How does the following simplify?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying an expression involving differential operators applied to a function, specifically the expression ( F(r) \frac{d}{dr} ( r^{2} \frac{d}{dr} ) ) g(r). Participants are exploring the implications of operator notation and the application of product rules in the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to simplify the expression and are questioning the validity of treating differential operators independently. There are discussions about applying the product rule and the implications of operator order.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into using the product rule for differentiation, while others express skepticism about the manipulation of operators. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, indicating a productive dialogue without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the application of differential operators and whether certain assumptions about their independence hold true in this context. Participants are also navigating the constraints of homework guidelines that may limit their approach.

Rodger
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1. The problem statement

( F(r) [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( [itex]r^{2}[/itex] [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ) ) g(r)


2. The attempt at a solution

Does it just melt down to:

( F(r) [itex]r^{2}[/itex] g(r) ) [itex]\frac{d^{2}}{dr^{2}}[/itex]
 
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Rodger said:
1. The problem statement

( F(r) [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( [itex]r^{2}[/itex] [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ) ) g(r)


2. The attempt at a solution

Does it just melt down to:

( F(r) [itex]r^{2}[/itex] g(r) ) [itex]\frac{d^{2}}{dr^{2}}[/itex]

It pretty much doesn't make sense at all. Except in the context of operators, which I don't think is applicable here, d/dr and d2/dr2 don't stand on their own.

The derivative operator d/dr should be applied to some function of r, such as d/dr(r2), which simplifies to 2r.
 
Rodger said:
( F(r) [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( [itex]r^{2}[/itex] [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ) ) g(r)
To add to what Mark44 said, presumably you mean [itex]F(r) \frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( [itex]r^{2}[/itex] [itex]\frac{d}{dr}g(r)[/itex] ). You can expand the outer d/dr using the product rule.
 
sure, I don't trust operators so forgive me but I have to ask if I can presume that the order of working through such an example might then follows something like this...

k(r) = [itex]r^{2}[/itex]

H(r) = [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( k(r) g(r) ) ------> using the product rule

=> [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( F(r) H(r) ) ------> using the product rule...


or this:

=> F(r) x { [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] [ [itex]r^{2}[/itex] x [itex]\frac{dg(r)}{dr}[/itex] ] }, using the product rule for the parts in the [] brackets
 
Rodger said:
H(r) = [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( k(r) g(r) ) ------> using the product rule

=> [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] ( F(r) H(r) ) ------> using the product rule...
I see no way to move the F(r) inside the derivative like that. It certainly is not the product rule.
or this:

=> F(r) x { [itex]\frac{d}{dr}[/itex] [ [itex]r^{2}[/itex] x [itex]\frac{dg(r)}{dr}[/itex] ] }, using the product rule for the parts in the [] brackets
Yes.
 

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