Total derivative: Difference between revisions
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imported>Joe Quick m (subpages) |
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In [[mathematics]], a '''total derivative''' of a [[Mathematical function|function]] of several variables is its derivative with respect to one of those variables, but taking into account eventual indirect dependencies, i.e. the fact that the other variables may depend on this variable. This is in contrast with the [[partial derivative]] at which other variables are thought constant. | In [[mathematics]], a '''total derivative''' of a [[Mathematical function|function]] of several variables is its derivative with respect to one of those variables, but taking into account eventual indirect dependencies, i.e. the fact that the other variables may depend on this variable. This is in contrast with the [[partial derivative]] at which other variables are thought constant. | ||
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::<math> \frac{\mathrm df}{\mathrm dx}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \frac{\partial y}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial z} \frac{\partial z}{\partial x}.</math> | ::<math> \frac{\mathrm df}{\mathrm dx}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \frac{\partial y}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial z} \frac{\partial z}{\partial x}.</math> | ||
== See also == | |||
*[[Derivative]] | |||
*[[Partial derivative]] |
Latest revision as of 03:14, 22 December 2007
In mathematics, a total derivative of a function of several variables is its derivative with respect to one of those variables, but taking into account eventual indirect dependencies, i.e. the fact that the other variables may depend on this variable. This is in contrast with the partial derivative at which other variables are thought constant.
For example, the total derivative of the function f(x,y,z) with respect to the variable x is