Vector field and differential form confusion

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between vector fields and differential forms, emphasizing their dual nature in mathematics. It asserts that the expression \frac { \partial } { \partial u } is not a vector field and corrects a misinterpretation of the expression \frac { \partial } { \partial u } = \frac { \partial u } { \partial x } \frac { \partial } { \partial x } + \frac { \partial u } { \partial y } \frac { \partial } { \partial y }. The correct formulation is \frac { \partial } { \partial u } = \frac { \partial x } { \partial u } \frac { \partial } { \partial x } + \frac { \partial y } { \partial u } \frac { \partial } { \partial y }, where x and y are functions of u and v.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields and differential forms
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives
  • Knowledge of multivariable calculus
  • Basic concepts of dual spaces in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of differential forms in advanced calculus
  • Learn about the applications of vector fields in physics
  • Explore the concept of dual spaces in linear algebra
  • Investigate the relationship between partial derivatives and coordinate transformations
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying advanced calculus or differential geometry will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement
We have xy-plane, which is has a mapping (x,y). Another map is (u,v) and the transformation of coordinates are u=4x+3y and v=x+y.

1. Write vector field \frac{\partial}{\partial u} in the map (x,y)

2. Write the 1-form du in the map (x,y)
Relevant Equations
u=4x+3y and v=x+y.
Here is a picture of the solution I made :

1697563788231.png
So my question is: Are these right and how do they differ from each other?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In a formal Mathematical sense, they're duals to each other. Differential forms are evaluated at Vector Fields to produce numbers.
 
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## \text { The first thing: } ##
## \frac { \partial } { \partial u } \text { is not a vector field. } ##

## \text { The second thing: } ##
## \text { The expression } \frac { \partial } { \partial u } = \frac { \partial u } { \partial x } \frac { \partial } { \partial x } + \frac { \partial u } { \partial y } \frac { \partial } { \partial y } \text { is not a correct expression. } ##
## \text { It should be } \frac { \partial } { \partial u } = \frac { \partial x } { \partial u } \frac { \partial } { \partial x } + \frac { \partial y } { \partial u } \frac { \partial } { \partial y } \text { where } x \text { and } y \text { are functions of } u \text { and } v \text { . } ##
 
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