# Thread: Proving a theorem: Changing the Order of Differentiation (large question)

1. ## Proving a theorem: Changing the Order of Differentiation (large question)

This question is right out of Taylor & Mann Advanced Calculus, Third Edition, and is a REALLY tricky one. Due to how context-heavy this is, I can't write it word-for-word.

We're to prove the following theorem:
Let $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ and its first partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1, f_2$ be defined in a neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at that point. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

This theorem uses part of another theorem's proof to start things off, before getting to the parts that I can't figure out.

Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that the point $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. We then consider the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express $\displaystyle D$ in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$ (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean-value theorem for derivatives to (*), obtaining the following:
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1 <1$

That ends the part of the separate proof; now to parts which I'm in the dark about (these are from the actual question).

From the fact that $\displaystyle f_1$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, one can write
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Explain why this is so.

Next, go on to explain how to obtain the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$ where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.

Explain the derivation of the similar expression
$\displaystyle D=h^2f_{21}(a,b)+\epsilon '|h|h$ where $\displaystyle \epsilon '\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$,
using the fact that $\displaystyle f_2$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$.

With all this, complete the proof of the theorem.

----------

This is a lot of info to work with, I know. But I can't summarize it any better than this because the question has such a high context requirement.

2. Originally Posted by Runty
This question is right out of Taylor & Mann Advanced Calculus, Third Edition, and is a REALLY tricky one. Due to how context-heavy this is, I can't write it word-for-word.

We're to prove the following theorem:
Let $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ and its first partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1, f_2$ be defined in a neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at that point. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

This theorem uses part of another theorem's proof to start things off, before getting to the parts that I can't figure out.

Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that the point $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. We then consider the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express $\displaystyle D$ in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$ (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean-value theorem for derivatives to (*), obtaining the following:
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1 <1$

That ends the part of the separate proof; now to parts which I'm in the dark about (these are from the actual question).

From the fact that $\displaystyle f_1$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, one can write
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Explain why this is so.
Repeated application of the 1 variable Taylor theorem:

If $\displaystyle $$f(x) is differentiable at \displaystyle$$ a$ then:

$\displaystyle f(x)=f(a)+(x-a)f'(a)+ g(x-a)$

where $\displaystyle \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(h)}{h}=0$

CB

3. Originally Posted by CaptainBlack
Repeated application of the 1 variable Taylor theorem:

If $\displaystyle $$f(x) is differentiable at \displaystyle$$ a$ then:

$\displaystyle f(x)=f(a)+(x-a)f'(a)+ g(x-a)$

where $\displaystyle \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(h)}{h}=0$

CB
Are you sure you mean Taylor's theorem? Checking Wikipedia, Taylor's theorem doesn't seem to relate to this.

I'm thinking more to use something akin to this:
$\displaystyle u(h,k)=\frac{f(x+h,y+k)-f(x,y)-f_x(x,y)h-f_y(x,y)k}{\sqrt{h^2+k^2}}$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1 |h|$ takes the place of $\displaystyle u(h,k)$, and so forth for other parts.

4. Originally Posted by Runty
Are you sure you mean Taylor's theorem? Checking Wikipedia, Taylor's theorem doesn't seem to relate to this.
It is exactly Taylor's theorem for a once differentiable function, which informally is that for small increments on $\displaystyle$$a$ the function approximately is linear and the error decreases "faster" than the increment as the increment goes to zero.

But please ignore these posts if you feel you have a better idea.

CB

5. I think we're meant to use the formulations of differentiability to prove that first part. It looks to be in the same vein as this:

$\displaystyle f(a+h,b+k)-f(a,b)=f_1(a,b)h+f_2(a,b)k+\epsilon (|h|+|k|)$,
where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle (h,k)\rightarrow (0,0)$.

We got to Taylor's theorem, but this question comes in the textbook before that point. As such, I think it's implied that we're not meant to use Taylor's theorem, even if it is a valid choice.

