I don't understand this integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the integration of vector functions, specifically the expression $$\int_{a}^{b} f(t)i + g(t)k dt$$. Participants clarify that the unit vectors involved are ##\hat i## and ##\hat k##, and suggest rewriting the integral as $$(\int_{a}^{b} f(t)dt) \hat i +(\int_{a}^{b} g(t) dt) \hat k$$ for clarity. This approach emphasizes integrating each component function separately, which is essential for understanding vector calculus.

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  • Understanding of vector functions and unit vectors (##\hat i##, ##\hat j##, ##\hat k##)
  • Knowledge of definite integrals and their properties
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0kelvin
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What did the teacher meant with this:

$$\int_{a}^{b} f(t)i + g(t)k dt $$

The two functions, a and b are all given. What is it to integrate a vector? From analytical geometry I know that something in the form of i + j + k is a vector.
 
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0kelvin said:
What did the teacher meant with this:

$$\int_{a}^{b} f(t)i + g(t)k dt $$

The two functions, a and b are all given. What is it to integrate a vector? From analytical geometry I know that something in the form of i + j + k is a vector.
Just integrate term by term. The i and k are the unit vectors ##\hat i## and ##\hat j##. It probably makes more sense to write the integral as $$(\int_{a}^{b} f(t)dt) \hat i +(\int_{a}^{b} g(t) dt) \hat k $$
 

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