Finding the Variables for f(x,y)=e^{xy}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the function f(x,y)=e^{xy} and the transformation of variables defined by u=x^{3}-y^{3} and v=x^{2}+xy. Participants are tasked with finding the partial derivatives \deltaf/\deltau and \deltaf/\deltav at the point where x=-1 and y=2.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the possibility of expressing x and y in terms of u and v, with some attempting to factor expressions related to u and v. Questions arise about the application of the chain rule for multivariable functions and the validity of the inverse rule for derivatives.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the chain rule and Jacobian matrix concepts. Some participants provide guidance on the correct application of these concepts, while others express uncertainty about the implications of their findings. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the relationships between the variables and derivatives.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of not being able to directly express x and y in terms of u and v, which complicates the calculation of the required partial derivatives. There is also mention of potential algebraic errors that could affect the outcome of their calculations.

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Homework Statement



Let f(x,y)=[itex]e^{xy}[/itex]

Variables u and v are defined by u=[itex]x^{3}[/itex]-[itex]y^{3}[/itex] , v=[itex]x^{2}+xy[/itex]

Find the values of [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]u and [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]v at the point where x=-1 and y=2

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



At first I thought that I'd have to write x and y in terms of u and v. So, I started by factorising using the difference of two cubes for u and then just taking out a factor of x for v. However, I pretty much hit a brick wall there.

And, if I can't write x and y in terms of u and v, I can't see how I could find either [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]u or [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]v?
 
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Unredeemed said:

Homework Statement



Let f(x,y)=[itex]e^{xy}[/itex]

Variables u and v are defined by u=[itex]x^{3}[/itex]-[itex]y^{3}[/itex] , v=[itex]x^{2}+xy[/itex]

Find the values of [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]u and [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]v at the point where x=-1 and y=2

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



At first I thought that I'd have to write x and y in terms of u and v. So, I started by factorising using the difference of two cubes for u and then just taking out a factor of x for v. However, I pretty much hit a brick wall there.

And, if I can't write x and y in terms of u and v, I can't see how I could find either [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]u or [itex]\delta[/itex]f/[itex]\delta[/itex]v?

Hi Unredeemed! :smile:

Do you have the chain rule for multi variable functions in your notes?
That is:
$${\partial f \over \partial u} = {\partial f \over \partial x}{\partial x \over \partial u} + {\partial f \over \partial y}{\partial y \over \partial u}$$

Edit: Oopsie. The following does not hold. See next posts.
Oh, and are you also aware of the inverse rule for derivatives?
That is:
$${\partial u \over \partial x} = \frac 1 {\partial x \over \partial u}$$
 
Last edited:


I like Serena said:
Hi Unredeemed! :smile:

Do you have the chain rule for multi variable functions in your notes?
That is:
$${\partial f \over \partial u} = {\partial f \over \partial x}{\partial x \over \partial u} + {\partial f \over \partial y}{\partial y \over \partial u}$$

Oh, and are you also aware of the inverse rule for derivatives?
That is:
$${\partial u \over \partial x} = \frac 1 {\partial x \over \partial u}$$

Your 'inverse rule' doesn't hold for partial derivatives. You need to invert the whole jacobian matrix to get the inverse derivatives.
 


Dick said:
Your 'inverse rule' doesn't hold for partial derivatives. You need to invert the whole jacobian matrix to get the inverse derivatives.

Oopsie.
That's what I get for writing something as an afterthought.

@OP: Do you know what the Jacobian matrix is and how to use it?
 
Last edited:


I like Serena said:
Hi Unredeemed! :smile:

Do you have the chain rule for multi variable functions in your notes?
That is:
$${\partial f \over \partial u} = {\partial f \over \partial x}{\partial x \over \partial u} + {\partial f \over \partial y}{\partial y \over \partial u}$$

Edit: Oopsie. The following does not hold. See next posts.
Oh, and are you also aware of the inverse rule for derivatives?
That is:
$${\partial u \over \partial x} = \frac 1 {\partial x \over \partial u}$$

I am aware of $${\partial f \over \partial u} = {\partial f \over \partial x}{\partial x \over \partial u} + {\partial f \over \partial y}{\partial y \over \partial u}$$

But, the issue with the "inverse rule" for partial derivatives led me to think it was unhelpful?

I have that if f(x,y)=F(u(x,y),v(x,y))

Then $$({\partial f \over \partial x} , {\partial f \over \partial y})= ({\partial F \over \partial u} , {\partial F \over \partial v}) . \begin{pmatrix} {\partial u \over \partial x} {\partial u \over \partial y}\\ {\partial v \over \partial x} , {\partial v \over \partial y}\end{pmatrix}$$

But, inverting the Jacobian matrix on the RHS only gives me $${\partial F \over \partial u} and {\partial F \over \partial v}$$ not $${\partial f \over \partial u} and {\partial f \over \partial v}$$ as required?
 


Unredeemed said:
But, inverting the Jacobian matrix on the RHS only gives me $${\partial F \over \partial u} and {\partial F \over \partial v}$$ not $${\partial f \over \partial u} and {\partial f \over \partial v}$$ as required?

It's the same thing.
What you write is the proper way to write it.

The form ##{\partial f \over \partial u}## is short hand for ##{\partial F \over \partial u}##.
 


I like Serena said:
It's the same thing.
What you write is the proper way to write it.

The form ##{\partial f \over \partial u}## is short hand for ##{\partial F \over \partial u}##.

Ah, I see. I'd wondered about that but didn't just want to assume it!

So I've said that $$({\partial f \over \partial x} , {\partial f \over \partial y}) . \begin{pmatrix} {\partial v \over \partial y} -{\partial u \over \partial y}\\ -{\partial v \over \partial x} , {\partial u \over \partial x}\end{pmatrix}= ({\partial f \over \partial u} , {\partial f \over \partial v})$$

Is that correct?
 


Almost.
There is a determinant missing.
 


Ah, good point!
 
  • #10


Think I've got the answer now. Fingers crossed an algebraic error hasn't eluded me!

Thanks very much for everyone's help. Probably would have been head-scratching for hours without it.
 
  • #11


Cheers.
 

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