Solve Chain Rule Confusion with Diff. Eq. | Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the chain rule in the context of differential equations, specifically addressing confusion regarding the notation and interpretation of derivatives. Participants explore the relationships between first and second derivatives and the implications of different forms of notation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the notation used in the solution for the second derivative, questioning why it is presented as \( y'' = z \left( \frac{dz}{dy} \right) \).
  • Another participant clarifies that if \( y' = z \), then by definition \( y'' = z' \), arguing that the chain rule is not relevant in this context.
  • Some participants suggest that the notation may be incorrect or misleading, with one proposing that the middle term should be \( \frac{d}{dy} z \) instead of \( z \left( \frac{dz}{dy} \right) \).
  • A later reply indicates that the confusion might stem from a misunderstanding of the chain rule, providing an example from kinematics to illustrate the concept.
  • Another participant confirms the use of the chain rule, stating that differentiating both sides with respect to \( t \) leads to the expression involving \( \frac{dz}{dy} \).
  • Several participants agree on the potential issue with the notation and discuss whether it could simply be a typographical error.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express confusion about the notation and its implications, with some agreeing on the potential for a typo while others maintain differing interpretations of the chain rule's application. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct form of the second derivative notation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of notation and the assumptions underlying the use of the chain rule in this context. The discussion highlights the need for precise definitions and careful handling of derivative relationships.

karenara
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while solving differential equations, I got a bit confused with chain rule problem.
The solution says below
yprime = z
then
y double prime = z (dz/dy) = z prime
but I don't understand why the differentiation of z is in that form.
Please help...
 
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If y' = z then, by the concept of equality and the definition of the second derivative, y'' = z'. The chain rule has nothing to do with this.

In kinematics, where v = \frac{ds}{dt} and a = \frac{dv}{dt} = \frac{d^2 s}{dt^2}, then the chain rule gives <br /> a = \frac{dv}{dt} = \frac{dv}{ds} \frac{ds}{dt} = v \frac{dv}{ds}, a change of variable which is occasionally useful, particularly if a is given in terms of s.
 
If ##y'=z## denote the independent variable with ##x## then ##y'(x)=z(x)## and ## y''(x)=\frac{d}{dx} y'(x)=\frac{d}{dx}z(x)=z'(x)##
 
Ssnow said:
If ##y'=z## denote the independent variable with ##x## then ##y'(x)=z(x)## and ## y''(x)=\frac{d}{dx} y'(x)=\frac{d}{dx}z(x)=z'(x)##
sorry but, that's not what I'm asking..
I mean the second term in the equation.
 
Last edited:
karenara said:
sorry but, that's what not I'm asking..
I mean the second term in the equation.
Are you asking about the part in the middle in the last equation?
karenara said:
The solution says below
yprime = z
then
y double prime = z (dz/dy) = z prime
This doesn't make sense to me. The tacit assumption here seems to be that you're differentiating with respect to z, with z being the independent variable. What you have in the middle should be ##\frac d {dy}z##, which is different from ##z(\frac{dz}{dy})##.

It would help if you showed us the actual problem.
 
yes there is a problem with the notations as @Mark44 said, are you sure that the middle term is ##z\left(\frac{dz}{dy}\right)## ?
 
i definitely agree with what you guys said and that was the reason why I was asking this here. Then do you think it's just a typo? I thought i mistook something.
 
I found out why! It is in fact, chain rule.
if we differentiate left and right side by t
dz/dt = dz/dy X dy/dt
, dy/dt=y'=z...
 
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ok it is ##y''=\frac{d}{dx}y'=\frac{d}{dx}z=\frac{dy}{dx}\frac{dz}{dy}=z\frac{dz}{dy}##
 
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  • #10
Ssnow said:
ok it is ##y''=\frac{d}{dx}y'=\frac{d}{dx}z=\frac{dy}{dx}\frac{dz}{dy}=z\frac{dz}{dy}##
nice timing! lol we almost uploaded the response at the same time! anyway thanks a lot for sparing your time for my question! :)
 
  • #11
nothing! yes simultaneously. I was also in doubt at the beginning, this the miracle of calculations ...
 

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