Differential Calculus

Partial Differentiation
(Homogeneous Functions and Euler’s Theorem)
Prepared by

Dr. Sunil
NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Homogeneous Expression:

An expression of the form a 0 x n + a1x n −1y1 + a 2 x n − 2 y 2 + ... + a n y n ,

where each term of degree ‘n’ , is called Homogeneous expression in x and y and of
degree or order ‘n’.
Homogeneous Function:
If this expression equal to some quantity ‘u’ , then ‘u’ is called Homogeneous
Function in x and y of degree ‘n’ .
Now u = a 0 x n + a 1 x n −1 y1 + a 2 x n − 2 y 2 + ... + a n y n

  y  y
2
 y 
n

= x n a 0 + a1   + a 2   + ..... + a n   
 x x  x  

y
⇒ u = xnf   .
x
x
Also, we can write a Homogeneous Function in x and y of degree 'n' as u = y n f   .
 y
Similarly, a Homogeneous Function in x ,y and z of degree ‘n’ can be written as
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 2
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y z x z x y
u = x n F ,  or u = y n F ,  or u = z n F ,  .
x x  y y z z
Here 'u' is dependent variable and x, y, z are independent variables.
Euler’s Theorem:
Statement: If ‘u’ is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree ‘n’, then
∂u ∂u
x +y = nu .
∂x ∂y
Proof: Given ‘u’ is a homogeneous function in x and y of degree ‘n’.
 y
Then we may write u = x n f   . (i)
x
Differentiating (i) partially w.r.t. x [keeping y as constant], we get
∂u y  y  y
⇒ = x n f ′   ×  − 2  + nx n −1f  
∂x x  x  x
y  y
= − x n −2 yf ′   + nx n −1f   .
x x
Similarly, differentiating (i) partially w.r.t. y [keeping x as constant], we get
∂u y1  y
= x n f ′  = x n −1f ′  .
∂y xx x
∂u ∂u  y  y    y 
Now x +y = x  − x n −2 yf ′   + nx n −1f    + y  x n −1f ′   
∂x ∂y  x  x    x 

  y 
= n  x n f    = nu .
  x 
This completes the proof.
Extension of Euler’s Theorem:
Statement: If ‘u’ is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree ‘n’, then show that

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u
x2 + 2xy + y 2 2 = n (n − 1)u .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y
Proof: Since ‘u’ is a homogeneous function in x and y of degree ‘n’ then
∂u ∂u
x +y = nu . [by Euler’s Theorem] ..... (i)
∂x ∂y
Differentiating (i) partially w. r. t. x [keeping y as constant], we get
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 3
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∂ 2 u ∂u ∂2u ∂u
x 2
+ + y =n .
∂x ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x
Multiplying by x, we get
∂ 2u
∂u ∂ 2u ∂u 2
2∂ u ∂ 2u ∂u
x 2
2
+x + xy = nx ⇒x 2
+ xy = (n − 1)x . ......(ii)
∂x ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x
Again, Differentiating (i) partially w. r. t. y [keeping x as constant], we get

∂ 2u ∂ 2 u ∂u ∂u
x +y 2 + =n .
∂y∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y

Multiplying by y, we get
∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂u ∂u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂u
xy + y2 2 + y = ny ⇒ xy + y 2 2 = (n − 1)y . .....(iii)
∂y∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y ∂y∂x ∂y ∂y

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

∂ 2u ∂ 2u 2
2∂ u  ∂u ∂u 
x 2
2
+ 2xy +y 2
= (n − 1) x + y  = (n − 1)nu = n (n − 1)u .
∂x ∂x∂y ∂y  ∂x ∂y 

This completes the proof.

Now let us solve some problems related to the above-mentioned topics:

Q.No.1.: Verify Euler’s theorem, when z = x 3 − 3x 2 y − y3 .

Sol.: Since z = x 3 − 3x 2 y − y3
∂z ∂z
∴ = 3x 2 − 6xy and = − 3x 2 − 3 y 2 .
∂x ∂y

∴x
∂z
∂x
+y
∂z
∂y
( ) ( ) ( )
= x 3x 2 − 6 xy + y − 3x 2 − 3y 2 = 3 x 3 − 3x 2 y − y3 = 3z .

  y  y 
3
 y
Also z = x 1 − 3  −    = x 3f   .
3
  x   x   x

⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 3.

