Integration by Parts, an introduction I get confused with

In summary, "Integration by Parts" is a technique used in calculus to integrate products of functions. It is based on the formula ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du, where u and v are differentiable functions. The process involves choosing which parts of the integrand to assign to u and dv, differentiating u to get du, and integrating dv to get v. This method can simplify complex integrals, but it often requires practice to select the right parts and can lead to confusion if not applied carefully.
  • #1
mcastillo356
Gold Member
593
321
TL;DR Summary
The theoretical part is no problem. I also understand the following example; but at the next paragraphs, I've got a naive question I want to share with the forum.
Hi, PF

Integration by parts is pointed out this way:

Suppose that ##U(x)## and ##V(x)## are two differentiable functions. According to the Product Rule,

$$\displaystyle\frac{d}{dx}\big(U(x)V(x)\big)=U(x)\displaystyle\frac{dV}{dx}+V(x)\displaystyle\frac{dU}{dx}$$

Integrating both sides of this equation and transposing terms, we obtain

$$\displaystyle\int{\,U(x)\displaystyle\frac{dV}{dx}dx}=U(x)V(x)-\displaystyle\int{\,V(x)\displaystyle\frac{dU}{dx}dx}$$

or, more simply,

$$\displaystyle\int{\,UdV}=UV-\displaystyle\int{\,VdU}$$

(...)

EXAMPLE 1 ##\displaystyle\int{\,xe^{x}dx}## Let ##U=x##, ##dV=e^{x}dx##.
Then ##dU=dx, V=e^{x}##.
##=xe^{x}-\displaystyle\int{\,e^{x}dx} (i.e., UV-\int{\,VdU}##
##=xe^{x}-e^{x}+C##

Note also that had we included a constant of integration with V, for example, V=e^{x}+K, that constant would cancel out in the next step:

##\displaystyle\int{\,xe^{x}dx}=x(e^{x}+K)-\displaystyle\int{(e^{x}+K)dx}##
$$=xe^{x}+Kx-e^{x}-Kx+C=xe^{x}-e^{x}+C$$

In general, do not include a constant of integration with ##V## or on the right-hand side until the last integral has been evaluated

Question: it is the appearance of ##K## to express a constant of integration:

(i) Could it have been any other letter of the alphabet?
(ii) Mention ##C'## could have been misleading?

Greetings!

Attempt
(i) It wouldn't have been appropiate neither the Greek alphabet, ment for linear equationts, physics notations (for example ##\Omega## stands for electrical resistance), nor non Latin not capital letters etc,
(ii) ##C'=0##
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You may use any alphabet including Greece you like. With suffices
[tex]C_1,C_2,C_3,…[/tex] works also.
 
  • Informative
Likes e_jane and mcastillo356
  • #3
Hi, @anuttarasammyak, brilliant.
anuttarasammyak said:
You may use any alphabet including Greece you like. With suffices
[tex]C_1,C_2,C_3,…[/tex] works also.
Thanks a lot
 
  • Like
Likes e_jane

FAQ: Integration by Parts, an introduction I get confused with

What is the formula for integration by parts?

The formula for integration by parts is derived from the product rule of differentiation and is given by: ∫u dv = uv - ∫v du, where u and v are differentiable functions of x. You choose u and dv from the integrand, differentiate u to get du, and integrate dv to get v.

How do I choose u and dv in the integration by parts formula?

A common strategy for choosing u and dv is to use the LIATE rule, which prioritizes functions in the order of Logarithmic, Inverse trigonometric, Algebraic, Trigonometric, and Exponential. Choose u from the highest priority category and dv from the remaining part of the integrand.

What should I do if the resulting integral after applying integration by parts is still complex?

If the integral you obtain after applying integration by parts is still complex, you may need to apply the integration by parts technique again. Alternatively, you could consider other integration techniques, such as substitution or trigonometric identities, to simplify the integral.

Can integration by parts be applied to definite integrals?

Yes, integration by parts can be applied to definite integrals. When using the formula for definite integrals, you evaluate the expression uv at the upper and lower limits and then subtract the results: ∫[a to b] u dv = [uv] from a to b - ∫[a to b] v du.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using integration by parts?

Common mistakes include forgetting to differentiate u and integrate dv correctly, miscalculating the limits of integration for definite integrals, and neglecting to simplify the resulting integral before attempting to solve it. Always double-check your choices for u and dv, and ensure that the resulting integral is manageable.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
989
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top