Partial derivatives/ total derivative

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of partial derivatives and total derivatives, specifically focusing on a problem that involves differentiating a function defined in terms of two variables. The original poster has provided an image of the question and has attempted parts (a) and (b) but is struggling with part (c).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster has attempted to use the total derivative and is seeking guidance on how to approach part (c). Some participants suggest using the chain rule and provide a formula involving the derivatives of the variables u and v.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the chain rule, but the original poster is still seeking clarity on how this relates to their specific struggle with part (c).

Contextual Notes

The original poster has indicated that they have completed earlier parts of the problem but are hesitant to share their solutions unless deemed helpful. There is also a mention of the need for precision in terminology regarding which part of the problem is being discussed.

zell99
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I've attactched an image of the question, I hope this is ok, if not let me know and I'll copy it out onto a post,

The Attempt at a Solution


I've done parts (a) and (b) using the total derivative of f ( http://mathworld.wolfram.com/TotalDerivative.html ) but I can't get started on the last part. I've tried differentiating the expressions found in (a) but it doesn't seem to lead anywhere.

A push in the right direction would be appreciated.
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • untitled.JPG
    untitled.JPG
    9 KB · Views: 495
Physics news on Phys.org
You have the definitions. All I can say is "just do it"! You are asked to show that
[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}= u\frac{\partial F}{\partial u}+ v\frac{\partial F}{\partial v}[/tex]
u= excos(y), v= exsin(y) and F(u,v)= f(x,y).

You will need to use the chain rule:
[tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}= \frac{\partial F}{\partial u}\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial F}{\partial v}\frac{\partial v}{\partial x}[/tex]
 
Thanks for the reply: I've done parts (a) and (b) already, it's the third part I'm struggling with (I can't quite see how your post relates to this bit). I won't post my solutions for these bits unless thay would be helpful, since they are show that... questions.
 
Last edited:
Just to clarify since my use of 'last part' wasn't particularly precise, it's part (c) I'm struggling with.
Thank you
 
Solved it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K