Can integral be replaced by constant

In summary: Let me summarize the conversation for you:We are discussing the validity of a step in a mathematical equation involving constants a and b. The equation involves definite integrals and we are trying to determine if an integral can be replaced by a constant. However, there seems to be an error in the integration by parts formula used, which needs to be corrected before we can determine the validity of the step.
  • #1
smslce
1
0
Let a,b are constants.
[tex]a=\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx [/tex]
and
[tex]b=\int_{-∏}^∏ {g(x)f(x)}\,dx,[/tex]
Then by integration byparts, we have ,
b = [tex](\left.g(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx)\right|_{-∏}^∏-\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx \,dx [/tex]

Is below step valid.
b = [tex]a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏-a\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\,dx [/tex]

I am not able to find it googling. Can an integral be replaced by a constant.
FYI : This came up when I am working on computing binomial coefficients with their trignometric form.
 
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  • #2
Yes, of course, a definite integral, which is, by definition, a constant, can be replaced by that constant.
 
  • #3
smslce said:
Let a,b are constants.
[tex]a=\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx [/tex]
and
[tex]b=\int_{-∏}^∏ {g(x)f(x)}\,dx,[/tex]
Then by integration byparts, we have ,
b = [tex](\left.g(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx)\right|_{-∏}^∏-\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx \,dx [/tex]

Those integrals of f(x) must be indefinite integrals. You can't use definite integrals like that in the parts formula.

Is below step valid.
b = [tex]a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏-a\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\,dx [/tex]

No, that isn't valid. If you take another step, you'll see that

[tex]b = a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏-a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏ = 0[/tex]

For all f(x) and g(x). Which clearly isn't correct.
 
  • #4
smslce said:
Let a,b are constants.
[tex]a=\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx [/tex]
and
[tex]b=\int_{-∏}^∏ {g(x)f(x)}\,dx,[/tex]
Then by integration byparts, we have ,
b = [tex](\left.g(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx)\right|_{-∏}^∏-\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx \,dx [/tex]

Is below step valid.
b = [tex]a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏-a\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\,dx [/tex]

I am not able to find it googling. Can an integral be replaced by a constant.
FYI : This came up when I am working on computing binomial coefficients with their trignometric form.
Your integration by parts formula looks wrong.
[tex]\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx \,dx [/tex]
should be:
[tex]\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)F(x)dx [/tex]
where F(x) is the indefinite integral of f(x).
 
  • #5
They must be indefinite integrals in order to do so, unless it is invalid.
I think you have made a mistake somewhere in your working.
 
  • #6
smslce said:
Let a,b are constants.
[tex]a=\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx [/tex]
and
[tex]b=\int_{-∏}^∏ {g(x)f(x)}\,dx,[/tex]
Then by integration byparts, we have ,
b = [tex](\left.g(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx)\right|_{-∏}^∏-\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx \,dx [/tex]

Is below step valid.
b = [tex]a(\left.g(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏-a\int_{-∏}^∏g'(x)\,dx [/tex]

I am not able to find it googling. Can an integral be replaced by a constant.
FYI : This came up when I am working on computing binomial coefficients with their trignometric form.

Further error:
[tex](\left.g(x)\int_{-∏}^∏ f(x)\,dx)\right|_{-∏}^∏[/tex]
should be:
[tex](\left.g(x)F(x))\right|_{-∏}^∏[/tex]
where F(x) is the indefinte integral of f(x)
 

1. Can an integral be replaced by a constant?

Yes, an integral can sometimes be replaced by a constant. This is known as the constant of integration and is typically added to the end of an indefinite integral to account for any missing information.

2. When can an integral be replaced by a constant?

An integral can be replaced by a constant when it is a definite integral with limits of integration that are the same value. In this case, the integral evaluates to 0 and can be replaced by a constant.

3. Is it always possible to replace an integral with a constant?

No, it is not always possible to replace an integral with a constant. This is because the constant of integration is only applicable in certain cases, such as when the integral has a known value at its limits of integration.

4. How does replacing an integral with a constant affect the solution?

Replacing an integral with a constant does not affect the overall solution, as the constant is simply used to account for any missing information in the integral. It does not change the fundamental nature of the solution.

5. What is the purpose of the constant of integration in calculus?

The constant of integration serves as a placeholder for any missing information in an indefinite integral. It allows for a more general solution that can account for varying starting points or conditions.

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