Differential equation and substitution

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation involving trigonometric functions and substitutions. The original poster is attempting to understand a step in their notes that involves the expression sin(θ) d/dθ(sin(θ) dΘ/dθ) and how it transforms when substituting u = cos(θ) and expressing Θ(θ) as P(u).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of derivatives under substitution and the application of the chain rule. There are questions about the presence of terms like 1 - u² and the correct interpretation of the original equation. Some participants express confusion about the notation and the necessity of using different cases for the same variable.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and suggestions for approaching the problem. Some have pointed out potential errors in the original notes and have offered clarifications regarding the substitution process. There is a recognition of the complexity of the problem, and participants are exploring various interpretations and methods without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the equation discussed is only part of a larger problem, and there are references to additional material that may provide further context. The original poster has shared that their notes include a function F(θ, φ) that is relevant to the discussion.

Pomico
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
This is a step from my notes that I don't follow. I have sin[tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\frac{d}{d\theta}[/tex](sin[tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}[/tex]) and that, when substituting u=cos[tex]\theta[/tex] and writing that [tex]\Theta[/tex]([tex]\theta[/tex])=P(u), [tex]\frac{d}{du}[/tex]((1-u[tex]^{2}[/tex])[tex]\frac{dP}{du}[/tex]) is obtained.

I can see [tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{dP}{du}[/tex] for the far RHS but can't get the 1-u[tex]^{2}[/tex] to come out. I don't really remember how to do this though I'm sure I have been able to at some point so a starting tip would be much appreciated! The main trap I keep falling in is the temptation to try something with chain rule to get rid of all those d[tex]\theta[/tex] bits in the original equation. I know I'm not supposed to as I'm just supposed to be substituting, not solving, but I'm not sure how else to go about it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Pomico! :smile:

(have a theta: θ :wink:)
Pomico said:
This is a step from my notes that I don't follow. I have sin[tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\frac{d}{d\theta}[/tex](sin[tex]\theta[/tex][tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}[/tex]) and that, when substituting u=cos[tex]\theta[/tex] and writing that [tex]\Theta[/tex]([tex]\theta[/tex])=P(u), [tex]\frac{d}{du}[/tex]((1-u[tex]^{2}[/tex])[tex]\frac{dP}{du}[/tex]) is obtained.

I can see [tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{dP}{du}[/tex] for the far RHS but can't get the 1-u[tex]^{2}[/tex] to come out.

Using the chain rule, sinθ d/dθ = sin2θ d/du.

(but I don't see how to get the whole thing :redface: … are you sure it isn't 1/sinθ on the left?)
 
tiny-tim said:
Using the chain rule, sinθ d/dθ = sin2θ d/du.
tiny-tim,
Maybe I'm missing something here, but the line above doesn't make sense to me.

Pomico,
Is there really a need to use uppercase and lowercase versions of the same letter? I.e., [itex]\Theta[/itex] and [itex]\theta[/itex].
 
hmm … u = cosθ, so du/dθ = -sinθ,

so d/du = dθ/du d/dθ = -1/sinθ d/dθ,

so sin2θ d/du = -sinθ d/dθ

… ok, i missed out a minus sign :redface:
 
tiny-tim said:
(but I don't see how to get the whole thing :redface: … are you sure it isn't 1/sinθ on the left?)

Hi!
It's definitely not a reciprocal in the notes, that was one of the things bothering me

Mark44 said:
Pomico,
Is there really a need to use uppercase and lowercase versions of the same letter? I.e., [itex]\Theta[/itex] and [itex]\theta[/itex].

Yes there is, this is only part of the problem covered in the notes. Earlier on there was a function F(θ,[tex]\phi[/tex]) which was split into variables as
F(θ,[tex]\phi[/tex]) = [tex]\Theta[/tex](θ)[tex]\Phi[/tex]([tex]\phi[/tex])

The equation in my first post isn't the full equation, just the first term. I don't think the rest will change anything but in case I've added an attachment of the lecture - the derivation I'm working from covers mostly pages 3 and 4 of the document. I don't know how to just include these two pages so sorry for adding the whole thing!
 

Attachments

Try this. Consider the substitution [tex]\Theta(\theta)=P(u)[/tex]

You want to find [tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{d\Theta}{d\theta} = \frac{dP(u)}{d\theta} = \frac{dP(u)}{du} \frac{du}{d\theta}[/tex]

You can get [tex]\frac{du}{d\theta}[/tex] from your substitution of u=cos([tex]\theta[/tex]). Also sin([tex]\theta[/tex]) = "something with u", using a well known trig identity.
 
tiny-tim said:
hmm … u = cosθ, so du/dθ = -sinθ,

so d/du = dθ/du d/dθ = -1/sinθ d/dθ,

so sin2θ d/du = -sinθ d/dθ

… ok, i missed out a minus sign :redface:

I didn't catch the minus sign, either. I guess what you were doing was equating operators. I think that's what threw me--having the operator without an operand for it to work on.
 
Pomico said:
The equation in my first post isn't the full equation, just the first term. I don't think the rest will change anything but in case I've added an attachment of the lecture - the derivation I'm working from covers mostly pages 3 and 4 of the document. I don't know how to just include these two pages so sorry for adding the whole thing!

D'oh! I was right! :rolleyes:

You're referring to equations (2.26) and (2.27) …

but you can see that (2.26) is divided by sin2θ before the u-substitution, so then it does start with 1/sinθ !
 
Aah yes I see, thanks for spotting that :p
I'll have another go!

Edit: Got it, thanks again :)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K