The general total differential of two variables is given in terms of the general partial differentials by the formula, the law of the coefficients being that of Newton's Binomial Theorem. d3u = (a3dx3 + 3a2bdx2dy + 3ab2 dx dy2 + b3dy3) ea+by ̧ (15) d'u = u = sin ma sin ny; (m1 dv1 + 6m2 n2 d x2 dy2 + n' dy1) sin mx sin ny ·4mn (m2 dx3dy + n3dx dy3) cos mx cos ny. There is a very important theorem (due to Euler) regarding homogeneous functions of any number of variables, which from the frequent applications made of it ought to be noticed in this place. If u be a homogeneous algebraic function of n dimensions ofr variables x, y, z, ...; then From this may be derived a series of equations of the form In applying this theorem to transcendental functions of algebraical functions, it is to be observed that it is not sufficient that these last should be homogeneous, it is also necessary that they should be of zero dimensions, as, otherwise, in the development of the transcendental function the degree of each term would be different, and the function when expanded not homogeneous. = (3xy2 + 2y3) x2 + 2xy (3x2y + 3xy2 + y3) − x3y2 (2xy + y2)} = 2x (2xy + y2)§. (24) If u be a homogeneous and symmetrical function of x and y of n dimensions, so that and if it be expanded in terms of a so as to be of the form then will {(2i – n) Q;} As u is homogeneous of n dimensions, we have and as it is symmetrical in x and y, we have Substituting the expansion of u in this equation, we get • This extension of a property of Laplace's Functions was communicated to me by Mr Archibald Smith. CHAPTER III. CHANGE OF THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE. SECT. 1. Functions of One Variable. IF y = f(x) and therefore x = f(y), the successive differential coefficients of y with respect to a are transformed into those of a with respect to y by means of the formulæ, and similarly for higher orders. The reader will find the demonstration of a general formula for the change of the nth differential coefficient in a Memoir by Mr Murphy, in the Philosophical Transactions, 1837, p. 210. The expres sion is of necessity extremely complicated, and the demonstration would not be intelligible without so much preliminary matter that I cannot insert it here, and I must therefore content myself with referring the reader to the original Memoir. = = If u f(y) and y (a) so that u may also be considered as a function of x, the successive differential coefficients of u with respect to y may be transformed into those of u with respect to a by the formulæ |