Explaining the differential operator found in Physics equations.

I'm new to this exchange so please bear with me regarding notation. I would like to know what the differential operator $d^n$ means as seen in some physics equations. Normally, one would have an integral with a $dx$ or $dy$ (whatever the case might be), but the differentials I am talking about are of the form $(d^n)x$. (please note that I'm aware of those in tensor calculus, of the form $d(x^n)$ - I'm not referring to those.) Please help.

• Could you give an example of its use? Context will be important. – Simon S Jun 6 '15 at 16:31

An example: $d^3x = dxdydz$, In general $d^n x$ is a symbol used for the volume element under integration.

For example $\int f(x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4) d^4 x$ means you have to perform 4 integrals, not just one, over a 4-volume domain.

Quite generally:

$$d^n x = d x_1 dx_2 \cdots dx_n$$ In this sense $d^n$ is not an operator, but rather a shorthand.

• Sometimes they may even write it with boldface $d^n\mathbf x$ to show $\mathbf x$ is $(x_1,\dots,x_n)$ – GEdgar Jun 6 '15 at 17:21
• I'm not sure if your first example is a bad example for your first, or you misunderstand the meaning of $x$ mean $\mathrm{d}^3 x$; it's only accurate if you are writing $x = (x,y,z)$. Usually, we have some other symbol to denote the tuple of coordinate functions; e.g. $\vec{r} = (x,y,z)$, and then we would write $\mathrm{d}^3 \vec{r} = \mathrm{d}x\,\mathrm{d}y\,\mathrm{d}z$. – user14972 Jun 6 '15 at 17:50
• I think that it is a matter of convention, the OP asked specifically for the meaning of the symbol $d^n x$, the first example was intended to clarify making reference to a commonly used notation $(x,y,z)$. Without further context it is hard to choose a symbol to be used. It is also assumed that he/she will also recognise that $x=x_1,~y=x_2,~z=x_3$ in the last line. – Rogelio Molina Jun 6 '15 at 18:15
• Rogelio Molina explained it well and I understood it. Otherwise, I agree that the context would then dictate notation. – Utonium S Jun 6 '15 at 21:06
• @Hurkyl: I don't think it's uncommon for vector x to equal (x,y,z). If you're teaching novices, of course you would use a different letter to avoid confusion, but otherwise it's not something the average physicist would worry about, IMO. (In QM, IIRC, the convention is to use x for position; using r would be liable to confuse the reader.) – Harry Johnston Jun 6 '15 at 23:48