I Separation of variables and the chain rule

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The discussion centers on the equation ydy/dx = x^2 and the confusion surrounding the application of the chain rule. Participants clarify that the transformation to ydy = x^2dx does not involve the chain rule but rather the basic property of differentials. The method of separating variables is highlighted as the correct approach to solve the first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE). The integration of both sides leads to the solution without needing the chain rule. Overall, the focus is on understanding the proper application of differential calculus in this context.
Martyn Arthur
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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