∂z ∂z
∴ By Euler’s theorem, we get x +y = nz = 3z .
∂x ∂y
Hence, Euler’s theorem is verified.
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 4
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1/ 2
 x1 / 3 + y1 / 3  ∂u ∂u 1
Q.No.2.: If u =  1 / 2  , then prove that x +y = − u.
 x + y1 / 2  ∂x ∂y 12

1/ 2 1/ 2
 1 / 3 y1 / 3      y 1 / 3 
 x 1 +   1 +   
x1 / 3  
1/ 2
 x1 / 3 + y1 / 3     −1 / 6   x  
Sol.: Here u =  1 / 2  =  = x  1 / 2 
 x + y1 / 2   x1 / 2 1 + y1 / 2      y  
  x1 / 2    1 +  x  
     
1/ 2
  y 1 / 3 
1 +   
−1 / 12  x  y
=x = x −1 / 12f   .
 1/ 2 
x
1 +  y  
  x  
1
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree − .
12
∂u ∂u 1
∴ By Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = nu = − u .
∂x ∂y 12
Hence the result.
 y ∂u ∂u
Q.No.3.: If u = f   , then show that x +y = 0.
x ∂x ∂y

y y
Sol.: Here u = f   = x 0f   .
x x
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u ∂u
x +y = nu = 0.u = 0 .
∂x ∂y
Hence the result.

 y ∂u ∂u   y 
Q.No.4.: If u = xyf   , then show that x +y = 2  xyf   .
x ∂x ∂y   x 

 y  y  y   y
Sol.: Here u = xyf   = x 2  f   = x 2 F  .
x  x  x  x
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 2.
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 5
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∂u ∂u   y 
x +y = nu = 2.u = 2 xyf   .
∂x ∂y   x 
Hence the result.
x  y ∂u ∂u
Q.No.5.: If u = sin −1  + tan −1  , find the value of x +y .
 y x ∂x ∂y

   
 x   y   1   y   y
Sol.: Here u = sin −1  + tan −1  = x 0 sin −1   + tan −1  = x 0f   .
 y x  y
   x  x
 x 

⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u ∂u
x +y = nu = 0u = 0 .
∂x ∂y
Hence the result.
Q.No.6.: Verify Euler’s Theorem on homogeneous functions in the following cases:-

(i) f (x, y ) =
(x
1/ 4
+ y1 / 4 ), (ii) u = f (x, y, z ) = x + y + z
(x
1/ 5
+y 1/ 5
)
 x 2 + y2  x  y
(iii) z = tan −1 , (iv) u = sin −1  + tan −1 
 y   y x
 
 y
(v) z = x 4 log  .
x
  y 1 / 4 
1 +   
Sol.: (i) Here f (x, y ) =
(x 1/ 4
+ y1 / 4 ) =x1 / 20   x   = x1 / 20f  y 
 
(x 1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 )  1/ 5 
1 +   
y x
  x  
1
⇒ f (x, y ) is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree .
20
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have

x
∂f
+y
∂f
= nf =
(
1 x1 / 4 + y1 / 4
.
) (i)
∂x ∂y (
20 x1 / 5 + y1 / 5 )
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Again since f (x, y ) =

(x
1/ 4
+ y1 / 4 )
(x
1/ 5
+y 1/ 5
)
Differentiating partially w. r. t x and y respectively, we get
1 
∂f
(x 1/ 5
4
) 
(
+ y1 / 5  x − 3 / 4  − x1 / 4 + y1 / 4 ) 15 x −4 / 5 


=
∂x (x 1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 ) 2

Multiplying by x, we get
1 
∂f
(x 1/ 5
)
+ y1 / 5  x1 / 4  − x1 / 4 + y1 / 4
4 
( ) 15 x 1/ 5 


x = (ii)
∂x (x 1/ 5
+y 1/ 5 2
)
1  1 
∂f
(x 1/ 5
4
) 
(
+ y1 / 5  y − 3 / 4  − x1 / 4 + y1 / 4  y − 4 / 5 
5 
)
=
∂y (x 1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 ) 2

Multiplying by y, we get
1 
∂f
(x1/ 5
) (
+ y1 / 5  y1 / 4  − x1 / 4 + y1 / 4
4 
) 15 y 1/ 5 


y = (iii)
∂y (x 1/ 5
+y )
1/ 5 2

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

∂f ∂f
(x 1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 )14 (x 1/ 4
) (
+ y1 / 4 − x1 / 4 + y1 / 4 )15 (x
1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 )
x +y =
∂x ∂y (x
1/ 5
+ y1 / 5 )2

