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Hessian Matrix - A stupid question

Subject: Hessian Matrix - A stupid question
From: "Thomchad"
Date: 30 Dec 2006 14:08:28 -0800
Newsgroups: sci.math
Hi all,

Take a function f(x,y,z,...)

On the diagonal of the Hessian matrix, I understand we have a
"standard" partial derivative. We write (using latex): \frac{\partial^2
f}{\partial x^2}.

Now, off diagonal, we write: \frac{partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y}.

There are two things I do not understand:
1. how to manipulate the "partial" signs. Are they "multiplied", which
explains the ^2? I thought the partial sign was just some convention to
say "partial"
2. What does it mean to have \partial x \partial y in the denominator?
Could someone please give me an example? Do I take the partial with
respect to x? to y? to both?

Hopefully I make some sense. Thank you for your help, which will be
greatly appreciated.
Tom


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