Differentiability of a function between manifolds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of a function between two submanifolds, specifically examining the conditions under which a function \( f: M \rightarrow N \) is considered differentiable. The focus is on the implications of differentiability in the context of manifold theory and its relation to differentiability in the standard sense for functions of several variables.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that a function \( f \) is differentiable if the composition \( f \circ \varphi^{-1} \) is differentiable as a function from \( \varphi(U) \) to \( \mathbb{R}^K \).
  • Another participant challenges the initial claim by stating that the differential \( df \) cannot be defined directly without first transforming \( f \) into a real-valued function \( g = f \circ \varphi^{-1} \), suggesting that differentiation should follow from this transformation.
  • A later reply acknowledges a correction regarding the necessity of considering the inverse transformation \( \psi^{-1} \) from \( \mathbb{R}^K \) back to \( N \), indicating a potential oversight in the initial reasoning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and implications of differentiability in this context, with no consensus reached on the correct approach to defining \( df \) or the necessary conditions for differentiability between manifolds.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the transformations and the definitions of differentiability, as well as the need for clarity on the role of the inverse mappings in the differentiation process.

Maxi1995
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Hello,
let $$M^n \subset \mathbb{R}^N$$ $$N^k \subset \mathbb{R}^K$$
be two submanifolds.
We say a function $$f : M \rightarrow N$$ is differentiable if and only if for every map $$(U,\varphi)$$ of M the transformation

$$f \circ \varphi^{-1}: \varphi(U) \subset \mathbb{R}^N \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^K$$

is differentiable.

Does this mean that it is differentiable in the sense of a "normal" function in several variables, thus to say $$d(f \circ \varphi^{-1})(x)=df(\varphi^{-1}(x))d\varphi^{-1}(x)$$?
 
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You do not have ##df(\ldots)## while are defining it. You transform ##f## to ##g=f\circ \varphi^{-1}## which is a real valued function which you know how to differentiate. Thus you have ##dg=df\,d\varphi^{-1}## which defines you ##df##.
 
Thank you very much. :bow:
 

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