6. Okay, I got through the first hurdle; I had to show that another Theorem followed from a prior chapter (and I'm hoping that it's a valid answer), but now comes a more difficult part.

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to get from here
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$
to here
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$

The big problem is that epsilon statement at the end of it. I don't know how it gets there.

EDIT: I should mention this; this question is more along the lines of what is found in the following link. Click here

Unfortunately, the proof of what's in that link is NOT the correct answer for what I'm supposed to answer. It's very close, but not quite there (check the wording CAREFULLY on the theorem).

Whereas the theory in the link has the second partial derivatives defined and continuous at a point, the theorem I'm supposed to prove does not have that statement. The theorem I'm to prove says that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable, but does not say that $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ are defined and continuous (even if they are implied).

7. Sorry for triple-post, but I'm still stuck on the part I listed earlier. I dunno if this will help, but I'm out of ideas. (note that there's a lot to read)

This is a theorem we're meant to use to try and answer this.

Let the function $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ be defined in some neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Let the partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1,f_2,f_{12},f_{21}$ also be defined in this neighborhood, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ are continuous at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

Note the differences between this theorem and the theorem I'm meant to prove (in the first post). The theorem above has $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ defined and continuous at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, but the theorem I'm meant to prove only says that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. This might sound redundant, but you can clearly see there's a difference.

(much of the following is excerpted from my textbook; this proof DOES NOT answer the question)
To prove the theorem above, I work entirely inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and lying inside the neighborhood described earlier. Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside the square. Then consider the expression
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express D in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$. (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$.
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean value theorem to (*), with the result
$\displaystyle =h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1<1$. (**)
Next, let
$\displaystyle g(y)=f_1(a+\theta_1h,y)$.
The function g has the derivative
$\displaystyle g'(y)=f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,y)$.
Now we can write (**) in the form
$\displaystyle =h(g(b+h)-g(b))$
and apply the mean value theorem. The result is
$\displaystyle D=h^2 g'(b+\theta_2h)=h^2f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,b+\theta_2h)$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_2<1$.
Alternatively, we could have started by expressing D in the form
$\displaystyle D=\psi (b+h)-\psi (b)$, where
$\displaystyle \psi (y)=f(a+h,y)-f(a,y)$.
This procedure would have led to the following
$\displaystyle D=h^2f_{21}(a+\theta_4h,b+\theta_3h)$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_3<1$, $\displaystyle 0<\theta_4<1$.
On comparing the two expressions for D, we see that
$\displaystyle f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,b+\theta_2h)=f_{21}(a+\theta_4h ,b+\theta_3h)$. (***)
If we now make $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$, the points at which the derivatives in (***) are evaluated both approach $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Hence, by the assumed continuity of $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$, we conclude that $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.
(Remember, this is NOT the correct answer to the theory in the starting post)

This is the theory and proof that correlate closely to what I'm meant to solve, but unfortunately using this proof would be an incorrect answer. Though the proofs start off similarly, they deviate at (**).

As to this question, this is the part I'm stuck at.
We have
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
I now have to explain how to obtain the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12} (a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.

If I could just get that, I could do the same things for $\displaystyle f_{21}$, and hopefully complete the proof afterwards. As such, I'd greatly appreciate any help that could be provided.

8. Again, bad interpretation has made me miss out on answering this question correctly. I have my Prof.'s answers to this, and I doubt I'll get any good mark on this. Although in all honesty, this question was ****ing ridiculous.