=
(
1 x1 / 4 + y1 / 4 ) (iv)
(
20 x1 / 5 + y1 / 5 )
Hence, the Euler’s Theorem is verified.
  y 1 / 2  z 1 / 2  y z
(ii) Here u = f (x , y, z ) = x + y + z = x 1/ 2
1 +   +    = x1 / 2f  , 
  x   x   x x

1
⇒ u = f (x , y, z ) is a homogeneous function of x ,y and z of degree .
2
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u ∂u ∂u
x
∂x
+y
∂y
+z
∂z
1
= nu = u =
2
1
2
( x+ y+ z . )
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 7
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Again since u = f (x, y, z ) = x + y + z

Differentiating partially w. r. t x , y and z respectively, we get
∂u 1 ∂u 1 ∂u 1
= , = and =
∂x 2 x ∂y 2 y ∂z 2 z

∂u ∂u ∂u
∴x
∂x
+y +z
∂y ∂z
=x
1
2 x
+y
1
2 y
+z
1
=
2 z 2
1
( x+ y+ z . )
Hence, the Euler’s Theorem is verified.

 x 2 + y2   2 
−1   = y0 tan −1  x x
(iii) Here z = tan   + 1 = y0 f   .
 y   y  y
   
⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x ,y and z of degree 0.
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂z ∂z
x +y = nz = 0.z = 0 .
∂x ∂y

 x 2 + y2 
Again since z = tan −1 .
 y 
 
Differentiating partially w. r. t x and y respectively, we get

∂z 1 1  1 
= xy 1
= . .2 x .
∂x
1+
2
x +y 2 y 2
2 x +y
2 

2
x + 2y 2
x 2 + y2( )
y2

y 1 
 .2 y − x 2 + y 2 
∂z
=
1
.
2 x +y

2 2

= 2
1
.
y2 − x 2 + y2 ( )
∂y
1+
x 2 + y2  y2 (
 x + 2y
2
) x 2 + y2
y2  
 

=
1
.
(− x )
2
.
(x 2
+ 2y2 ) x 2 + y2

∴x
∂z
+y
∂z 
= x 2
xy
.
1  
 + y
1
.
− x2 
 = 0.
( )
∂x ∂y  x + 2y2
 x (
2
+ y 2
 
)
 x 2 + 2y2 x 2
+ y 2

( )
Hence, the Euler’s Theorem is verified.
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 8
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   
 x   
y   1   
y y
(iv) Here u = sin −1  + tan −1  = x 0 sin −1   + tan −1  = x 0f   .
y x  y  x  x
 x 
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Hence by Euler's theorem, we have
∂u ∂u
x +y = nu = 0u = 0 .
∂x ∂y

x  y
Again since u = sin −1  + tan −1  .
 y x
Differentiating partially w. r. t x and y respectively, we get
∂u 1 1 1 −y 1 y
= . + . = − .
∂x
x
2 y y2  x 2  2
y −x 2 x 2 + y2
1 −   1+ 2
x
 y

∂u 1 −x 1 1 −x x
= . 2  + 2
. = + 2 2
.
∂y x
2
 y  y x y y 2
− x 2 x + y
1 −   1+ 2
x
 
y

∂u ∂u  1 y   −x x 
∴x +y = x − 2  + y +  = 0.
∂x ∂y  y2 − x 2 x + y2   y y2 − x 2 x 2 + y2 
   
Hence, the Euler’s Theorem is verified.
y  y
(v) Here z = x 4 log  = x 4f   .
x x
⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 4.
Hence by Euler's theorem, we have
∂z ∂z  y
x +y = nz = 4z = 4x 4 log  .
∂x ∂y x

 y
Again since z = x 4 log  .
x
Differentiating partially w. r. t x and y respectively, we get
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 9
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∂z  y 1 − y  y ∂z 1  1  x4
= 4 x 3. log  + x 4 .  2  = 4 x 3. log  − x 3 and = x 4.   =
∂x x yx  x ∂y yx y
x x
Hence, the Euler’s Theorem is verified.
x 4 + y4 ∂u ∂u
Q.No.7.: If u = log , show that x +y = 3.
x+y ∂x ∂y

x 4 + y4 x 4 + y4
Sol.: Here u = log ⇒ eu = .
x+y x+y

e u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 3.

Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have x

( )
∂ eu
+y
( )
∂ eu
= ne u = 3e u .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u
⇒ xeu + ye u = 3e u .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u
Hence x +y = 3.
∂x ∂y
Hence the result.
 x− y
Q.No.8.: If u = sin −1  , show that ∂u = − y ∂u .
 x+ y ∂x x ∂y
 
  y 1 / 2 
1 −   
 x− y  x− y
Sol.: Here u = sin −1  ⇒ sin u =   = x   x   = x 0f  y  .
0
 x+ y  x+ y  1/ 2 
x
    1 +   
y
  x  
⇒ sin u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂ (sin u ) ∂ (sin u )
x +y = n sin u = 0.sin u = 0 .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
⇒ x cos u + y cos u =0 ⇒x +y = 0.
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
∂u y ∂u
Hence =− .
∂x x ∂y
Hence the result.
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 10
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 y  y
Q.No.9.: If u = xϕ  + ψ   , show that
 x  x

∂u ∂u  y
(i) x +y = xϕ   .
∂x ∂y  x

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u
(ii) x 2 + 2xy + y2 2 = 0 .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y

 y y
Sol.:(i) Here u = xϕ  + ψ  = u1 + u 2 (say)
x x
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
Then x +y =x 1 +y 1 +x 2 +y 2 .
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y

Now since u1 and u 2 are homogeneous function of x and y of degree 1 and 0

respectively. Then by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u1 ∂u y ∂u ∂u
x + y 1 = nu1 = xϕ  and x 2 + y 2 = nu 2 = 0 .
∂x ∂y x ∂x ∂y

∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u y
Hence x +y = x 1 + y 1 + x 2 + y 2 = xϕ  + 0 .
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y x
∂u ∂u y
⇒x +y = xϕ  .
∂x ∂y x
Hence the result.
(ii) Again, since u1 and u 2 are homogeneous function of x and y of degree 1 and 0
respectively. Then, by extension of Euler’s theorem, we have

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u y
x2 + 2xy + y 2 2 = n (n − 1)u = 1(1 − 1).xϕ  = 0 .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y x

∂2 u ∂2 u 2
2 ∂ u
Hence x2 + 2 xy + y =0 .
∂x2 ∂x∂y ∂y2
Hence the result.

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u
Q.No.10.: If u = x 2 + y 2 ( )
1/ 3
, prove that x 2
∂x 2
+ 2xy
∂x∂y ∂y
2
+ y2 2 = − u .
9
1/ 3
  y 2   y
Sol.: Here u = x + y ( 2
)
2 1/ 3
=x 2/3
1 +    = x 2 / 3f   .
  x   x
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 11
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2
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree .
3
Hence by extension of Euler’s theorem, we have

∂ 2u ∂ 2u 2
2∂ u 2 2  2
x 2
2
+ 2xy +y 2
= n (n − 1)u =  − 1 = − u .
∂x ∂x∂y ∂y 3 3  9

Hence the result.

 x 2 + y2 
Q.No.11.: If u = sin −1  , then show that x ∂u + y ∂u = tan u .
 x+y  ∂x ∂y
 
 y2 
 x 2 + y2   x 2 + y2  1 + 2 
Sol.: Here u = sin −1  ⇒ sin u (= z, say) =   = x  x  = x1f  y  .
 x+y   x+y   1+ y  x
   
 x 
 
⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 1.
∂z ∂z
Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = nz = z .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u
⇒ x cos u + y cos u = sin u .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u
⇒x +y = tan u .
∂x ∂y
Hence the result.
1/ 2
 x1 / 3 + y1 / 3 
−1
Q.No.12.: If u = sin  1 / 2  , then prove that
 x + y1 / 2 

∂u ∂u 1
(i) x +y = − tan u .
∂x ∂y 12

(ii) x 2 u xx + 2xyu xy + y 2 u yy =
tan u
144
(13 + tan 2 u .)

1/ 2
 x 1 / 3 + y1 / 3 
−1
Sol.: (i) Here u = sin  1 / 2 1/ 2 
x + y 
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 12
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1/ 2 1/ 2 1/ 2
 1/ 3  y1/ 3      y 1/ 3    y 1 / 3 
 x 1 + 1/ 3    1 +    1 +   
 x  −1 / 6  
= x   1/ 2  y
 x x 
⇒ sin u =  =x −1 / 12 
= x −1 / 12f   .
 1/ 2  y1/ 2      1/ 2 
 x 1 + 1/ 2    1 +  y   1 +  y  
x
 
