Integration of partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of partial derivatives, specifically focusing on the relationship between integrals and their variables of differentiation. Participants are examining how to transition from an integral representation to a function of multiple variables.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of dummy variables in integration and their implications for differentiation. There are questions about the validity of differentiating an integral with respect to a variable that is not the variable of integration. Some participants attempt to clarify the relationship between the integral and its resulting function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and examples to clarify concepts. There is a focus on understanding the implications of the fundamental theorem of calculus and how it relates to the differentiation of integrals. Multiple interpretations of the relationships between the variables are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the variables involved in integration and differentiation, particularly regarding the roles of dummy variables and the limits of integration. There is an emphasis on understanding the correct application of the fundamental theorem of calculus in this context.

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Homework Statement



The problem is attached in the picture. The top part shows what is written in the book, but I am not sure how they got to (∂I/∂v)...

The Attempt at a Solution



It's pretty obvious in the final term that the integral is with respect to 't' while the differential is with respect to 'v' . How did they simply convert F(x,v) into f(x,v)?

Homework Statement

 

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You understand that the variable of integration is a "dummy" variable don't you? That the \int_a^x f(t)dt is a function of x, not t.

Here, an example would be
\int_{t= 3x}^{x^2} t^2- 2x dt= \left[\frac{1}{3}t^3- 2xt\right]_{3x}^{x^2}= \frac{1}{3}x^6- 2x^4- \left(\frac{1}{3}(27x^3)- 6x^2\right)
a function of x, not t.
 
HallsofIvy said:
You understand that the variable of integration is a "dummy" variable don't you? That the \int_a^x f(t)dt is a function of x, not t.

Here, an example would be
\int_{t= 3x}^{x^2} t^2- 2x dt= \left[\frac{1}{3}t^3- 2xt\right]_{3x}^{x^2}= \frac{1}{3}x^6- 2x^4- \left(\frac{1}{3}(27x^3)- 6x^2\right)
a function of x, not t.

Yes, but how can you reverse the integration by ∂/∂v ? Shouldn't it be ∂/∂t instead?

It's like saying F(x,y) = int f(x,y) dy

then

f(x,y) = ∂/∂z F(x,y)when they are clearly different variables - z and y.
 
If you say "yes" then you are you saying that you understand that this integral is NOT a function of t so it cannot be differentiated with respect to t. Go back and read what I said again. \int_u^v f(x,t)dt is a function of u, v, and x, NOT t.

You are the one who is try to differentiate with an incorrect variable.
 
HallsofIvy said:
If you say "yes" then you are you saying that you understand that this integral is NOT a function of t so it cannot be differentiated with respect to t. Go back and read what I said again. \int_u^v f(x,t)dt is a function of u, v, and x, NOT t.

You are the one who is try to differentiate with an incorrect variable.

So we simply look at what's the end-product, F(x,v) instead of the intermediate step?
 
Then does this hold?

I = F(x,v) - F(x,u)

∂I/∂x = f(x,v) - f(x,u)
 
When they say I= \int_{u(x)}^{v(x)}f(x,t)dt and then I= F(x,v)- F(x,u) they are really saying that F(x,v)= \int_a^{v(x) f(x,t)dt[/tex] and F(x,u)= \int_u^a f(x,t)dt[/tex] where a is any constant.<br /> <br /> By the fundamental theorem of Calculus, <br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial v}F(x, v)= f(x,v)<br /> <br /> We can write F(x,u)= \int_u^a f(x,t)dt= -\int_a^u f(x,t)dt so that <br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial u}F(x,u)= -f(x,u)<br /> <br /> Now, to find the derivative <b>with respect to x</b> use the chain rule.
 

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