Homogeneous function of degree n

In summary, the conversation is discussing a proof involving the gradient of a function and its derivatives. The discussion also touches on the connection to Euler's identity and the use of the natural logarithm. The proof is important in understanding transcendental functions and their relation to physics. However, there is confusion about the disappearance of a term in the proof.
  • #1
clairaut
72
0
I can't see the proof clearly.

Gradient [f(tx,ty)] dot
<d/dt (tx) , d/dt (ty)> =
d/dt [f(tx,ty)] = n * t^(n-1) * [f(x,y)]

I don't see how the t^(n-1) term disappears.

HELP
 
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  • #2
Help me!
 
  • #3
Echo!
 
  • #4
This proof is fundamental to our understanding of transcendental functions.

This proof is intimately connected to Euler's identity in that mass raised to the power of a rational number should equal e raised to the velocity function as fxn of mass.

Propulsion can also be designed in a cyclic process that is as stable as the circular motion that contains the constant centripetal acceleration.

Also, the circular wheel contains innate structural stability due to the forces pushing inward toward the center that causes tangential velocity.

Euler's number is so integral to the formation of a circle that there is an operator that brings out the power placed on the base as a multiple of the original function. This operator is known as the natural logarithm.

This proof must be understood
well!

Can somebody continue on with this incredible proof?

Prove inside this physics forum who is the real master of mathematical physics.
 
  • #5
clairaut said:
I can't see the proof clearly.

Gradient [f(tx,ty)] dot
<d/dt (tx) , d/dt (ty)> =
d/dt [f(tx,ty)] = n * t^(n-1) * [f(x,y)]

I don't see how the t^(n-1) term disappears.

HELP

The result is true for all [itex]t \in \mathbb{R}[/itex], so in particular it is true for [itex]t = 1[/itex]. Hence [tex]
\mathbf{x} \cdot \nabla f = n 1^{n-1} f(\mathbf{x}) = n f(\mathbf{x})[/tex] as required.
 

Related to Homogeneous function of degree n

1. What is a homogeneous function of degree n?

A homogeneous function of degree n is a mathematical function in which each term has the same degree n when all variables are raised to the same power. This means that if you multiply all the variables by a constant, the resulting function will also be multiplied by that same constant.

2. What is the significance of a homogeneous function in mathematics?

Homogeneous functions are important in mathematics because they exhibit certain properties that make them useful in solving equations and studying relationships between variables. They also have applications in areas such as economics, physics, and engineering.

3. How do you determine if a function is homogeneous of degree n?

To determine if a function is homogeneous of degree n, you can use the Euler's homogeneous function theorem. This theorem states that if a function f(x1, x2,...,xn) is homogeneous of degree n, then it satisfies the equation x1∂f/∂x1 + x2∂f/∂x2 + ... + xn∂f/∂xn = nf, where ∂f/∂xi represents the partial derivative of f with respect to xi.

4. Can a function be homogeneous of more than one degree?

No, a function can only be homogeneous of one degree. This is because the degree of a homogeneous function is defined as the sum of the exponents on all the variables, and if the function had multiple degrees, it would not satisfy the property of homogeneity.

5. How are homogeneous functions related to homogeneous polynomials?

Homogeneous functions and homogeneous polynomials are closely related. A homogeneous polynomial is a polynomial in which all terms have the same degree, and thus can be considered as a special case of a homogeneous function. However, not all homogeneous functions are polynomials, as they can also involve other mathematical operations such as logarithms and trigonometric functions.

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