Finding the First Partial Derivatives of f(x, y) = x²y
To determine the first partial derivatives of the function f(x, y) = x²y, we will calculate the partial derivatives with respect to both variables, x and y.
1. Partial Derivative with respect to x
To find the partial derivative of f with respect to x, denoted as ∂f/∂x, we treat y as a constant. The function can be rewritten for clarity as:
f(x, y) = x² * y
Using the power rule of differentiation:
∂f/∂x = 2xy
So, the first partial derivative of the function with respect to x is:
∂f/∂x = 2xy
2. Partial Derivative with respect to y
Next, we find the partial derivative of f with respect to y, denoted as ∂f/∂y. Here, we treat x as a constant:
f(x, y) = x² * y
Using the basic rule that the derivative of y with respect to y is 1, we have:
∂f/∂y = x²
Thus, the first partial derivative of the function with respect to y is:
∂f/∂y = x²
Conclusion
In summary, the first partial derivatives of the function f(x, y) = x²y are:
- ∂f/∂x = 2xy
- ∂f/∂y = x²