Multivariable Calculus Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a multivariable calculus problem involving the application of the chain rule to find a specific partial derivative. Participants are examining the relationship between variables and the implications of evaluating derivatives at different points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule and express confusion about the evaluation points for the partial derivatives. There are questions regarding the potential for a typo in the problem statement and the implications of evaluating at different coordinates.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the chain rule's application, while others are questioning the setup of the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the evaluation points, and no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the problem statement.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem asks for a derivative evaluated at a specific point, which raises questions about the provided partial derivatives being evaluated at a different point. This discrepancy is a focal point of the discussion.

gunda95
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



What is the final answer?

The Attempt at a Solution



I know dw/du = df/dx * dx/du + df/dy * dy/du

& that dx/du = -8sinu & dy/du = -4sinvsinu

Stumped on how to get df/dx and df/dy
 

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gunda95 said:

Homework Statement



See in picture

Homework Equations



What is the final answer?

The Attempt at a Solution



I know dw/du = df/dx * dx/du + df/dy * dy/du

& that dx/du = -8sinu & dy/du = -4sinvsinu

Stumped on how to get df/dx and df/dy

It seems odd to me that the question is asking for wu(##\pi/2, 0##) when the partials they give you are evaluated at (0, 0). Unless there's something I'm not thinking of, I would say that there is a typo in the problem.
 
nope, I asked my prof because I was confused too, but he said that is how it is.
 
Mark44 said:
It seems odd to me that the question is asking for wu(##\pi/2, 0##) when the partials they give you are evaluated at (0, 0). Unless there's something I'm not thinking of, I would say that there is a typo in the problem.

I thought the same until I got my head screwed on straight and realized ##w_u(\pi/2, 0)=w_u|_{(u,v)=(\pi/2, 0)}## and that ##x(\pi/2, 0)=y(\pi/2, 0)=0##.

So the more "complete" form of the chain rule that applies here is $$w_u(u,v)=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\Big(x(u,v),y(u,v)\Big)\frac{\partial x}{\partial u}(u,v)+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\Big(x(u,v),y(u,v)\Big)\frac{\partial y}{\partial u}(u,v)$$ or $$w_u(u,v)=f_x\Big(x(u,v),y(u,v)\Big)x_u(u,v)+f_y\Big(x(u,v),y(u,v)\Big)y_u(u,v)$$
 
Last edited:
But the final answer is supposed to be a number, wouldn't this give me a answer in coordinates?
 
gunda95 said:
But the final answer is supposed to be a number, wouldn't this give me a answer in coordinates?

What would you get if you plugged in ##\pi/2## for ##u## and ##0## for ##v##?
 

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