Integration - chain rule / functional

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a function involving a variable change from \( t \) to \( x \), specifically addressing the use of the chain rule and the proper handling of integration limits. Participants explore the implications of separating variables in differential equations and the relationship between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how to evaluate the integral when the limits are not expressed in terms of \( x \), noting that without knowing the relationship between \( x \) and \( t \), the evaluation is unclear.
  • There is discussion on whether it is appropriate to separate variables in the equation \( \frac{dx}{dt} = x(1-y) \) or if one should divide by \( x \) and integrate both sides with respect to \( t \).
  • Some participants mention that traditional methods of separation of variables may not be proper and suggest the use of an integration factor instead.
  • Concerns are raised about transforming limits of integration from \( t \) to \( x \) without a clear formula relating the two variables.
  • Examples are provided to illustrate how changing the variable of integration typically requires changing the limits, but participants note that the original problem lacks a clear relationship between \( x \) and \( t \).
  • Clarifications are made regarding the notation of integration limits, with some participants suggesting that limits should be placed to the right of the integral sign.
  • Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the initial question regarding the transformation of limits and the evaluation of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that without a known relationship between \( x \) and \( t \), transforming the limits of integration is problematic. However, there is disagreement on the appropriateness of separation of variables and the use of integration factors, as well as the clarity of the relationship between the variables in the original equations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of a clear formula relating \( x \) and \( t \), which complicates the evaluation of the integral and the transformation of limits. Additionally, there are unresolved questions about the proper method for integrating the given differential equations.

binbagsss
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I have ## \int_{t = 0}^{t = 1} \frac{1}{x} \frac{dx}{dt} dt = \int_{t = 0}^{t = 1} (1-y) dt ## [1]
The LHS evaluates to ## ln \frac{(x(t_0+T))}{x(t_0)} ##, where ##t_{1}=t_{0}+T##

My issue is that, asked to write out the intermediatary step, I could not. I am unsure how you do this when the limits aren't expressed in terms of ##x## here. So I can see that ##1/x dx = ln x ##, but I'm unsure of what has happened to ## '\frac {dt}{dt}' ## and how the integration limits are done properly.

I think the two below points tie in, and link to where my understanding is lacking with this:

1) Am I correct in thinking that, given ##dx/dt = x(1-y) ##, in order to get to expression [1] you can not simply, formally, 'separate variables' - see point below, but rather you should divide by ##x## and then integrate both sides w.r.t ##t##.

2) From high school up to now, I have used separation of variables to solve such things as : ##dx/dt=b(x)## => ##dx/b(x)=dt##

However my lecturer today told me that is inproper and rather one should use a integration factor - i think understanding this point ties with/ may help my initial question?

Many thanks in advance.
 
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binbagsss said:
I have ## \int_{t = 0}^{t = 1} \frac{1}{x} \frac{dx}{dt} dt = \int_{t = 0}^{t = 1} (1-y) dt ## [1]
The LHS evaluates to ## ln \frac{(x(t_0+T))}{x(t_0)} ##, where ##t_{1}=t_{0}+T##
Without knowing the relationship between x and t, I don't know how one would evaluate the integral on the left, since it isn't known what x(1) and x(0) are.
binbagsss said:
My issue is that, asked to write out the intermediatary step, I could not. I am unsure how you do this when the limits aren't expressed in terms of ##x## here. So I can see that ##1/x dx = ln x ##
Well, the above should be ##\int 1/x dx = \ln|x| + C##
binbagsss said:
, but I'm unsure of what has happened to ## '\frac {dt}{dt}' ## and how the integration limits are done properly.

I think the two below points tie in, and link to where my understanding is lacking with this:

1) Am I correct in thinking that, given ##dx/dt = x(1-y) ##, in order to get to expression [1] you can not simply, formally, 'separate variables' - see point below, but rather you should divide by ##x## and then integrate both sides w.r.t ##t##.

2) From high school up to now, I have used separation of variables to solve such things as : ##dx/dt=b(x)## => ##dx/b(x)=dt##

However my lecturer today told me that is inproper and rather one should use a integration factor - i think understanding this point ties with/ may help my initial question?

Many thanks in advance.
 