Since $\displaystyle f_x$ is differentiable, we have:
(*) $\displaystyle f_x(a+h,b+k)=f_x(a,b)+hf_{xx}(a,b)+kf_{xy}(a,b)+u( h,k)\sqrt{h^2+k^2}$
where $\displaystyle u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle (h,k)\rightarrow (0,0)$.
If we replace $\displaystyle h$ by $\displaystyle \theta_1 h$ and $\displaystyle k$ by $\displaystyle h$, we get
$\displaystyle f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_x(a,b)+\theta_1 hf_{xx}(a,b)+hf_{xy}(a,b)+u(\theta_1 h,h)\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2+h^2}$
so $\displaystyle \epsilon_1 |h|=\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2+h^2}u\Rightarrow \epsilon_1=\sqrt{\theta_1^2+1}u$ and $\displaystyle u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$ (as $\displaystyle (\theta_1 h,h)\rightarrow (0,0)$) so $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$.
Alternatively, replace $\displaystyle h$ by $\displaystyle \theta_1 h$ and take $\displaystyle k=0$ in (*) to get
$\displaystyle f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b)=f_x(a,b)+\theta_1 hf_{xx}(a,b)+0f_{xy}(a,b)+u( h,0)\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2}$
so $\displaystyle \epsilon_2=\theta_1 u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$, as before.
Substitute into
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b))$
to get
$\displaystyle D=h(hf_{xy}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|)=h^2 f_{xy} (a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon=\epsilon_1-\epsilon_2$ and so $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Everything is symmetric in $\displaystyle x$ and $\displaystyle y$, so reversing their roles in the above gives
$\displaystyle D=h(hf_{yx}(a,b)+\epsilon '|h|)=h^2 f_{yx} (a,b)+\epsilon '|h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon '\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Then $\displaystyle f_{xy}(a,b)=f_{yx}(a,b)+(\epsilon '-\epsilon)|h|/h$
and $\displaystyle |h|/h=\pm 1, \epsilon '-\epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$ so we get $\displaystyle f_{xy}(a,b)=f_{yx}(a,b)$ as required.

This question seriously was a pain in the neck, and I'd rather my Prof. give us a little more to work with next time, or at least be HELPFUL when I ask it of him.
The content structure of the provided text is a detailed mathematical discussion and proof related to the theorem of changing the order of differentiation. The passage includes a theorem statement, a detailed proof, and a discussion of a similar but distinct theorem. The core of the question revolves around proving a specific theorem using given conditions and steps.

### Analysis:
single_question_with_answer

1. **mathematical question**: the text contains a mathematical question that requires proving a theorem about the equality of mixed partial derivatives under certain conditions.
2. **answer provided**: the text includes a detailed proof of the theorem, explaining each step and the reasoning behind it.

### detailed breakdown:
- **theorem statement**: the theorem to be proven is that if \( f(x, y) \) and its first partial derivatives \( f_1 \) and \( f_2 \) are defined in a neighborhood of the point \( (a, b) \), and \( f_1 \) and \( f_2 \) are differentiable at that point, then \( f_{12}(a, b) = f_{21}(a, b) \).
- **proof steps**:
  - **expression for \( d \)**: the expression \( d = f
Given a text passage, determine:
    1. If it contains a mathematical question (including word problems or calculations)
    2. If an answer to that mathematical question is provided in the text

First, describe the content structure you found in 1-2 sentences.

Then provide your analysis in the following format:
TYPE: <one of the following values>
- NO_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION
- SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS
- MULTIPLE_QUESTIONS_WITH_ANSWERS
system
# Thread: Proving a theorem: Changing the Order of Differentiation (large question)

1. ## Proving a theorem: Changing the Order of Differentiation (large question)

This question is right out of Taylor & Mann Advanced Calculus, Third Edition, and is a REALLY tricky one. Due to how context-heavy this is, I can't write it word-for-word.

We're to prove the following theorem:
Let $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ and its first partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1, f_2$ be defined in a neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at that point. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

This theorem uses part of another theorem's proof to start things off, before getting to the parts that I can't figure out.

Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that the point $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. We then consider the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express $\displaystyle D$ in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$ (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean-value theorem for derivatives to (*), obtaining the following:
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1 <1$

That ends the part of the separate proof; now to parts which I'm in the dark about (these are from the actual question).