  x  
  x     x  
1
⇒ sin u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree − .
12
Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂ (sin u ) ∂ (sin u ) 1
x +y = n sin u = − sin u
∂x ∂y 12
∂u ∂u 1
⇒ x cos u + y cos u = − sin u
∂x ∂y 12
∂u ∂u 1
⇒x +y = − tan u . ...(i)
∂x ∂y 12
Hence the result.
1
(ii) Differentiating (i) w. r. t. x partially, we get xu xx + u x + yu xy = − sec2 u (u x )
12
Multiplying by x , we get
1
x 2 u xx + xu x + xyu xy = − sec2 u (xu x ) . .....(ii)
12
Differentiating (i) w. r. t. y partially, we get
1
xu xy + u y + yu yy = −
12
sec2 u u y . ( )
Multiplying by y , we get
1
yxu xy + yu y + y 2 u yy = −
12
( )
sec2 u yu y . ......(iii)

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

1  1 
x 2 u xx + 2 xyu xy + y 2 u yy = − ( ) ( )
sec 2 u xu x + yu y − xu x + yu y =  − sec 2 u − 1 xu x + yu y ( )
12  12 
1  1  1 1
=  sec2 u + 1 tan u  = sec 2 u tan u + tan u
 12  12  144 12

=
1
144
( ) 1
1 + tan 2 u tan u + tan u =
12
1
144
tan u 1 + tan 2 u + 12 ( )
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 13
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=
1
144
(
tan u 13 + tan 2 u . )
Hence the result.

Q.No.13.: If u =
(x 2
+ y2 ) m
 y y
+ xϕ  + ψ  , show that
2m − 1 x x

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u
x2
∂x 2
+ 2xy
∂x∂y
+ y 2 2 = 2m x 2 + y 2
∂y
( ) m
.

Sol.: Here u =
(x 2
+ y2 ) m
y y
+ xϕ  + ψ  = u1 + u 2 + u 3 (say)
2m − 1 x x
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
Then x +y =x 1 +y 1 +x 2 +y 2 +x 3 +y 3 .
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y

Now since u1 , u 2 and u 3 are homogeneous function of x and y of degree 2m , 1 and 0

respectively. Then by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u1 ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
x + y 1 = nu1 = 2mu1 , x 2 + y 2 = nu 2 = u 2 and x 3 + y 3 = nu 3 = 0 .
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
Hence x +y = x 1 + y 1 + x 2 + y 2 + x 3 + y 3 = 2m.u1 + 1.u 2 .
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y

Again, since u1 , u 2 and u 3 are homogeneous function of x and y of degree 2m, 1 and 0
respectively.
Then, by extension of Euler’s theorem, we have

x 2
+
∂ 2u
2 xy
∂ 2u
+ y
2
2∂ u
= n (n − 1)u = 2 m (2 m − 1)u1 + 1(1 − 1)u 2 = 2 m (2 m − 1) x 2 + y2 ( )
m

∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y 2 2m − 1
∂ 2u
∂ 2u 2
Hence x
∂x 2
2
+ 2xy
∂x∂y
+y 2∂ u
∂y 2
= 2m x 2 + y 2 ( )
m
.

Hence the result.

(
Q.No.14.: If u = sin x + y , show that )
∂u ∂u 1
x
∂x
+y =
∂y 2
( ) (
x + y cos x + y . )
Sol.: Here u = sin x + y . ( )
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  y 1 / 2   y
−1
⇒ sin u (= z, say ) = ( x+ y =x ) 1/ 2
1 +    = x1 / 2f   .
 x 
  x

1
⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree .
2
∂z ∂z 1
Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = nz = z .
∂x ∂y 2
∂u ∂u 1 −1
⇒x
1
+y
1
= sin u =
1
( x+ y . )
1 − u 2 ∂x 1 − u 2 ∂y 2 2

∂u ∂u 1
⇒x
∂x
+y =
∂y 2
( )
x + y 1 − sin 2 ( x+ y = ) 1
2
( x+ y ) cos 2 ( )
x+ y .

∂u ∂u 1
Hence x
∂x
+y =
∂y 2
( ) (
x + y cos x + y . )
Hence the result.

Q.No.15.: If z = sin −1 x 2 + y 2  , then show that x 2 z xx + 2 xyz xy + y 2 z yy = tan 3 z .

