Change in an expression that I don't understand

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the product rule in vector calculus, specifically in the context of differentiating the expression \( \frac{1}{2} \vec{v} \cdot \vec{v} \). The equivalence \( \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt} \cdot \vec{v} = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{1}{2} \vec{v} \cdot \vec{v}\right) \) is established through the product rule, confirming that both expressions yield the same result when differentiated. This highlights the importance of understanding vector differentiation in physics and engineering contexts.

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Homework Statement


In the answer to a homework I didn't understnad why these are the same:

d\vec{v}/dt*\vec{v}=d/dt(1/2\vec{v}*\vec{v})

Can someone explain?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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The product rule for differentation applies, even if it is a vector dot product that is being differentiated. Therefore:

\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{1}{2}\vec{v} \cdot \vec{v}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\vec{v}\cdot \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt} + \frac{1}{2}\frac{d\vec{v}} {dt}\cdot \vec{v}​
 
Thank you:smile:
 

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