Partial derivatives and chain rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on expressing the partial derivative \(\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial s}\right)_{v}\) in terms of the partial derivatives of the functions \(u(s,t)\) and \(t(s,v)\). Participants emphasize the importance of using the chain rule correctly, noting that \(\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial s}\right)_{v}\) represents the derivative of \(u\) with respect to \(s\) while keeping \(v\) constant. Misinterpretations of notation and the application of the chain rule are highlighted as common pitfalls in solving this problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partial derivatives and their notation
  • Familiarity with the chain rule in multivariable calculus
  • Knowledge of functions of multiple variables, specifically \(u(s,t)\) and \(t(s,v)\)
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus
  • Learn how to express partial derivatives in terms of other variables
  • Explore examples of partial derivatives with constraints
  • Practice problems involving functions of multiple variables and their derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, particularly those studying multivariable calculus, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to partial derivatives and the chain rule.

cloudone
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Homework Statement



express (\frac{\partial u}{\partial s})_{v} in terms of partial derivatives of u(s,t) and t(s,v)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm pretty stuck with this problem. I know that

dv = (\frac{\partial v}{\partial s})_{t} ds + (\frac{\partial v}{\partial t})_{s} dt

and similarly for u(s,t) and t(s,v). But problem is that where do I get (\frac{\partial u}{\partial s})_{v} from, and how to express it?
 
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d/(dv)[du/ds]=

d/(dv)[du(s,t(s,v))/ds]=

d/(dv)[du/ds + du/dt * dt/ds]=

d/(dv)[du/ds+du(s,t(s,v))/dt * dt(s,v)/ds]=

d^2u/dsdt * dt/dv + d^2u/dt^2 * dt/dv * dt/ds + du/dt* d^t/dsdv

Write it down in usual partial derivative notation and you'll see where it all comes from.
 
UD1 said:
d/(dv)[du/ds]=

d/(dv)[du(s,t(s,v))/ds]=

d/(dv)[du/ds + du/dt * dt/ds]=

d/(dv)[du/ds+du(s,t(s,v))/dt * dt(s,v)/ds]=

d^2u/dsdt * dt/dv + d^2u/dt^2 * dt/dv * dt/ds + du/dt* d^t/dsdv

Write it down in usual partial derivative notation and you'll see where it all comes from.

Please don't give out complete solutions (even if they are grievously incorrect like this one), it violates forum rules and doesn't help the student learn the material.
 
cloudone said:

Homework Statement



express (\frac{\partial u}{\partial s})_{v} in terms of partial derivatives of u(s,t) and t(s,v)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm pretty stuck with this problem. I know that

dv = (\frac{\partial v}{\partial s})_{t} ds + (\frac{\partial v}{\partial t})_{s} dt

and similarly for u(s,t) and t(s,v). But problem is that where do I get (\frac{\partial u}{\partial s})_{v} from, and how to express it?

For starters, u(s,t) is a function of both s and t, so use the chain rule.
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Please don't give out complete solutions (even if they are grievously incorrect like this one), it violates forum rules and doesn't help the student learn the material.

I apologize. The solution is correct though.
 
UD1 said:
I apologize. The solution is correct though.

No, it isn't. You've misinterpreted the question/notation.

\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial s}\right)_v\neq\frac{\partial}{\partial v}\left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial s}\right)

Instead, \left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial s}\right)_v is defined as the derivative of u w.r.t s, while v is held constant. It's a specific type of partial derivative.
 

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