Doubt about Implicit differentiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of implicit differentiation, particularly in the context of functionals. Participants explore whether the implicit differentiation rule can be applied when dealing with a function that is parameterized by another variable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the applicability of implicit differentiation when x is a function from R to R and G is a functional, seeking clarification on the existence of an implicit differentiation rule for functionals.
  • Another participant asserts that x is indeed a function of lambda and expresses confusion about the term "functional." They seek further clarification on this concept.
  • A third participant states that if there is an error in the initial implicit differentiation example, it would invalidate all implicit differentiation, but they also mention that an analogous calculus for functionals exists, although it may not be necessary in this case.
  • There is a request for clarification regarding the term "i," which appears to be a misunderstanding of a previous statement.
  • One participant asks why the calculus for functionals is deemed unnecessary if x is a function and requests references for further reading on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and applicability of implicit differentiation in the context of functionals. There is no consensus on whether the implicit differentiation rule can be applied in this scenario, and multiple viewpoints are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of functionals and the conditions under which implicit differentiation can be applied. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on these concepts.

vineethbs
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Hi all,

I was reading a paper in which implicit differentiation was used as follows

[tex]x \in R, \lambda \in R[/tex]
Given [tex]G(x,\lambda) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\partial G(x,\lambda)}{\partial x} \frac{\partial x}{\partial \lambda} + \frac{\partial G(x,\lambda)}{\partial \lambda} = 0[/tex]

My doubt is related to whether it is possible to do this even if x is say a function from R to R and G is therefore a functional. Is there a implicit differentiation rule for functionals ?

Thanks for your time !
 
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I am a little unsure of your question.

x is a function from R to R since it is a function of lamda.
What do you mean by functional?
 
That is the most simple example of implicit differentiation possible. If anything is wrong with i, all implicit differentiation is wrong. There is an analogous calculus for funtionals,, but it is not needed in this case. A functional is a function that takes another function as its argument. So true that
y|->F(y(x),x)
2x|->sin(2x)
x^2|->x^2+1
f(x)|->3*f(5)
f(x)|->0
f|->g(f(x))
are functionals they only use information at a single point thus no complications arise.

The chain rule
[g(f(x))]'=g'(f(x))f'(x)
is another example since g is a functional.
 
wofsy said:
I am a little unsure of your question.

x is a function from R to R since it is a function of lamda.
What do you mean by functional?
Sorry about the confusion. Yes, x is an implicit function of \lamba , but the idea is that x(\lambda) is a family of functions paramterized by \lambda
 
lurflurf said:
If anything is wrong with i, all implicit differentiation is wrong.

Sorry but what is "i" ? I did not understand what this means.

There is an analogous calculus for funtionals,, but it is not needed in this case.
Why is it not needed if x is a function ? And could you please point me to some easy references on calculus for functionals ?

Thank you !
 

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