Train Wreck Integral Shortcut...

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral $$\int_1^2 x^3 dx$$ and the validity of certain mathematical shortcuts or laws related to integration. Participants explore the implications of applying different mathematical identities and methods, including the potential for simplification in definite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the expression $$\left[\frac{x^4}4\right]_1^2$$ and its comparison to $$\left[x^2\right]_1^2\left[\frac{x^2}4\right]_1^2$$, suggesting that they are not equivalent.
  • One participant simplifies the evaluation of $$\left. x^4\right|_1^2$$ and $$\left. x^2\right|_1^2 \cdot \left. x^2\right|_1^2$$ to demonstrate the discrepancy in results.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the existence of a "Cook's Law" related to integration, suggesting that it could simplify certain integrals if it were valid.
  • There is a discussion about using trigonometric identities to simplify the integration of expressions involving terms like $$x^3 \cos^2(t)$$ and $$x^3 \cos(t) \sin(t)$$, with references to integration techniques such as integration by parts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of certain mathematical shortcuts and the existence of specific laws related to integration. No consensus is reached regarding the correctness of the proposed methods or the existence of "Cook's Law."

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarity in mathematical expressions and the importance of understanding the underlying principles of integration. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the applicability of proposed shortcuts and the definitions of terms used in the discussion.

aronclark1017
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TL;DR
A tempting shortcut in long paths that leads to certain train wreck
Although this case is seemingly reasonable.
I(1,2) x^3 dx
[x^4/4](1,2)
[x^2](1,2)[x^2/4](1,2)=9/4

I(1,2) x^3 dx
[x^4/4](1,2)=15/4
 
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It helps if you use LaTeX. Is your question that if $$\int_1^2x^3dx=\left[\frac{x^4}4\right]_1^2$$then why is $$\left[\frac{x^4}4\right]_1^2\neq\left[x^2\right]_1^2\left[\frac{x^2}4\right]_1^2$$Because if so, write out the square brackets explicitly and you'll see why.
 
##(ab)|_1^2\neq a|_1^2\,b|_1^2##
 
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aronclark1017 said:
Although this case is seemingly reasonable.
Not at all.
I'll simplify your problem slightly by getting rid of the fractions.
##\left. x^4\right|_1^2 = 2^4 - 1^4 = 16 - 1 = 15##

##\left. x^2\right|_1^2 \cdot \left. x^2\right|_1^2 = (2^2 - 1^2)(2^2 - 1 ^2) = (4 - 1)(4 - 1) = 3\cdot 3 = 9##
 
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Order in the court is cooks law MF trust is..🤣🤣🤣
 
aronclark1017 said:
Order in the court is cooks law MF trust is..🤣🤣🤣
@aronclark1017, you don't do yourself any favors by posting gibberish such as the above.
 
Yea, Its just that I don't recall any such law in the text. Although I'm sure there is a name for this one. Especially since it seemingly would greatly simplify some integrals if it did work. For example

x^3 cos^2(t) +x^3 cos(t) sin(t) + x^2 sin(t)

Sure would be nice to factor out that x^2 before solving the definite integral on x. A veteran expert might just say well if the bound is on 0,2pi then the last two terms cancel anyway and bypass the law entirely and get his PHD before ever realizing such law ever existed. Either that or just erase the entire problem and start from scratch until the correct solution is derived, however it happened. It's why just scratching at problems by hand like playing music is not good especially at high levels. There is a need to just read things. In fact, it's the law. Because the hand is not a copulator, is simply a pointer to the problem which must first be read hands free.
 
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aronclark1017 said:
Yea, Its just that I don't recall any such law in the text. Although I'm sure there is a name for this one.
I'm pretty sure that there is no such law, and definitely not one named Cook's Law.
aronclark1017 said:
x^3 cos^2(t) +x^3 cos(t) sin(t) + x^2 sin(t)
One can start with the first two terms by using trig identities. For the first, the identity ##\cos^2(t) = \frac 1 2 (\cos(2t) + 1)## can be used. For the second term, the identity ##\sin(t)\cos(t) = \frac 1 2 \sin(2t)## can be used. Once these are done, then the usual approach for all three terms is integration by parts or you can look in a table of integrals.
 

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