 

−1 
 y2  y
Sol.: Here z = sin  x + y  ⇒ sin z(= u , say ) = x + y = x 1 + 2 = xf   .
2 2 2 2
  x x
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 1.
∂u ∂u
Then by Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = nu = u .
∂x ∂y
∂z ∂z ∂z ∂z
⇒ x cos z + y cos z = sin z ⇒ x +y = tan z . (i)
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y
Differentiating (i) w. r. t. x partially, we get

xz xx + z x + yz xy = sec 2 z(z x )

Multiplying by x , we get

x 2 z xx + xz x + xyz xy = sec 2 z(xz x ) . ......(ii)

Differentiating (i) w. r. t. y partially, we get

xz xy + z y + yz yy = sec2 z z y ( )
Multiplying by y , we get
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( )
yxz xy + yz y + y 2 z yy = sec 2 z yz y . ......(iii)

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

( ) ( )
x 2 z xx + 2 xyz xy + y 2 z yy = sec 2 z xz x + yz y − xz x + yz y = sec2 z(tan z) − tan z .

( ) ( )
= tan z sec2 z − 1 = tan z tan 2 z = tan3 z .
Hence the result.
u ∂w ∂w
Q.No.16.: If u + iv = (x ± iy) , and w =
2
, prove that x +y = 0.
v ∂x ∂y

Sol.: Here u + iv = (x ± iy)2 ⇒ u + iv = x 2 − y2 ± 2ixy .

  y 2 
1 −   
u x 2 − y2 0  x   = x 0f  y  .
Thus w = = =x
  
v 2xy y  x
 2 
 x 

⇒ w is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂w ∂w
x +y = nw = 0.w = 0 .
∂x ∂y
∂w ∂w
Hence x +y = 0.
∂x ∂y
This completes the proof.

Q.No.17.: If u + iv = (ax ± iby)3 ,show that

∂u ∂u
(i) x +y = 3u ,
∂x ∂y
∂v ∂v
(ii) x +y = 3v ,
∂x ∂y
∂w ∂w u
(iii) ( x +y = 0 where w = .
∂x ∂y v

Sol.: (i) Here u + iv = (ax ± iby)3 ⇒ u + iv = (a 3x 3 − 3ab2 xy2 ) + i(b3y3 ± 3a 2bx 2 y) .

 3 2 y 
2
 y
Thus u = (a x − 3ab xy ) = x a − 3ab    = x 3f   .
3 3 2 2 3
  x   x
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 16
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⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 3.

Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂w ∂w
x +y = nw = 3.w .
∂x ∂y
∂w ∂w
Hence x +y = 3w .
∂x ∂y
This completes the proof.

(ii) Here u + iv = (ax ± iby) ⇒ u + iv = (a 3x 3 − 3ab2 xy2 ) + i(b3y3 ± 3a 2bx 2 y) .

3

 3  y 3  y   y
Thus v = (b y ± 3a bx y) = x b   ± 3a 2 b  = x 3f   .
3 3 2 2 3

  x   x  x

⇒ v is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 3.

Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂v ∂v
x +y = nv = 3.v .
∂x ∂y
∂v ∂v
Hence x +y = 3v .
∂x ∂y
This completes the proof.

(iii) Here u + iv = (ax ± iby)3 ⇒ u + iv = (a 3x 3 − 3ab2 xy2 ) + i(b3y3 ± 3a 2bx 2 y) .

 3 2 y 
2 
 a − 3ab   
u a 3 x 3 − 3ab2 xy 2 0  x   = x 0f  y  .
Thus w = = 3 3 = x
   
v b y ± 3a 2 bx 2 y  y 
3
 y  x
 b3   ± 3a 2 b  
  x   x  
⇒ w is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 0.
Then, by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂w ∂w
x +y = nw = 0.w = 0 .
∂x ∂y
∂w ∂w
Hence x +y = 0.
∂x ∂y
This completes the proof.
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 17
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(
Q.No.18.: If v = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−1 / 2
,then show that x
∂v
∂x
∂v
+y +z
∂y
∂v
∂z
= −v .

−1 / 2
  y 2  z  2  y z
( 2
Sol.: Here v = x + y + z 2
)
2 −1 / 2 −1
⇒ v = x 1 +   +    = x −1f  , 
  x   x   x x

⇒ v is a homogeneous function of x ,y and z of degree −1.

Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂v ∂v ∂v
x +y +z = nu = (−1).v = − v .
∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence the result.

