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Exercise 1083Calculus › Multivariable calculus › Partial derivativesL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Second-order partial derivatives

#higher order#Schwarz#second derivatives

Statement

Let f(x,y)=x3y2+xyf(x,y)=x^3y^2+xy. Compute all four second-order partial derivatives and check Schwarz's theorem.

Hint

Differentiate fxf_x and fyf_y once more; compare fxyf_{xy} and fyxf_{yx}.

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Solution

First derivatives. fx=3x2y2+yf_x=3x^2y^2+y, fy=2x3y+xf_y=2x^3y+x.

Second derivatives. fxx=6xy2f_{xx}=6xy^2, fyy=2x3f_{yy}=2x^3, fxy=6x2y+1f_{xy}=6x^2y+1, fyx=6x2y+1f_{yx}=6x^2y+1.

Conclusion. fxy=fyxf_{xy}=f_{yx}: Schwarz's theorem holds (the mixed partials are equal because ff is C2C^2).