Nonelementary Integral Related Question

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    Integral Mathematica
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the integral of a function without limits, specifically ∫sin(sinx)dx, and the definite integral with limits, ∫0^x sin(sinx)dx. Participants explore the implications of defining a function based on these integrals and the conditions under which they may represent the same function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the function defined by the definite integral f(x)=∫0^x sin(sinx)dx represents the same function as the indefinite integral ∫sin(sinx)dx.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to clarify the relationship between an integral with limits and one without, suggesting that the latter does not have a value.
  • A participant proposes that if g(x)=∫sin(sinx)dx, then f(x) can be expressed as f(x)=g(x)-g(0), depending on whether g(0)=0.
  • One participant argues that the indefinite integral ∫sin(sin(x))dx represents a family of functions, all differing by constants, while the definite integral ∫0^x sin(sin(x))dx is a specific instance of that family.
  • Participants discuss the role of dummy variables in integrals, suggesting that changing the variable does not affect the value of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the two types of integrals, with some agreeing on the need for clarification while others challenge the validity of the original question. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of g(0) and the nature of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the value of g(0) and how it affects the relationship between the integrals. The discussion also highlights the distinction between indefinite and definite integrals without reaching a consensus on their equivalence.

megatyler30
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Recently, I have looked into nonelementary integrals and I have a question.

When looking at ∫sin(sinx)dx, which I know cannot be represented as an elementary function, I wondered what the function would look like. Using mathematica, I was able to get a graph of f(x)=∫0xsin(sinx)dx. Does the represent the same function as ∫sin(sinx)dx? And more importantly, why? (Sorry about the bad formating for limits of integration)

Edit: From what I've seen, it is if and only if the function g(x)=∫sin(sinx)dx is 0 at x=0. If this was true, then how would one go about proving if g(0)=0 or not?
 
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You have one integral with limits 0 and x and another integral without limits. You need to clarify the relationship.
 
I am asking about the relationship between the two. The edit was from what I've seen from posts on here but I don't know if that's the relationship (may be incorrect or I may have interpreted the posts incorrectly).

Edit: Looked one of the posts over again.
In this case: f(x)=g(x)-g(0)
So still it depends on if g(0) is 0 or not.
If g(0)=0 then f(x)=g(x) if not then f(x)=g(x)+c where c=-g(x)
Is this thought process correct?
 
Last edited:
megatyler30 said:
I am asking about the relationship between the two.
Yes, but the question does not make sense. It is like asking about the relationship between x and 3.
An integral without limits does not have a value, an integral with limits does.
 
Okay let me clarify. I'm defining a function f(x) such that f(x)=∫0xsin(sinx)dx. This is no different than saying f(x)=∫0xsin(sin(t))dt since the variable in the function that the integral is being taken of is basically just a dummy variable, so t would be more clear. For example ∫0xsin(sint)dt=g(x)-g(0). So as an example, f(1)=∫0 1sin(sin(t))dt=g(1)-g(0) which IS a value. Anyways I guess by having to explain it both here and the edit, I figured out the answer to my question.

See the error function to see an example of a similarly defined function.
 
\int sin(sin(x))dx is NOT a single function. It is a "family" of functions, all differing by numbers, not functions of x. \int_0^x sin(sin(x))dx is one of those functions.
 
Yeah, I figured it out when explaining it to the other posters.

I did want some confirmation though, so thanks for the confirmation!
 

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