(
Q.No.19.: If u = sin −1 x + y , prove that )
2 ∂ 2u ∂ 2u 2
2∂ u − sin u. cos 2u
x 2
+ 2xy +y 2
= .
∂x ∂x∂y ∂y 4 cos3 u

  y
1/ 2 
(
Sol.: Here u = sin −1 x + y ⇒ sin u = ) ( x+ y ) = x1 / 2 1 +    = x1 / 2f  y  .
   x  x
 
1
⇒ sin u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree
2
∂ (sin u ) ∂ (sin u ) 1
∴ By Euler’s theorem, x +y = n sin u = sin u
∂x ∂y 2
∂u ∂u 1 ∂u ∂u 1
⇒ x cos u + y cos u = sin u . ⇒ x + y = tan u . ...(i)
∂x ∂y 2 ∂x ∂y 2
Differentiating (i) w. r. t. x partially, we get
1 2
xu xx + u x + yu xy = sec u (u x )
2
Multiplying by x , we get
1 2
x 2 u xx + xu x + xyu xy = sec u (xu x ) ......(ii)
2
Differentiating (i) w. r. t. y partially, we get
1 2
xu xy + u y + yu yy =
2
sec u u y ( )
Multiplying by y , we get
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1 2
yxu xy + yu y + y 2 u yy =
2
( )
sec u yu y ......(iii)

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

1 1 
x 2 u xx + 2 xyu xy + y 2 u yy = ( ) ( ) (
sec 2 u xu x + yu y − xu x + yu y =  sec2 u − 1 xu x + yu y )
2 2 
1  1  1 1
=  sec2 u − 1 tan u  = sec 2 u tan u − tan u
2  2  4 2

=
1
( )
tan u sec2 u − 2 =
tan u  1
 − 2  =
( 2
 tan u 1 − 2 cos u )
4 4  cos2 u  4 cos2 u

∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2 u − sin u. cos 2u
⇒ x2 + 2xy + y2 2 = .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y 4 cos3 u
Hence the result.

−1
x 3 + y3  
Q.No.20.: If V = tan , prove that
 2 x + 3y 
 

∂ 2V ∂ 2V ∂ 2V
x2 + 2xy + y 2 2 = sin 4V − sin 2V .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y

  y 3 
1 +   
 x 3 + y3  x 3 + y3 2  x   = x 2f  y  = z (say).
Sol.: Here V = tan −1  ⇒ tan V = =x  
 2 x + 3y  2 x + 3y  y  x
   2+3 
x 
 
⇒ z is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree 2.
∂z ∂z
Then by Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = nz = 2z .
∂x ∂y
∂V ∂V
⇒ x sec 2 V + y sec 2 V = 2 tan V
∂x ∂y
∂V ∂V 2 tan V sin V
⇒x +y = 2
=2 . cos 2 V = 2 sin V cos V = sin 2V . ....(i)
∂x ∂y sec V cos V
Differentiating (i) partially w. r. t. x [keeping y as constant], we get

∂ 2V ∂V ∂ 2V ∂V
x + +y = cos 2V.2 .
∂x 2 ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x
Multiplying by x, we get
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∂ 2V ∂V ∂ 2V ∂V
x2 +x + xy = 2 x cos 2V
∂x 2 ∂x ∂x∂y ∂x

∂ 2V ∂ 2V ∂V
⇒ x2 + xy = (2 cos 2V − 1)x . ..(ii)
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂x
Again, Differentiating (i) partially w. r. t. y [keeping x as constant], we get

∂ 2V ∂ 2 V ∂V ∂V
x +y 2 + = cos 2V.2 .
∂y∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y

Multiplying by y, we get

∂ 2V 2
2∂ V ∂V ∂V
xy +y 2
+y = 2 y cos 2V
∂y∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y

∂ 2V ∂ 2V ∂V
⇒ xy + y 2 2 = (2 cos 2V − 1)y . .....(iii)
∂y∂x ∂y ∂y

Adding (ii) and (iii), we get

∂ 2V ∂ 2V ∂ 2V  ∂V ∂V 
x2 + 2xy + y 2 2 = (2 cos 2V − 1) x +y  = (2 cos 2V − 1)sin 2V
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y  ∂x ∂y 

= 2 sin 2V cos 2V − sin 2V = sin 4V − sin 2V .

