Quick question about integration

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of simplifying an integral by using a change of variables. The goal is to simplify an integral with the function R(t1,t2) by using the substitution t1' = t1 and t2' = t1 - tau. The integration bounds and the value of dt1' in the outer integral are uncertain, but the final result is supposed to be (1/T^2) * integral from -T to T of (T - |tau|)R(tau). The conversation also mentions the use of s instead of tau for simplicity and the determinant of the Jacobian in the coordinate transformation.
  • #1
dand5
28
0
I have a quick question about integration after a change of variables has been made.

Suppose there is a function [tex] R(t_{1},t_{2}) [/tex] that actually just
depends on the difference [tex] t_{1} - t_{2} [/tex]. The goal is then to
simplify the following integral:

[tex]
\frac{1}{T^{2}}\int^{T}_{0}\int^{T}_{0} R(t_{1},t_{2}) dt_{1}dt_{2}
[/tex]

by using the substitution [tex] t_{1}' = t_{1} [/tex] and [tex] t_{2}'= t_{1} - \tau [/tex].

A straight substitution yields:
[tex]
\frac{1}{T^{2}}\int \int^{T}_{0} R(\tau) dt_{1}'(dt_{1}' - d\tau)
[/tex]

I am uncertain about two things:

1) the integration bounds on the outer integral after the substitution has been made
2) whether or not [tex]dt_{1}'[/tex] in the outer integral is zero since
[tex]dt_{1}[/tex] is held constant when integrating over [tex]dt_{2}[/tex] before the substitution was made.

As a heads up the final result is supposed to be:
[tex]
\frac{1}{T^{2}}\int^{T}_{-T}\left(T-\left|\tau\right|\right)R(\tau) d\tau
[/tex]

Thanks in advance for any responses.
 
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  • #2
To simplify writing I will use s instead of tau.

Let s=t1-t2, t=t2. Then the differential looks like R(s)dsdt, with s limits -t,T-t and the t limits 0,T.

Next reverse the order of integration. The t limit is split into 2 parts. For s<0, the limits are -s and T, while for s>0, the limits are 0 and T-s. The s limits are -T and T.

When you integrate with respect to t, you get T-|s|.
 
  • #3
ok I see it now, Thanks. Also, the determinant of the Jacobian of the coordinate transformation is 1, so I guess it is correct to say that dt1dt2=dsdt.
 

1. What is integration?

Integration is a mathematical process that involves finding the area under a curve or the accumulation of a quantity over a given interval. It is commonly used in calculus and has many real-life applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

2. How is integration different from differentiation?

Integration and differentiation are inverse processes. While differentiation finds the rate of change of a function, integration finds the original function given its derivative. Integration is the opposite of differentiation and can be thought of as "undoing" the process of differentiation.

3. What are the different types of integration?

The two main types of integration are definite and indefinite. In definite integration, the limits of integration (the starting and ending points of the interval) are specified, and the result is a single numerical value. In indefinite integration, the result is a general function with a constant of integration, and the limits of integration are not specified.

4. What are some common integration techniques?

Some common integration techniques include substitution, integration by parts, and trigonometric substitution. These techniques allow us to solve integrals that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to solve using basic integration rules.

5. What are some real-life applications of integration?

Integration has many real-life applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. It is used to calculate areas and volumes, find the center of mass of an object, and determine the work done by a force. In economics, integration is used to calculate the total revenue and total cost of a business, which can help in making important financial decisions.

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