Integrating Equation 1: Understanding the Answer

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a specific equation and the resulting expressions for the function u. Participants explore the implications of integrating with respect to different variables and the conditions under which the mixed derivative theorem applies.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the integration process, noting that integrating with respect to y first leads to an expression that seems to contradict the mixed derivative theorem.
  • Another participant clarifies that integrating a function f(x) does not yield xf(x), emphasizing the importance of recognizing the distinction between indefinite integrals and the resulting functions.
  • A third participant acknowledges their misunderstanding and attributes it to not recognizing the implications of the integration process.
  • Another participant questions whether the correct form of the solution should be u = f(x) + g(y) instead of u = f(x) + f(y), suggesting that different functions should be used for different variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the correct expression for u should involve the same function for both variables or different functions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the mixed derivative theorem in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about the functions involved and the conditions under which the mixed derivative theorem applies. The participants do not fully resolve the mathematical steps involved in the integration process.

humphreybogart
Messages
22
Reaction score
1
I am working my way through a textbook, and whenever this equation is solved (integrated), the answer is given as:

u = f(x) + f(y)

I don't understand it. If I integrate it once (with respect to y, say), then I obtain:

∂u/∂x = f(x) -----eq.1

If I integrate again (this time with respect to x), then I obtain:

u = xf(x) + f(y)

I know that this can't be correct because the mixed derivative theorem says that if I went the other way (integrating with respect to x and then y), I should get the same answer. But I can't see how integrating eq.1 doesn't produce and 'x' infront of the arbitrary function.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Floydd
Physics news on Phys.org
1) ## \int f(x) dx \neq xf(x) ##
2) ## \frac {\partial u}{\partial x}=F(x) \Rightarrow u=\underbrace{\int F(x) dx}_{f(x)}+g(y)\Rightarrow u=f(x)+g(y) ##.
 
Excellent. Got it now. Not seeing 1) is my fault. Not showing 2) in the working is the textbook's. :P
 
humphreybogart said:
I am working my way through a textbook, and whenever this equation is solved (integrated), the answer is given as:

u = f(x) + f(y)
Wouldn't it be u = f(x) + g(y)? It wouldn't be the same function for both.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K