Calculation in proof of Poincare's Lemma

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the chain rule in the context of proving Poincaré's Lemma using a (0, p) tensor, A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}, defined in a star-shaped region around point P. The confusion arises regarding the treatment of the variable t in the differentiation process, specifically why the book does not express the derivative as \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial (tx^l)}. The book referenced is "Tensors, Differential Forms, and Variational Principles" by Lovelock and Rund, particularly on page 143, where the relevant equations are discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensor calculus, specifically (0, p) tensors.
  • Familiarity with the chain rule in multivariable calculus.
  • Knowledge of Poincaré's Lemma and its implications in differential geometry.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation and expressions in the context of differential forms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in tensor calculus, focusing on examples involving (0, p) tensors.
  • Review the proof of Poincaré's Lemma in "Tensors, Differential Forms, and Variational Principles" by Lovelock and Rund.
  • Examine lecture slides from the University of Pennsylvania on differential forms, particularly slide 22 for related results.
  • Explore additional resources on the differentiation of tensor fields and their applications in mathematical physics.
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Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying differential geometry, particularly those interested in tensor calculus and the proofs of fundamental theorems like Poincaré's Lemma.

oblixps
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A_{j_{1}...j_{p}} is a (0, p) tensor defined in a star shaped region of some point P where the coordinates x^1 = ... = x^n = 0.

in the course of proving Poincare's lemma my book does the following: \frac{\partial}{\partial x^j}A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}(tx^h) = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l}\frac{\partial(tx^l)}{\partial x^j} = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l} t\delta^{l}_{j} = t\frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l}.

what I'm confused about is why didn't the book do \frac{\partial}{\partial x^j}A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}(tx^h) = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial (tx^l)}\frac{\partial(tx^l)}{\partial x^j}.

what happened to that t in the "denominator" of the first fraction in the chain rule?
 
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i was looking around on google and i ran across this related result in some lecture slides.

letting g(t) = f(tx, ty) and using the chain rule:

g'(t) = (\frac{\partial f}{\partial x})(tx, ty) * x + (\frac{\partial f}{\partial y})(tx, ty) * y.

once again i am confused on why they wrote \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} instead of \frac{\partial f}{\partial (tx)}.
 
At the risk of getting an infraction from one of our moderators, I'm going to bump this thread as the OP has waited a bit and posted more info yet hasn't been helped. If possible I'd help myself but alas, this problem is out of my league.
 
Hi oblixps, :)

oblixps said:
A_{j_{1}...j_{p}} is a (0, p) tensor defined in a star shaped region of some point P where the coordinates x^1 = ... = x^n = 0.

in the course of proving Poincare's lemma my book does the following: \frac{\partial}{\partial x^j}A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}(tx^h) = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l}\frac{\partial(tx^l)}{\partial x^j} = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l} t\delta^{l}_{j} = t\frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial x^l}.

what I'm confused about is why didn't the book do \frac{\partial}{\partial x^j}A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}(tx^h) = \frac{\partial A_{j_{1}...j_{p}}}{\partial (tx^l)}\frac{\partial(tx^l)}{\partial x^j}.

what happened to that t in the "denominator" of the first fraction in the chain rule?

Can you please tell me what your book is...

oblixps said:
i was looking around on google and i ran across this related result in some lecture slides.

letting g(t) = f(tx, ty) and using the chain rule:

g'(t) = (\frac{\partial f}{\partial x})(tx, ty) * x + (\frac{\partial f}{\partial y})(tx, ty) * y.

once again i am confused on why they wrote \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} instead of \frac{\partial f}{\partial (tx)}.

... and the web-link where you found the above statement.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
thanks for the reply.

the book I'm using is "Tensors, Differential Forms, and Variational Principles" by Lovelock and Rund. Just in case you have access to a copy, it should be on page 143.

and the lecture slides I referred to are from: http://www.math.upenn.edu/~ryblair/Math 600/papers/Lec1.pdf

the result i posted is on slide 22 and is what starts off one of the proofs.
 

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