Show that the function is a solution of the equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around demonstrating that a product of functions, each satisfying a specific partial differential equation, also satisfies another equation. The focus is on the mathematical manipulation of derivatives and the implications of the equations involved, particularly in the context of solutions to the equations $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0$ and $\Delta v-v_t=0$.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if $v_i(t,x_i)$ are solutions to $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0$, then $v = v_1 v_2 \cdots v_n$ should satisfy $\Delta v - v_t = 0$.
  • There is a discussion on how to compute the derivatives of $v$, particularly $v_x$ and $v_{xx}$, with participants questioning the need to include certain terms in their calculations.
  • Participants explore the definition of $\Delta v$, with some initially confusing it with the dot product of gradients rather than the divergence of the gradient.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the correct formulation of $\Delta v$ as the sum of second derivatives, leading to a consensus on its expression.
  • There is an agreement on the form of $\Delta v$ in terms of the individual functions and their derivatives, with participants confirming the correctness of the expression derived.
  • Finally, a participant suggests that the expression $\Delta v - v_t = 0$ holds under certain conditions, prompting further clarification on the notation used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical expressions derived for $v$, $\Delta v$, and the implications of the equations involved. However, there is ongoing exploration and clarification of the terms and their relationships, indicating that some aspects remain under discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the inclusion of specific terms in the derivatives and the notation used, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. The mathematical steps are not fully resolved, and assumptions about the functions and their derivatives are implicit.

evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I want to show that if $v_i(t,x_i), i=1, \dots, n$ are solutions of the equations $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0, i=1, \dots,n$ respectively, then $v=v_1 v_2 \cdots v_n(v=v(t,x))$ is a solution of $\Delta v-v_t=0$.

That's what I have done so far.

$$v_x=(v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_n)+(v_1 v_{2x} \cdots v_n)+ \dots+ (v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{nx})$$

$$v_{xx}=(v_{1xx} v_2 \cdots v_n+ v_{1x} v_{2x} \cdots v_{n}+ \dots+ v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_{nx})+ \dots+ (v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_{nx}+ \dots+ v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{nxx} )$$

So do we have to include now at $v_{xx}$ the sum $\sum_{i=1}^n v_{i x_i x_i}$?

How can we use the fact that $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0, i=1, \dots,n$ ? (Thinking)
 
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evinda said:
Hello! (Wave)

I want to show that if $v_i(t,x_i), i=1, \dots, n$ are solutions of the equations $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0, i=1, \dots,n$ respectively, then $v=v_1 v_2 \cdots v_n(v=v(t,x))$ is a solution of $\Delta v-v_t=0$.

That's what I have done so far.

$$v_x=(v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_n)+(v_1 v_{2x} \cdots v_n)+ \dots+ (v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{nx})$$

$$v_{xx}=(v_{1xx} v_2 \cdots v_n+ v_{1x} v_{2x} \cdots v_{n}+ \dots+ v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_{nx})+ \dots+ (v_{1x} v_2 \cdots v_{nx}+ \dots+ v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{nxx} )$$

So do we have to include now at $v_{xx}$ the sum $\sum_{i=1}^n v_{i x_i x_i}$?

How can we use the fact that $v_{i x_i x_i} -v_{it}=0, i=1, \dots,n$ ? (Thinking)

Hey evinda! (Smile)

I think we have:
$$v(t,\mathbf x) = v(t, x_1, x_2, ..., x_n) = v_1(t, x_1)v_2(t,x_2)...v_n(t,x_n)$$
So:
$$v_{x_1} = v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n$$
And:
$$\nabla v = v_{\mathbf x} = (v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})$$

What would $\Delta v$ be? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey evinda! (Smile)

I think we have:
$$v(t,\mathbf x) = v(t, x_1, x_2, ..., x_n) = v_1(t, x_1)v_2(t,x_2)...v_n(t,x_n)$$
So:
$$v_{x_1} = v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n$$
And:
$$\nabla v = v_{\mathbf x} = (v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})$$

What would $\Delta v$ be? (Wondering)

A ok... $\Delta v$ is equal to $\nabla v \cdot \nabla v$, right?

So does it hold that $\Delta v=(v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n+v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n+ v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n}+v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})=(2v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad 2v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad 2v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})$

? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
$\Delta v$ is equal to $\nabla v \cdot \nabla v$, right?

So does it hold that $\Delta v=(v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n+v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n+ v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n}+v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})=(2v_{1,x_1}v_2...v_n,\quad 2v_1v_{2,x_2}...v_n,\quad ...,\quad 2v_1v_2...v_{n,x_n})$

? (Thinking)

Not quite. $\Delta v = \nabla \cdot \nabla v$.
That is:
$$\nabla v = (v_{x_1}, ..., v_{x_n}) \\
\Delta v = \nabla \cdot \nabla v = v_{x_1x_1} + ... + v_{x_nx_n}
$$

We can think of $\nabla$ as:
$$\nabla = (\pd {}{x_1},\quad \pd {}{x_2},\quad ...,\quad \pd {}{x_n})$$
(Thinking)
 
So in our case we have $$\Delta v= v_{1 x_1, x_1} v_2 \cdots v_n+ v_1 v_{2 x_2,x_2} \cdots v_n+ \dots+ v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{n x_n x_n}$$

Right? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
So in our case we have $$\Delta v= v_{1 x_1, x_1} v_2 \cdots v_n+ v_1 v_{2 x_2,x_2} \cdots v_n+ \dots+ v_1 v_2 \cdots v_{n x_n x_n}$$

Right?

Yep. (Nod)
 
Nice... And then we have that

$$\Delta v-v_t=(v_{1 x_1 x_1}-v_{1,t}) v_2 \cdots v_n+ \dots+ (v_{nx_n x_n}-v_{n,t}) v_1 \cdots v_{n-1}=0$$

Right?
 
Last edited:
If we put the $x_n$ indices lower, yes. (Wink)
 
I like Serena said:
If we put the $x_n$ indices lower, yes. (Wink)

You are right, I edited my post... (Smirk) Thank you! (Happy)
 

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