No idea how to word this. Finding the gradient with vector?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the equation ∇Λ = -A, where A is defined as a vector A(x,y,z,t) = B(x+y, x-y, 0). Participants clarify that A is indeed a vector, leading to three partial differential equations for Λ: ∂Λ/∂x = -B(x+y), ∂Λ/∂y = -B(x-y), and ∂Λ/∂z = 0. The conversation emphasizes the importance of providing complete context in mathematical queries, particularly when discussing complex topics like Gauge transformations.

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Flucky
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Homework Statement


I need to find Λ using the equation below (I think).

Homework Equations


A [/B]+ Λ = 0

where A(x,y,z,t) = B\begin{pmatrix} x+y\\ x-y\\ 0 \end{pmatrix}

The Attempt at a Solution


Is this at all possible?
 
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Flucky said:

Homework Statement


I need to find Λ using the equation below (I think).

Homework Equations


A [/B]+ Λ = 0

where A(x,y,z,t) = B\begin{pmatrix} x+y\\ x-y\\ 0 \end{pmatrix}

The Attempt at a Solution


Is this at all possible?

I'm not sure about your notation, is A a matrix, or a vector? Do the three components x+y, x-y, 0 correspond to vector components, or matrix components?
 
stevendaryl said:
I'm not sure about your notation, is A a matrix, or a vector? Do the three components x+y, x-y, 0 correspond to vector components, or matrix components?

Sorry it is a vector. I was trying to mimic exactly how it is written in front of me.
 
stevendaryl said:
I'm not sure about your notation, is A a matrix, or a vector? Do the three components x+y, x-y, 0 correspond to vector components, or matrix components?

Assuming that you mean that A is a vector, then your problem is to find a function \Lambda(x,y,z) such that

\nabla \Lambda = -A = -B(x+y, x-y, 0)

That means that there are three equations for \Lambda:
  1. \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \Lambda = -B (x + y)
  2. \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \Lambda = -B (x - y)
  3. \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \Lambda = 0
 
stevendaryl said:
Assuming that you mean that A is a vector, then your problem is to find a function \Lambda(x,y,z) such that

\nabla \Lambda = -A = -B(x+y, x-y, 0)

That means that there are three equations for \Lambda:
  1. \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \Lambda = -B (x + y)
  2. \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \Lambda = -B (x - y)
  3. \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \Lambda = 0

To solve the equation \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \Lambda = -B (x + y), consider how you would solve the ordinary differential equation

\frac{d}{d x} \Lambda = -B x + c

where c is a constant? What's the most general solution?
 
stevendaryl said:
Assuming that you mean that A is a vector, then your problem is to find a function \Lambda(x,y,z) such that

\nabla \Lambda = -A = -B(x+y, x-y, 0)

That means that there are three equations for \Lambda:
  1. \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \Lambda = -B (x + y)
  2. \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \Lambda = -B (x - y)
  3. \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \Lambda = 0

Hmm I think I may have to post the question in full. My original post is just a small part of a bigger question (about Gauge transformations) so I am probably going about it wrong.
 
Flucky said:
Hmm I think I may have to post the question in full. My original post is just a small part of a bigger question (about Gauge transformations) so I am probably going about it wrong.
You should always include the full problem as well as your attempts to solve it.
 

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