Reconciling Differences in Vector-Valued Function Derivatives

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses the differences in definitions of the derivative of a vector-valued function $$f: U \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^n$$ as presented in Andrew Browder's "Mathematical Analysis: An Introduction" and Susan Jane Colley's "Vector Calculus" (Second Edition). Browder utilizes modulus signs for the denominator, while Colley employs norm signs $$\lvert \lvert \cdot \rvert \rvert$$ around both the numerator and denominator. The distinction is clarified by noting that both notations convey similar meanings for vectors, although caution is advised regarding the interpretation of norms with subscripts, such as $$\|\mathbf{x}\|_{p}$$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector-valued functions
  • Familiarity with the concept of limits in calculus
  • Knowledge of norms and their notation in vector spaces
  • Basic principles of partial derivatives and matrices
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions of vector-valued functions in advanced calculus texts
  • Learn about the properties and applications of different vector norms
  • Explore the concept of total derivatives in multivariable calculus
  • Examine the implications of different notational conventions in mathematical literature
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Mathematicians, students of advanced calculus, and anyone involved in the study of vector calculus and its applications will benefit from this discussion.

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I am trying to reconcile apparent differences between the definitions of the derivative of a vector-valued function $$f: U \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^n$$ (where $$U \subset \mathbb{R}^m$$ ) of a vector variable from two textbooks ...

The textbooks are as follows:

Andrew Browder: "Mathematical Analysis: An Introduction"

and

Susan Jane Colley: "Vector Calculus" (Second Edition)Browder's definition of the derivative of f is explained in the following notes:View attachment 7464
Colley's definition is as follows:View attachment 7465My question is regarding how to reconcile the differences between these two definitions ... Colley has "length" or norm signs ( $$\lvert \lvert \cdot \rvert \rvert$$ ) around the numerator and denominator terms while Browder only has modulus signs (that is "length" or norm in his case) around h in the denominator ...

Can someone please explain or reconcile this difference ...

Peter========================================================================================*** NOTE 1 ***

Colley's Definition of the total derivative mentions df(a) ...

Colley defines df(x) as the matrix of partial derivatives of f ... as follows:View attachment 7466
Peter
 
Last edited:
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Hi,

For a vector function you have $$\lim_{x->0} f(x) = 0$$ if and only if $$\lim_{x->0} \Vert f(x)\Vert = 0$$
The norm is needed in the denominator since you can't divide a vector (or scalar) with a vector.

Hope this helps
David
 
Peter said:
My question is regarding how to reconcile the differences between these two definitions ... Colley has "length" or norm signs ( $$\lvert \lvert \cdot \rvert \rvert$$ ) around the numerator and denominator terms while Browder only has modulus signs (that is "length" or norm in his case) around h in the denominator ...

Different authors use different notations, but it's been my experience that those two notations mean the same thing on vectors. One caution: the double lines $\|\cdot\|$ can have different meanings if it has a subscript. So, for example,
$$
\|\mathbf{x}\|_{p}:=
\begin{cases}
\displaystyle\left(\sum_{i=1}^{n}|x_i|^p\right)^{\!\! 1/p}, &\quad 1\le p<\infty \\
\displaystyle\max_{i}|x_i|, &\quad p=\infty.
\end{cases}
$$
The default is $p=2$, in which case you get the Euclidean norm.
 

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