In calculus, why can we treat the dy and dx as if they are parts of fractions, multiplying both sides by dx in separable differential equations for instance.

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Mathematics

Howard Cannon

15 May, 23:56

In calculus, why can we treat the dy and dx as if they are parts of fractions, multiplying both sides by dx in separable differential equations for instance.

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Landen Wall · Answer 1

Because they are fractions. Although the purists will probably object there is no reason why we can't regard dy and dx as meaning a 'very very small bit of x and y'.