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For transformation from cartesian to cylindrical coordinates,

$$ \ x=r~cos \theta ,~~ y=r~ sin \theta , ~~ r=(x^2+y^2)^{1/2} $$ Then, $$ \frac {dr} {dx} =\frac {1} {2} (x^2+y^2)^{-1/2}~2x~=~\frac {x} {(x^2+y^2)^{1/2} }~=~\frac {r~cos \theta} {r}~=~ cos \theta $$ Is it possible to obtain the same result by differentiating the below relationship? $$ r~=~\frac {x} {cos \theta} $$

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hint use quotient rule: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotient_rule

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    Thank you very much for your kind and fast answer. Yes. I do get the same answer!! You helped me a lot!!!2012-03-10
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    @tony - You are welcome2012-03-10