- #1
sebastian tindall
- 3
- 0
Homework Statement
Hi there,
what is the difference between the partial derivative and the total derivative? how do we get the gradient "the actual gradient scalar value" at a point on a multivariable function? what does the total derivative tell us and what does the partial derivative tell us.
it is my understanding that the partial derivative gives a function called the "gradient" which is a vector field of vectors that point in the direction of greatest ascent at that point in space.
does the total derivative give us a scalar field? since if it is the same as the derivative of a single variable function it should just tell us the gradient value at that point which is a scalar?
please can you explain to me why the partial derivative of a function that is written in spherical coordinates is equal to:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148103454@N02/shares/2U26RG
i'm extremely confused
thanks
sebastian