How can I solve for these partial derivatives given a set of variables

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the wave equation $$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} - c^2\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0$$ using the chain rule with the variables defined as $$E = x + ct$$ and $$n = x - ct$$. Participants suggest expressing $$u(x,t)$$ in terms of these new variables, specifically as $$u(x,t) = f(E) = f(x + ct)$$. This formulation leads to the conclusion that the function $$u(x, t)$$ satisfies the wave equation, confirming the validity of the approach. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proper notation and understanding the relationships between the variables.

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Homework Statement
given the one dimensional wave equation and the two variables E and n, solve for:
Relevant Equations
$$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} - c^2\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0$$
E = x + ct
n = x - ct
I am given the following:
$$u = (x,t)$$
$$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} - c^2\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = 0$$
and
$$E = x + ct$$
$$n = x - ct$$
I need to solve for $$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2}$$ and $$\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2}$$
using the chain rule.How would I even begin? Would I have to say that:
$$ x = (E, t)$$
$$ x =(n, t)$$
thus
$$u(x,t) = u( x(E,t) , t)$$
and
$$ u(x,t) = u(x(n,t),t)$$?
 
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Your notation is struggling here. Normally the idea with the wave equation is to let ##f## be any scalar function. And define:

##u(x, t) = f(E) = f(x + ct)##

Now, does this ##u(x, t)## satisfy the wave equation?
 

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