Introduction to cartesian tensors

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The discussion revolves around a homework exercise from a chapter on Cartesian tensors, specifically asking to compute a vector expression involving variables x1, x2, and x3. The initial confusion arises from the notation, particularly the "i" at the end of the expression, which is clarified to represent a subscript indicating partial differentiation. Participants provide insights into the meaning of the notation, explaining that ∂/∂xi denotes the derivative with respect to the ith variable. The conversation also touches on the generality of the notation for second derivatives, ∂2/∂xi∂xj. Ultimately, the original poster expresses gratitude for the clarification and confirms they have submitted their homework.
progiangbk
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Homework Statement



This exercice is in a Chapter named Introduction to Cartesian tensors. The following is the original question of the exercise:

Homework Equations



Compute the vector: (x1^2 + 2x1*x2^2 + 3x2^2*x3), i

The Attempt at a Solution



Plz help me, i don't understand what is the requirement ^^. Thanks very much!
 
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welcome to pf!

hi progiangbk! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)
progiangbk said:

Homework Statement



This exercice is in a Chapter named Introduction to Cartesian tensors. The following is the original question of the exercise:

Homework Equations



Compute the vector: (x1^2 + 2x1*x2^2 + 3x2^2*x3), i

The Attempt at a Solution



Plz help me, i don't understand what is the requirement ^^. Thanks very much!

do you mean x12 + 2x1*x22 + 3x22*x3 ?

but that's not a vector, it's a scalar :confused:

have you missed something out?​
 
No, please see the expression again, there is a bracket pair and i symbol at the end: (x1^2 + 2x1*x2^2 + 3x2^2*x3), i

I have uploaded the picture of the exercise 16: http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4437/66167045.png

In the same occassion, if you know the meaning of some symbols and eq to calculate the exercise 17 and 18 (in red rectangular), pls help me. Thanks !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
hi progiangbk! :smile:

(please use the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)

ohh, the "i" is a subscript

why didn't you say so? :redface:

you mean (x12 + 2x1*x22 + 3x22*x3)i ?

,i means ∂/∂xi

,ij means ∂2/∂xi∂xj

(so eg A,i means the vector whose ith component is ∂A/∂xi)
 
Mod note: moving this thread to Calculus & Beyond.
 
Hi tiny-tim,

Thanks for your help.

Because I have just started to learned this subject and the author of the book has written like that so I copy original version only :P please see the picture! i have understood something after reading your answer but if you can do it completely, i can understand more, because I have many more exercise like that, so pls help ^

∂2/∂xi∂xj mean d2/dx1dx2 right?

thanks
 
(please use the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box )

Sorry, i have not been accustomed to this site
 
hi progiangbk! :smile:

(just got up :zzz:)
progiangbk said:
∂2/∂xi∂xj mean d2/dx1dx2 right?

well, it only means that if i = 1 and j = 2

2/∂xi∂xj is a general formula, for any values of i and j (= 1 2 or 3, possibly the same) :wink:

(this may help … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_notation )
 
Thanks very much, i have submitted my HW he!
 

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