Problem finding a partial derivative

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the second partial derivative of the function v = \frac{xy}{(x-y)} using the quotient rule. The user, Glenn, initially derived v_{xy} as \frac{2xy-4y^2}{(x-y)^3}, which was incorrect. The correct answer, as provided by Wolfram Alpha, is \frac{2xy}{(x-y)^3}. The error stemmed from neglecting the negative sign in the derivative of the inner function during the application of the quotient rule.

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Homework Statement



I am working on a homework problem involving partial derivatives. I've been checking my answers against what Wolfram Alpha spits out just for extra assurance. For the following problem

Find all the second partial derivatives: v = [itex]\frac{xy}{(x-y)}[/itex].

When I get to the point where I am deriving v[itex]_{xy}[/itex], Wolfram Alpha gives me

[itex]\frac{2xy}{(x-y)^3}[/itex]

but I get something different. If someone can tell me where I am going wrong here, I would be most grateful: I've stared at this for some time now. I suspect it is something very trivial. I am using the quotient rule.

2. The attempt at a solution

[itex]\frac{\partial}{\partial y}[/itex] [itex]\frac{y^2}{(x-y)^2}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{(x-y)^2 * 2y - y^2 * (2 (x-y))}{(x-y)^4}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{(x-y)((x-y)*2y - 2y^2)}{(x-y)^4}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{2xy-4y^2}{(x-y)^3}[/itex]

Thanks,

Glenn
 
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You forgot the minus.
[itex]\frac{\partial}{\partial y}[/itex] [itex]\frac{-y^2}{(x-y)^2}[/itex]

And in your quotient rule, you forgot the derivative on the "inner" function, which is -1.

[itex]\frac{\partial(x-y)^{2}}{\partial y}=2(x-y)(-1)[/itex]
 
Ahh, I was even further off than I thought. Thanks so much. It makes sense now.
 

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