Can someone tell me why this integral is invalid?

  • Thread starter PhiPhenomenon
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In summary, an invalid integral is one that cannot be evaluated using standard mathematical methods. It can still have a solution but may involve complex numbers or discontinuous functions. Common reasons for an integral to be invalid include incorrect limits of integration, undefined or discontinuous functions, and complexity. To determine if an integral is invalid, different methods of integration can be used, and if it still cannot be evaluated, it is likely to be invalid. In some cases, an invalid integral can be fixed, but in others, there may not be a valid solution.
  • #1
PhiPhenomenon
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Hey guys,

Can someone tell me why this integral isn't valid?

∫ v Δp = pv + C
 
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  • #2
PhiPhenomenon said:
Hey guys,

Can someone tell me why this integral isn't valid?

∫ v Δp = pv + C

You're treating v as if it were a constant.

This is valid:

$$ \int k~dx = kx + C$$

This is not:
$$ \int f(x)~dx = f(x) \cdot x + C$$
 
  • #3
Basically, [itex]\displaystyle \int y\,dx = yx + C \text{ iff }\frac{dy}{dx} = 0[/itex].
 
  • #4
Millennial said:
Basically, [itex]\displaystyle \int y\,dx = yx + C \text{ iff }\frac{dy}{dx} = 0[/itex].
Which is the same as saying y is a constant.
 
  • #5
Ah I see. Thanks guys.
 

FAQ: Can someone tell me why this integral is invalid?

What does it mean for an integral to be invalid?

An invalid integral refers to a situation where the integral cannot be evaluated using standard mathematical methods. This can occur when the function being integrated is undefined or does not have a definite integral.

Can an integral be invalid if it has a solution?

Yes, an integral can still be considered invalid even if it has a solution. This can happen if the solution involves complex numbers or if the function being integrated is discontinuous at certain points.

What are some common reasons for an integral to be invalid?

Some common reasons for an integral to be invalid include the function being undefined or discontinuous at certain points, the limits of integration being incorrect, or the function being too complex to be evaluated using standard methods.

How can I determine if an integral is invalid?

If you are unsure if an integral is valid, you can check by using different methods of integration, such as substitution or integration by parts. If the integral still cannot be evaluated, it is likely to be invalid.

Is there a way to fix an invalid integral?

In some cases, an invalid integral can be fixed by using techniques such as partial fraction decomposition or changing the limits of integration. However, in other cases, the integral may simply not have a valid solution.

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