Partial Derivative of an integral, how do you do this?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of partial differentiation of an integral, specifically addressing the application of Leibniz's Rule and the conditions under which it can be applied. Participants explore both conceptual and technical aspects of the problem, including the implications of limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method for performing partial differentiation on an integral.
  • Another participant suggests that it may be permissible to move the partial derivative inside the integral.
  • A different participant agrees that under certain conditions, it is generally acceptable to place the derivative under the integral, while cautioning that there may be exceptions.
  • One participant emphasizes the necessity of using Leibniz's Rule for Integration when differentiating an integral, noting that some authors may use terminology that could lead to confusion.
  • A participant points out the importance of considering the limits of integration, indicating that if they involve the variable of differentiation, it could affect the outcome.
  • A participant provides a mathematical expression illustrating the application of the product rule in the context of the integral differentiation.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for the guidance but indicates they are facing a new challenge related to computing the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of Leibniz's Rule when differentiating integrals, but there is some contention regarding the interpretation of partial derivatives in relation to the integral. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the integral in question and the challenges faced by the participants.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the limits of integration and their impact on the differentiation process. Additionally, the discussion does not resolve the specific computational challenges faced by the participants.

hanson
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Hi all.
How to do the partial differentiation with this integral? (please see the attachment)
I find no place to start tackling this problem...
 

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Can I just put the partial derivative into the integral?
 
Assuming everything is 'nice' then yes you can. There's probably a pathological counter example to it being generally true but for most things you can just put the derivative under the integral.
 
Whenever you take the derivative of an integral, be it partial or otherwise, you must use Leibniz's Rule for Integration.

Now, sometimes authors will use a partial derivative outside the integral sign to mean that they're just going to take that partial derivative inside the integral, and use a total to mean that they will use the full Liebnitz rule. However, I'm not convinced that these authors are correct in this, however what they mean to say may be correct, and they're just not saying it properly.

Long story short, always use Leibnitz's rule when differentiating an integral unless you have a very, very, very good reason(from the "physics" of the problem) for thinking it should be otherwise.
 
You don't say anything about limits of integration so I assume that is an "indefinite integral" (if the limits of integration involve t, that would change the result. If they did NOT involve x, this would not be a partial derivative).

\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int \eta \eta_{xxx}dx=\int\frac{\partial \eta \eta_{xxx}}{\partial t}dx
Now use the product rule
= \int \left(\frac{\partial \eta}{\partial t}\eta_{xxx}+\eta \frac{\partial \eta_{xxx}}{\partial t} \right)dx
or, more simply,
\int\left(\eta_t\eta_{xxx}+ \eta\eta_{xxxt}\right)dx
 
Thank you all. I know what to do.
However, here comes new challenge after moving a tiny step forward...
I had a serious trouble in computing the integral in the attachement again. This time is no longer a conceptual problem...
Please help.
 

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