Partial differentiation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving second order partial differentiation of the function z = x + sin(x²y) + ln(y). Participants are tasked with finding the second partial derivatives with respect to x and y.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their attempts at calculating the second partial derivatives, with some expressing uncertainty about their calculations and the application of the chain rule. Questions arise regarding the correctness of specific derivative calculations and the treatment of variables during differentiation.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the differentiation process, with some participants providing guidance on the application of the chain rule and product rule. Multiple interpretations and approaches to the problem are being discussed, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method or final answers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that partial differentiation is a new concept for them, indicating a potential gap in foundational understanding of single-variable derivatives. There are also references to the need for careful application of differentiation rules, particularly when dealing with functions of multiple variables.

DevonZA
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Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



1. If z=x+sin(##x^2##y) + ln y find ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## and ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial y^2}##

2. Second order partial differentiation.

3. ##\frac {\partial z}{\partial x}## = 1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . (2x)
= ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## = ##\frac {\partial }{\partial x}## (1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . 2x)
= ##-sinx^2##y.2x.2
= ##-4xsinx^2##y

##\frac{\partial z}{\partial 2}## = ##cosx^2## + ##\frac{1}{y}##
##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial y^2}## = ##\frac{\partial }{\partial 2}## (##cosx^2## + ##\frac{1}{y}##)
= ##\frac{1}{y}## or ##y^{-1}##

[/B]
 
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DevonZA said:
1. If z=x+sin(##x^2##y) + ln y find ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## and ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial y^2}##

2. Second order partial differentiation.

3. ##\frac {\partial z}{\partial x}## = 1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . (2x)
= ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## = ##\frac {\partial }{\partial x}## (1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . 2x)
= ##-sinx^2##y.2x.2
Is this correct? what is the derivative of x2 ?
 
DevonZA said:
1. If z=x+sin(##x^2##y) + ln y find ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## and ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial y^2}##

2. Second order partial differentiation.

3.

##\frac{\partial z}{\partial y}## = ##cosx^2## + ##\frac{1}{y}##

Is ##\frac{\partial cos(x^2y)}{\partial y}=cos(x^2) ## ?

that would mean that ##\frac{d cos(θ)}{dθ} = -sin(1)##

You should review the rules of differentiation and know them thoroughly before doing partials.
 
= ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## = ##\frac {\partial }{\partial x}## (1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . 2x)
= -2sinxy.2x.2
= -8xsinxy
Is that correct?

Partial differentiation is new to me..clearly
 
You presumably wouldn't have a problem were you asked to compute the ordinary derivatives ##\frac{d^2}{dx^2}\left(x+\sin(x^2 b)+\ln b\right)## and ##\frac{d^2}{dy^2}\left(a + \sin(a^2 y) + \ln y\right)##, where ##a## and ##b## are some constants. Now replace ##a## and ##b## with ##x## and ##y## and voila! you have your partial derivatives. When computing the partial derivative of some function with respect to one of the independent variables, you simply treat the other independent variables as if they were constants.
 
DevonZA said:
= ##\frac{\partial ^2z}{\partial x^2}## = ##\frac {\partial }{\partial x}## (1 + ##cos(x^2y)## . 2x)
= -2sinxy.2x.2
= -8xsinxy
Is that correct?

Partial differentiation is new to me..clearly

Yes, but I'm afraid the problem goes much deeper, back to taking ordinary derivatives.

What would be the derivative of this expression (no partials): ##\frac{d}{dx}cos(x^2y)## ?
 
SteamKing said:
Yes, but I'm afraid the problem goes much deeper, back to taking ordinary derivatives.

What would be the derivative of this expression (no partials): ##\frac{d}{dx}cos(x^2y)## ?

##\frac{d}{dx}cos(x^2y)## = -sin2x
 
DevonZA said:
##\frac{d}{dx}cos(x^2y)## = -sin2x
You need to use the chain rule.
##\frac{d}{dx} f(g(x)) = f'(g(x) ) g'(x) ##
So
##\frac{d}{dx} cos(x^2) = -sin(x^2) \frac{d}{dx} x^2 ##
Similarly,
##\frac{d}{dx} cos(x^2y) = -sin(x^2y) \frac{d}{dx} x^2y ##
 
Thanks again RUber that makes sense. I'm out at dinner currently but I'll attempt to answer the question again when I'm home later.
 
  • #10
Okay I have no idea if I am doing this right but let me know..

 

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  • #11
DevonZA said:
Okay I have no idea if I am doing this right but let me know..
You can't have "sin" or "cos" standing by themselves. These are functions which must show an argument of some kind.

You've calculated ##\frac{\partial z}{\partial x} ## correctly, but from that point on, it seems you are having trouble applying the chain rule correctly again.

Again, I repeat, you should not be working partial derivative problems unless and until you understand derivatives of a single variable thoroughly.
 
  • #12
##\frac{d}{dx} x^2 y ## implies that you treat y as a constant. You can't just drop it out. It isn't like taking the derivative of x^2 +y.
Take your time. Be careful with your chain rule. You can get it done.
 
  • #13
SteamKing said:
You can't have "sin" or "cos" standing by themselves. These are functions which must show an argument of some kind.

You've calculated ##\frac{\partial z}{\partial x} ## correctly, but from that point on, it seems you are having trouble applying the chain rule correctly again.

Again, I repeat, you should not be working partial derivative problems unless and until you understand derivatives of a single variable thoroughly.

I had a feeling that the trig functions were wrong..
I struggle with derivatives so yes I need more practice but time is not on my side. I'll try again
 
  • #14
RUber said:
##\frac{d}{dx} x^2 y ## implies that you treat y as a constant. You can't just drop it out. It isn't like taking the derivative of x^2 +y.
Take your time. Be careful with your chain rule. You can get it done.
So I haven't calculated ## \frac {\partial{z}}{\partial{x}}## correctly then?

##\frac{d}{dx} x^2y = 2xy## ?
 
  • #15
DevonZA said:
So I haven't calculated ## \frac {\partial{z}}{\partial{x}}## correctly then?

##\frac{d}{dx} x^2y = 2xy## ?
That's right.
 
  • #16
Please see the attachment. If you could help me with the next step from here please, the trig functions are confusing me.
 

Attachments

  • #17
That looks like you might need to use the product rule. Then for the part of the product that has d/dx cos(x^2y), use the chain rule again.
You have already shown that you can use these methods. Take your time and do them one by one.
 
  • #18
Final answer attached. Thanks to all who helped.
 

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