Proportionality with more than one variable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical relationships of a variable \( x \) that is proposed to be proportional to two other variables \( A \) and \( B \). Participants explore different forms of proportionality, including direct and indirect relationships, and consider how these relationships can be expressed mathematically. The context includes a specific biological example involving trypsinogen and trypsin, leading to questions about differential equations and reaction rates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if \( x \) is directly proportional to both \( A \) and \( B \), it can be expressed as \( x = kAB \), while others suggest it should be \( x = k(AB)^{1/2} \).
  • One participant notes that the equations \( x = k_1A \) and \( x = k_2B \) hold only when the other variable is held constant, implying that \( k_1 \) and \( k_2 \) are not true constants but depend on the other variable.
  • There is a discussion about whether \( x \) could be expressed as \( x = k(A+B) \), with one participant arguing that this leads to contradictions unless both constants are zero.
  • Another participant questions the validity of combining equations \( x = k_1A \) and \( x = k_2B \) to derive \( x^2 = \text{constant}_1 + 2AB \), asserting that the constants are functions of the other variables.
  • Participants explore the implications of these relationships in the context of a differential equation for the amount of trypsin and trypsinogen, suggesting that the rate of change \( f'(t) \) is proportional to the product of \( f(t) \) and \( F(t) \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to mathematically express the relationships between \( x \), \( A \), and \( B \). There is no consensus on the correct form of the equations, and multiple competing interpretations remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence of constants on the other variables, which complicates the relationships being discussed. The discussion also touches on the implications of these relationships in a biological context, but the mathematical steps and assumptions remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mathematical modeling in biology, particularly in enzymatic reactions, as well as individuals exploring concepts of proportionality in mathematics and physics.

kochibacha
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if x is direct, indirect or exponentially propotional to A and as well as B

can we write x=kAB ? if we write the equation separately, we have x=k1A, x=k2B when combined, x2=(k1k2)1/2 (AB)2 then x=k3(AB)1/2

to see the real complicate example

EX.1 trypsinogen is converted to trypsin in the body where trypsin itself catalyzes its own reaction

let f(t) = amount of trypsin at time t
let F(t) = amount of trypsinogen at time t

write differential equation satisfied by f(t)

in short, f(t) is direct proportional to product itself f(t) and the substrate F(t)

should i write f'(t)=k f(t)F(t) , =k ( f(t)+F(t) ) , = k (f(t)F(t))1/2 or something else?
 
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kochibacha said:
if x is direct, indirect or exponentially propotional to A and as well as B
If x is directly proportional to A then there is a constant k such that x = kA.
If x is inversely proportional to A then there is a constant k such that x = k/A.

I have never encountered the terms "indirect proportionality" or a "exponential proportionality". Fortunately, those terms are irrelevant to the questions below.

can we write x=kAB ? if we write the equation separately, we have x=k1A, x=k2B when combined, x2=(k1k2)1/2 (AB)2 then x=k3(AB)1/2

Yes, we can write x = kAB.

[Editted to eliminate my first erroneous explanation]

It is tempting to multiply the two equations together to get x2 = k1k2AB

The problem is that the x=k1A is true only as long as one holds B constant. The value of k1 includes that constant value of B. Similarly, x=k2B is true only as long as one holds A constant. The value of k2 includes that constant value of A.

EX.1 trypsinogen is converted to trypsin in the body where trypsin itself catalyzes its own reaction

let f(t) = amount of trypsin at time t
let F(t) = amount of trypsinogen at time t

write differential equation satisfied by f(t)

in short, f(t) is direct proportional to product itself f(t) and the substrate F(t)

It is the reaction rate that is proportional to the product of f(t) and F(t). So rather than f(t) being proportional to itself (a trivial tautology), it is f'(t) that is proportional to f(t).

So the short form would be "f'(t) is directly proportional to the product of f(t) and F(t)"
 
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sorry for ambiguous writing it must be X=K(AB)1/2 and f'(t) is direct proportional to product itself f(t) and the substrate F(t)

However, your answer still hasn't answered my questions.

if x is directly proportional to A and as well as B. How can we express x in terms of equations?

if you answered x=constant*A*B could you explain why not x=constant*(A+B)
and what about x=constant1*A , x=constant2*B

when combined, x2=constant1+2*AB

x=+K(AB)1/2 and x=-K(AB)1/2 but we ignore the minus one so x=K(AB)1/2
 
kochibacha said:
if you answered x=constant*A*B could you explain why not x=constant*(A+B)

Suppose for a moment that the above formula held: x = k(A+B) for some constant k.
But we also know that x=k'A for some constant k'.

Take A=1, B=2. Then x=3k by the one equation and x=k' by the second. So k'=3k.
Take A=2, B=1. Then x=3k by the one equation and x=2k' by the second. So 2k'=3k.

Clearly, the only way this can hold is if both k and k' are equal to zero. So x=constant*(A+B) cannot be right except in the degenerate case where x is always zero.

and what about x=constant1*A , x=constant2*B

when combined, x2=constant1+2*AB
As I wrote, because that constant1 is not a constant. It is a function of B. Similarly, constant2 is not a constant. It is function of A.

What function of A can work for constant1? constant1 = k1B can work.

What function of B can work for constant2? constant2 = k2A can work.

What do you get when you multiply the two equations together now?
 
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