From the fact that $\displaystyle f_1$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, one can write
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Explain why this is so.

Next, go on to explain how to obtain the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$ where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.

Explain the derivation of the similar expression
$\displaystyle D=h^2f_{21}(a,b)+\epsilon '|h|h$ where $\displaystyle \epsilon '\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$,
using the fact that $\displaystyle f_2$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$.

With all this, complete the proof of the theorem.

----------

This is a lot of info to work with, I know. But I can't summarize it any better than this because the question has such a high context requirement.

2. Originally Posted by Runty
This question is right out of Taylor & Mann Advanced Calculus, Third Edition, and is a REALLY tricky one. Due to how context-heavy this is, I can't write it word-for-word.

We're to prove the following theorem:
Let $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ and its first partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1, f_2$ be defined in a neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at that point. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

This theorem uses part of another theorem's proof to start things off, before getting to the parts that I can't figure out.

Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that the point $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. We then consider the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express $\displaystyle D$ in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$ (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean-value theorem for derivatives to (*), obtaining the following:
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1 <1$

That ends the part of the separate proof; now to parts which I'm in the dark about (these are from the actual question).

From the fact that $\displaystyle f_1$ is differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, one can write
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Explain why this is so.
Repeated application of the 1 variable Taylor theorem:

If $\displaystyle $$f(x) is differentiable at \displaystyle$$ a$ then:

$\displaystyle f(x)=f(a)+(x-a)f'(a)+ g(x-a)$

where $\displaystyle \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(h)}{h}=0$

CB

3. Originally Posted by CaptainBlack
Repeated application of the 1 variable Taylor theorem:

If $\displaystyle $$f(x) is differentiable at \displaystyle$$ a$ then:

$\displaystyle f(x)=f(a)+(x-a)f'(a)+ g(x-a)$

where $\displaystyle \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(h)}{h}=0$

CB
Are you sure you mean Taylor's theorem? Checking Wikipedia, Taylor's theorem doesn't seem to relate to this.

I'm thinking more to use something akin to this:
$\displaystyle u(h,k)=\frac{f(x+h,y+k)-f(x,y)-f_x(x,y)h-f_y(x,y)k}{\sqrt{h^2+k^2}}$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1 |h|$ takes the place of $\displaystyle u(h,k)$, and so forth for other parts.

4. Originally Posted by Runty
Are you sure you mean Taylor's theorem? Checking Wikipedia, Taylor's theorem doesn't seem to relate to this.
It is exactly Taylor's theorem for a once differentiable function, which informally is that for small increments on $\displaystyle$$a$ the function approximately is linear and the error decreases "faster" than the increment as the increment goes to zero.

But please ignore these posts if you feel you have a better idea.

CB

5. I think we're meant to use the formulations of differentiability to prove that first part. It looks to be in the same vein as this:

$\displaystyle f(a+h,b+k)-f(a,b)=f_1(a,b)h+f_2(a,b)k+\epsilon (|h|+|k|)$,
where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle (h,k)\rightarrow (0,0)$.

We got to Taylor's theorem, but this question comes in the textbook before that point. As such, I think it's implied that we're not meant to use Taylor's theorem, even if it is a valid choice.

6. Okay, I got through the first hurdle; I had to show that another Theorem followed from a prior chapter (and I'm hoping that it's a valid answer), but now comes a more difficult part.

I'm not sure how I'm supposed to get from here
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$
to here
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$

The big problem is that epsilon statement at the end of it. I don't know how it gets there.

EDIT: I should mention this; this question is more along the lines of what is found in the following link. Click here

Unfortunately, the proof of what's in that link is NOT the correct answer for what I'm supposed to answer. It's very close, but not quite there (check the wording CAREFULLY on the theorem).

Whereas the theory in the link has the second partial derivatives defined and continuous at a point, the theorem I'm supposed to prove does not have that statement. The theorem I'm to prove says that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable, but does not say that $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ are defined and continuous (even if they are implied).

