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

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The discussion centers on solving the partial differential equation U_{xy}=0 by treating U_x as an ordinary differential equation in the y variable. Participants clarify that integrating with respect to y involves standard integration, not partial derivatives, leading to U_x = f(x) and ultimately U(x,y) = F(x) + H(y). There is confusion about the integration process, particularly regarding the interpretation of dy versus ∂y. The method of characteristics is mentioned as an alternative approach, prompting further exploration. The key takeaway is that the integration is straightforward, focusing on the variables involved rather than the notation.
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!
 
Last edited:
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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)
 
Last edited:
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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