M MangoTBG Diamond Member Apr 28, 2003 3,101 0 76 Apr 30, 2007 #1 If f is a differentiable function of ONE VARIABLE, and z(x,y) = f(y/x), what is: x (dz/dx) + y (dz/dy)?
If f is a differentiable function of ONE VARIABLE, and z(x,y) = f(y/x), what is: x (dz/dx) + y (dz/dy)?
S SpecialEd Platinum Member Jul 18, 2001 2,110 0 0 May 12, 2007 #2 the expression x(dz/dx)+y(dz/dy) is exactly zero. proof: Let u=y/x By the chain rule, we have dz/dx=f'(u)*(-y/x^2) and dz/dy=f'(u)*(1/x). The terms in the expression above then cancel.
the expression x(dz/dx)+y(dz/dy) is exactly zero. proof: Let u=y/x By the chain rule, we have dz/dx=f'(u)*(-y/x^2) and dz/dy=f'(u)*(1/x). The terms in the expression above then cancel.