Converting an Integral to a Rieman Sum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of converting a definite integral into a Riemann sum, specifically focusing on the integral ∫0n (sin x + x) dx. Participants explore methods and steps involved in this conversion, touching on concepts related to Riemann integrability and the use of partitions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to convert the integral ∫0n (sin x + x) dx into a Riemann sum, indicating uncertainty about the process.
  • Another participant notes that the function is Riemann integrable and suggests using the fundamental theorem of calculus to find a closed form expression in terms of G(n) - G(0), where G(x) is the appropriate anti-derivative.
  • A third participant explains that since f(x) = sin x + x is continuous everywhere, it is Riemann integrable on any finite interval and proposes a specific partition for the interval [0, n], leading to a limit expression for the Riemann sum.
  • A fourth participant adds steps to the conversion process, detailing how to partition the domain and select points within each subinterval to form the Riemann sum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps involved in converting the integral to a Riemann sum, but there are variations in the specific methods and details presented, indicating that multiple approaches exist.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the choice of partition and the selection of points within subintervals are not explicitly stated, which may affect the interpretation of the Riemann sum.

smize
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I know I should know this, but how would one convert a typical integral into a Rieman Sum?

0n sinx + x dx for whatever n.

for example.
 
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smize said:
I know I should know this, but how would one convert a typical integral into a Rieman Sum?

0n sinx + x dx for whatever n.

for example.

This function happens to be Riemann Integrable with closed form anti-derivatives: try using the fundamental theorem of calculus to get a closed form expression in terms of G(n) - G(0) where G(x) is the appropriate anti-derivative.
 
smize said:
I know I should know this, but how would one convert a typical integral into a Rieman Sum?

0n sinx + x dx for whatever n.

for example.
Well, since the function [itex]\,f(x)=\sin x + x\,[/itex] is continuous everywhere, it is Riemann integrable in any finite

interval, and we can choose any partition for it we want, for example the partition
[tex]x_0=0\,,\,x_1=\frac{n}{k}\,,\,x_2=\frac{2n}{k},...,x_k=\frac{kn}{k}=n[/tex]
for the interval [itex]\,[0,n]\,[/itex] , thus

[tex]\int_0^n (\sin x +x)dx=\lim_{k\to\infty}\frac{1}{k}\sum_{i=1}^k \left( \sin \frac{in}{k}+\frac{in}{k} \right)[/tex]

DonAntonio
 
To add to Don Antonio's comment:

1) Partition your domain of integration [a,b] into a collection a=x0,

x1,...,xn=b .

2)Select a point xi* in each (xi-1,xi).

3)Form the sum Ʃi=1,..,Nf(xi*)(xi-xi-1)

In your case, f(xi*)=xi*+sin(xi*)
 

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