Some help with this differentiation question thanks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding partial derivatives of the function f(r,s,t) = r ln(rs²t³). The original poster is specifically looking for guidance on calculating the derivatives fr, frss, and frst.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the order of differentiation and whether frst means differentiating with respect to r, s, then t, or in another order. There is mention of the product rule being necessary for differentiation with respect to r. The original poster shares their attempts at differentiation and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the differentiation process, including the use of the product rule and considerations regarding the continuity of partial derivatives. The original poster has made attempts to differentiate and is seeking confirmation of their approach. Multiple interpretations of the differentiation order are being explored without explicit consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a discussion about the conditions under which the order of partial differentiation can be switched, particularly focusing on the continuity of the partial derivatives. The original function's domain is also noted to be a factor in this discussion.

mikecrush
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some help with this differentiation question thanks
Question :
Find the indicated partial derivative . frss , frst

f(r,s,t) = r ln (rs^2t^3)

differentiating with respect to r gave

s^2t^3
1* ----------
rs^2 t^3

but this is not correct something is missing according to the answer sheet

after getting the fr correct then only i can proceed to frss and frst

thanks in advance
 
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Remind me of the order of differentiation. For example, does frst mean take the derivative with respect to r then s then t, or does it mean take the derivative with respect to t then s then r? I ask because I've seen both ways used, and it sometimes changes from book to book. So double check in your book.

Also, if you're taking that derivative with respect to r, then you need to use the product rule.
 
n!kofeyn said:
Remind me of the order of differentiation. For example, does frst mean take the derivative with respect to r then s then t, or does it mean take the derivative with respect to t then s then r? I ask because I've seen both ways used, and it sometimes changes from book to book. So double check in your book.

Also, if you're taking that derivative with respect to r, then you need to use the product rule.

i have double checked my notes and i see that for continuous functions either way is applicable . but for this i believe starts from fr to frs then frss .

the final answer for frss should be -2s^-2

thanks
 
mikecrush said:
i have double checked my notes and i see that for continuous functions either way is applicable . but for this i believe starts from fr to frs then frss .

the final answer for frss should be -2s^-2

thanks

That's not true, and you have to be careful. Either way is applicable only if the partial derivatives exist and are continuous themselves (not just the original function) on the domain of your original function. In other words, you can only switch the order of partial differentiation if (in this case) all the third partial derivatives exist and are continuous. For this f, the natural log is only defined for values greater than 0, and so in this case, you can switch the order of integration because the only points at which your partial derivatives have a possibility of failing to exist are going to be where s, r, or t are zero.

Did you use the product rule like I suggested, and then take the other partial derivatives?
 
n!kofeyn said:
That's not true, and you have to be careful. Either way is applicable only if the partial derivatives exist and are continuous themselves (not just the original function) on the domain of your original function. In other words, you can only switch the order of partial differentiation if (in this case) all the third partial derivatives exist and are continuous. For this f, the natural log is only defined for values greater than 0, and so in this case, you can switch the order of integration because the only points at which your partial derivatives have a possibility of failing to exist are going to be where s, r, or t are zero.

Did you use the product rule like I suggested, and then take the other partial derivatives?

thanks for the heads up

I did the product rule part and natural log differentiates differently from normal differentiation is it ?

from the question above :
f(r,s,t) = r ln (rs^2t^3)

i differentiate fr first

i get

r(s^2t^3)
------------ + lnrs^2t^3
rs^2t^3

is this right ?

i am doing this from left to right .. fr then frs then frst , but can i do it from right to left too ?

thanks
 
Yes, that's correct. Left to right is fine. Both of the partial derivatives you need contain the fr, so you've done 1/3 of both problems already. It's just a messy problem either way.
 
thank you very much n!kofeyn , really appreciate your help
 

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