Estimating partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating partial derivatives of a temperature function T(x,y) defined on a metal plate in the xy-plane. The problem involves calculating the partial derivatives Tx(6,4) and Ty(6,4), estimating the directional derivative Tu(6,4), and finding the mixed partial derivative Txy(6,4).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to estimate the partial derivatives based on temperature values at specific points. Questions arise regarding the notation used for derivatives and the interpretation of results. Some participants explore different methods for calculating the derivatives and question the accuracy of their estimates.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing their approaches to estimating the derivatives, with some providing calculations and others questioning the methods used. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the notation and the units of measurement for the derivatives. No consensus has been reached, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and calculations involved, particularly regarding the units of the derivatives and the process for finding mixed partial derivatives. There is also mention of a table of temperature values that is referenced but not provided in the discussion.

joemama69
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Homework Statement



a metal plate is situated in the xy plane and occupies the rectangle 0<x<10 and 0<y<8 where x a y are measure in meters. The temperature oat the pooint x,y on the plate it T(x,y), where T is measured in degrees celsius.
note the attached table

a- estimate the values of the partial derivatives of Tx(6,4) and Ty(6,4). What are the units of measure
b - Estimate the values of Tu(6,4) where u = (i + j)/(2^1/2). Interpret your result
c - Estimate the value of Txy(6,4)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



welp I am not sure if correct but hers what i did

a - t(x) = 6, because from point 6,4, moving down the x value the temp rises 6 degrees
and so t(y) = -5. the units are degrees celsius i belive

b - for b i pluged my x and y partials from part a into the i & j component and got u = 7.8 degrees celsius

c - t(x) = 6 just as in part a. and from there point 8,4, i moved the right for a change of -6 degrees
 

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joemama69 said:

Homework Statement



a metal plate is situated in the xy plane and occupies the rectangle 0<x<10 and 0<y<8 where x a y are measure in meters. The temperature oat the pooint x,y on the plate it T(x,y), where T is measured in degrees celsius.
note the attached table

a- estimate the values of the partial derivatives of Tx(6,4) and Ty(6,4). What are the units of measure
b - Estimate the values of Tu(6,4) where u = (i + j)/(2^1/2). Interpret your result
c - Estimate the value of Txy(6,4)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



welp I am not sure if correct but hers what i did

a - t(x) = 6, because from point 6,4, moving down the x value the temp rises 6 degrees
and so t(y) = -5. the units are degrees celsius i belive
What is "t"? Is it the same as T? If so, what do you mean by T(x)? T is a function of both x and y. Do you mean Tx(x,y), the derivate with respect to x?

The temperature at (6,4) is 80 while the termperatures at (4, 4) and (8,4) are 78 and 96 respectively. you could estimate the rate of temperature there as (80- 78)/(6-4)= 1 or (96- 80)/(8- 6)= 3 or (96- 78)/(8- 4)= 2. Of those I would expect the last to be most accurate. You seem to have forgotten to divide by the "\Delta x".

Finally, the units are not "degrees celsius". Because this is a rate of change, the units are "degrees celsius per meter"- again, you did not divide by the "\Delta x".

b - for b i pluged my x and y partials from part a into the i & j component and got u = 7.8 degrees celsius
Did you divide by \sqrt{2}?

c - t(x) = 6 just as in part a. and from there point 8,4, i moved the right for a change of -6 degrees
This question is asking for a second derivative. Calculate the partial derivatives with respect to x at (6,4), (6,2), and (6,6), then do the same calculation for the partial derivative with respect to y.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
sorry i was being lazy t(x) was just the partial with respect to x

ok so here's what i did

T(x) = (86 - 80)/(8-6) = 3
T(y) = (75-80)/(6-4) = -2.5

T(u), where u = (i + j)/21/2 was i corect in saying that i = T(x) & j = t(y), so T(u) = .354

for T(xy) don't i have to take the partial T(x), and then partial that with respect to y.

how do i do that.
 
Ok I think i got Txy(6,4)

Tx(6,4) = 3
Tx(6,6) = 2.5

=(Tx)(6,6) - Tx(6,4))/delta T = (3-2.5)/2 = .25

Can i get a ahmen
 

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