Possible Error in Vladimir Arnold Mathematical Methods C

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a potential error in Vladimir Arnold's "Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics," specifically regarding the evaluation of a differential form in a problem related to differential forms and vector calculus. The focus is on the interpretation of a mathematical expression and its sign in the context of the problem presented.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant believes there is an error in Arnold's text regarding the evaluation of dr^2(r^2=x^2+y^2), suggesting that it should equal 8 instead of -8, questioning the presence of the negative sign.
  • Another participant asserts that the result is indeed -8, providing the vector ##\xi_2## as equal to ##-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_1}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_2}## to support this claim.
  • A further contribution explains the reasoning behind the sign, indicating that the differential d(r^2) results in positive contributions from x1 and x2, while the differentials dx1 and dx2 are negative, which may clarify the sign issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the evaluation of the expression is correct, with some asserting it is -8 and others questioning this conclusion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of Arnold's statement.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of quoting relevant sections from the text for clarity, indicating that context is crucial for understanding the problem and its solution.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in differential forms, mathematical methods in classical mechanics, or those studying Vladimir Arnold's work may find this discussion relevant.

xdrgnh
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I'm reviewing differential forms again and I believe there is an error in Vladimir Arnold's Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics. On page 176 of the hardcover edition of it, in chapter 7, on the section of differential forms, problem 4 he says that dr^2(r^2=x^2+y^2) acting on the 2nd vector in the problem equals -8, I get that is equal 8. I can't understand why there would be a minus sign considering this dr^2, shouldn't it being raised to the 2nd power force the answer to being negative. If anyone can confirm this is not an error I'll be on my way to figuring it out . Thanks
 
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You need to quote everything that is relevant to your question. You cannot just say page x in y and hope that someone is sitting with their copy of Arnold right in front of them.
 
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It is -8, the vector ##\xi_2## on the picture is equal to ##-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_1}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_2}##.
 
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to see this, use that d(r^2) = 2x1dx1 + 2x2dx2, and note that both x1 and x2 are positive on tht vector, but dx1 and dx2 are negative.
 
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Thank you all very much, I was able to figure out the correct answer thanks to all of you and learn a bit more about differential forms.
 

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