Linear operator or nonlinear operator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether the operator L(u) = u_x + u_y + 1 is linear. Participants are examining the properties of linear operators in the context of this specific operator.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the definition of linearity to the operator, questioning how the constant term "+1" affects linearity. There are discussions about verifying the linearity condition and expressing L(c_1 u + c_2 v) in terms of L(u) and L(v).

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in expressing L(c_1 u + c_2 v) and are exploring whether their manipulations align with the definition of linearity. There is an ongoing dialogue about the implications of the constant term and its role in the operator's linearity.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that they need to verify the linearity of the operator based on the standard definition, and there is some confusion regarding the treatment of the constant term in the context of linear operators.

Elbobo
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Homework Statement


Verify whether or not the operator

L(u) = u_x + u_y + 1
is linear.


Homework Equations


An operator L is linear if for any functions u, v and any constants c, the property

L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = c_1 L(u) + c_2 L(v)
holds true.


The Attempt at a Solution



I feel as though this should be a linear operator, but the "+1" throws me off as I don't know what linear operator takes any function u, v into 1.

L = \frac{\partial}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial}{\partial y} + ?
 
Last edited:
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Elbobo said:

Homework Statement


Verify whether or not the operator

L(u) = u_x + u_y + 1
is linear.


Homework Equations


An operator L is linear if for any functions u, v and any constants c, the property

L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = c_1 L(u) + c_2 L(v)
holds true.


The Attempt at a Solution



I feel as though this should be a linear operator, but the "+1" throws me off as I don't know what linear operator takes any function u, v into 1.

Alright so, really there's two things you want to verify, but I suppose you could combine them into one condition like that if you want.

What is L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = ?
 
L = c_1 \frac{ \partial u}{\partial x} + c_1 \frac{\partial u}{\partial y} + c_2 \frac{ \partial v}{\partial x} + c_2 \frac{\partial v}{\partial y} + ?

I'm still confused by that constant term.
 
Last edited:
Elbobo said:
L = c_1 \frac{ \partial u}{\partial x} + c_1 \frac{\partial u}{\partial y} + c_2 \frac{ \partial u}{\partial x} + c_2 \frac{\partial u}{\partial y} + ?

I'm still confused by that constant term.

Just literally write out what the transform would give you, so :

L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = c_1u_x + c_1u_y + c_1 + c_2v_x + c_2v_y + c_2

Can you continue from there? Get it into the form c_1 L(u) + c_2 L(v)
 
Sorry for the typos everywhere earlier (edited now).

L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = c_1 u_x + c_1 u_y + c_1 + c_2 v_x + c_2 v_y + c_2
= c_1 (u_x + u_y + 1) + c_2 (v_x + v_y + 1)
= c_1 L(u) + c_2 L(v)

So is that what you were guiding me to? If I did that correctly, it makes a lot more sense now, thank you. If not...
 
Elbobo said:
Sorry for the typos everywhere earlier (edited now).

L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = c_1 u_x + c_1 u_y + c_1 + c_2 v_x + c_2 v_y + c_2
= c_1 (u_x + u_y + 1) + c_2 (v_x + v_y + 1)
= c_1 L(u) + c_2 L(v)

So is that what you were guiding me to? If I did that correctly, it makes a lot more sense now, thank you. If not...

No, no, no. L(c_1 u + c_2 v) = (c_1 u + c_2 v)_x + (c_1 u + c_2 v)_y + 1
 

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