Exact and Inexact Differential

[FourierX]

Homework Statement

Is (x² -y)dx + xdy = dF an exact differential ?

dF = path dependent ( i.e. d has a line strikethrough it as h in Planck's constant.)

Homework Equations

(x² -y)dx + xdy = dF

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't know what exact and inexact differentials are. Please help me.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi FourierX!

Exact differential means that the left hand side is exactly d(something), for example y²cosxdx + 2ysinxdy is an exact differential because it is d(y²sinx)

 

[djeitnstine]

Mdx + Ndy = f(x) is exact only when this condition is met $$\frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N}{\partial x}$$ (It has to be EXACTLY equal...no minus signs allowed etc..)