Partial derivative: Difference between revisions
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imported>Igor Grešovnik (Created the article) |
imported>Igor Grešovnik (added Notatiion and See also) |
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In [[mathematics]], a '''partial derivative''' of a [[Nathematical function|function]] of several variables is its therivative with respect to one of those variables while all others are kept constant. Partial derivatives are widely used in [[differential geometry]], [[vector calculus]], and [[physics]]. | In [[mathematics]], a '''partial derivative''' of a [[Nathematical function|function]] of several variables is its therivative with respect to one of those variables while all others are kept constant. Partial derivatives are widely used in [[differential geometry]], [[vector calculus]], and [[physics]]. | ||
== Notation == | |||
The partial derivative of a function ''f'' with respect to the variable ''x<sub>i</sub>'' is written as ''f''<sub>''xi''</sub> or ''∂f/∂x<sub>i</sub>''. The partial derivative symbol ''∂'' is distinguished from the straight ''d'' that denotes the [[total derivative]]. | |||
== See also == | |||
*[[Total derivative]] | |||
Revision as of 20:22, 23 November 2007
In mathematics, a partial derivative of a function of several variables is its therivative with respect to one of those variables while all others are kept constant. Partial derivatives are widely used in differential geometry, vector calculus, and physics.
Notation
The partial derivative of a function f with respect to the variable xi is written as fxi or ∂f/∂xi. The partial derivative symbol ∂ is distinguished from the straight d that denotes the total derivative.