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Riemann Integration


In the field of mathematical analysis, Riemann integration stands as a cornerstone concept. Named after German mathematician Bernhard Riemann, this method revolutionizes the way we understand the area under the curve of a function. Riemann integration is completely called the Riemann method. To understand this, we explore its definition, properties, applications, and examples through a mix of text, mathematical notation, and visual demonstrations.

Defining Riemann integration

At its core, Riemann integration is the process of assigning a number to a certain type of function defined on a closed bounded interval. This number represents the area under the curve of the function on that interval. To understand how it works, read on. Consider a continuous function f defined on a closed interval [a, b].

We start by dividing the interval [a, b] into smaller subintervals. The partition P of [a, b] is a finite sequence of numbers:

P = { x_0, x_1, x_2, ..., x_n } where a = x_0 < x_1 < x_2 < ... < x_n = b

Each sub-interval [x_{i-1}, x_i] is used to approximate the area under the curve by rectangles whose heights are determined by the function values at some points within each sub-interval. These points are usually the left end point, right end point, or any point within the sub-interval.

Riemann sum

The Riemann sum of f with respect to a partition P is defined as:

S(P, f) = Σ f(x_i^*) (x_i - x_{i-1}) for i = 1, 2, ..., n

Here, x_i^* is a point in the subinterval [x_{i-1}, x_i]. The Riemann sum represents the total area of the rectangles and serves as an approximation of the area under the curve.

x_0 x_1 x_2 x_3

As demonstrated, if we increase the number of partitions and refine the width of each rectangle, the Riemann sum approaches more closely the actual area under the curve.

Riemann integral

A function f is called Riemann integrable on [a, b] if the limit of the Riemann sums exists and is the same regardless of the choice of the points x_i^* within each subinterval as the width of the subinterval approaches zero The Riemann integral of f from a to b is then defined as:

a b f(x) dx = lim (||P|| → 0) S(P, f)

where ||P|| denotes the norm of the partition, which is the length of the longest sub-interval in that partition.

Example: Integrating a linear function

Consider the linear function f(x) = x on the interval [0, 1]. Let us find the Riemann integral of f(x) on this interval.

Divide [0, 1] into n equal sub-intervals, where the width of each sub-interval is Δx = 1/n. Choose the right endpoints for simplicity:

x_i^* = i/nf(x_i^*) = i/n

So the Riemann sum is:

S(P, f) = Σ (i/n) * (1/n) = (1/n^2) Σ i

Recognizing that:

Σ i = (n(n + 1))/2

gives us:

S(P, f) = (1/n^2) * (n(n + 1))/2 = (n + 1)/(2n)

Taking the limit when n approaches infinity, we get:

lim (n → ∞) (n + 1)/(2n) = 1/2

So the Riemann integral of f(x) = x from 0 to 1 is 1/2.

Properties of the Riemann integral

Riemann integration is governed by several important properties that simplify its application:

  • Linearity: If f and g are integrable on [a, b] and c is a constant, then:
    a b (cf + g) dx = c∫ a b f(x) dx + ∫ a b g(x) dx
  • Monotonicity: If f(x) ≤ g(x) for all x in [a, b], then:
    a b f(x) dx ≤ ∫ a b g(x) dx
  • Additivity: If c is a point in [a, b], then:
    a b f(x) dx = ∫ a c f(x) dx + ∫ c b f(x) dx
  • Order of integration: Reversing the limits of integration changes the sign of the integral:
    a b f(x) dx = -∫ b a f(x) dx

Applications of Riemann integration

Riemann integration is used in many branches of mathematics and its applications extend to physics, engineering, and beyond. Some notable applications include:

  • Calculation of area and volume: Riemann integral is helpful in determining the area under curves and the volume of solids of revolution.
  • Solving differential equations: Many solutions of differential equations are expressed as integrals, and the Riemann integral provides a means of evaluating them.
  • Physics and engineering: in calculations of quantities such as work and energy, where integrals represent cumulative processes over continuous domains.

Conclusion

Riemann integration is a fundamental tool in analysis that enables us to rigorously quantify the notion of area under curves. Through dividing intervals and adding the areas of rectangles, Riemann integration approximates the essence of integral calculus and captures it. Its properties ensure a robust framework for calculations and applications, reinforcing its importance in a variety of mathematical and applied fields.

This brief exploration provides a glimpse into the versatile and indispensable nature of Riemann integration, and invites deeper study and appreciation of its many aspects.


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