Partial derivatives/ total derivative

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of partial derivatives and the total derivative in the context of a mathematical problem involving the functions u and v defined as u = e^x cos(y) and v = e^x sin(y). The user successfully completed parts (a) and (b) using the total derivative but encountered difficulties with part (c). The solution involves applying the chain rule to demonstrate that ∂f/∂x = u(∂F/∂u) + v(∂F/∂v), where F(u,v) = f(x,y). The user ultimately resolved their issue with part (c).

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zell99
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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
 

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You have the definitions. All I can say is "just do it"! You are asked to show that
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}= u\frac{\partial F}{\partial u}+ v\frac{\partial F}{\partial v}
u= excos(y), v= exsin(y) and F(u,v)= f(x,y).

You will need to use the chain rule:
\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}
 
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.
 

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