Vector Calculus: Mesh Size and Size of Largest Rectangle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a sequence of partitions of the rectangle R=[0,1]x[0,1] such that as the number of partitions increases, the area of the largest subinterval approaches zero while maintaining a non-zero mesh size. Participants are exploring the implications of partitioning in a two-dimensional context, particularly focusing on the definitions and characteristics of mesh size.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to define the mesh size and its relationship to the dimensions of the rectangles formed by the partitions. There are questions about how to ensure that the mesh size remains non-zero while the area of the largest subinterval approaches zero. Some participants are considering the implications of using long, skinny rectangles and how that affects the mesh size.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of definitions and properties related to mesh size in the context of two-dimensional partitions. Some participants are questioning the appropriateness of terms used to describe dimensions and are seeking clarification on how to apply these concepts correctly. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of mesh size in a two-dimensional setting, which may differ from one-dimensional interpretations. There is a focus on the characteristics of partitions and the dimensions of rectangles used in the analysis.

gradivcurl
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Homework Statement


I need to find a sequence of partitions , let's call it S of R=[0,1]x[0,1] such that as the number of partitions k→∞ , then limit of the area of the largest subinterval of the rectangle in the partition, denoted a(S) tends to 0, but the mesh size m(S) is a non-zero value.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



If I denote Δx_i as the partition width for the i-th interval and say Δx_i = (i2/k2)-((i-1)2/k2) = (2i-1)/(k2). Then the width of the largest subinterval will approach 0 as k→∞, which in turn means the the area of the largest subinterval will go to 0. However, I'm unsure how to show the mesh size for the partition can't be 0? Any help is appreciated.
 
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gradivcurl said:

Homework Statement


I need to find a sequence of partitions , let's call it S of R=[0,1]x[0,1] such that as the number of partitions k→∞ , then limit of the area of the largest subinterval of the rectangle in the partition, denoted a(S) tends to 0, but the mesh size m(S) is a non-zero value.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



If I denote Δx_i as the partition width for the i-th interval and say Δx_i = (i2/k2)-((i-1)2/k2) = (2i-1)/(k2). Then the width of the largest subinterval will approach 0 as k→∞, which in turn means the the area of the largest subinterval will go to 0. However, I'm unsure how to show the mesh size for the partition can't be 0? Any help is appreciated.
See https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/vector-calculus-problem.794242/
 
How small can the mesh size of a partition having a long single long skinny rectangle be? Say the rectangle has height ##1## and (narrow) width ##w##.
 
LCKurtz said:
How small can the mesh size of a partition having a long single long skinny rectangle be? Say the rectangle has height ##1## and (narrow) width ##w##.

Would the mesh size just be ##w## ?
 
What is the definition of mesh size? Suppose your mesh was just this one rectangle? What would its mesh size be by that definition?
 
LCKurtz said:
What is the definition of mesh size? Suppose your mesh was just this one rectangle? What would its mesh size be by that definition?

The mesh size is the greatest widthed partition in the interval [a,b]?
 
gradivcurl said:
The mesh size is the greatest widthed partition in the interval [a,b]?
Remember this is a 2D partition. You are dividing a 2d region into rectangles, not dividing an interval [a,b] into subintervals. These rectangles form a partition of an area. The term "width" isn't really appropriate. Think in terms of largest "diameter" of the rectangle. So what would be the mesh size of the single rectangle I mentioned?
 
LCKurtz said:
Remember this is a 2D partition. You are dividing a 2d region into rectangles, not dividing an interval [a,b] into subintervals. These rectangles form a partition of an area. The term "width" isn't really appropriate. Think in terms of largest "diameter" of the rectangle. So what would be the mesh size of the single rectangle I mentioned?

Since you are dividing the y coordinate as well, will the area be w^2 ?
 
  • #10
LCKurtz said:
Remember this is a 2D partition. You are dividing a 2d region into rectangles, not dividing an interval [a,b] into subintervals. These rectangles form a partition of an area. The term "width" isn't really appropriate. Think in terms of largest "diameter" of the rectangle. So what would be the mesh size of the single rectangle I mentioned?

gradivcurl said:
Since you are dividing the y coordinate as well, will the area be w^2 ?
Apparently you are just guessing. That sentence doesn't make any sense to me. I didn't ask about the area of that rectangle, and even if I did, the area of a ##1## by ##w## rectangle certainly isn't ##w^2##. Please reread my quoted post and answer the last question.
 

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