What are the Second Partials in the Multivariable Chain Rule?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jbusc
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chain Chain rule
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the multivariable chain rule, specifically focusing on the calculation of second partial derivatives such as u_{xx}, u_{xy}, and u_{yy}. Participants are exploring the relationships and formulas involved in these derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the product rule for deriving second partials and question the correctness of certain expressions related to mixed partial derivatives.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on applying the product rule and have shared their reasoning regarding the derivatives. There is an acknowledgment of the simplicity of the approach, but some express uncertainty about its straightforwardness.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this is not a homework problem but rather a study question for a class, indicating a focus on understanding rather than completing an assignment.

jbusc
Messages
210
Reaction score
0
This is a stupid question but...

The regular multivariable chain rule is:

[tex]u_x = u_v v_x + u_w w_x[/tex] and [tex]u_y = u_v v_y + u_w w_y[/tex] where [tex]u(v(x, y), w(x, y))[/tex]

Now, are there formulae for the second partials [tex]u_{xx}, u_{xy}, u_{yy}[/tex]

I just want to check myself (this isn't a homework problem, though it is study for a class) Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Easy, just use product rule:

[tex]u_{xx} = (u_x)_x = (u_vv_x + u_ww_x)_x = u_{vx}v_x + u_vv_{xx} + u_{wx}w_x + u_ww_{xx}[/tex]
 
AKG said:
Easy, just use product rule:

[tex]u_{xx} = (u_x)_x = (u_vv_x + u_ww_x)_x = u_{vx}v_x + u_vv_{xx} + u_{wx}w_x + u_ww_{xx}[/tex]

If I recall correctly though, [tex]u_{vx}[/tex] is really [tex]u_{vv}v_x + u_{vw}w_x[/tex]
 
Yeah, it probably is.
 
Hmm, yeah. I knew it was straightforward, but it seemed too simple for some reason.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K