Partial derivatives - textbook error?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of partial derivatives, specifically addressing a potential error in a textbook example. Participants explore the differentiation of a function involving both variables x and y, examining the implications of treating y as a constant during the differentiation process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the textbook's presentation of the partial derivative, noting that y should remain unaffected during differentiation with respect to x.
  • Several participants attempt to clarify the differentiation process, referencing the Chain Rule and its application to the function in question.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about why a term (3y^4) disappears during differentiation, indicating a need for further explanation.
  • There is a suggestion that the product rule may also be relevant to the discussion, leading to a correction from another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the application of differentiation rules. While some participants agree on the use of the Chain Rule, there is disagreement about the relevance of the product rule and the treatment of constants in differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the differentiation process, particularly regarding the treatment of constants and the application of different rules (Chain Rule vs. Product Rule). Some mathematical steps and assumptions remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and individuals studying calculus, particularly those interested in understanding partial derivatives and the rules of differentiation.

JFonseka
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
Now in my textbook it shows the following partial derivative solution:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}[/tex](3y[tex]^{4}[/tex] + e[tex]^{x}[/tex] sin y) = e[tex]^{x}[/tex] sin y

I thought since it's meant to be the partial derivative in terms of x that the y variable would be untouched.

What's happening?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's the first derivative of f(x) = 3*(5^4) + e^x * sin(5)?
 
uman said:
What's the first derivative of f(x) = 3*(5^4) + e^x * sin(5)?

e^x ?
 
Try again.
 
uman said:
Try again.

Huh? What else can it be, the rest are all constants.
 
If a constant is multiplied to f(x), it doesn't become 1 after differentiating them both.
 
Hi JFonseka! :smile:
JFonseka said:
What's happening?

The Chain Rule is happening!

d/dx(exsiny) = (d/dx(ex)) siny + ex(d/dx(siny)) :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi JFonseka! :smile:


The Chain Rule is happening!

d/dx(exsiny) = (d/dx(ex)) siny + ex(d/dx(siny)) :smile:

I get that bit lol, but I don't get why 3y^4 disappeared,
 
Nvm I get it now.
 
  • #10
Thanks to all who helped
 
  • #11
tiny-tim said:
Hi JFonseka! :smile:


The Chain Rule is happening!

d/dx(exsiny) = (d/dx(ex)) siny + ex(d/dx(siny)) :smile:

I think you mean the product rule?
 
  • #12
:redface: oops! :redface:
 
  • #13
:wink:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K