Mathematica: What is happening?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of the Mathematica function D[f,x], which computes the partial derivative of a function. The user initially encountered unexpected results when attempting to differentiate the function V_\theta = (A/r^2 + B)Sin[θ] with respect to θ. The confusion arose from incorrect capitalization of the 'Sin' function and the use of square brackets, which are essential in Mathematica syntax. Once these errors were corrected, the expected output was achieved, confirming the functionality of Mathematica.

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Saladsamurai
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Ok, I have either completely lost it (very likely) or Mathematica is being weird (much less likely). The finction D[f,x] is supposed to return the partial of f with respect to x, \partial{f}/\partial{x}.

So I have a function V_\theta = (A/r^2 + B)\sin\theta where A and B are constants. So we should have \partial{V_\theta}/\partial{\theta} = (A/r^2 + B)\cos\theta.

But here is what mathematica is returning. What does that even mean? Why does it just say "sin" and not have the argument? Moreover, why does it not say cos ?!
 

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Got it! 2 mistakes on my part :redface: capital 's' in Sin and square brackets Sin[theta].

All is good again in the world of Wolfram!
 

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