Multivariable calculus, partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around multivariable calculus, specifically focusing on the concept of partial derivatives and the application of the chain rule in the context of composite functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding notation and the application of the chain rule. Some seek clarification on the definitions of functions involved, while others attempt to relate their understanding of the chain rule to the problem at hand.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, asking for explanations and clarifications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the notation and the chain rule, but there remains a lack of consensus on the understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion due to the notation used in the problem, and some participants mention difficulties with the definitions of the functions involved. The discussion reflects a need for clearer communication of mathematical concepts.

Feodalherren
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Umm can somebody explain to me what just happened. None of that makes any sense to me what so ever.
 
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Are you familiar with the chain rule?
 
Of course. The notation in this problem is so confusing that I can't follow what's happening.
 
Let's use the notation ##G(s,t) = (u(s,t), v(s,t))##.

What you need to do is to compute

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial s} F\circ G[/tex]

What will that be according to the chain rule?
 
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Correct?
 
What happened to ##F##? I can only see ##G## showing up.
 
Ok I have no idea.. I can't remember what FoG means :/. You didn't even define F as anything?
 
Feodalherren said:
Ok I have no idea.. I can't remember what FoG means :/. You didn't even define F as anything?

##F## is just an arbitrary differentiable map (as shown in the problem statement).

What ##F\circ G## means is that it is the map which sends ##(s,t)## to ##F(G(s,t))##.

Can you show me the chain rule you've learned (and perhaps the variations)?
 
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I've only learned the one that I demonstrated. You draw one of those trees and then just differentiate however many times you need to in order to get to the variable that you need.

I'm totally lost on the notation yet again.
 
  • #10
Feodalherren said:

Homework Statement


Untitled.png



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Umm can somebody explain to me what just happened. None of that makes any sense to me what so ever.

Is the "subscript" notation throwing you off? If so, forget it and use a more exact nomenclature: ##W = F(u,v)## gives
[tex]\frac{\partial W}{\partial s} = \frac{\partial F}{\partial u} \frac{\partial u}{\partial s}<br /> + \frac{\partial F}{\partial v} \frac{\partial v}{\partial s}\: \longleftarrow \text{ chain rule}\\ <br /> \text{ }\\ \text{or}\\ <br /> \text{ }\\<br /> W_s = F_u u_s + F_v v_s[/tex]
etc.
 
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  • #11
Ok that helps Ray. Now for the evaluation.

If I know Ws (1,0) then
s=1, t=0

Then I get:
u (1,0) and s (1,0).

Where do I evaluate the first therm dF/du?
 

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