How Do You Compute This Double Integral Correctly?

  • Thread starter mnb96
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Integrals
In summary, the correct way to compute the double integral in question is f(b,d)-f(a,d)-f(b,c)+f(a,c), where f is f(x,y). This is determined by the ordered differentials "dy dx" and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Another solution is also possible using the fundamental theorem of calculus.
  • #1
mnb96
715
5
Hello,
sorry for the trivial question: what's the correct way of computing the following double integral:

[tex]\int_a^b \int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Assuming things are reasonably well behaved, the answer is f(b,d)-f(a,d)-f(b,c)+f(a,c), where f is f(x,y).
 
  • #3
mnb96 said:
Hello,
sorry for the trivial question: what's the correct way of computing the following double integral:

[tex]\int_a^b \int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex]
Since the differentials are ordered "dy dx", this means:
[tex]\int_a^b\left(\int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x\partial y} dy\right)dx[/tex]

(I would consider it better to write
[tex]\int_{x= a}^b\int_{y= c}^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x \partial y} dy dx[/tex])

By the fundamental theorem of of calculus,
[tex]\int_c^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{partial y\partial x} dy= \frac{df(x,d)}{dx}- \frac{df(x,c)}{dx}[/tex]
so that
[tex]\int_{x=a}^b\int_{y= c}^d \frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial x\partial y}dy dx= \int_a^b \left(\frac{df(x,d)}{dx}- \frac{df(x,c)}{dx}\right)dx[/tex]

Applying the fundamental theorem of calculus again gives mathman's solution.
 
  • #4
thank you both.
very clear answers.
 

FAQ: How Do You Compute This Double Integral Correctly?

What is a double integral?

A double integral is a mathematical concept that allows for the calculation of the area under a two-dimensional function. It is represented by two integrals, one for each variable, and is used to find the volume, surface area, or mass of a three-dimensional object.

How do you evaluate a double integral?

There are several methods for evaluating a double integral, including iterated integration, polar coordinates, and change of variables. The most common method is iterated integration, where the integral is solved one variable at a time. The order of integration can be changed depending on the shape of the region being integrated.

What is the difference between a double integral and a single integral?

A single integral calculates the area under a curve in one variable, while a double integral calculates the volume under a surface in two variables. In other words, a double integral is an extension of a single integral to higher dimensions.

What is the purpose of a double integral in real life?

Double integrals have many practical applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to calculate the moment of inertia of an object, the center of mass of a system, and the work done by a force over a given distance. They are also used in probability and statistics to determine the probability of an event occurring within a range.

Can a double integral have negative values?

Yes, a double integral can have negative values. This can occur when the integrand is negative over a certain region, or when the region being integrated over is oriented in a way that results in a negative value. The value of a double integral represents the signed volume under the surface, meaning it can be positive, negative, or zero.

Similar threads

Back
Top