Integrating derivatives of various orders

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    Derivatives Integrating
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a general solution for the integral of the n-th derivative of a function, specifically the integral ##\int \frac{d^ny}{dx^n} \, dy##, where n is a positive integer. Participants explore various cases and attempt to establish a pattern, focusing on mathematical reasoning and proof techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial calculations for the cases n=1 and n=2, suggesting a potential pattern for higher derivatives.
  • Another participant questions whether differentiating the right-hand side of their expressions returns the original integrand.
  • There is mention of using the Leibniz integral rule as a possible approach to the problem.
  • A participant acknowledges mistakes in their calculations and suggests testing their equations with simple functions.
  • One participant indicates they have resolved their issues and expresses a desire to close the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the general solution, and there are indications of uncertainty and corrections regarding the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their equations and suggest testing with specific functions. There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions that could affect the conclusions drawn.

Mandelbroth
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I'm trying to figure out the general solution to the integral ##\int \frac{d^ny}{dx^n} \, dy##, where n is a positive integer (Meaning no fractional calculus. Keeping things simple.).

So far, I have been working with individual cases to see if I can establish a general pattern and then try a proof by induction.

So far, I have

$$\int\frac{dy}{dx} \, dy = \frac{d}{dx}\left[y\frac{dy}{dx}\right] + C = y\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C \\ \int\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} \, dy = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C$$

and I'm working on n=3.

However, for n=3, I get

$$\int \frac{d^3y}{dx^3} \, dy = \int \frac{d^3y}{dx^3}\frac{dy}{dx} \, dx = \int \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{d}{dx}\right] u \, dx$$

and then I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Edit:
I've noted that ##\displaystyle \int\frac{d^3y}{dx^3} \, dy = \frac{d}{dx}\left[y\frac{d^3y}{dx^3}\right] = \frac{dy}{dx}\frac{d^3y}{dx^3}+y\frac{d^4y}{dx^4}##?
 
Last edited:
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Mandelbroth said:
So far, I have

$$\int\frac{dy}{dx} \, dy = \frac{d}{dx}\left[y\frac{dy}{dx}\right] + C = y\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C \\ \int\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} \, dy = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C$$

and I'm working on n=3.

Do you actually get back the integrand if you differentiate your right hand side with respect to y?

(Besides that, I think your problem is easiest to answer using the Leibniz integral rule.)
 
Mandelbroth said:
I'm trying to figure out the general solution to the integral ##\int \frac{d^ny}{dx^n} \, dy##, where n is a positive integer (Meaning no fractional calculus. Keeping things simple.).

So far, I have been working with individual cases to see if I can establish a general pattern and then try a proof by induction.

So far, I have

$$\int\frac{dy}{dx} \, dy = \frac{d}{dx}\left[y\frac{dy}{dx}\right] + C = y\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C \\ \int\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} \, dy = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 + C$$

and I'm working on n=3.

However, for n=3, I get

$$\int \frac{d^3y}{dx^3} \, dy = \int \frac{d^3y}{dx^3}\frac{dy}{dx} \, dx = \int \frac{d}{dx}\left[\frac{d}{dx}\right] u \, dx$$

and then I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Edit:
I've noted that ##\displaystyle \int\frac{d^3y}{dx^3} \, dy = \frac{d}{dx}\left[y\frac{d^3y}{dx^3}\right] = \frac{dy}{dx}\frac{d^3y}{dx^3}+y\frac{d^4y}{dx^4}##?


Sorry to say : There are some mistakes.
Did you try to test your équations with simple functions, for example y(x)=ax+b ?
 
Last edited:
Nevermind. Fixed the problem. Really bad math day.

Feel free to close the thread.
 
Last edited:

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