Higher order partial derivatives and the chain rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around higher order partial derivatives and the application of the chain rule in the context of a multivariable function. Participants are exploring how to compute the second partial derivative with respect to a variable, specifically denoted as {\varphi}_u_u, and the necessary steps involved in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the derivation of the second partial derivative using the chain rule and product rule. Questions include how to apply these rules explicitly and the significance of intermediate steps in the solution. Some participants suggest focusing on the end result and substituting variables appropriately.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with some participants providing detailed steps and others expressing confusion. One participant has indicated a breakthrough in understanding the application of the chain rule, suggesting that helpful guidance has been shared.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions that they are facing a similar question as previously discussed, indicating potential constraints or specific expectations from their homework assignment. There is also a reference to a missing middle step in the solution process that has been highlighted as significant.

barnflakes
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Hi guys, please see attachment

Basically, could somebody please explain to me how I find [tex]{\varphi}_u_u[/tex], I really don't understand how it's come about. Apparantly I need to use the chain rule again and the product rule but I don't understand how to, if somebody could show me explicitly how to use the product rule in this case I'd be very greatful. The bit under the line is the solution but it's not obvious how they get to that. Thanks for any help!
 

Attachments

  • CHAINRULE.GIF
    CHAINRULE.GIF
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Anyone?
 
Here's what I would do:

Take the partial of \phi_{u} with respect to u. Forget about the intermediate step in the solution, I think that required some extra simplification. You care about the end result.

Start with the chain rule
Substitute in for x and y
Pull out of each partial differential any terms that are independent (for example, the partial derivative with respect to u of sin(v)\phi_{x} = sin(v) * partial derivative with respect to u of \phi_{x} )
Then, apply the partial derivatives and substitute back out again for x's and y's. This should get you started, I'm interested to see your work.
 
Here's how you do it very pedantically:
We have:
[tex]x(u,v)=e^{u}\cos(v),y(u,v)=e^{u}\sin(v)[/tex]
We now define the function [itex]\Phi(u,v)[/itex] as satisfying identically:
[tex]\Phi(u,v)=\phi(x(u,v),y(u,v))[/tex]

Thus, for example, we get:
[tex]\Phi_{u}=\phi_{x}x_{u}+\phi_{y}y_{u}[/tex]
And furthermore:
[tex]Phi_{uu}=\phi_{xx}x_{u}^{2}+\phi_{xy}x_{u}y_{u}+\phi_{yx}x_{u}y_{u}+\phi_{yy}y_{u}^{2}[/tex]
Got that?
 
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but it turns out I have been set exactly the same question and after spending hours trying to get my head around it, I still can't get the answer they are looking for. I get the same answer as "arildno" which is no the answer we have been asked to show. Can anyone help again lol.
 
got it now :D :D :D
[tex] \phi_{uu}=(\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(x\phi_{x}+y\phi_{y}))x_{u}+(\frac{\partial}{\partial y}(x\phi_{x}+y\phi_{y}))y_{u}[/tex]

Finally worked out how to use the chain rule correctly. This is the middle step that is missing.
 

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