7. Sorry for triple-post, but I'm still stuck on the part I listed earlier. I dunno if this will help, but I'm out of ideas. (note that there's a lot to read)

This is a theorem we're meant to use to try and answer this.

Let the function $\displaystyle f(x,y)$ be defined in some neighborhood of the point $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Let the partial derivatives $\displaystyle f_1,f_2,f_{12},f_{21}$ also be defined in this neighborhood, and suppose that $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ are continuous at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Then $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.

Note the differences between this theorem and the theorem I'm meant to prove (in the first post). The theorem above has $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$ defined and continuous at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, but the theorem I'm meant to prove only says that $\displaystyle f_1$ and $\displaystyle f_2$ are differentiable at $\displaystyle (a,b)$. This might sound redundant, but you can clearly see there's a difference.

(much of the following is excerpted from my textbook; this proof DOES NOT answer the question)
To prove the theorem above, I work entirely inside a square having its center at $\displaystyle (a,b)$, and lying inside the neighborhood described earlier. Let $\displaystyle h$ be a number different from zero such that $\displaystyle (a+h,b+h)$ is inside the square. Then consider the expression
$\displaystyle D=f(a+h,b+h)-f(a+h,b)-f(a,b+h)+f(a,b)$
If we introduce the function
$\displaystyle \phi (x)=f(x,b+h)-f(x,b)$,
we can express D in the form
$\displaystyle D=\phi (a+h)-\phi (a)$. (*)
Now $\displaystyle \phi$ has the derivative
$\displaystyle \phi '(x)=f_1(x,b+h)-f_1(x,b)$.
Hence $\displaystyle \phi$ is continuous, and we may apply the mean value theorem to (*), with the result
$\displaystyle =h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b))$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_1<1$. (**)
Next, let
$\displaystyle g(y)=f_1(a+\theta_1h,y)$.
The function g has the derivative
$\displaystyle g'(y)=f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,y)$.
Now we can write (**) in the form
$\displaystyle =h(g(b+h)-g(b))$
and apply the mean value theorem. The result is
$\displaystyle D=h^2 g'(b+\theta_2h)=h^2f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,b+\theta_2h)$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_2<1$.
Alternatively, we could have started by expressing D in the form
$\displaystyle D=\psi (b+h)-\psi (b)$, where
$\displaystyle \psi (y)=f(a+h,y)-f(a,y)$.
This procedure would have led to the following
$\displaystyle D=h^2f_{21}(a+\theta_4h,b+\theta_3h)$, where $\displaystyle 0<\theta_3<1$, $\displaystyle 0<\theta_4<1$.
On comparing the two expressions for D, we see that
$\displaystyle f_{12}(a+\theta_1h,b+\theta_2h)=f_{21}(a+\theta_4h ,b+\theta_3h)$. (***)
If we now make $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$, the points at which the derivatives in (***) are evaluated both approach $\displaystyle (a,b)$. Hence, by the assumed continuity of $\displaystyle f_{12}$ and $\displaystyle f_{21}$, we conclude that $\displaystyle f_{12}(a,b)=f_{21}(a,b)$.
(Remember, this is NOT the correct answer to the theory in the starting post)

This is the theory and proof that correlate closely to what I'm meant to solve, but unfortunately using this proof would be an incorrect answer. Though the proofs start off similarly, they deviate at (**).

As to this question, this is the part I'm stuck at.
We have
$\displaystyle f_1(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_1(a,b)+f_{11}(a,b)\theta_1 h+f{12}(a,b)h+\epsilon_1 |h|$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
I now have to explain how to obtain the following expression:
$\displaystyle D=h^2 f_{12} (a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.

If I could just get that, I could do the same things for $\displaystyle f_{21}$, and hopefully complete the proof afterwards. As such, I'd greatly appreciate any help that could be provided.

