Integration: what variables can you move outside of the integrand?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the manipulation of variables within integrals, specifically addressing which variables can be moved outside of the integrand. It includes theoretical considerations of integral properties and the implications of variable independence in integration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the first equation is incorrect, emphasizing that the variable of integration cannot be moved outside the integral sign.
  • Others agree that constants can be moved outside the integral, but clarify that variables dependent on the integration variable cannot be treated as constants.
  • There is a discussion about the independence of variables, with some participants stating that if a variable is independent of the variable of integration, it can be treated like a constant.
  • Participants provide specific examples and counterexamples to illustrate their points regarding the correctness of the equations presented.
  • One participant notes that the integral of a variable cannot be equated to the variable multiplied by the integral of one, highlighting the distinction between dependent and independent variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the correctness of the equations, with multiple competing views on the manipulation of variables in integrals. No consensus is reached regarding which equations are correct.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of independence between variables and the specific context of the integrals being discussed. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in the examples provided.

tahayassen
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[tex]1.\int { x } dx=x\int { 1 } dx\\ 2.\int { t } dx=t\int { 1 } dx\\ 3.\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ x } dt=x\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ 1 } dt[/tex]

Which of the equations are correct?
 
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tahayassen said:
[tex]1.\int { x } dx=x\int { 1 } dx\\ 2.\int { t } dx=t\int { 1 } dx\\ 3.\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ x } dt=x\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ 1 } dt[/tex]

Which of the equations are correct?

3 and 2 are both correct.
 
And 1 is incorrect. The following is a property of integrals:
##\int k~f(x)~dx = k\int f(x)~dx##, for k a constant, but there is no property that says you can move a variable across the integral sign.
 
Mark44 said:
And 1 is incorrect. The following is a property of integrals:
##\int k~f(x)~dx = k\int f(x)~dx##, for k a constant, but there is no property that says you can move a variable across the integral sign.

Integral xdx is certainly not the same as x times integral dx.
 
You can move constants (and so variables that are independent of the variable of integration and so are treated like constants in the integration) outside the integral.

tahayassen said:
[tex]1.\int { x } dx=x\int { 1 } dx[/tex]
No, x is the variable of integration so we cannot take it outside the integral.
The integral on the left is [itex]x^2/2+ C[/itex] and on the right [itex]x(x+ c)= x^2+ cx[/itex].

[tex]2.\int { t } dx=t\int { 1 } dx[/tex]
If we know that t is independent of x, then both integrals are "tx+ C". If t is a function of x then the first is still "tx+ C" but the other depends upon exactly what function of x t is.

[tex]3.\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ x } dt=x\int _{ x }^{ x+1 }{ 1 } dt[/tex]
If x is independent of the variable of integration, t, both of those are the same and are equal to x(x+1- x)= x. If x is a function of t, then the left depends upon exactly what function of t x is while the right is still x.

Which of the equations are correct?
 
Thanks for the clear-up. :)
 

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