Separation of variables and the chain rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the chain rule in the context of the first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by the equation ydy/dx = x^2. Participants clarify that the transformation to ydy = x^2dx does not involve the chain rule but rather the manipulation of differentials. The correct approach involves recognizing the defining property of differentials and applying integration techniques. The integral of both sides leads to the solution of the ODE through separation of variables.

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  • Understanding of first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with the concept of differentials in calculus
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly substitution
  • Basic grasp of the chain rule in calculus
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Martyn Arthur
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TL;DR
Application of chain rule
Hi; given the equation ydy/dx=x^2 how is the chain rule applied to result in ydy =x^2dx?
Thanks
 
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What I know is that is a 1st order ODE can be solved by 'Seperating the Variables' method. So, #ydy=x^2dx# just take the integral of both side.

Is that what you meant in the OP?
 
sorry no; I don't understand the actual application of the chain rule to produce the result
 
Ok, I believe the experts are coming along to help out.
 
Martyn Arthur said:
TL;DR Summary: Application of chain rule

Hi; given the equation ydy/dx=x^2 how is the chain rule applied to result in ydy =x^2dx?
Thanks
That's not the chain rule. That's the defining property of the differentials ##dx## and ##dy##.
 
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You could use the chain rule as follows:
$$\frac d {dx}\big (y^2\big ) = 2y \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x^2$$$$\implies y^2 = \int 2x^2 dx$$
 
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\begin{split}<br /> y\frac{dy}{dx} &amp;= x^2 \\<br /> \int y\frac{dy}{dx} \,dx &amp;= \int x^2 \,dx \end{split} The left hand side can be integrated by substitution, also known as the "!inverse chain rule" since <br /> \int_a^b g&#039;(f(x))f&#039;(x)\,dx = \int_a^b (g \circ f)&#039;(x) \,dx = g(f(b)) - g(f(a)) = \int_{f(a)}^{f(b)} g&#039;(y)\,dy by the chain rule and the fundamental theorem.
 
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Martyn Arthur said:
Hi; given the equation ydy/dx=x^2 how is the chain rule applied to result in ydy =x^2dx?
No chain rule at all -- what they did was to multiply both sides of the equation by dx.
 
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ah; thanks
 

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