Infinitesimals of order higher

In summary, the expression Δθ = ∂θ/∂x*Δx + ∂θ/∂y*Δy + ∂θ/∂z*Δz + infinitesimals of order higher than Δx,Δy and Δz refers to terms such as squares, cubes, and higher powers that are infinitely small compared to the values of Δx, Δy, and Δz. These terms are important in understanding the behavior of functions in certain problems.
  • #1
koustav
29
4
in a certain problem it was written Δθ=∂θ/∂x*Δx + ∂θ/∂y*Δy + ∂θ/∂z*Δz + infinitesimals of order higher than Δx,Δy and Δz.can anyone tell me what is "infinitesimals of order higher than Δx,Δy and Δz?"
 
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  • #2
Squares, cubes and so on.

For "a" tiny, a^2 is even tinier.
 
  • #3
yes but there are no square or cube terms inthe expression
 
  • #4
Sure there are. It's the "infinitesimals of order higher than Δx,Δy and Δz". Expanding that Δθ to incorporate some of the second order terms yields

Δθ = (∂θ/∂x)Δx + (∂θ/∂y)Δy + (∂θ/∂z)Δz
+ (1/2)((∂2θ/∂x2)Δx2 + (∂2θ/∂x∂y2)ΔxΔy + (∂2θ/∂x∂z2)ΔxΔz + (∂2θ/∂y∂x2)ΔyΔx + ∂2θ/∂y2)Δy2 + ···)
+ terms of order three and higher.
 
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Related to Infinitesimals of order higher

What are infinitesimals of order higher?

Infinitesimals of order higher refer to quantities that are infinitely smaller than any nonzero real number but are still nonzero. These quantities are used in mathematical analysis and calculus to represent the behavior of functions at a specific point.

How are infinitesimals of order higher different from regular infinitesimals?

The main difference between infinitesimals of order higher and regular infinitesimals is that the former are considered to be nonzero whereas the latter are considered to be equal to zero. This distinction allows for more accurate calculations and better understanding of mathematical concepts.

What is the significance of infinitesimals of order higher in mathematics?

Infinitesimals of order higher play a crucial role in the development of calculus and other mathematical theories. They allow for the precise definition of concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals, which are essential for solving complex mathematical problems.

Are infinitesimals of order higher used in other fields besides mathematics?

Yes, infinitesimals of order higher are also used in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, to model the behavior of particles at a subatomic level. They are also used in economics to describe the behavior of markets and in other fields to study complex systems and phenomena.

Is there any controversy surrounding the use of infinitesimals of order higher?

There has been some controversy surrounding the use of infinitesimals of order higher in mathematics, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, with the development of rigorous mathematical theories and the introduction of non-standard analysis, the use of infinitesimals of order higher has become widely accepted among mathematicians and scientists.

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