x/∂θ) + (∂z/∂y)(∂y/∂θ). The discussion also emphasizes the relationship between the derivatives, showing that (∂z/∂x)² + (∂z/∂y)² equals (∂z/∂r)² + (1/r²)(∂z/∂θ)². Understanding these transformations is crucial for solving problems involving polar coordinates in calculus.
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Homework Statement


let z=f(x,y) be a differentiable function. If we change to polar coordinates, we make the substitution x=rcos(θ), y=rsin(θ), x^2+y^2=r^2 and tan(θ) = y/x.
a. Find expressions ∂z/∂r and ∂z/∂θ involving ∂z/∂x and ∂z/∂y.
b. Show that (∂z/∂x)^2 + (∂z/∂y)^2 = (∂z/∂r)^2 + (1/r^2)(∂z/∂θ)^2.


The Attempt at a Solution



a. i understand that f(x,y) in polar is f(r,θ) but don't understand how to calculate the partial derivatives of ∂z/∂x and ∂z/∂y because there is not know function for z...
 
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Do you know the chain rule for functions of two variables?
 
in the specific case of this problem they come out like this:
∂z/∂r = (∂z/∂x)(∂x/∂r) + (∂z/∂y)(∂y/∂r)
∂z/∂θ = (∂z/∂x)(∂x/∂θ ) + (∂z/∂y)(∂y/∂θ)

right?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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