Proof Partial Derivative definition

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the definition of the partial derivative, exploring various interpretations and approaches to understanding this concept in calculus. Participants share their thoughts on what it means to prove a definition and how to apply the limit definition of partial derivatives in specific cases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to prove the partial derivative definition using the limit approach.
  • Another participant questions the need to prove a definition, stating that definitions are choices of terminology rather than statements to be proven.
  • Some participants suggest that the teacher's challenge might involve showing specific properties of partial derivatives, such as their relation to ordinary derivatives or their adherence to rules like the Leibniz rule.
  • A later reply provides a specific example of proving the partial derivative of the function \(f(x, y) = x^2 + y^2\) with respect to \(x\) using the limit definition, detailing the steps involved.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in their calculations after reviewing another's solution, indicating a learning process through the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether definitions can be proven, with some asserting that definitions are not subject to proof while others suggest exploring properties related to definitions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of the teacher's challenge.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the teacher's challenge, as participants speculate on its intent. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding regarding the definitions and properties of derivatives.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying calculus, particularly those interested in the concepts of derivatives and partial derivatives, may find this discussion relevant.

Jonnyquest
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Hello, I'm trying to proof the partial derivative definition , how do i proof it ??


@f/ @x = lim h-->0 lim [f(a +h, b) - f(a, b)] / h


If possible , i'd like to seen all the calculations

Best regards
 
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If this is what you are trying to prove, then what is your definition of the partial derivative [tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}[/tex]?
 
You don't prove a definition.
 
erm unless u mean the easy derivation where u start by [tex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=lim_{x->a}\frac{f(x,b)-f(a,b)}{x-a}[/tex]

you can use the function [tex]g(h)=a+h[/tex]

and replace x=g(h) since [tex](lim_{x->a}x)=a=(lim_{h->0}g(h))[/tex].
 
Last edited:
Jonnyquest said:
Hello, I'm trying to proof the partial derivative definition

Ah, I missed that you are trying to prove the definition itself.

Well, that is very easy: by definition, it is true.
 
It was my Math teacher who challenged me to proof that the definition is right.

But i don't how to doi it.

I already proof the simple derivative definition.

Thanks
 
Jonnyquest said:
It was my Math teacher who challenged me to proof that the definition is right.

But i don't how to doi it.
It can't be done, at least not without more information about what's considered "right".

Note that you never prove a definition. A definition is just a choice of what English word to use for a specific mathematical concept.
 
Perhaps your teacher meant this: suppose f(x, y) is, putatively, a function of x and y but does not, in fact, depend on y. Show that the partial derivative with respect to x is exactly the same, in this case, as the ordinary derivative (and that the partial derivative with respect to y is 0).
 
Or it can mean: prove that it satisfies the Leibniz ("chain") rule.
Or that is satisfies a product rule.
Or both.
Or something else entirely.

It's just guessing here what your teacher meant, so maybe you should ask him to clarify :)
 
  • #10
OK, I've just spoke with my teacher.
Now I've to proof that a function x^2 + y^2 is equal to 2x in order to x and by the definition ( limit ).

How do i do it ??

Thanks
Best Regards
 
  • #11
Do you know the definition of the derivative? Do you know the definition of a limit of a function? Show us your attempt to use these definitions, and we'll try to help.

I assume that what you're asking is either

"prove that if f(x)=x2+y2, then f'(x)=2x"

or

"prove that if "f(x,y)=x2+y2, then f,1(x,y)=2x".

(The ",1" notation is what I use for the derivative of f with respect to the first variable). The solutions to these problems will look almost exactly the same.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
By using the definition you gave at the first post instead of a we use x and instead of b we use y and we have:

[tex]\frac{\partial f(x,y)}{\partial x}=lim_{h->0}\frac{(x+h)^2+y^2-(x^2+y^2}{h}=lim_{h->0}\frac{(x+h)^2-x^2}{h}=lim_{h->0}\frac{(x+h+x)(x+h-x)}{h}=[/tex]
[tex]=lim_{h->0}\frac{(2x+h)h}{h}=lim_{h->0}(2x+h)=2x.[/tex]

Now fredric is going to be angry like his avatar image if he sees i gave u the full solution so get it fast :)...But i have to say maybe i did more harm to you than help by giving you the full solution.
 
  • #13
Thanks Delta and Fredrik ...

I made a small mistake , when i did the indetermination 0/0. But when i saw the solution posted by Delta , i saw the error.

Thanks to you all.
 

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