Solve the homogenous Neumann problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the homogenous Neumann problem, specifically addressing notation and differentiation in the context of integrals involving functions of multiple variables. Participants seek clarity on the use of total versus partial derivatives in the derivation process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the notation ##\dfrac{d}{dt}## is a mistake and if the author intended to use the partial derivative ##\dfrac{∂}{∂t}## instead.
  • Another participant argues that the distinction between total and partial derivatives is a matter of notation convention, explaining that taking the partial derivative is appropriate when dealing with multiple variables.
  • A later reply reiterates the previous point about notation convention and expresses relief at understanding the reasoning behind the differentiation process.
  • One participant provides a detailed explanation of the interchange of integration and differentiation, asserting that the total derivative is indeed correct in the context provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of the derivative notation used in the problem. While some find the explanation satisfactory, others remain uncertain about the correctness of the notation and its implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential confusion regarding the definitions and applications of total and partial derivatives, particularly in the context of integration with respect to multiple variables. There are unresolved aspects regarding the clarity of notation and its impact on the interpretation of the problem.

chwala
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I am going through this notes and i would like some clarity on the highlighted part...the earlier steps are pretty easy to follow...
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Is there a mistake here...did the author mean taking partial derivative with respect to ##t##? is ##\dfrac{d}{dt}## a mistake? How did that change to next line ##\dfrac{∂}{∂t}##... unless i am the one missing something here. Cheers guys.
 
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Its just a notation convention, taking the partial is the same as taking a derivative.

As you move the derivative operation inside the integral, you realize that you now have more than one variable and so switch to the partial derivative notation and that you are not taking the derivative of x ie x is independent of t.
 
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jedishrfu said:
Its just a notation convention, taking the partial is the same as taking a derivative.

As you move the derivative operation inside the integral, you realize that you now have more than one variable and so switch to the partial derivative notation and that you are not taking the derivative of x ie x is independent of t.
Thanks for that...considering it as a 'notation convention' makes sense. I was lingering there for some time trying to figure out on what's happening man...:biggrin: thanks @jedishrfu. Bingo!
 
chwala said:
Is there a mistake here...did the author mean taking partial derivative with respect to ##t##? is ##\dfrac{d}{dt}## a mistake? How did that change to next line ##\dfrac{∂}{∂t}##... unless i am the one missing something here. Cheers guys.

\int_0^l u(x,t)\,dx is a function only of t, in the same way that \int_a^b f(x)\,dx is just a number: the result of a definite integration is not a function of the dummy variable. So the total derivative is correct. When we swap the order of integation with respect to x and differentiation with respect to t we have by the definitions of total and partial differentiation that <br /> \begin{split}<br /> \frac{d}{dt}\int_0^l u(x,t)\,dt &amp;= <br /> \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{1}{h}\left(\int_0^l u(x,t+h)\,dx - \int_0^l u(x,t)\,dx\right) \\<br /> &amp;= \int_0^l \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{u(x,t+h) - u(x,t)}{h}\,dx \\<br /> &amp;= \int_0^l u_t(x,t)\,dt.\end{split}
 
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