What is the purpose of dx in an integral?

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The discussion clarifies the purpose of "dx" in an integral, indicating that it denotes the variable of integration. For example, in the integral ∫xdx, "dx" specifies that the integration is with respect to the variable x. Participants also inquire about how to write integrals on the forum, with guidance provided on using LaTeX for formatting. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper notation in mathematical expressions. Overall, understanding "dx" is crucial for correctly interpreting integrals.
ludi_srbin
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Hmmmmmm...Well I guess my first question is how do I write the integral...Do I have to have some sort of program or...?

Anyway, let's say I have some kind of simple integral and there is dx in front of it. What is that dx there for.
 
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Do you mean how to you notate it? The "dx" refers to the variable of integration. If you were in terms of y, you would write "dy".

An example: \int xdx This is in terms of the variable x, so we notate that by writing dx.
 
O thanks. :smile:
 
If you are asking about how to put such equations on this forum, double click on any equation you are interested in and a window will open showing the Latex code.

Double click on:
\int xdx

For more information on Latex, see the "sticky" in the "General Physics" thread.
 
O yeah :smile: . I forgot about that. Thanks man. I aprrecaite it.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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