Partial derivative: Difference between revisions
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In [[mathematics]], a '''partial derivative''' of a [[Mathematical function|function]] of several variables is its derivative 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 [[Mathematical function|function]] of several variables is its derivative 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]]. | ||
Revision as of 02:18, 22 December 2007
In mathematics, a partial derivative of a function of several variables is its derivative 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.