Understanding the Chain Rule: (df/dx) + (df/dy)* (dy/dx)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the chain rule in calculus, specifically in the context of functions of multiple variables. The equation presented, (df/dx) + (df/dy)*(dy/dx) = df(x,y)/dx, illustrates how to compute the derivative of a function g(x) = f(x, y(x)). The confusion arises from the notation, where y is treated both as a variable and a function of x, leading to potential misinterpretation of partial derivatives. The correct application of the chain rule involves recognizing that the derivatives must be treated as partial derivatives when dealing with functions of multiple variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and functions.
  • Familiarity with the chain rule in single-variable calculus.
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and their notation.
  • Ability to differentiate functions of multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn about partial derivatives and their significance in functions of several variables.
  • Explore examples of differentiating composite functions involving multiple variables.
  • Review the notation and conventions used in calculus to avoid confusion in derivative expressions.
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Students of calculus, educators teaching multivariable calculus, and anyone seeking to clarify the application of the chain rule in complex derivative scenarios.

Joseph1739
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(df/dx) + (df/dy)* (dy/dx) = df(x,y)/dx

My book mentions the chain rule to obtain the right side of the equation, but I don't see how. The chain rule has no mention of addition. The furthest I got was applying the chain rule to the right operant resulting in:

df/dx + df/dx = 2(df/dx)
 
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Joseph1739 said:
(df/dx) + (df/dy)* (dy/dx) = df(x,y)/dx

My book mentions the chain rule to obtain the right side of the equation, but I don't see how. The chain rule has no mention of addition. The furthest I got was applying the chain rule to the right operant resulting in:

df/dx + df/dx = 2(df/dx)
I'm trying to make sense of this equation.

The only thing I can think of is this:
##f## is a function of two variables, ##x## and ##y##, and then they consider that ##y## is some function of ##x##.
What they actually compute is the derivative of ##g(x)=f(x,y(x))##.
For that, the chain rule can be used, giving:
##\frac{dg}{dx}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx} ##.

It's a little confusing, as ##y## is both the name of the second variable and considered a function of ##x##. And they don't use a new name ##g##, but keep ##f##.
That's how they get ##\frac{df}{dx}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dx} ##.

It's somewhat sloppy, as they don't use ##\partial## for what clearly must be partial derivatives.
 

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