Understanding the Translational Operator and Its Applications

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The discussion focuses on the translational operator expressed as e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}, which translates a function f(x) to f(x + α) through Taylor expansion. Participants explore the implications of treating α as an infinitesimal translation and the role of the derivative operator as the generator of this translation. There is some debate regarding the interpretation of derivatives at fixed points versus variable points, with emphasis on the need for clarity in notation. The conversation highlights the mathematical nuances in applying the operator and expanding functions accurately. Overall, the thread delves into the foundational concepts of the translational operator and its mathematical representation.
matematikuvol
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e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}=1+\alpha\frac{d}{dx}+\frac{\alpha^2}{2!}\frac{d^2}{dx^2}+...=\sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{\alpha^n}{n!}\frac{d^n}{dx^n}
Why this is translational operator?
##e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}f(x)=f(x+\alpha)##
 
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taylor expansion? :wink:
 
Consider alpha to be an infinitesimal translation. Expand f(x+\alpha ) for small \alpha to first order.

Do the same for the LHS of the equation and you should see that the equality is true for infinitesimal translations. We say that the operator \frac{d}{dx} (technically \frac{d}{idx}) is the 'generator' of the translation.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch by TT!
 
I have a problem with that. So
f(x+\alpha)=f(x)+\alpha f'(x)+...
My problem is that we have ##\frac{df}{dx}## and that isn't value in some fixed point ##x##. This is the value in some fixed point ##(\frac{df}{dx})_{x_0}##.
 
matematikuvol said:
I have a problem with that. So
f(x+\alpha)=f(x)+\alpha f'(x)+...
My problem is that we have ##\frac{df}{dx}## and that isn't value in some fixed point ##x##. This is the value in some fixed point ##(\frac{df}{dx})_{x_0}##.

I am not sure about your question. But that translation operator is a generic operator, which translate a function value at x to x+a.
 
In Taylor series x is fixed, while in ##\frac{df}{dx}## ##x## isn't fixed. Well you suppose that is.
 
matematikuvol said:
I have a problem with that. So
f(x+\alpha)=f(x)+\alpha f'(x)+...
My problem is that we have ##\frac{df}{dx}## and that isn't value in some fixed point ##x##. This is the value in some fixed point ##(\frac{df}{dx})_{x_0}##.

yes, but x here is a constant, and only α is the variable

if you prefer, write f(xo + α) = f(xo) + α∂f/∂x|xo + … :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
yes, but x here is a constant, and only α is the variable

if you prefer, write f(xo + α) = f(xo) + α∂f/∂x|xo + … :wink:

Ok but that is equal to
\sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{\alpha^n}{n!}(\frac{df}{dx})_{x_0}
and how to expand now
e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}
 
no, it's \sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{\alpha^n}{n!}\left(\frac{d^nf}{dx^n}\right)_{x_0} :wink:
 
  • #10
I made a mistake. But I'm asking when you get that ##(\frac{d^n}{dx^n})_{x_0}##? Please answer my question if you know. In
e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}=1+\alpha\frac{d}{dx}+\frac{\alpha^2}{2!}\frac{d^2}{dx^2}+...
you never have ##x_0##.
 
  • #11
\left(e^{\alpha\frac{d}{dx}}(f(x))\right)_{x_o}
= \left(\left(1+\alpha\frac{d}{dx}+\frac{\alpha^2}{2!}\frac{d^2}{dx^2}+...\right)(f(x))\right)_{x_o}
= \sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{\alpha^n}{n!}\left(\frac{d^nf}{dx^n}\right)_{x_0}
 

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