∂ 2V ∂ 2V ∂ 2V
Hence x 2 + 2xy + y 2 2 = sin 4V − sin 2V .
∂x 2 ∂x∂y ∂y
Hence the result.
y z ∂u ∂u ∂u
Q.No.21.: If u = x n f  ,  , show that x +y +z = nu .
x x ∂x ∂y ∂z

y z y z
Sol.: Here u = x n f  ,  .Let = t1 , = t 2
x x x x

∴ u = x n f (t1, t 2 ) = x n f
Differentiating partially w. r. t x , y and z respectively, we get

∂u  ∂f ∂t ∂f ∂t 2  n  ∂f  − y  ∂f  − z 
= nx n −1f + x n  . 1 + . n −1
 = nx f + x   2  +  2 
∂x  ∂t1 ∂x ∂t 2 ∂x   ∂t1  x  ∂t 2  x 
∂u ∂f ∂f
⇒ = nx n −1f − yx n −1 − zx n −1 ,
∂x ∂t1 ∂t 2
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 20
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∂u  ∂f ∂t ∂f ∂t 2  n  ∂f  1   n −1 ∂f
= xn  . 1 + .  = x    = x ,
∂y  ∂t1 ∂y ∂t 2 ∂y   ∂t1  x  ∂t1

∂u  ∂f ∂t ∂f ∂t 2  n  ∂f  1   n −1 ∂f
= xn  . 1 + . =x    = x
∂z  ∂t1 ∂z ∂t 2 ∂z   ∂t 2  x  ∂t 2
∂u ∂u ∂u  ∂f ∂f   n −1 ∂f   n −1 ∂f 
∴x +y +z = x nx n −1f − yx n −1 − zx n −1  + yx  + z x .
∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂t1 ∂t 2   ∂t1   ∂t 2 

∂u ∂u ∂u
Hence x +y +z = nx n f (t1, t 2 ) = nu .
∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence the result.
1 1 log x − log y ∂u ∂u
Q.No.22.: If u = 2
+ + 2 2
show that x +y + 2u = 0 .
x xy x +y ∂x ∂y

  y 
 log  
1 1 log x − log y −2  1  x   = x − 2f  y  .
Sol.: Here u = 2 + + = x 1 + −  
x xy x 2 + y2  y y2  x
 x 1+ 2 
 x 
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x and y of degree − 2 .
∂u ∂u
Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have x +y = −2 u .
∂x ∂y
∂u ∂u
Hence x +y + 2u = 0 .
∂x ∂y

 x 5 + y5 + z 5 
Q.No.23.: If f (x, y, z ) = log  , show that x ∂f + y ∂f + z ∂f = 4 .
 x+y+z  ∂x ∂y ∂z
 
 x 5 + y5 + z 5  5 5 5
Sol.: Here f (x, y, z ) = log  ⇒ ef = x + y + z ...(i)
 x+y+z  x+y+z
 
  y 5  z  5 
1 +   +   
f
⇒e =x 4  x   x   = x 4f  y , z  .
   
y z x x
 1 + + 
 x x 

⇒ ef is a homogeneous function of x, y and z of degree 4.

Hence by Euler’s theorem, we have
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 21
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x
( )
∂ ef
+y
( )
∂ ef
+z
( )
∂ ef
= 4ef .
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂f ∂f ∂f ∂f ∂f ∂f
⇒ xef + yef + zef = 4ef ⇒ x +y +z = 4.
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence the result.
 x 2 − y2 + z2 
Q.No.24.: If u = sin  , show that x ∂u + y ∂u + z ∂u = 0 .
 xy − yz − zx  ∂x ∂y ∂z
 
  y 2  z 2 
1 −   +   
 x 2 − y2 + z2  y z
= x sin       = x 0f  ,  .
  0 x x
Sol.: Here u = sin
 xy − yz − zx   y y z z  x x
   − . − 
 x x x x 
⇒ u is a homogeneous function of x ,y and z of degree 0.
Then by Euler’s theorem, we have
∂u ∂u ∂u
x +y +z = nu = 0.u = 0 .
∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence the result.
Q.No.25: Given that F(u) = V(x , y , z), where V is a homogeneous function of x , y , z of
∂u ∂u ∂u F(u )
degree n , then prove that x +y +z =n / .
∂x ∂y ∂z F (u )
Sol.: Here V(x , y , z) is a homogeneous function of x , y , z of degree n , then by Euler's
∂V ∂V ∂V ∂F(u ) ∂F(u ) ∂F(u )
theorem x +y +z = nV ⇒ x +y +z = nF(u )
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂y ∂z

∂u ∂u ∂u
⇒ xF′(u ) + yF′(u ) + zF′(u ) = nF(u )
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂u ∂u ∂u F(u )
⇒x +y +z =n / .
∂x ∂y ∂z F (u )
Hence the result.
Partial Differentiation: Homogeneous Equation and Euler’s Theorem 22
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Total Differentials,
Explicit Function, Implicit Functions
and
Total Differential Coefficient

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