Definite integral with variable limits of a multivariable function.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a definite integral with variable limits of a multivariable function. Participants explore the implications of changing variables and the correct application of derivatives in the context of the integral, specifically focusing on the function f(x,y) = xy and its derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral involving f' and suggests a transformation using partial derivatives, questioning how to express the integral in terms of x and y.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using distinct variable names for the integrand and limits, and clarifies the meaning of f' in the context of a function of two variables.
  • A later reply reiterates the need for clarity in variable notation and provides a corrected form of the integral, applying the product rule for derivatives.
  • One participant acknowledges the confusion regarding notation and seeks to simplify the integrand, proposing a new integral based on g(u,v) = uv.
  • Another participant critiques the proposed integral, asserting that the notation used is incorrect and clarifies the evaluation of the integral with respect to the dummy variable g.
  • Finally, one participant expresses gratitude for the confirmation of their doubts regarding the correctness of the integral's formulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the correct formulation and interpretation of the integral, with no consensus reached on the proper approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of variable definitions and the application of derivatives, which remain unresolved throughout the discussion.

crocomut
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I have the following integral:

\int_0^{f(x,y)}{f' \sin(y-f')df'}

Now suppose that f(x,y) = x*y, my question is how do I write the integral in terms of x and y only? Can I do something like this?

Since df=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}dx+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}dy we can obtain:

\int_0^{x y}{x' y' \sin(y'-x' y') (\frac{\partial f'}{\partial x'}dx'+\frac{\partial f'}{\partial y'}dy'})
 
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First, you should be careful to use different letters for variables in the integrand and in the limits of integration. So write the integral as
\int_0^{f(x,y)} f'(u,v) sin(v- f'(u,v)) d(f'(uv))

Now, what do you mean by f' where f is a function of two variables? The derivative with respect to some parameter, t, so that df= (\partial f)(\partial x)(dx/dt)+ (\partial f)(\partial y)(dy/dt)? (NOT df'- that would involve two derivatives).

First, of course, if f= xy, then f' is NOT x'y'. By the product rule, f'= xy'+ x'y. And "y" in the sine would not automatically become y'. The integral would be
\int_0^{x(t)y(t)}(x(s)y'(s)+ x'(s)y(s))sin(y(s)+ x'(s)y(s)+ x(s)y'(s))(f_x(x(s),y(s)) x'(s)+ f_y(x(s),y(s))y'(s)) ds
 
HallsofIvy said:
First, you should be careful to use different letters for variables in the integrand and in the limits of integration. So write the integral as
\int_0^{f(x,y)} f'(u,v) sin(v- f'(u,v)) d(f'(uv))

Now, what do you mean by f' where f is a function of two variables? The derivative with respect to some parameter, t, so that df= (\partial f)(\partial x)(dx/dt)+ (\partial f)(\partial y)(dy/dt)? (NOT df'- that would involve two derivatives).

First, of course, if f= xy, then f' is NOT x'y'. By the product rule, f'= xy'+ x'y. And "y" in the sine would not automatically become y'. The integral would be
\int_0^{x(t)y(t)}(x(s)y'(s)+ x'(s)y(s))sin(y(s)+ x'(s)y(s)+ x(s)y'(s))(f_x(x(s),y(s)) x'(s)+ f_y(x(s),y(s))y'(s)) ds


Thanks for your reply, I apologize for the confusion but I don't think I was clear, the apostrophe was meant to indicate different letters for variables, not a derivative. With that in mind, I will rephrase my question and actually simplify the integrand since that is not what is important.

Suppose we have \int^{f(x,y)}_0{g(u,v)dg}. Given f(x,y) = xy and g(u,v) = uv, now since dg=\frac{\partial g}{\partial u}du+\frac{\partial g}{\partial v}dv = vdu + udv, is the integral then equal to:


\int^{f(x,y)}_0{g(u,v)dg} = \int^{xy}_0{u v^2 du} + \int^{xy}_0{u^2 v dv}
 
Last edited:
What you have written makes no sense. You can certainly have \int g dg but "g" now is a dummy variable- you cannot then assert that g= uv.

What is true is that \int_0^{xy} g dg= \left[\frac{1}{2}g^2\right]_0^{xy}= \frac{1}{2}x^2y^2.
 
Excellent. I knew it didn't make sense and just needed confirmation, I got the integral from an obscure paper on a computational code and that confirms what I suspected - the integral is not written properly. Thanks.
 

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