Differential of a function vs differential forms

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between the differential of a function and differential forms. The differential of a differentiable function, represented as df = 8dx + 9dy, serves as a linear transformation that approximates function increments. In contrast, differential forms, such as (3x+y²)dx + (3xy)dy, can vary from point to point and are integrable over curves. It is established that the differential of a differentiable function is indeed a differentiable form, specifically a 1-form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differentiable functions in calculus
  • Familiarity with linear transformations
  • Knowledge of differential forms in advanced mathematics
  • Basic concepts of integration in multivariable calculus
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  • Study the properties of 1-forms in differential geometry
  • Explore the relationship between differential forms and Stokes' theorem
  • Learn about the applications of differential forms in physics
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced calculus and differential geometry will benefit from this discussion.

Damidami
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Hi,
I understand the concept of the differential of a (differentiable) function at a point as a linear transformation that "best" approximates the increment of the function there. So for example the differential of a function [itex]f : D \subseteq \mathbb{R}^2 \to \mathbb{R}[/itex] could maybe be [itex]df = 8 dx + 9 dy[/itex] at a given point, say [itex](2,3)[/itex]

But I wanted to know how this concept of differential is related to the integral concept of differential form, so for example [itex]8dx + 9dy[/itex] can be thoght as a differential form and be integrated over a curve. But the differential form usually varies from point to point so it could be more like [itex](3x+y^2)dx + (3xy) dy[/itex], so I'm not sure if it also is been thought as a linear map, or should I think of these both concepts as completely different and unrelated things?

Thanks.
 
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I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but the differential of a differentiable function is a differentiable form, i.e., if f is a differentiable function, then df is a 1-form.
 

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