Can you solve this differentiability problem involving implicit functions?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Chris L T521
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In summary, an implicit function is a mathematical concept where a dependent variable is defined in terms of an independent variable, without explicitly stating the relationship between the two variables. To determine differentiability, the implicit function theorem can be used, and some examples of implicit functions include the equation of a circle. Solving differentiability problems involving implicit functions is important in various fields, and common techniques include the implicit function theorem and implicit differentiation.
  • #1
Chris L T521
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Thanks again to those who participated in last week's POTW! Here's this week's problem!

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Problem: Suppose that the equation $F(x,y,z)=0$ implicitly defines each of the three variables $x$, $y$, and $z$ as functions of the other two: $z=f(x,y)$, $y=g(x,z)$ and $x=h(y,z)$. If $F$ is differentiable and $F_x$, $F_y$, and $F_z$ are nonzero, show that
\[\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}\frac{\partial x}{\partial y}\frac{\partial y}{\partial z}=-1.\]

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  • #2
This week's problem was correctly answered by M R, MarkFL, and Opalg. You can find Opalg's solution below.

With $z = f(x,y)$, differentiate the equation $F(x,y,f(x,y)) = 0$ partially with respect to $x$, keeping $y$ constant and using the chain rule: \(\displaystyle F_x + \frac{\partial z}{\partial x}F_z = 0\). Hence \(\displaystyle \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} = -\frac{F_x}{F_z}\).

In the same way, \(\displaystyle \frac{\partial x}{\partial y} = -\frac{F_y}{F_x}\) and \(\displaystyle \frac{\partial y}{\partial z} = -\frac{F_z}{F_y}\). Therefore \(\displaystyle \frac{\partial z}{\partial x}\frac{\partial x}{\partial y}\frac{\partial y}{\partial z} = -\frac{F_xF_yF_z}{F_zF_xF_y} = -1\).
 

Related to Can you solve this differentiability problem involving implicit functions?

1. What is an implicit function?

An implicit function is a mathematical concept where a dependent variable is defined in terms of an independent variable, without explicitly stating the relationship between the two variables. This means that the relationship between the variables is not directly stated, but can be inferred through equations or graphs.

2. How do you determine differentiability of an implicit function?

To determine differentiability of an implicit function, you can use the implicit function theorem, which states that if a function meets certain criteria, then its derivative can be calculated without explicitly solving for the dependent variable. This theorem involves finding the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable and checking if they are continuous.

3. Can you give an example of an implicit function?

One example of an implicit function is the equation of a circle, which is defined as x^2 + y^2 = r^2. In this equation, y is the dependent variable and x is the independent variable. The relationship between the two variables is not directly stated, but can be inferred through the equation and graph of a circle.

4. What is the importance of solving differentiability problems involving implicit functions?

Solving differentiability problems involving implicit functions is important in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, and economics. It allows us to analyze and understand complex relationships between variables without explicitly solving for one of the variables. This can help us make predictions and solve real-world problems.

5. What are some common techniques used to solve differentiability problems involving implicit functions?

Some common techniques used to solve differentiability problems involving implicit functions include the implicit function theorem, implicit differentiation, and implicit differentiation with logarithmic differentiation. These methods involve finding the partial derivatives of the function and using them to calculate the derivative without explicitly solving for the dependent variable.

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