Gaussian Integral Coordinate Change

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the process of changing coordinates from Cartesian (dxdy) to polar coordinates (drdθ) in the context of evaluating the Gaussian integral. Participants are seeking a rigorous explanation of this coordinate transformation, particularly in relation to multivariable calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the rigorous method for changing coordinates from dxdy to dr in the polar-coordinates method for solving the Gaussian integral, acknowledging the equivalence in area coverage but seeking clarity on the process.
  • Another participant reiterates the same question, indicating a potential confusion or need for further clarification on the coordinate change, while also referencing a specific summation related to the Gaussian integral.
  • A standard textbook result is presented, defining the relationship between the area elements in different coordinate systems using the Jacobian determinant.
  • Another participant confirms the textbook result and expresses gratitude, suggesting that the information is widely available online.
  • A final post emphasizes the need to describe the integration limits when transitioning from Cartesian to polar coordinates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express similar inquiries regarding the coordinate transformation, but there is no consensus on the specifics of the rigorous approach. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions regarding the integration limits and the specific conditions under which the coordinate transformation is applied.

looseleaf
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Hi everyone, sorry for the basic question. But I was just wondering how one does the explicit coordinate change from dxdy to dr in the polar-coordinates method for solving the gaussian. I can appreciate that using the polar element and integrating from 0 to inf covers the same area, but how do we do this in a rigorous way? I know it's a basic multivariable calculus question, but I couldn't find what I was looking for by googling.

Thanks!
 
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looseleaf said:
Hi everyone, sorry for the basic question. But I was just wondering how one does the explicit coordinate change from dxdy to dr in S3:=sum(1/n^3,n=2..infinity);evalf(S3);the polar-coordinates method for solving the gaussian. I can appreciate that using the polar element and integrating from 0 to inf covers the same area, but how do we do this in a rigorous way? I know it's a basic multivariable calculus question, but I couldn't find what I was looking for by googling.

Thanks!
Standard textbook result:
$$ dx \, dy = \frac{\partial(x,y)}{\partial(u,v)} \: du \, dv,$$
Here
$$ \frac{\partial(x,y)}{\partial(u,v)} \equiv \left| \begin{array}{cc} \partial x/ \partial u & \partial x /\partial v\\
\partial y /\partial u & \partial y / \partial v \end{array} \right| $$
 
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Ray Vickson said:
Standard textbook result:
$$ dx \, dy = \frac{\partial(x,y)}{\partial(u,v)} \: du \, dv,$$
Here
$$ \frac{\partial(x,y)}{\partial(u,v)} \equiv \left| \begin{array}{cc} \partial x/ \partial u & \partial x /\partial v\\
\partial y /\partial u & \partial y / \partial v \end{array} \right| $$
Thank you :)
 
##dxdy=rdrd\theta##. You need to describe the integration limits on ##x,y##.
 

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