Number of Distinct Partial Derivatives of Order n

Theorem

Let $u = \map f {x_1, x_2, \ldots, x_m}$ be a function of the $m$ independent variables $x_1, x_2, \ldots, x_m$.

The number of distinct partial derivatives of $u$ of order $n$ is:

$\dfrac {\paren {n + m - 1}!} {n! \paren {m - 1}!}$

That is, the same as the number of terms in a homogeneous polynomial in $m$ variables of degree $n$.

Proof

This theorem requires a proof. You can help $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$ by crafting such a proof. To discuss this page in more detail, feel free to use the talk page. When this work has been completed, you may remove this instance of {{ProofWanted}} from the code. If you would welcome a second opinion as to whether your work is correct, add a call to {{Proofread}} the page.

Sources

• 1961: David V. Widder: Advanced Calculus (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $1$ Partial Differentiation: $\S 1$. Introduction: $1.3$ Higher Order Derivatives