Understanding minimal substractio for several variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of minimal subtraction in the context of integrals involving multiple variables, specifically focusing on how to apply this technique to triple integrals. Participants explore the challenges of extending the method from one-dimensional integrals to higher dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their understanding of minimal subtraction for one-dimensional integrals and seeks guidance on applying it to triple integrals.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "minimal subtraction," prompting clarification.
  • A subsequent reply defines minimal subtraction as the process of subtracting terms from a divergent integral to achieve convergence, noting that this is straightforward in one dimension but more complex in multiple dimensions.
  • One suggestion involves converting the integrals to spherical coordinates to simplify the problem, as it would reduce the dimensionality of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method for performing minimal subtraction in multiple dimensions, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of applying minimal subtraction in higher dimensions and the potential need for different approaches, such as coordinate transformations, which may not be universally accepted.

zetafunction
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for one dimensional integral [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty}dxf(x)[/tex] i know how to make minimal substraction however for an integral in several variables how is it done ??

for example for a triple integral

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \int_{0}^{\infty} \int_{0}^{\infty}dx dy dz f(x,y,z)[/tex]

i must perfrom

a minimal substraction in 'x'

a minimal substraction in 'y'

a minimal substraction in 'z'

i know how to make this however what is the following step ?

a minimal substraction in 'x,y'

a minimal substraction in x,z

a minimal substraction in y,z

a minimal substraction in x,y,z

this is the part i do not know how to do
 
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What is "minimal substraction"?
 
mathman said:
What is "minimal substraction"?

minimal substraction is that given a divergent integral we must substract some terms to make it convergent.

for the case of 1 dimension is very VERY easy , the problem is when you have more than one dimension
 
One way would be to convert to spherical coordinates. Then the problem would be one-dimensional, since ∞ appears only for the r integral.
 

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