Tree diagram to second derivative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formulation of second derivatives using tree diagrams, similar to how first derivatives are approached. Participants explore whether it is feasible to derive second partial derivatives through this method, particularly in the context of functions of multiple variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of formulating the second derivative through a tree diagram, seeking clarification on the methodology.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to understand how to derive twice with respect to different variables using a tree diagram, indicating uncertainty about the process.
  • A third participant references a paper that discusses higher order partial derivatives and suggests that the product rule is cleverly utilized in this context.
  • One participant finds the concept interesting but acknowledges its complexity and lack of intuitiveness.
  • A participant describes the process of calculating the first partial derivative with respect to one variable, illustrating the addition of paths and multiplication of derivatives along those paths.
  • Another participant indicates they are already familiar with the first derivative process but expresses difficulty in extending this understanding to second derivatives with respect to two variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility or methodology of using tree diagrams for second derivatives. There are multiple competing views and ongoing uncertainty regarding the complexity of the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the challenge of applying the tree diagram method to second derivatives, indicating that the process may not be straightforward and may involve additional complexity compared to first derivatives.

Jhenrique
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Is it possible to formulate the second derivate trough of a tree diagram, as we do with a first derivative? If yes, how do it?

attachment.php?attachmentid=64310&stc=1&d=1385521171.jpg


\frac{\partial f}{\partial t}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{\partial x}{\partial v}\frac{\partial v}{\partial t}+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\left(\frac{\partial y}{\partial t}+\frac{\partial y}{\partial w}\left(\frac{\partial w}{\partial q}\frac{\partial q}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial w}{\partial p}\frac{\partial p}{\partial t}\right )\right )

Edit: example: suppose you need to make the second partial derivative ∂²f/∂s∂t
 

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I was sleepy when wrote this topic, sorry!

My ask is: Is it possible to formulate the frist derivate trough of a tree diagram, so that, start at f and finish at t, multiplicand all derivatives contained in this path and adding all paths with this same process (I think/hope you already know how do it). So, how can we do to derive twice (with respect to different variables) using a tree driagm as tool? Is it possible?
 
Yep it is possible, this is a paper I came across some time ago when looking for the same answer.

http://www.sefi.be/conference-2012/Papers/Papers/030.pdf

Starts talking about higher order partial derivatives at bottom of page 3. It's a clever use of the product rule.
 
Interesting! But, hard and not intuitive...
 
Start with the first figure, where z is a function of x and y, and x and y are each functions of s and t. Then z has a partial with respect to s and a partial with respect to t.

The partial of z w.r.t. (with respect to) s involves both paths from z to s. The things along a given path are multiplied, and the resulting products of the two paths are added.

So,
$$ \frac{\partial z}{\partial s} = \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \frac{\partial x}{\partial s} + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} \frac{\partial y}{\partial s} $$

The first term in the sum represents the path from z through x to s; the second term represents the path from z through y to s.

Calculating ##\frac{\partial z}{\partial t}## would be done in a similar manner.

Figure 2 in the linked document is doing the same thing as in Figure 1, except that it reproduces the nodes at s and t to spread the figure out.
 
This I already know! What I don't know is w.r.t. to 2 variables. This I think hard
 

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