What is a Partial Differential Equation? - 1 | 1. Formation of Partial Differential Equations | Mathematics - iii (Differential Calculus) - Vol 2
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1 - What is a Partial Differential Equation?

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's begin with the concept of Partial Differential Equations, or PDEs. A PDE contains partial derivatives of a function that depends on two or more independent variables. Can anyone share why we might need PDEs in real-world applications?

Student 1
Student 1

Maybe for modeling things like heat distribution or fluid flow?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! They are essential in modeling behaviors in fluids, heat transfer, and even electromagnetism. Now, what do you think the term 'partial' refers to?

Student 2
Student 2

I think it relates to how the equation only concerns some variables, not all of them together?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! The 'partial' refers to derivatives taken with respect to a subset of variables.

Formation of PDEs

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Teacher
Teacher

Now that we know what PDEs are, let's discuss their formation. When forming a PDE, we eliminate arbitrary constants or functions from a given equation. What does this elimination achieve?

Student 3
Student 3

It probably helps to simplify the equation, making it more general?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It leads to a broader class of functions that satisfy our equation. Can anyone give an example of how we might eliminate constants?

Student 4
Student 4

We could differentiate with respect to variables and then solve for constants?

Teacher
Teacher

Right on! This is the primary technique we will use. Let's look at an example together.

Example of Eliminating Constants

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s consider the function z = ax + by + c, where a, b, and c are arbitrary constants. Can someone start by telling me how we would differentiate this?

Student 1
Student 1

We would differentiate with respect to x and y?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! After that, we substitute back into the original equation. Can anyone describe what happens when we eliminate the constant c?

Student 2
Student 2

We simplify the equation to find the PDE!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! That's an essential step in the formation process!

Example of Eliminating Functions

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s move on to forming PDEs by eliminating functions. Can anyone describe what step we take with a function involving arbitrary functions, like z = f(xΒ² + yΒ²)?

Student 3
Student 3

We first express the function in terms of u, where u = xΒ² + yΒ², and then differentiate?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! And how do we eliminate the function f'?

Student 4
Student 4

By relating p and q in terms of the variables.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Great teamwork solving that.

Summary of Formation Techniques

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Teacher
Teacher

As we wrap up our discussion on PDEs, can someone summarize how we form such equations from functions?

Student 1
Student 1

We can eliminate constants by differentiating and substituting them back in, or eliminate functions using relationships.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent summary! Remember, understanding these steps is key to applying PDEs effectively. Great job today, everyone!

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are essential equations involving partial derivatives of multivariable functions, crucial across various scientific fields.

Standard

This section introduces Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), focusing on their formation through the elimination of arbitrary constants or functions. It outlines the importance of PDEs in fields like fluid dynamics and heat transfer while explaining methodologies to derive them from general functions.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are equations that contain partial derivatives of multivariable functions. They are critical in modeling scenarios in various fields such as fluid dynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetism, and engineering mechanics. The section discusses how to form a PDE by eliminating arbitrary constants or functions from given equations. This formation process leads to obtaining a PDE representing a whole class of functions that satisfy a specific physical or geometric condition.

Key Points:

  • Definition of PDE: An equation involving partial derivatives, such as the example of the Laplace Equation:
    $$\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2u}{\partial y^2} = 0$$
    where \( u = u(x, y) \).
  • Formation by Eliminating Constants: This involves differentiating functions with arbitrary constants, then solving to eliminate those constants and form a PDE.
  • Formation by Eliminating Functions: This method utilizes relationships between variables to eliminate arbitrary functions, leading to the formulation of PDEs.
  • Significance: Understanding the formation of PDEs is fundamental for solving real-world problems in various sciences and engineering disciplines.

Youtube Videos

But what is a partial differential equation?  | DE2
But what is a partial differential equation? | DE2

Audio Book

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Definition of Partial Differential Equation

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A Partial Differential Equation is an equation that contains the partial derivatives of a multivariable function.

Detailed Explanation

A Partial Differential Equation (PDE) is a mathematical equation that describes how a multivariable function changes with respect to its independent variables through partial derivatives. Unlike ordinary differential equations, which involve functions of a single variable, PDEs account for functions that depend on two or more variables. This makes PDEs crucial for modeling complex systems where multiple factors influence the outcome.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a weather forecasting model. The temperature at any point on the Earth's surface is influenced by various factors, such as time of day, location (latitude and longitude), and atmospheric conditions. A PDE can describe how temperature changes over different times and places by accounting for these multiple variables.

Example of a Partial Differential Equation

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For example:
\[ \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2} = 0 \]
Here, u = u(x, y), and this is a second-order linear homogeneous PDE, also known as the Laplace Equation.

Detailed Explanation

The provided example features a specific partial differential equation known as the Laplace Equation. It shows how the second partial derivatives of a function u with respect to the variables x and y can equal zero. This type of PDE is prevalent in physics as it describes steady-state solutions in heat conduction and electrostatics, indicating that the system has reached equilibrium.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a flat metal plate that has been heated uniformly. The distribution of temperature across the plate reaches a stable state over time, where no heat is being transferred in or out of any part of the plate. The Laplace equation models this stable temperature distribution, ensuring that temperature changes are properly represented across a two-dimensional space.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Partial Differential Equations: Equations involving partial derivatives of functions.

  • Formation of PDEs: Process of eliminating arbitrary constants or functions to obtain a PDE.

  • Differentiation: Technique used to eliminate variables in formation of PDEs.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Example 1: z = ax + by + c leads to a PDE through partial differentiation and elimination of constants.

  • Example 2: z = f(xΒ² + yΒ²) results in a PDE by expressing the function and eliminating through differentiation.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • PDEs derive from flows and heat, where variables meet and equations greet.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a scientist trying to predict the flow of heat in a pot. The equations they derive from observations turn into PDEs, guiding their study of temperature changes over time.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the steps: DICE: Differentiate, Identify constants/functions, Cancel them, Express as PDE!

🎯 Super Acronyms

PDE

  • Partial Derivative Equation

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Partial Differential Equation (PDE)

    Definition:

    An equation that contains partial derivatives of a multivariable function.

  • Term: Independent Variables

    Definition:

    Variables that stand alone and are not affected by other variables in the context.

  • Term: Arbitrary Constants

    Definition:

    Constants that can take any value; they are not fixed.

  • Term: Arbitrary Functions

    Definition:

    Functions that are not explicitly defined but represent classes of functions.