How to Understand and Solve the Chain Rule Problem in Calculus?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding the Chain Rule in calculus, specifically in the context of partial derivatives. It establishes that the full derivative of \( r \) with respect to time \( t \) is expressed as \( \dot{r} = \frac{\partial r}{\partial t} + \sum_{i} \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_i} \dot{q_i} \). The participants clarify that \( \dot{r} \) represents the total derivative of \( r \) considering \( r \) as a function of multiple variables, including time-dependent variables \( q_n(t) \). Key insights include the differentiation of \( r \) with respect to \( t \) and the implications of the Chain Rule in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial derivatives and total derivatives in calculus
  • Familiarity with the Chain Rule in multivariable calculus
  • Knowledge of functions of multiple variables
  • Basic concepts of time-dependent variables in calculus
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  • Study the application of the Chain Rule in multivariable calculus
  • Explore examples of partial derivatives in physics and engineering contexts
  • Learn about the implications of total derivatives in dynamic systems
  • Investigate advanced topics in calculus, such as differential equations
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Students of calculus, educators teaching multivariable calculus, and professionals in fields requiring advanced mathematical modeling, such as physics and engineering.

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\[ \frac{\partial \dot{r}}{\partial \dot{q_k}} = \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_k} \]
where
\[ r = r(q_1,...,q_n,t \]

solution

\[ \frac{dr }{dt } = \frac{\partial r}{\partial t} + \sum_{i} \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_i}\frac{\partial q_i}{\partial t}\]
\[ \dot{r} = \frac{\partial r}{\partial t} + \sum_{i} \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_i}\dot{q_i}\]

let
\[ \frac{\partial\dot{r}}{\partial \dot{q_k}} = \frac{\partial^2r}{\partial\dot{q_k} \partial t} +\frac{\partial}{\partial \dot{q_k}} ( \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_1} \dot{q_1} + ... + \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_k} \dot{q_k} + ... + \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_n} \dot{q_n} ) \]

I think
\[\frac{\partial^2r}{\partial\dot{q_k} \partial t} = 0 \]
and
\[ \frac{\partial}{\partial \dot{q_k}} ( \frac{\partial r}{\partial q_n} \dot{q_n}) = 0\]for k not equal to n
 
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What does $\dot{r}$ mean and how is it different from $r$?
 
Country Boy said:
What does $\dot{r}$ mean and how is it different from $r$?

$\dot{r} $ mean full derivative of r by dt because \[ r=r(q_1,...,q_n,t) \] and \[ q_n = q_n(t) \]
any $q_n$ as function of time so $\dot{r}$is formed by taking the derivative with respect to dt for $( q_1,...,q_n,t )$
 

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