How do I evaluate the iterated integral in my textbook?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dx
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrals
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating an iterated integral presented in a textbook. Participants express confusion regarding the limits of integration and the function involved, specifically f(x+y), which is not defined in the problem statement. The conversation explores the concepts of iterated and multi-integrals, as well as the steps necessary to approach the evaluation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Dx expresses confusion about iterated integrals and seeks help with the evaluation of the integral.
  • Some participants question whether the limits of integration are correctly stated, suggesting it is more common to integrate from 0 to 1 rather than 1 to 0.
  • Mike2 proposes a method for evaluating the integral, assuming the limits are from x=sqrt(y) to x=y, and suggests integrating with respect to x first.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that one can derive a specific expression (x*x/2 + xy) without knowing the function f(x+y).
  • There is a distinction made between iterated integrals and multi-integrals, with some participants arguing that they are conceptually different and discussing the implications of Fubini's Theorem.
  • Participants request clarification on the exact wording of the problem to ensure accurate understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the evaluation of the integral due to the undefined function and the ambiguity in the limits of integration. Multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the integral and the terminology used remain present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the lack of a defined function f(x+y) and the unclear limits of integration, which affect the ability to evaluate the integral accurately.

Dx
Evaluate the iterated integral: integral 1 to 0 double integral square root(y)to y then f(x+y)dx dy.

I don't understand iterated integrals in my textbook and am clueless how to get started. In the previous chapter it converted ot uising reimann sums butthis next chapter is vague and therefore not the best examples to work from. Can anyone help me solve for this?
Thanks!
Dx
:wink:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is the problem really "integrate from 1 to 0" or is it from 0 to 1 (that's more common). If 0 is the lower limit on the integral then it is "from 0 to 1".

Of course, we can't integrate this until we know what f(x,y) is!
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Is the problem really "integrate from 1 to 0" or is it from 0 to 1 (that's more common). If 0 is the lower limit on the integral then it is "from 0 to 1".

Of course, we can't integrate this until we know what f(x,y) is!

Yes, ur right. its from 0 lower limit to 1 upper. This is one of those that's throws me of because all the problem says is
[inte]upper 1 to lower 0 [inte][squ](y) uppper to y lower limit (x+y) dx dy

Im not given f(x+y)
Dx
 
iteration usually means "doing it more than once" in any other context. I think the author probably means the more commonly used term "multi-integral".

In your example, I think he means from lower limit x=sqrt(y) to upper limit x=y, in which case one usually treats y as a constant and integrates with respect to (wrt) x, getting x*x/2 + yx. Then replacing x in this result with the upper limit of y and subtracting this from the result of replacing x with x*x/2. Then after doing that integrating, then integrate wrt to x and replacing the upper and lower limits as usual.
 
Mike2, how does one get "x*x/2+ xy" when one doesn't know the function? Dx said he was asked to f(x+y) but didn't know f. That's a peculiar form and you may be right that it really is just x+y.

Dx, could you check the problem and tell us exactly what it says?
 
Mike2: I don't think it is a matter of multi-integral being a "more common name". "Iterated integral" and "multi-integral" are conceptually different things.
The iterated integral requires that we have a specific coordinate system and integrate in a specific order i.e. integrate first with respect to y and then with respect to x.
The "multi-integral", we are given a function, f, defined at each point of a region in, say, the plane and integrate f dA where dA is the "differential of area".

One of the important parts of a multi-variable calculus is showing that, by choosing a coordinate system, a mult-integral can always be converted to an iterated integral (in fact that's pretty much what you HAVE to do in order to actually integrated it). In it's most general form, that's "Fubini's Theorem".
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Mike2, how does one get "x*x/2+ xy" when one doesn't know the function? Dx said he was asked to f(x+y) but didn't know f. That's a peculiar form and you may be right that it really is just x+y.

Dx, could you check the problem and tell us exactly what it says?

Straight out of the text verbatium.

Evaluate the iterated integral: integral 1 to 0 integral square root(y)to y (x+y)dx dy.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K