Trouble understanding differential k form

  • Thread starter Thread starter KevinMWHM
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Differential Form
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving differential k forms, specifically addressing the problem of finding a differential form \( da \) such that \( da = w \) for the given expression \( w = (3x^2y^2 + 8xy^3)dx + (2x^3y + 12x^2y^2 + 4y)dy \). The participant expresses confusion regarding the abstract explanations in their textbook, CH Edwards, and seeks a more concrete understanding of the proof process. Key insights include the necessity of checking mixed second derivatives for the existence of a solution and the integration process to find the function \( a(x,y) \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential forms and their notation
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives and mixed derivatives
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in multivariable calculus
  • Basic concepts of exact differentials in calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of exact differentials and their applications
  • Learn about differential forms in the context of advanced calculus
  • Explore integration techniques for functions of several variables
  • Review the relationship between gradients, curls, and divergences in vector calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in advanced calculus, particularly those studying differential forms and their applications in multivariable calculus. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between differential equations and differential forms.

KevinMWHM
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


data[/B]
Solving differential k forms.

Homework Equations


I don't want to give any exact problems from my problem set.

The Attempt at a Solution


solution.[/B]

The text I'm using, CH Edwards, is very abstract in this section and the explanation over a sped up, last class and a half of the semester was only more vague.

I think I understand the definition of a k form and how they go through the grad, curl, and div as k increases but I'm losing it on the proof which jumps over what it considers "routine but brute force computations".

Is there a bit more concrete way to explain the direction I'm trying to go?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you give more information? It's not clear to me what you are looking for.
 
So, this first example, i have,

w=(3x^2y^2+8xy^3)dx + (2x^3y+12x^2y^2+4y)dy

I'm asked to find da such that da=w

Which reminds me of a differential equation but I'm not sure what to do with it. What does the dx and dy represent?
 
For any function, f(x,y), of two variables, df= f_xdx+ f_ydy. In particular, if you are given that da= (3x^2y^2+ 8xy^3)dx+ (3x^3y+ 12x^2y^2+ 4y)dy then a_x= 3x^2y^2+ 8xy^3 and a_y= 2x^3y+ 12x^2y^2+ 4y.

I presume you know that, for any function, a(x,y), with continuous second derivatives, the two mixed second derivatives must be equal: a_{xy}= a_{yx}. We can use that to check if there is, in fact, a solution to this problem- in general, just putting to simple functions, say, f(x,y) and g(x,y) together as f(x,y)dx+ g(x,y) does NOT result in an "exact differential" because f_y\ne g_x. But here, a_{xy}= (3x^2y^2+ 8xy^3)_y= 6x^2y+ 24xy^2= (2x^3y+ 12x^2y^2+ 4y)_x.

So, knowing that a_x= 3x^2y^2+ 8xy^3 and that the partial derivative with respect to x treats y like a constant, we can find a by integrating with respect to x, treating y as a constant. HOWEVER, that means that the "constant" of integration might actually be a function of y- call that, say F(y). So now differentiate the "a" you just got with respect to y, leaving the derivative of F as F' and set that equal to 2x^3y+ 12x^2y^2+ 4y. Because of the check above, we know that the "x" terms will cancel leaving an expression, involving only y, for F'. Integrate that to find F.

(I am puzzled by your reference to "differential k forms". They usually arise in an advanced differential geometry course. But the problem you give is a standard "third semester Calculus" or "Calculus of functions of several variables" problem.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K