Solve the Partial differential equation ##U_{xy}=0##

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the partial differential equation \( U_{xy} = 0 \). Participants explore various methods of integration and interpretation of the equation, including the implications of treating partial derivatives as ordinary derivatives under certain conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests integrating \( U_x \) with respect to \( y \) and questions whether this integration is valid given the context of partial derivatives.
  • Another participant interprets the equation as leading to \( \frac{\partial U}{\partial x} = f(x) \) and \( \frac{\partial U}{\partial y} = g(y) \), proposing a solution of the form \( U(x,y) = F(x) + G(y) \).
  • A third participant echoes this interpretation and mentions the method of characteristics as an alternative approach, indicating a desire to explore this further.
  • A later reply challenges the initial integration approach, asserting that the integration should be understood as occurring with respect to \( y \) rather than \( dy \) or \( \partial y \), emphasizing the distinction between these terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the integration process and its implications for the solution of the PDE. No consensus is reached regarding the validity of the initial integration method or the interpretation of the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made in the integration process and the treatment of partial derivatives as ordinary derivatives. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in definitions and the mathematical steps involved.

chwala
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TL;DR
I am going through these notes; i want to check that i am gettting it right...

Solve the pde;

##U_{xy}=0##
This is part of the notes;

1670243380258.png


My own way of thought;

Given;

##U_{xy}=0##

then considering ##U_x## as on ode in the ##y## variable; we integrate both sides with respect to ##y## i.e

##\dfrac{du}{dx} \int \dfrac{1}{dy} dy=\int 0 dy##

this is the part i need insight...the original problem involves partial derivatives but in this case when we integrate with respect to ##y## we are integrating with respect to ##dy## and not ##∂y## ...correct?

##U_x= 0 + k##, where ##k## is a constant in terms of ##x## therefore,

##U_x= f(x)##, an arbitrary function of ##x##... which is an ode for ##u## in the ##x## variable. On integrating again with respect to ##x## we get,##U(x,y) = F(x) + k##, where ##k## is a constant in terms of ##y## therefore,

##U(x,y) = F(x) + H(y)##cheers!
 
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I interpret you as follows.
\frac{\partial^2 U(x,y)}{\partial x \partial y}=0
Integration by y with x=const. or by x with y=const.
\frac{\partial U}{\partial x }=f(x)
\frac{\partial U}{\partial y }=g(y)
Thus
dU=f(x)dx+g(y)dy
U(x,y)=F(x)+G(y)
 
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anuttarasammyak said:
I interpret you as follows.
\frac{\partial^2 U(x,y)}{\partial x \partial y}=0
Integration by y with x=const. or by x with y=const.
\frac{\partial U}{\partial x }=f(x)
\frac{\partial U}{\partial y }=g(y)
Thus
dU=f(x)dx+g(y)dy
U(x,y)=F(x)+G(y)
Is there another way bro? ...they call it method of characteristic ...need to read on this...
 
chwala said:
Given;
##U_{xy}=0##

then considering ##U_x## as on ode in the ##y## variable; we integrate both sides with respect to ##y## i.e

##\dfrac{du}{dx} \int \dfrac{1}{dy} dy=\int 0 dy##
The above doesn't make any sense to me. Clearly the last integral would be 0 + a constant.
chwala said:
this is the part i need insight...the original problem involves partial derivatives but in this case when we integrate with respect to ##y## we are integrating with respect to ##dy## and not ##∂y## ...correct?
The expression ##dy## serves only to indicate the variable with respect to which integration is taking place. You are integrating with respect to y, not dy, and definitely not with respect to ∂y.
 
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