Mark44 said:
Without knowing the relationship between x and t, I don't know how one would evaluate the integral on the left, since it isn't known what x(1) and x(0) are.
Well, the above should be ##\int 1/x dx = \ln|x| + C##

Sorry, I missed the constant C, yes.

my question wasn't about evaluating x(1) and x(0)? it was about how you get from line 1 to line 2 and 'transform' from the limits in ##t## to ##x## limits, I'm only ever used to seeing ##x## limits in such an expression... (evaluates was probably the wrong word...)
 
binbagsss said:
Sorry, I missed the constant C, yes.

my question wasn't about evaluating x(1) and x(0)? it was about how you get from line 1 to line 2 and 'transform' from the limits in ##t## to ##x## limits, I'm only ever used to seeing ##x## limits in such an expression... (evaluates was probably the wrong word...)
You can't transform the t limits to x limits unless you know how x and t relate; that is, unless you know a formula for x(t).
 
Mark44 said:
You can't transform the t limits to x limits unless you know how x and t relate; that is, unless you know a formula for x(t).
I mean how its gone to ##x(t_{1})## and ##x(t_{0}##), not explicitly what they are.

The only other information that I have not included in the OP is that ##T## is the period of the solution so the LHS evaluates to ##0## ...
##x## and ##t## relate by the equation in 1) in the OP and we are also given ##dy/dt=K(-x+xy)##
 
binbagsss said:
I mean how its gone to ##x(t_{1})## and ##x(t_{0}##), not explicitly what they are.
When you change the variable of integration, by for example, using a substitution, you usually need to change the limits of integration. The exception is when you "undo" the substitution after finding an antiderivative.

Here's a very simple example,
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx$$
Let u = x + 2
Then du = dx
And x = 0 => u = 2, x = 1 => u =3
Carrying out the substitution and changing the limits of integration:
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx = \int_{u = 2}^3 u^3 du \\
= \frac{u^4}{4}|_2^3 = \frac{81}{4} - \frac{16}{4} = \frac{65} 4$$
binbagsss said:
The only other information that I have not included in the OP is that ##T## is the period of the solution so the LHS evaluates to ##0## ...
##x## and ##t## relate by the equation in 1) in the OP
I don't see how equation 1 shows a specific relationship between x and t.
binbagsss said:
and we are also given ##dy/dt=K(-x+xy)##
 
Mark44 said:
When you change the variable of integration, by for example, using a substitution, you usually need to change the limits of integration. The exception is when you "undo" the substitution after finding an antiderivative.

Here's a very simple example,
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx$$
Let u = x + 2
Then du = dx
And x = 0 => u = 2, x = 1 => u =3
Carrying out the substitution and changing the limits of integration:
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx = \int_{u = 2}^3 u^3 du \\
= \frac{u^4}{4}|_2^3 = \frac{81}{4} - \frac{16}{4} = \frac{65} 4$$
I don't see how equation 1 shows a specific relationship between x and t.

yeh that example is fine. but I'm still not understanding what has happened in my initial question...
 
Apologies in the OP the limits over the intergral should read as ## ^{t_{1}} _{t_{0}} \int ##, where ##t_{1}=t_{0}+T##
 
binbagsss said:
Apologies in the OP the limits over the intergral should read as ## ^{t_{1}} _{t_{0}} \int ##, where ##t_{1}=t_{0}+T##
It's customary to put the integration limits to the right of the integral sign, like so:
##\int_{t_0}^{t_1} f(t) dt##
 
  • #10
Mark44 said:
It's customary to put the integration limits to the right of the integral sign, like so:
##\int_{t_0}^{t_1} f(t) dt##

okay. i was concerning the change in limits, as not being explicit..
still no idea how to approach my initial question.
 
  • #11
Mark44 said:
When you change the variable of integration, by for example, using a substitution, you usually need to change the limits of integration. The exception is when you "undo" the substitution after finding an antiderivative.

Here's a very simple example,
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx$$
Let u = x + 2
Then du = dx
And x = 0 => u = 2, x = 1 => u =3
Carrying out the substitution and changing the limits of integration:
$$\int_{x = 0}^1 (x + 2)^3 dx = \int_{u = 2}^3 u^3 du \\
= \frac{u^4}{4}|_2^3 = \frac{81}{4} - \frac{16}{4} = \frac{65} 4$$
I don't see how equation 1 shows a specific relationship between x and t.
binbagsss said:
yeh that example is fine. but I'm still not understanding what has happened in my initial question...
In my example there is a clear relationship between u and x; namely, u(x) = x + 2.
In your integral, there is no such relationship, at least one that I can see.
 
