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The Bochner Formula via Volume Variations (1306.3897v1)
Published 17 Jun 2013 in math.DG and math.AP
Abstract: In this short paper, we re-derive the Bochner formula for the Laplacian by considering local variations of volume. The derivation is rooted in the fact that the Laplacian of a function measures the volume variation along the flow of the gradient vector of the function. Possible extensions of this approach/technique are also discussed. While the value of this approach may be limited in terms of research, we think it definitely has pedagogical value.