Finding a function given its partial derivatives, stuck on finding g'(x)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the original function \( f(x,y) \) given its partial derivatives \( \partial f/\partial x \) and \( \partial f/\partial y \). Participants explore the integration process and the determination of an unknown function \( g(y) \) that arises during the integration.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the partial derivatives and outlines the integration process to find \( f(x,y) \), leading to the equation involving \( g(y) \).
  • Another participant points out a potential typo in the equation derived for \( g'(y) \), suggesting it should be \( -x^2y + g'(y) = y - yx^2 \).
  • A later reply confirms the correction and proceeds to integrate, proposing \( g(y) = y^2/2 \) as a solution.
  • Another participant reminds to include a constant term in the expression for \( g(y) \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps taken to find \( g(y) \) and the integration process, but there is a minor disagreement regarding the inclusion of a constant term in the final expression for \( g(y) \).

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that the integration process is straightforward and the dependence on the correctness of the initial partial derivatives provided. The discussion does not resolve whether the proposed solution for \( g(y) \) is the only valid form.

mitch_1211
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Hi all,

I have the following partial derivatives

∂f/∂x = cos(x)sin(x)-xy2

∂f/∂y = y - yx2

I need to find the original function, f(x,y).

I know that df = (∂f/∂x)dx + (∂f/∂y)dy

and hence

f(x,y) = ∫∂f/∂x dx + g(y) = -1/2(x2y2+cos2(x)) + g(y)

Then to find g(y) I took the partial derivative of f(x,y) that I just found wrt y and equate to the original given ∂f/∂y

i.e -x2y +g'(y) = y-x2
which is a first order differential equation of the form

dg/dy = - (y+x2)/(x2y)

and now I am not sure how to proceed and solve this DE

Mitch
 
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mitch_1211 said:
Hi all,

I have the following partial derivatives

∂f/∂x = cos(x)sin(x)-xy2

∂f/∂y = y - yx2

I need to find the original function, f(x,y).

I know that df = (∂f/∂x)dx + (∂f/∂y)dy

and hence

f(x,y) = ∫∂f/∂x dx + g(y) = -1/2(x2y2+cos2(x)) + g(y)

Then to find g(y) I took the partial derivative of f(x,y) that I just found wrt y and equate to the original given ∂f/∂y

i.e -x2y +g'(y) = y-x2
which is a first order differential equation of the form

That's a typo, no? It should be

-x^2y+g^\prime(y)=y-yx^2
 
oh you're right, I must have typed it out incorrectly from my notes.

so it becomes

dg/dy = y

∴ ∫dg = ∫y dy

so g = y2/2

does that sound about right?
 
mitch_1211 said:
so g = y2/2
does that sound about right?
Well, it satisfies the original equations, right? But don't forget to allow a constant term.
 

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