Alternative differentiation notation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity and interpretation of a proposed "new" notation for expressing derivatives, specifically in the context of the function x² - 3x. Participants explore various established notations for differentiation and their historical context, while questioning the appropriateness of the suggested notation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the notation x² - 3x dx as a derivative operator and refers to it as "Euler notation," questioning its validity.
  • Another participant argues that the proposed notation does not function as an operator since it lacks a defined input-output mechanism, asserting that dy = (2x - 3)dx is the standard Leibniz notation.
  • A third participant provides examples of accepted forms for indicating derivatives, such as f'(x) = 2x - 3 and df/dx = 2x - 3, while discussing the historical evolution of calculus notation.
  • One participant warns against using the proposed notation, stating it has a different meaning in contemporary usage and referencing a link that clarifies common notations.
  • Another participant clarifies that the expression df = (x² - 3x)dx represents the differential of the function rather than its derivative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity and interpretation of the proposed notation. There is no consensus on its acceptance or correctness, with multiple viewpoints presented on established differentiation notations.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical preferences for different notations in calculus, indicating that terminology and usage may vary across contexts and time periods. The discussion highlights the potential for confusion when introducing new notations without clear definitions.

Timothy S
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To express the derivative of a particular function, I have recently come across a "new" notation. For the function x2-3x for example, can you write the derivative operator like this?

x2-3x dx . I heard this is called the Euler notation, is it valid?
 
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To express the derivative of a particular function, I have recently come across..
... where?
Without the context it is very difficult to advise you.

... a "new" notation. For the function x2-3x for example, can you write the derivative operator like this?

x2-3x dx .

To be an operator, it has to have some way to receive the input function and some way to output one. So no, that is not an operator.

If we put ## y=x^2-3x##, then ##dy = (2x-3)dx## is just the usual use of Liebnitz notation.

I heard this is called the Euler notation, is it valid?
... people are free to define whatever notation they want and call it any name they like - so long as they spell that out in some sort of preamble and are consistent within the text.

However you have not described "Euler Notation" as it is usually defined.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notation_for_differentiation#Euler.27s_notation
 
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Timothy S said:
To express the derivative of a particular function, I have recently come across a "new" notation. For the function x2-3x for example, can you write the derivative operator like this?

x2-3x dx . I heard this is called the Euler notation, is it valid?

If f(x) = x2 - 3x, then currently acceptable forms of indicating the derivative can be noted as:

f'(x) = 2x - 3, which is read "f-prime of x equals ..." or (Lagrange)

df/dx = 2x - 3, which is read "the derivative of f with respect to x equals ..." (Leibniz)

Over the years, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, calculus notation was in a state of flux (get it?), with different notation being preferred in England to that preferred on the Continent. Scientists in England preferred the dot notation used by Newton, which is commonly seen today for expressions with derivatives taken w.r.t. time.

Scientists on the Continent preferred the d-notation developed by Leibniz or the prime notation due to Lagrange.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notation_for_differentiation
 
Don't use that notation for the derivative. Regardless what Euler did, that notation means something else now. @SteamKing's link gives the common notations. It says that 'D'is called the Euler notation for the differentiation operator. It is very commonly used.
 
Timothy S said:
To express the derivative of a particular function, I have recently come across a "new" notation. For the function x2-3x for example, can you write the derivative operator like this?

x2-3x dx . I heard this is called the Euler notation, is it valid?
No, what you have is the differential of the function. If df/dx = x2 - 3x represents the derivative of f with respect to x, then df = (x2 - 3x)dx represents the differential of f.
 

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