Vectors differentiation formulas for Dot and Box Product how?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the differentiation formulas for the dot product and the scalar triple product of vectors. Participants explore the implications of these formulas, particularly regarding the nature of derivatives of scalar quantities and the conditions under which they yield non-zero results.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present differentiation formulas for the dot product and scalar triple product of vectors, questioning how these can yield non-zero results if the derivatives of scalars are zero when constant.
  • Others argue that the derivative of a scalar is zero only if the scalar is constant, suggesting that the dot product can be a non-constant function.
  • A participant emphasizes that vectors do not have to be constant, implying that their derivatives can contribute to non-zero results.
  • One participant requests an example to clarify the differentiation process, indicating a need for further explanation.
  • A later reply provides a specific example involving vectors and their derivatives, demonstrating the application of the product rule in the context of the dot product.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the differentiation formulas, with some asserting that the scalar nature of the results leads to zero derivatives, while others maintain that non-constant vectors can yield non-zero derivatives. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of these formulas.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the conditions under which the derivatives of the dot product and scalar triple product yield non-zero results, as well as the implications of scalar constancy in this context.

abrowaqas
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Let A ,B and C represent vectors.
we have

1) d/dt (A . B) = A. dB/dt + dA/dt .B

2) d/dt [ A . (BxC) ] = A . (Bx dC/dt) + A . ( dB/dt x C) + dA/dt . (B xC)

now the problem in these formulas is that
we know that Dot product between two vectors and Scalar triple product of vectors is always a scalar. now if we find their derivative it results always Zero.

then how these formulas has been defined since the derivative remains zero always for constant hence it always yield zero result.

please explain
 
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hi abrowaqas! :smile:
abrowaqas said:
we know that Dot product between two vectors and Scalar triple product of vectors is always a scalar. now if we find their derivative it results always Zero.

no … the derivative of a scalar is zero only if the scalar is constant :confused:
 
abrowaqas said:
Let A ,B and C represent vectors.
we have

1) d/dt (A . B) = A. dB/dt + dA/dt .B

2) d/dt [ A . (BxC) ] = A . (Bx dC/dt) + A . ( dB/dt x C) + dA/dt . (B xC)

now the problem in these formulas is that
we know that Dot product between two vectors and Scalar triple product of vectors is always a scalar. now if we find their derivative it results always Zero.

then how these formulas has been defined since the derivative remains zero always for constant hence it always yield zero result.

please explain

A vector doesn't have to be constant.
 
I think you are just confused ( or I'm confused about what you are asking ):

if f is a function that is a "constant" function , so that f ( x ) = a fixed c for all x's, then Df = 0

You can see that the dot product of two vectors v( t ) , w( t ) can be a non constant function, even though the result is a scalar. Since the dot product of two different pairs of vectors can give you different results
 
Thanks Wisvuse..
I got it but can you explain it by giving one example..
 
Let u be the vector <t, 0, 3t>, v be the vector <t^2, t- 1, 2t>. Then the dot product of u and v is t^3+ 6t^2 and the derivative of that is 3t^2+ 12t.

The derivative of u is <1, 0, 3> and the derivative of v is <2t, 1, 2>. The "product rule gives the derivative of u dot v as u'v+ uv'= <1, 0, 3>.<t^2, t-1, 2t>+ <t, 0, 3t>.<2t, 1, 2>= (t^2+ 6t)+ (2t^2+ 6t)= 3t^2+ 12t as before.
 

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