  • #12
Mark44 said:
In my example there is a clear relationship between u and x; namely, u(x) = x + 2.
In your integral, there is no such relationship, at least one that I can see.

I agree.
my OP is what we done in lectures however.
 
  • #13
binbagsss said:
my OP is what we done in lectures however.

Can you quote the statements that came before the equation in your OP ?
 
  • #14
Stephen Tashi said:
Can you quote the statements that came before the equation in your OP ?

Literally all information has been posted above. But I shall summarise again:

System of equations:

##dx/dt=x-xy## [1]
##dy/dt= K(-y+xy)## [2], ##K## a constant.

The lecturer makes the statement that many of the solutions of ##x(t)## and ##y(t)## are periodic.
Let the period be ##T##.

My lecturer then jumps to the line:

## \int _{t_{0}}^{t_{0}+T} 1/x (dx/dt) dt = \ln (\frac{x(t_{0}+T)}{(x(t_{0})})=0= \int _{t_{0}} ^{t_{0}+T} (1-Ky) dt ##
 
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  • #15
binbagsss said:
Literally all information has been posted above. But I shall summarise again:

System of equations:

##dx/dt=x-xy## [1]
##dy/dt= K(-y+xy)## [2], ##K## a constant.

The lecturer makes the statement that many of the solutions of ##x(t)## and ##y(t)## are periodic.
Let the period be ##T##.

My lecturer then jumps to the line:

## \int _{t_{0}}^{t_{0}+T} 1/x (dx/dt) dt = \ln (\frac{x(t_{0}+T)}{(x(t_{0})})=0= \int _{t_{0}} ^{t_{0}+T} (1-Ky) dt ##
The integral on the left could be rewritten as ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} \frac {dx} x##.
Since x(t) is assumed to be periodic with period T, then this integral is 0, since ##x(t_0) = x(t_0 + T)##.
However, saying that both x(t) and y(t) are periodic doesn't necessarily imply that both functions have the same period.
 
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  • #16
Mark44 said:
The integral on the left could be rewritten as ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} \frac {dx} x##.
.

Alright cheers. any hints please?
 
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  • #17
binbagsss said:
Alright cheers. any hints please?
Hints about what? I explained why the integral on the left (i.e., ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} \frac {dx} x##) is zero. As I already said ##x(t_0) = x(t_0 + T)##, assuming that x(t) is periodic with period T, Then ##\frac {x(t_0 + T)}{x(t_0)} = 1##, so ln of this fraction is zero.
If both x(t) and y(t) have the same period, then ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} ydt## would also be zero, and I leave it as an exercise for you to explain why ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} (1 - Ky)dt## is also zero.
 
  • #18
Mark44 said:
Hints about what? I explained why the integral on the left (i.e., ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} \frac {dx} x##) is zero. As I already said ##x(t_0) = x(t_0 + T)##, assuming that x(t) is periodic with period T, Then ##\frac {x(t_0 + T)}{x(t_0)} = 1##, so ln of this fraction is zero.
If both x(t) and y(t) have the same period, then ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} ydt## would also be zero, and I leave it as an exercise for you to explain why ##\int_{x(t_0)}^{x(t_0 + T)} (1 - Ky)dt## is also zero.

My initial question.
I know why the integral evaluates to 0.
and this wasn't my question
it says 'asked to show the intermediatary step, I could not'
 
  • #19
binbagsss said:
My initial question.
I know why the integral evaluates to 0.
and this wasn't my question
it says 'asked to show the intermediatary step, I could not'
What do you mean by the intermediate step? ("intermediatary" is not a word...)
 
  • #20
Mark44 said:
What do you mean by the intermediate step? ("intermediatary" is not a word...)
why are you bothering to reply if your not addressing the question? you're sharing your general knowledge on other parts of the question...
 
  • #21
binbagsss said:
why are you bothering to reply if your not addressing the question? you're sharing your general knowledge on other parts of the question...
I'm "bothering to reply" because I don't understand what you mean by intermediate step...
 

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