Find the definite integral of a vector

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on evaluating the definite integral of the vector function \(\vec{r}(t) = t^2\vec{i} + t\cos{(\pi t)}\vec{j} + \sin{(\pi t)}\vec{k}\) over the interval from 0 to 1. The user initially attempted to integrate each component separately, resulting in an undefined expression for the \(\vec{k}\) component at \(t = 0\). A correct approach involves separating the integral into its components and applying integration techniques, specifically integration by parts for the \(\vec{j}\) component, while recognizing the need to handle the limit for the \(\vec{k}\) component appropriately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus and vector functions
  • Proficiency in integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Familiarity with limits and handling undefined expressions in calculus
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integration by parts in detail
  • Learn about evaluating limits for functions that become undefined
  • Explore vector calculus, specifically the integration of vector functions
  • Review the properties and integrals of trigonometric functions, particularly \(\sin\) and \(\cos\)
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on vector calculus and integration techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of integrating vector functions.

professordad
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If [itex]\vec{r}(t) = t^2\vec{i} + t\cos{(\pi t)}\vec{j} + \sin{(\pi t)}\vec{k}[/itex], evaluate [itex]\int_{0}^{1} \vec{r}(t) \text{dt}[/itex].

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So I tried integrating each individual part, and I got
[itex]\frac{1}{3}t^3\vec{i} + (-\pi t\sin{(\pi t)} - \frac{\sin{(\pi t)}}{\pi})\vec{j} - \frac{\cos{(\pi t)}}{t}\vec{k} |_{0}^{1}[/itex]
(For the coefficient of [itex]\vec{j}[/itex] I used integration by parts, I'm not sure if that's right because it looks weird)
But evaluating at 0 makes the coefficient of [itex]\vec{k}[/itex] undefined! What should I do? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
professordad said:

Homework Statement



If [itex]\vec{r}(t) = t^2\vec{i} + t\cos{(\pi t)}\vec{j} + \sin{(\pi t)}\vec{k}[/itex], evaluate [itex]\int_{0}^{1} \vec{r}(t) \text{dt}[/itex].

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



So I tried integrating each individual part, and I got
[itex]\frac{1}{3}t^3\vec{i} + (-\pi t\sin{(\pi t)} - \frac{\sin{(\pi t)}}{\pi})\vec{j} - \frac{\cos{(\pi t)}}{t}\vec{k} |_{0}^{1}[/itex]
(For the coefficient of [itex]\vec{j}[/itex] I used integration by parts, I'm not sure if that's right because it looks weird)
But evaluating at 0 makes the coefficient of [itex]\vec{k}[/itex] undefined! What should I do? Thanks.
You do realize that
[itex]\displaystyle <br /> \int_{0}^{1} \vec{r}(t)\,dt=\hat{i}\int_{0}^{1} t^2\,dt+\hat{j}\int_{0}^{1} t\cos(\pi t)\,dt- \hat{k}\int_{0}^{1} \sin(\pi t)\,dt\ ,[/itex]​
don't you?

Show how you did the integration by parts, and show how you get a t in the denominator of the k component.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K