What are generic terms for integration/summation parameters?

In summary, the conversation discusses the terminology used in mathematics and science for integration and summation. The three parameters discussed are the input variable for integration/summation, the function being integrated/summed, and the integration/summation result. The conversation also mentions various examples of integration and summation in physics and suggests possible terms for each parameter, such as displacement function, forcing function, and accumulation. However, only the function being integrated/summed has an official term, which is integrand or summand. The conversation also suggests using terms such as "differential" and "variable of integration" for the input variable and "integral", "definite integral", "indefinite integral", or "antiderivative" for the
  • #1
swampwiz
571
83
This is not only a question strictly about mathematics, but in science or any other quantitative field in which there is an integration - or a summation that is like a discrete integration.

[ A ] the parameter that is considered the input variable for the integration/summati - i.e., the x of dx

[ B ] the parameter that is the function being integrated/summed - f( x )

[ C ] the integration/summation result - { ∫ f( x ) dx } OR { Σ [ f( x ) Δx ] }

Obviously the fact that one is a summation while the other is integration (which itself is simply the limit of the summation being an infinite number of discrete quantities) should make no difference in the abstract terminology. Also, speaking only for physics here, there are a number of different such summation relationships ...

Mechanical Energy = Σ [ Force(Distance) * Δ Distance ]

Momentum = Σ [ Force(Time) * Δ Time ]

Elastic Energy = Σ [ Stiffness(Deformation) * Δ Deformation ] = Σ [ Elasticity(Strain) * Δ Strain ]

Thermomechanical Energy = Σ [ Pressure(Volume) * Δ Volume ]

Heat = Σ [ Temperature(Entropy) * Δ Entropy

Energy = Σ [ Power( Time ) * Δ Time ]

Voltage = Σ [ ElectricalField( Distance ) * Δ Distance ]

ElectricalCharge = Σ [ Current(Time) * Δ Time ]

Flux = Σ [ Field( 2-D coordinates on surface ) * Δ Area ]

... to name a few. Likewise, the function here is the derivative of the integration result with respect to the differential parameter. It seems that there must be a nice set of elegant terms to describe any such relationship; the best I can come up are ...

[ A ] the displacement function

[ B ] the forcing function

[ C ] the accumulation

... which obviously is inconsistent. I think the term for [ C ] sounds pretty good, but I can't come up with a term that is as generic as "accumulation" to describe [ A } & [ B ]. Surely some great commentator on mathematics has come up with such a set of nice terms.
 
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  • #2
In mathematics and science... isn't it just?

A. The independent variable
B. The dependent variable
C. Instantaneous change in the dependent variable

For instance, the integration of velocity dependent on time is acceleration. Time is clearly the independent variable upon which velocity occurs and the instantaneous change in velocity is known as acceleration?
 
  • #3
So far as I know, only B has an official term, which is integrand and summand respectively.
 
  • #4
The Wiki article on integration uses some reasonable terms. "differential" for the dx, "variable of integration" for the x and a choice of "integral", "definite integral", "indefinite integral" or "antiderivative" depending on how you want to consider the result.

It uses "integrand" for the function being integrated as Andrewkirk has already indicated.
 

Related to What are generic terms for integration/summation parameters?

1. What are generic terms for integration/summation parameters?

There are several commonly used generic terms for integration/summation parameters, including: variables, limits, bounds, indices, and terms. These terms refer to the values or symbols used to represent the start and end points of an integration or summation, as well as the values or expressions being summed or integrated.

2. What is the difference between an integration parameter and a summation parameter?

An integration parameter is used in the context of calculus to represent the variable being integrated with respect to, while a summation parameter is used in the context of arithmetic or discrete mathematics to represent the variable being summed over. In both cases, these parameters determine the range of values being considered and are often represented by letters such as x, y, or n.

3. Can integration and summation parameters be negative or non-numeric?

Yes, integration and summation parameters can be negative or non-numeric, depending on the context and the specific problem being solved. For example, in calculus, integration parameters can represent negative values on a number line, and in discrete mathematics, summation parameters can represent non-numeric quantities such as strings or sets.

4. How do integration and summation parameters relate to limits and intervals?

Integration and summation parameters are closely related to limits and intervals, as they both define the range or scope of the operation being performed. The limits or bounds of integration or summation refer to the start and end points of the range, while the parameters represent the variable or expression being summed or integrated over that range.

5. Are integration and summation parameters used in other fields besides mathematics?

Yes, integration and summation parameters are used in various fields besides mathematics, such as physics, engineering, and economics. They are often used to represent quantities or variables in equations or models, and their values can be manipulated to analyze and solve complex problems in these fields.

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