The Origin of the \hat x Term in Evaluating Double Integrals over Triangles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of double integrals over triangular regions, specifically focusing on the notation and interpretation of integrals involving the term \(\hat x\). Participants explore whether the expression given for double integrals is correctly represented and seek clarification on the origin of the \(\hat x\) term in the context of integrating over a triangle.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the integral \(\int_{\Delta} x^m y^n dx dy\) can be considered a double integral due to the presence of the \(dx \, dy\) term, suggesting it might also be expressed as \(\int \int_{D} x^m y^n dA\).
  • Another participant clarifies that \(dA\) represents a double integral while \(dx \, dy\) indicates an iterated integral, noting that many authors do not distinguish significantly between the two concepts.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the evaluation of the integral \(\int_{\Delta} x dx dy\) resulting in \(A \hat x\) and seeks to understand the derivation of \(\hat x\), which is related to the coordinates of the triangle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some agreement on the definitions of double integrals and iterated integrals, but there remains uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the \(\hat x\) term and its derivation. The discussion does not reach a consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of integrals and the specific context of triangular regions, which may not be universally applicable. The derivation of \(\hat x\) is not fully resolved, leaving open questions about its calculation and significance.

bugatti79
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Folks,

Self reading a book in which an equation is given as

I_{mn}\equiv\int_{\Delta} x^m y^n dx dy

where we are integrating an expression of the form x^m y^n over an arbirtrary triangle.

Is the above actually a double integral because of the dxdy term? Ie can this be written

I_{mn}\equiv\int_{\Delta} x^m y^n dx dy= \int \int_{D} x^m y^n dA where D is the triangle?

Thanks
 
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Technically, the $dA$ differential is a double integral, and $dx \, dy$ differentials signify an iterated integral. I think many authors don't make a huge distinction between the two. The double integral is the more general concept - a particular iterated integral is coordinate dependent, usually.
 
Ackbach said:
Technically, the $dA$ differential is a double integral, and $dx \, dy$ differentials signify an iterated integral. I think many authors don't make a huge distinction between the two. The double integral is the more general concept - a particular iterated integral is coordinate dependent, usually.

Thanks for that.

I have found a nice link - Double integrals as iterated integrals - Math Insight

Cheers
 
bugatti79 said:
Folks,

Self reading a book in which an equation is given as

I_{mn}\equiv\int_{\Delta} x^m y^n dx dy

where we are integrating an expression of the form x^m y^n over an arbirtrary triangle.

Is the above actually a double integral because of the dxdy term? Ie can this be written

I_{mn}\equiv\int_{\Delta} x^m y^n dx dy= \int \int_{D} x^m y^n dA where D is the triangle?

Thanks

In the book I am reading they evaluate the following integral to be

\int_{\Delta} x dx dy= A \hat x where

\displaystyle \hat x= \frac{1}{3} \Sigma_{i=1}^3 x_i and A=\int_{\Delta} dx dy=xy

Where does \hat x come from? I realize its to do with the 3 coordinates of the triangle...
 

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