If y is a function of x, then x is also function of y?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between two variables, x and y, when one is expressed as a function of the other. Participants explore the implications of y being a function of x and whether x can also be considered a function of y, particularly in the context of invertibility and integration.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that integrating y(x) dy = x dy leads to the equation y^2 = xy, questioning the validity of the expression if x is also a function of y.
  • Another participant states that x can be considered a function of y only if the function f is invertible, referencing the inverse function theorem.
  • A different participant discusses the integration process, indicating a potential typo in the original equation and suggesting that if the equation were y dy = x dx, the integration would yield y^2 = x^2 + C.
  • Another participant clarifies that if y = f(x) = x^2, then while y is a function of x, x is not a function of y unless both functions are one-to-one.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which x can be a function of y. There is no consensus on the implications of the integration steps or the necessity of invertibility for the relationship to hold.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the invertibility of functions and the correctness of integration steps remain unresolved. The discussion highlights the complexity of the relationship between x and y without reaching a definitive conclusion.

yosimba2000
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So then if you take the integral of y(x) dy = x dy, you get y^2 = xy.

But if x is a function of y, that means the equation is y(x)dy = x(y) dy, which gives you y^2 = X(y), where X is the integral of of x(y) dy?
 
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if ##y=f(x)##, x is a function of y, i.e. ##x=f^{-1}(y)##, only if ##f## is invertible. Look up inverse function theorem, for what you need.
 
yosimba2000 said:
So then if you take the integral of y(x) dy = x dy, you get y^2 = xy.
This appears to be an intermediate step in solving a differential equation.

Starting with y dy = x dy, if you integrate the left side you get y2 + a constant, but you can't integrate the right side. Is x dy a typo? Should it be x dx? If so, and we start with y dy = x dx, integrating both sides yields y2 = x2 + C.
yosimba2000 said:
But if x is a function of y, that means the equation is y(x)dy = x(y) dy, which gives you y^2 = X(y), where X is the integral of of x(y) dy?
 
The short answer to your thread title -- "If y is a function of x, then x is also function of y?" -- is "Not necessarily."

For example, if y = f(x) = x2, then y is a function of x, but x is not a function of y. As already stated, each variable is a function of the other only if both functions are one-to-one.
 

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