What is the partial derivative of f(x, y) with respect to x?

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    Calculus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the partial derivatives of the function f(x, y) = 2*y^3 + y*x*2 + 7/2*y^2 + x^2 with respect to the variables x and y. Participants are examining the calculations and providing feedback on the correctness of the derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially claims to have found the partial derivatives but expresses uncertainty about their correctness.
  • Another participant points out that terms involving the other variable should be treated as constants when taking partial derivatives, providing an example to illustrate this point.
  • A later reply acknowledges an error in the initial calculations and attempts to correct them, but another participant suggests that the results are still incorrect.
  • Participants clarify the function being differentiated to ensure accurate calculations.
  • There is an ongoing request for further clarification on the correct approach to finding the partial derivative with respect to x.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not fully agree on the correctness of the initial calculations, and multiple views on the proper method for calculating partial derivatives are presented. The discussion remains unresolved as participants continue to seek clarification and corrections.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the initial calculations, and assumptions about treating variables as constants during differentiation are emphasized. The discussion also reflects uncertainty in the application of the rules for partial derivatives.

Kris1
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Hi I am trying to find the gradient function of
f(x, y) = 2*y^3+y*x*2+7/2 y^2+x^2

I have worked out the answer to be
d/dx = 2*y^3+2*y*x+7/2*y^2+2*x
d/dy = 6*y^2+x^2+(7/2)*2*y+x^2

Can someone please check this to make sure I have done the partial derivatives correctly as I am unsure if they are right?

EDIT:

Excuse my poor working the correct answer when I resolved is
2*x*y+2*x,6*y^2+x^2+2*y
 
Last edited:
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Those are not correct...you need to treat the terms involving the other variable as a constant when taking the partial with respect to a variable/ For example, if given:

$$f(x,y)=x^2+xy+y^2$$

then:

$$\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x+y$$

$$\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x+2y$$

Do you see how the terms that do not involve the variable with respect to which we are differentiating vanish to zero?
 
Hi Mark,

I realized my error and corrected it as your post went up. Thanks for the reminder though
 
Kris said:
Hi Mark,

I realized my error and corrected it as your post went up. Thanks for the reminder though

Your results are still not quite right. To make sure, I think you mean to state:

$$f(x,y)=2y^3+x^2y+\frac{7}{2}y^2+x^2$$

Is this correct?
 
Yes that is what I meant
 
Okay, good! :D

Now, let's find the partial with respect to $x$ first, treating $y$ as a constant...what do you get?
 

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