How can we simplify the triple integral of a rectangular box?

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In summary, the limits of integration for a triple integral of a rectangular box are determined by the dimensions of the box, and different coordinate systems can be used to simplify the integral. The order of integration also matters, and it is recommended to start with the innermost variable. If the function is not constant, it can be simplified by breaking it into smaller integrals. There are also techniques such as symmetry and substitution that can be used to simplify the integral. However, careful analysis of the function and the box shape is important to determine the most efficient method.
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Chris L T521
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Thanks to those who participated in last week's POTW! Here's this week's problem (and the first University POTW of 2013)!

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Problem: Let $G$ be a rectangular box defined by the inequalities $a\leq x\leq b$, $c\leq y\leq d$, $k\leq z\leq l$. Show that
\[\iiint\limits_G f(x)g(y)h(z)\,dV = \left[\int_a^b f(x)\,dx\right]\left[\int_c^d g(y)\,dy\right]\left[\int_k^l h(z)\,dz\right],\]
where $\,dV=\,dx\,dy\,dz$.

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This week's problem was correctly answered by Deveno and Sudharaka. You can find Deveno's solution below:

Let $H$ be an anti-derivative of $h$, $G$ be an anti-derivative of $g$ and $F$ an anti-derivative of $f$. I will call the region of integration $R$ to avoid confusion. $f,g,h$ will be assumed to be integrable over the appropriate intervals.Then:
$$\iiint\limits_R f(x)g(y)h(z)\ dV = \int_a^b \left(\int_c^d \int_k^l f(x)g(y)h(z)\ dy\ dz \right)\ dx$$
$$= \int_a^b \left( \int_c^d \left( \int_k^l f(x)g(y)h(z)\ dz \right)\ dy \right)\ dx = \int_a^b \left( \int_c^d f(x)g(y) \left( \int_k^l h(z)\ dz\right)\ dy \right)\ dx$$
$$= \int_a^b \left(\int_c^d [H(l) - H(k)]f(x)g(y)\ dy\right)\ dx = [H(l) - H(k)]\int_a^b \left(\int_c^d f(x)g(y)\ dy\right)\ dx$$
$$=[H(l) - H(k)]\int_a^b f(x) \left(\int_c^d g(y)\ dy \right)\ dx = [H(l) - H(k)]\int_a^b [G( d) - G(c)]f(x)\ dx$$
$$= [G( d) - G(c)][H(l)-H(k)]\int_a^b f(x)\ dx = [F(b)-F(a)][G( d) - G(c)][H(l) - H(k)]$$
$$= \left[\int_a^b f(x)\ dx\right]\left[\int_c^d g(y)\ dy\right]\left[\int_k^l h(z)\ dz\right]$$
 

FAQ: How can we simplify the triple integral of a rectangular box?

How do we set up the limits of integration for a triple integral of a rectangular box?

The limits of integration for a triple integral of a rectangular box are determined by the dimensions of the box. The x, y, and z values correspond to the length, width, and height of the box, respectively. The lower limit for each variable is usually 0, and the upper limit is the corresponding dimension of the box.

Can we use different coordinate systems to simplify a triple integral of a rectangular box?

Yes, it is possible to use different coordinate systems such as cylindrical or spherical coordinates to simplify the triple integral of a rectangular box. This can be helpful if the shape of the box or the function being integrated has a certain symmetry that aligns with a particular coordinate system.

Is there a specific order in which we should integrate the variables in a triple integral of a rectangular box?

Yes, the order of integration matters in a triple integral of a rectangular box. The recommended order is to integrate first with respect to the innermost variable, followed by the middle variable, and then the outermost variable. This means integrating in the order dz, dy, dx or dz, dx, dy depending on the given function and the orientation of the box.

How can we simplify a triple integral of a rectangular box with a non-constant function?

If the function being integrated is not a constant, it is recommended to simplify the triple integral by breaking it into smaller, simpler integrals. This can be done by dividing the box into smaller rectangular regions and integrating over each region separately.

Are there any shortcuts or tricks to simplify a triple integral of a rectangular box?

There are a few techniques that can be used to simplify a triple integral of a rectangular box, such as symmetry, substitution, and using known formulas for common functions. However, it is important to carefully analyze the given function and the shape of the box to determine the most efficient way to simplify the integral.

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