Solve Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) Problem: Math & Physics Explained

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical and physical interpretation of the expression Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy). Participants are exploring whether this expression has any meaningful existence in mathematics and physics, particularly in the context of changes in variables.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to clarify the meaning of Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) and whether it can be interpreted in a meaningful way. Others question the assumptions behind the expression and its relevance to concepts like acceleration and derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants suggest that while calculations can be performed, the expression may lack physical meaning. Others are attempting to provide examples to illustrate their points.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of specific calculations and examples involving changes in variables, as well as a reference to homework constraints that may limit the depth of exploration.

syu111111
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Does Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) exist in mathematics and physics?
 
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If by Δx and Δy you mean the change in x and change in y, then yes it does exist. For example, if you have a graph of x and t (displacement-time), you can get the velocity at some point by computing Δx/Δt. If you want the acceleration you would compute Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δt).
 
if you want to calculate the acceleration, you need calculate like (Δ(Δx/Δt)/Δt but not Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δt). Am I right? Thanks a lot.
 
Yeah I left out the extra t. Sorry there.
 
This means that Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) does not exist in mathematics. Are you agreeing? Thanks a lot.
 
Any calculation can exist in mathematics. I may not give you what you want!
Assuming that by "[math]\Delta x[/math]", you mean "a slight change in x" then [math]\Delta(\Delta x)/\Delta(\Delta y)[/math] certainly does exist. But it is NOT an approximation to the second derivative if that was what you meant.
 
I mean that Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) does have any physics or mathematical meaning. Do you agree? If not, can you tell me what is the meaning of Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy)? Sure, you can do any calculation as you want.
 
Sorry. I should say:

I mean that Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) does not have any physics or mathematical meaning. Do you agree? If not, can you tell me what is the meaning of Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy)? Sure, you can do any calculation as you want.
 
syu111111 said:
Sorry. I should say:

I mean that Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) does not have any physics or mathematical meaning. Do you agree? If not, can you tell me what is the meaning of Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy)? Sure, you can do any calculation as you want.

Try an example as see what happens. Say x=t3 and y=t4

What do you get for x, Δx, Δ(Δx), y, Δy, Δ(Δy) and finally for the ratio Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy), when t is 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2?
 
  • #10
See the following example. I think that Δ(Δx)/Δ(Δy) does not exist in mathematics because it doesnot have any physical meaning although you can calculate it.

x y x*y x^2 y^2 x-4 y-6 x*y x^2 y^2 x-VarX y-VarY x*y x^2 y^2
1 8 8 1 64 -3 2 -6 9 4 -1 4 -4 1 16
2 13 26 4 169 -2 7 -14 4 49 -2 7 -14 4 49
3 18 54 9 324 -1 12 -12 1 144 -2 -12 24 4 144
4 23 92 16 529 0 17 0 0 289 8 13 104 64 169
5 28 140 25 784 1 22 22 1 484 -5 16 -80 25 256
6 33 198 36 1089 2 27 54 4 729 0 -63 0 0 3969
7 38 266 49 1444 3 32 96 9 1024 3 28 84 9 784
8 43 344 64 1849 4 37 148 16 1369 -12 -7 84 144 49
9 48 432 81 2304 5 42 210 25 1764 -11 28 -308 121 784
10 53 530 100 2809 6 47 282 36 2209 -20 30 -600 400 900
11 58 638 121 3364 7 52 364 49 2704 -29 8 -232 841 64
12 63 756 144 3969 8 57 456 64 3249 -48 -7 336 2304 49

slope 5 5 -0.058368602
 

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