Understanding dE = d slash Q + d slash W Notation: Explained by Experts

[genericusrnme]

I came across this notation which I've never seen before, it looks a little like feynmann slash notation but I don't think this is the same (see attatchment)
It's kind of like 'd slash'
dE = 'd slash' Q + 'd slash' W

Could anyone give me a helping hand?

 

[kloptok]

It looks like you are reading about thermodynamics. The slash signifies that the changes in Q and W are not true differentials. Quoting the Wikipedia article on the First law of thermodynamics which uses a δ rather than the slashed d:

The infinitesimal heat and work in the equations above are denoted by δ, rather than exact differentials denoted by "d", because they do not describe the state of any system. The integral of an inexact differential depends upon the particular path taken through the space of thermodynamic parameters while the integral of an exact differential depends only upon the initial and final states. If the initial and final states are the same, then the integral of an inexact differential may or may not be zero, but the integral of an exact differential will always be zero. The path taken by a thermodynamic system through a chemical or physical change is known as a thermodynamic process.

 

[genericusrnme]

It looks like you are reading about thermodynamics. The slash signifies that the changes in Q and W are not true differentials. Quoting the Wikipedia article on the First law of thermodynamics which uses a δ rather than the slashed d:

Ah, thanks