Can You Pull Out 1/dx in Differential Equations?

  • Thread starter RandomGuy88
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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of pulling a 1/dx out of an equation and its meaning. The speaker mentions that while it is possible, there are certain requirements that the function must meet. The original question is whether this manipulation is valid and the speaker clarifies that it is possible but not preferred by mathematicians. The conversation ends with an example to illustrate the concept.
  • #1
RandomGuy88
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I am wondering if this is valid.

(de/dx) + (1/p)(dP/dx) = (1/dx)(de +(1/p)dP)

Basically are you allowed to pull a 1/dx out of the equation?
 
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  • #2
What would 1/dx even mean?
 
  • #3
Yes it is possible, although a mathematician would not like it :biggrin:. There are certain requirements the function must meet before you are allowed to treat the differentials like parts of a fraction which I don't know off the top of my head.
 
  • #4
Thanks for the replies. I am not sure what 1/dx would mean. In fact that is why I am asking this question, because I didn't think it would mean anything and therefore is wrong.
 
  • #5
Let's say I have [tex] {df \over dt} = 3t^2[/tex] and you just pulled out the 1/dt to get [tex]{1 \over {dt}}(df) = 3t^2[/tex]. There is nothing special going on.
 

FAQ: Can You Pull Out 1/dx in Differential Equations?

Is it valid to pull out 1/dx when integrating?

Yes, it is valid to pull out 1/dx when integrating as it follows the standard rules of integration. This rule is known as the reverse power rule and it states that the integral of x^n is equal to (1/(n+1))x^(n+1) + C.

What is the purpose of pulling out 1/dx when integrating?

The purpose of pulling out 1/dx when integrating is to simplify the integral and make it easier to solve. It also helps to identify the correct substitution for integration by u-substitution.

Can 1/dx be pulled out of any integral?

No, 1/dx can only be pulled out of integrals where the variable of integration is in the denominator. For example, it is valid to pull out 1/dx in an integral of 1/(x+1), but not in an integral of x^2.

Are there any limitations to pulling out 1/dx when integrating?

Yes, there are some limitations to pulling out 1/dx when integrating. It is not valid to pull out 1/dx if the integral has a different variable in the denominator, such as 1/dy or 1/dt. It is also not valid to pull out 1/dx if the integral is improper or if the variable of integration appears in a more complex function, such as sin(x)/x.

Are there any alternative methods to pulling out 1/dx when integrating?

Yes, there are alternative methods to pulling out 1/dx when integrating. One method is to use u-substitution, where the variable of integration is substituted with a new variable u to simplify the integral. Another method is to use integration by parts, which is useful for integrals that involve products of functions.

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