Second-Order Partial Derivatives

Second-Order Partial Derivatives

As with single-variable functions, we can differentiate a multivariable function multiple times. In contrast to single-variable functions however, there are several variables we can differentiate with respect to, so there are several higher-order derivatives. Consequently, we need to use suitable notation to describe with respect to which variables we are differentiating, and in which order.

This worksheet introduces higher-order partial derivatives and the corresponding notation. It also considers how to calculate them algebraically, how to estimate them from a contour diagram, and how to interpret them geometrically.