In general for a multivariable functions y(m,n), x(m,n), dy/dx=dy/dm dm/dx+dy/dn dn/dx (1) dx/dy=dx/dm dm/dy+dx/dn dn/dy so in general clearly (dy/dx)^−1 need not be equal to dx/dy.

Chelsea Lamb

Chelsea Lamb

Answered question

2022-09-20

In general for a multivariable functions y ( m , n ), x ( m , n ),
(1) d y d x = y m d m d x + y n d n d x
(2) d x d y = x m d m d y + x n d n d y
so in general clearly ( d y / d x ) 1 need not be equal to d x / d y.
Question is what is the precision Mathematical conditions on functions y ( m , n ) and x ( m , n ) under which this equality holds.

Answer & Explanation

Abram Jacobson

Abram Jacobson

Beginner2022-09-21Added 8 answers

Its only true when y is a single variable function of x, so
y = y ( x ) .
If y is a function of multiple variables, say y = y ( m , n ), then its derivative is really a vector.
y = ( y m , y n ) .
Furthermore, the derivative of x is also a vector, x.
Now, note that you can't even divide vectors even if you wanted to. In general, the expression y x
just makes no sense. So then, in the multivariable case, the expression d y d x
However, there is a special case in which it does make sense. That is when y really can be written as a function of x, i.e.
y ( m , n ) = f ( x ( m , n ) )
for some single variable function f. In this special case, y is actually parallel to x, so it sort of does make sense to take the quotient y / x. And also, because y = f ( x ), y really is in a way just a single variable function of x, and so your identity will hold only in this case.
Also, as written now, your equations ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) are simply incorrect. m and n are not functions of x, so the expression m / x doesn't make much sense. It's an incorrect application of the chain rule. Therefore you won't be able to prove anything from those starting points. To reiterate, the expression d y / d x just has no meaning when 𝑦 and x are general functions of m and n, simply because a value of x does not determine a unique value of y.
Colten Andrade

Colten Andrade

Beginner2022-09-22Added 3 answers

You're allowed to do this when you're working with functions of a single variable.
If you check, you'll find that in all examples in physics where d y / d x = ( d x / d y ) 1 is used, this is the case. Examples include the trajectory of a single particle, which can be parametrized as x ( t ), and the potential in a problem with spherical symmetry, which can be parametrized as V ( r ).

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