How is the parital derivative (even in Leibniz notation) ambiguous?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the ambiguity of partial derivatives in multi-variable calculus, particularly when using Leibniz notation. The example provided involves a function f(x,y)=z, where y is dependent on both x and t, leading to confusion about which variable x refers to in the expression \(\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}\). The ambiguity is highlighted by referencing Spivak's work in "Calculus on Manifolds," which illustrates the distinct meanings of f on either side of the equation \(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial u} \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial v} \frac{\partial v}{\partial x}\). The notation f_x is also mentioned as an alternative that may reduce confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multi-variable calculus concepts
  • Familiarity with Leibniz notation for derivatives
  • Knowledge of function dependencies in calculus
  • Basic comprehension of notation in mathematical literature, specifically from "Calculus on Manifolds" by Spivak
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of variable dependencies in partial derivatives
  • Study alternative notations for partial derivatives, such as f_x
  • Explore the concepts presented in "Calculus on Manifolds" by Spivak
  • Learn about the Jacobian matrix and its role in multi-variable calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematicians, and educators seeking clarity on the notation and interpretation of partial derivatives in multi-variable contexts.

find_the_fun
Messages
147
Reaction score
0
I had taken a multi-variable calculus course and since have misplaced my notes. I recall the prof inventing his own notation because somewhere partial derivatives using Leibniz notation don't show the correct path. I think it was something like if you had a function f(x,y)=z and y depended on x and t then if you write

[math] \frac{\partial z}{\partial x}[/math] it's unclear which x is being referred to. Is this right? If no does anyone else know of an amibguity that arises?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In Calculus on Manifolds, Spivak does mention the following:

$$\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial u} \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial v} \frac{\partial v}{\partial x}.$$

Note that $f$ has distinct meanings on each side. Another usual notation is $f_x$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
14K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K