Symmetry of an Integral: Is it Zero?

In summary, the conversation discusses the validity of a statement regarding double integrals and a function that satisfies certain conditions. It is concluded that the statement is not always true and further conditions need to be considered.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
20
If function is ##f(-x,-y)=f(x,y)##, is then

##\int^{a}_{-a}\int^{a}_{-a}f(x,y)dxdy=0##?
Thanks for answer.
 
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  • #2
No, consider for example
$$\int_{-a}^a \int_{-a}^a x^2 y^2 \, dx dy$$
 
  • #3
Could you tell me some explanation why this is valid only for one integral?
 
  • #4
LagrangeEuler said:
Could you tell me some explanation why this is valid only for one integral?

The result does not hold for 1-dimensional integrals either. If f(x) = x2, then f(x) = f(-x) and integrating over any interval of the form [-a,a] (where a ≠ 0) gives you a non-zero number.

If you have a function that satisfies f(-x,y) = -f(x,y) then the integral over [-a,a] × [-a,a] should be zero. So you should probably look for a condition like this.
 
  • #5
LagrangeEuler said:
If function is ##f(-x,-y)=f(x,y)##, is then

##\int^{a}_{-a}\int^{a}_{-a}f(x,y)dxdy=0##?
Thanks for answer.


Sorry I thought about ##f(-x,-y)=-f(x,y)##

Is it always valid?
Also is it valid in case ##f(-x,-y)=f(x,y)## that
##\int^{a}_{-a}\int^{a}_{-a}f(x,y)dxdy=2\int^{a}_{0}f(x,y)dxdy##
 
  • #6
For double integrals there are four cases
f(x,y)
f(-x,y)
f(x,-y)
f(-x,-y)

f(-x,-y)=-f(x,y)
implies that
f(x,-y)=-f(x,-y)
thus
the integral would be zero

f(-x,-y)=f(x,y)
implies
f(-x,y)=f(x,-y)
##\int^{a}_{-a}\int^{a}_{-a}f(x,y)dxdy=2\int^{a}_{-a}\int^{a}_{0}f(x,y)dxdy##
 
  • #7
Tnx.
 

1. What does it mean for an integral to have symmetry?

An integral having symmetry means that the value of the integral is the same regardless of the direction in which it is integrated. In other words, if the limits of integration are reversed, the value of the integral remains unchanged.

2. How do you determine if an integral is symmetric?

To determine if an integral is symmetric, you can use the substitution method. If after substituting -x for x in the integrand, the integrand remains unchanged, then the integral is symmetric.

3. What is the significance of an integral being symmetric?

An integral being symmetric is significant because it allows us to simplify the integration process. By taking advantage of symmetry, we can reduce the number of integrals we need to solve and make the problem more manageable.

4. Can an integral be symmetric if the limits of integration are not symmetric?

Yes, an integral can still be symmetric even if the limits of integration are not symmetric. As long as the integrand remains unchanged after substituting -x for x, the integral is considered symmetric.

5. Is the value of a symmetric integral always zero?

No, the value of a symmetric integral is not always zero. While some symmetric integrals may evaluate to zero, others may not. It ultimately depends on the integrand and the limits of integration.

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