## \int ~ dx dy dz ~ f(x,y,z)~ \delta (x+y+z-1)##

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of integrals involving the Dirac delta function, particularly in the context of quantum field theory (QFT). Participants explore the implications of the delta function in triple integrals and its effects on the limits of integration, as well as specific functions that can be integrated under these constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the integral involving the delta function and questions how the limits of integration are derived, particularly why it equals 1-z instead of 1-z-x when integrating with respect to y.
  • Another participant states that if y+z > 1, the integral evaluates to 0, while if y+z < 1, it evaluates to 1.
  • Some participants discuss the geometric interpretation of the delta function, describing it as constraining x + y + z = 1 within the bounds of x, y, z in [0,1].
  • There is a suggestion that the integral of a function of x, such as x itself, under the delta function may yield different results, prompting further exploration.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their approach to integrating a function involving the delta function and seeks clarification on the limits of integration.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the delta function's properties and constraints when integrating, particularly regarding the conditions under which the integral is non-zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the evaluation of the integrals and the implications of the delta function, indicating that multiple competing interpretations and approaches remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include unclear limits of integration for the variables involved and the conditions under which the delta function is non-zero, which are not fully resolved.

Safinaz
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Hi all ,

I see this integral too much in QFT books when making loop calculations :

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) = \int_{0}^{1} dz \int_{0}^{1-z} dy ##

Can anyone explain how did we get this ? I mean it's apparent that ##\int_{0}^{1}~ dx \delta (x+y+z-1) ## have been evaluated and equals one, but when applying ##\delta## when integrating ##dy## why it equals ## 1-z## , not ##1-z-x ## ?

Also suppose now I have the following function:

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \log ~\frac{m_1(x+y) + z m_2}{m_1(x+y)+ z(m_2+ m_3)} ##

how can this evaluated ? or even a simpler function:

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~ (x+y +z) ##
 
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If ##y+z > 1## then ##\int_0^1 \delta(x+y+z-1)dx = 0##

And if ##y+z < 1## then ##\int_0^1 \delta(x+y+z-1)dx = 1##
 
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The delta function constrains x + y + z = 1, and x,y,z in [0,1] so we have an equation for a plane in the positive quadrant intersecting x,y,z axes at (1,0,0), (0,1,0) and (0,0,1) respectively. Draw it out and you'll see we must have 0 < y+z < 1, i.e y < 1-z.
 
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PeroK said:
And if ## y+z<1y+z < 1## then ##\int^1_0 δ(x+y+z−1)=1##

I think you mean ## \int^1_0 ~ dx ~ δ(x+y+z−1)=1 ##

What about if I have :

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~ (x+y +z) ##
 
Safinaz said:
I think you mean ## \int^1_0 ~ dx ~ δ(x+y+z−1)=1 ##

What about if I have :

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~ (x+y +z) ##

Yes, I forgot the ##dx##. Corrected now.

The second one you need to post in the homework section and give it your best attempt.
 
Indeed It's not a problem I have, I just confused, now I know that
## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) = \int_{0}^{1} dz \int_{0}^{1-z} dy
## because ##\int_{0}^{1}~ dx \delta (x+y+z-1) = 1, ## at ## y+z < 1##, but what if I integrate a function of x, i.e .,
## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx \delta (x+y+z-1) ~ x ##? , it seems naive i know !
 
Safinaz said:
Indeed It's not a problem I have, I just confused, now I know that
## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) = \int_{0}^{1} dz \int_{0}^{1-z} dy
## because ##\int_{0}^{1}~ dx \delta (x+y+z-1) = 1, ## at ## y+z < 1##, but what if I integrate a function of x, i.e .,
## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx \delta (x+y+z-1) ~ x ##? , it seems naive i know !

Why don't you try yourself? The delta function simply picks out the function value.
 
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Homework Statement

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{m_1(x+y)+m_2 z } ##

The attempt at a solution

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{m_1(x+y)+m_2 z } ##
## = \int_0^1 ~dz ~\int_0^{1-z}~ dy~ \frac{1}{m_1(y)+m_2 z } , ##

where I considered ## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~f(x) = \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{x m_1} = 1 ##, I don't if this is right ? actually this is my problem .

Then the integration run normally over z and y .
 
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The problem requires some clarification in the limits of the integrals. Is it a triple integral with each limit from 0 to 1? I don't have a solution to it yet, but it is interesting. ## \\ ## editing: It looks like you just let ## z=1-(x+y) ## from the dz and delta function integral with the requirement that ## 0<(x+y)<1 ## because ## 0<z<1 ##, (assuming the limits of the z integral are 0 and 1). Outside of the ## 0<(x+y)<1 ## region, the delta function will be zero. The limits of x and y integrals are unclear from the OP. Once you do the dz integration, you would then perform a dx and dy integration.
 
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  • #10
Safinaz said:
Homework Statement

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{m_1(x+y)+m_2 z } ##

The attempt at a solution

## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ dy~ dz~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{m_1(x+y)+m_2 z } ##
## = \int_0^1 ~dz ~\int_0^{1-z}~ dy~ \frac{1}{m_1(y)+m_2 z } , ##

where I considered ## \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~f(x) = \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{x m_1} = 1 ##, I don't if this is right ? actually this is my problem .

Then the integration run normally over z and y .

You have:

##\int_0^1 \delta(x+y+z-1)f(x, y, z) dx = f(1-y-z, y, z)## (if ##0 < 1-y-z < 1##)

And the integral is ##0## otherwise.
 
  • #11
Note: The previous 3 posts have been merged into this thread from another.
 
  • #12
Safinaz said:
where I considered ∫10 dx δ(x+y+z−1) f(x)=∫10 dx δ(x+y+z−1) 1xm1=1 \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~f(x) = \int_{0}^{1}~ dx~ \delta (x+y+z-1) ~\frac{1}{x m_1} = 1 , I don't if this is right ? actually this is my problem .

fact 1 you are taking the case where the following is true:
\int \int \int dx dy dz G(x,y,z) = \int dz \Big( \int dy \big( \int dx G(x,y,z) \big) \Big)

I guess you were tired when you came up with this question? because it looks like you don't follow basic delta "integration" rules... let me clarify the rule that you missed or got confused with:
\int_a^b f(x) \delta(x-x_0) = \begin{cases} 0 &amp; \text{if } x_0 \not \in [a,b] \\ f(x_0) &amp; \text{else} \end{cases}
Now the thing is that your x_0 is not a constant but a function of y,z,~~x_0(y,z) \equiv 1-y-z.
Then again as given in the integration rule of the delta function, that x_0 can't be just anything, it has to be constrained to [0,1] (integration of x variable), otherwise the integral results to 0. In formula:
0 \le 1 - y -z \le 1 ~~\Rightarrow ~~0 \le 1 - (y+z) \le 1
or
0 \le y+z \le 1
Now for y \in [0,1] this can give lower/upper limits for z given by it being 0 to 1-y for any value of y...
 
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