What are generic terms for integration/summation parameters?

  • #1
swampwiz
504
48
This is not only a question strictly about mathematics, but in science or any other quantitative field in which there is an integration - or a summation that is like a discrete integration.

[ A ] the parameter that is considered the input variable for the integration/summati - i.e., the x of dx

[ B ] the parameter that is the function being integrated/summed - f( x )

[ C ] the integration/summation result - { ∫ f( x ) dx } OR { Σ [ f( x ) Δx ] }

Obviously the fact that one is a summation while the other is integration (which itself is simply the limit of the summation being an infinite number of discrete quantities) should make no difference in the abstract terminology. Also, speaking only for physics here, there are a number of different such summation relationships ...

Mechanical Energy = Σ [ Force(Distance) * Δ Distance ]

Momentum = Σ [ Force(Time) * Δ Time ]

Elastic Energy = Σ [ Stiffness(Deformation) * Δ Deformation ] = Σ [ Elasticity(Strain) * Δ Strain ]

Thermomechanical Energy = Σ [ Pressure(Volume) * Δ Volume ]

Heat = Σ [ Temperature(Entropy) * Δ Entropy

Energy = Σ [ Power( Time ) * Δ Time ]

Voltage = Σ [ ElectricalField( Distance ) * Δ Distance ]

ElectricalCharge = Σ [ Current(Time) * Δ Time ]

Flux = Σ [ Field( 2-D coordinates on surface ) * Δ Area ]

... to name a few. Likewise, the function here is the derivative of the integration result with respect to the differential parameter. It seems that there must be a nice set of elegant terms to describe any such relationship; the best I can come up are ...

[ A ] the displacement function

[ B ] the forcing function

[ C ] the accumulation

... which obviously is inconsistent. I think the term for [ C ] sounds pretty good, but I can't come up with a term that is as generic as "accumulation" to describe [ A } & [ B ]. Surely some great commentator on mathematics has come up with such a set of nice terms.
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
aikismos
145
34
In mathematics and science... isn't it just?

A. The independent variable
B. The dependent variable
C. Instantaneous change in the dependent variable

For instance, the integration of velocity dependent on time is acceleration. Time is clearly the independent variable upon which velocity occurs and the instantaneous change in velocity is known as acceleration?
 
  • #3
andrewkirk
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
Gold Member
4,066
1,645
So far as I know, only B has an official term, which is integrand and summand respectively.
 
  • #4
jbriggs444
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
11,690
6,372
The Wiki article on integration uses some reasonable terms. "differential" for the dx, "variable of integration" for the x and a choice of "integral", "definite integral", "indefinite integral" or "antiderivative" depending on how you want to consider the result.

It uses "integrand" for the function being integrated as Andrewkirk has already indicated.
 

Suggested for: What are generic terms for integration/summation parameters?

  • Last Post
Replies
3
Views
680
  • Last Post
Replies
6
Views
506
  • Last Post
Replies
2
Views
585
  • Last Post
Replies
0
Views
482
  • Last Post
Replies
5
Views
597
  • Last Post
Replies
5
Views
606
  • Last Post
Replies
1
Views
536
Replies
5
Views
680
Replies
3
Views
366
  • Last Post
Replies
2
Views
669
Top