Unraveling the Chain Rule in Differentials

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the chain rule in the context of the wave equation \(u_{tt} - u_{xx} = \sin(u)\) and the transformation \(U(\eta) = u(x - ct)\). The transformation leads to the equation \((1 - c^2)U_{\eta\eta} = \sin(u)\). The user questions the derivation of the term \(1 - c^2\) from the chain rule application, specifically regarding the partial derivatives \(\partial_x\) and \(\partial_t\) in relation to \(\eta = x - ct\). The correct application of the chain rule yields \(u_{\eta\eta}(c^2 - 1) = \sin(u)\), prompting clarification on the sign and formulation of the transformation.

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Dustinsfl
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Take \(U(\eta) = u(x - ct)\) and the wave equation \(u_{tt} - u_{xx} = \sin(u)\). Then making the transformation, we have
\[
(1 - c^2)U_{\eta\eta} = \sin(u).
\]
My question is the chain rule on the differential.
\[
U_{\eta} = \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \frac{\partial x}{\partial\eta} + \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} \frac{\partial t}{\partial\eta}
\]
but this doesn't seem to work out correctly.
 
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Re: chain rule of differentials

If I take \(\eta = x - ct\), then
\[
\partial_x = \partial_{\eta}\frac{\partial\eta}{\partial x} = \partial_{\eta}
\]
and
\[
\partial_t = \partial_{\eta}\frac{\partial\eta}{\partial t} = -c\partial_{\eta}
\]
Therefore, the transformation yields
\[
u_{\eta\eta}(c^2 - 1) = \sin(u).
\]
How do am I suppose to get \(1 - c^2\)?
 

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