Evaluating this particular integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the numerical evaluation of a specific integral involving two variables, Ψ and X, where the second part of the integral includes a function of both variables but is integrated only with respect to X. Participants explore the implications of treating Ψ as a constant and the challenges associated with determining its value in the context of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to treat Ψ in the integral, noting that it appears in a function that is integrated with respect to X.
  • Another participant suggests treating Ψ as a constant in the second integral, arguing that it does not seem to depend on both variables in that context.
  • A participant acknowledges the suggestion but raises concerns about the analogy of Ψ and X to a coordinate system, indicating uncertainty about what value to assign to Ψ if treated as constant.
  • Another participant agrees with the idea of treating Ψ as a constant while integrating with respect to X, stating that the result will still be a function of X without needing to specify a value for Ψ.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to handle the variable Ψ in the integral. While some suggest treating it as a constant, others highlight the complications that arise from its dependence on other variables, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the appropriate treatment of Ψ in the integral, particularly concerning its role as a constant versus a variable that influences the outcome of the integration.

thelibertine1
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I'm trying to numerically evaluate an integral in a paper of the form;

∫ ƒ(Ψ) dΨ ∫ ƒ(X,Ψ) dX

The second part of the integral contains a function of both X and Ψ, yet it only needs to be integrated with respect to X. This has confused me on what to use as a value for Ψ.

I've attached the integral below (excuse the scribbling). As you can see, the last integral is evaluated for dX, but contains Ψ and X.

Any help much appreciated.

WP_20141127_20_17_31_Pro.jpg
 
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Have you thought about treating ##\psi## as a constant in the second integral? It doesn't appear to me that the second integral has a function of both ##\chi## and ##\psi##.
Just a thought.
 
AMenendez said:
Have you thought about treating ##\psi## as a constant in the second integral? It doesn't appear to me that the second integral has a function of both ##\chi## and ##\psi##.
Just a thought.

I did think about that but in the context ##\psi## and ##\chi## are analogous to y and x coordinate system so it's like a integral over 2D space. If I chose ##\psi## as a constant... I wouldn't know what to set it as. Also, ##\alpha## is a function of ##\psi## making the second integral a function of both ##\psi## and ##\chi##.
 
I see what you mean. Honestly, the way I would do it is evaluate it with respect to ##\chi## but treat ##\psi## as a constant. You don't really need to worry about "what to set ##\psi## as". When you integrate a function of ##\psi## with respect to ##\chi##, you'll still get a function of ##\chi## as a result, so setting ##\psi## equal to something for the sake of doing the integral isn't much of a concern.
 

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