How Do You Compute This Double Integral Correctly?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of a double integral involving the second partial derivative of a function. Participants explore different approaches to evaluate the integral and clarify the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the correct method to compute the double integral of the second partial derivative.
  • Another participant proposes a solution assuming the function is well-behaved, stating the result in terms of the function evaluated at the boundaries.
  • A different participant reiterates the original question and emphasizes the order of integration, suggesting a clearer notation for the integral.
  • This participant applies the fundamental theorem of calculus to derive an expression for the inner integral and connects it to the proposed solution.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the clarity of the answers provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present different methods and interpretations for computing the integral, indicating that multiple approaches exist without a consensus on a single correct method.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of the function and the applicability of the fundamental theorem of calculus are not explicitly stated, which may affect the validity of the proposed solutions.

mnb96
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Hello,
sorry for the trivial question: what's the correct way of computing the following double integral:

[tex]\int_a^b \int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex]
 
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Assuming things are reasonably well behaved, the answer is f(b,d)-f(a,d)-f(b,c)+f(a,c), where f is f(x,y).
 
mnb96 said:
Hello,
sorry for the trivial question: what's the correct way of computing the following double integral:

[tex]\int_a^b \int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex]
Since the differentials are ordered "dy dx", this means:
[tex]\int_a^b\left(\int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x\partial y} dy\right)dx[/tex]

(I would consider it better to write
[tex]\int_{x= a}^b\int_{y= c}^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex])

By the fundamental theorem of of calculus,
[tex]\int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{partial y\partial x} dy= \frac{df(x,d)}{dx}- \frac{df(x,c)}{dx}[/tex]
so that
[tex]\int_{x=a}^b\int_{y= c}^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x\partial y}dy dx= \int_a^b \left(\frac{df(x,d)}{dx}- \frac{df(x,c)}{dx}\right)dx[/tex]

Applying the fundamental theorem of calculus again gives mathman's solution.
 
thank you both.
very clear answers.
 

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