8. Again, bad interpretation has made me miss out on answering this question correctly. I have my Prof.'s answers to this, and I doubt I'll get any good mark on this. Although in all honesty, this question was ****ing ridiculous.

Since $\displaystyle f_x$ is differentiable, we have:
(*) $\displaystyle f_x(a+h,b+k)=f_x(a,b)+hf_{xx}(a,b)+kf_{xy}(a,b)+u( h,k)\sqrt{h^2+k^2}$
where $\displaystyle u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle (h,k)\rightarrow (0,0)$.
If we replace $\displaystyle h$ by $\displaystyle \theta_1 h$ and $\displaystyle k$ by $\displaystyle h$, we get
$\displaystyle f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)=f_x(a,b)+\theta_1 hf_{xx}(a,b)+hf_{xy}(a,b)+u(\theta_1 h,h)\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2+h^2}$
so $\displaystyle \epsilon_1 |h|=\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2+h^2}u\Rightarrow \epsilon_1=\sqrt{\theta_1^2+1}u$ and $\displaystyle u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$ (as $\displaystyle (\theta_1 h,h)\rightarrow (0,0)$) so $\displaystyle \epsilon_1\rightarrow 0$.
Alternatively, replace $\displaystyle h$ by $\displaystyle \theta_1 h$ and take $\displaystyle k=0$ in (*) to get
$\displaystyle f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b)=f_x(a,b)+\theta_1 hf_{xx}(a,b)+0f_{xy}(a,b)+u( h,0)\sqrt{\theta_1^2 h^2}$
so $\displaystyle \epsilon_2=\theta_1 u\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$, as before.
Substitute into
$\displaystyle D=h\phi '(a+\theta_1 h)=h(f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b+h)-f_x(a+\theta_1 h,b))$
to get
$\displaystyle D=h(hf_{xy}(a,b)+\epsilon |h|)=h^2 f_{xy} (a,b)+\epsilon |h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon=\epsilon_1-\epsilon_2$ and so $\displaystyle \epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Everything is symmetric in $\displaystyle x$ and $\displaystyle y$, so reversing their roles in the above gives
$\displaystyle D=h(hf_{yx}(a,b)+\epsilon '|h|)=h^2 f_{yx} (a,b)+\epsilon '|h|h$, where $\displaystyle \epsilon '\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$.
Then $\displaystyle f_{xy}(a,b)=f_{yx}(a,b)+(\epsilon '-\epsilon)|h|/h$
and $\displaystyle |h|/h=\pm 1, \epsilon '-\epsilon\rightarrow 0$ as $\displaystyle h\rightarrow 0$ so we get $\displaystyle f_{xy}(a,b)=f_{yx}(a,b)$ as required.

This question seriously was a pain in the neck, and I'd rather my Prof. give us a little more to work with next time, or at least be HELPFUL when I ask it of him.
user
The content structure of the provided text is a detailed mathematical discussion and proof related to the theorem of changing the order of differentiation. The passage includes a theorem statement, a detailed proof, and a discussion of a similar but distinct theorem. The core of the question revolves around proving a specific theorem using given conditions and steps.

### Analysis:
TYPE: SINGLE_QUESTION_WITH_ANSWER

1. **Mathematical Question**: The text contains a mathematical question that requires proving a theorem about the equality of mixed partial derivatives under certain conditions.
2. **Answer Provided**: The text includes a detailed proof of the theorem, explaining each step and the reasoning behind it.

### Detailed Breakdown:
- **Theorem Statement**: The theorem to be proven is that if \( f(x, y) \) and its first partial derivatives \( f_1 \) and \( f_2 \) are defined in a neighborhood of the point \( (a, b) \), and \( f_1 \) and \( f_2 \) are differentiable at that point, then \( f_{12}(a, b) = f_{21}(a, b) \).
- **Proof Steps**:
  - **Expression for \( D \)**: The expression \( D = f