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Why must the integration bounds be converted when performing u-substitution in a definite integral?

The bounds must be converted because the variable of integration changes from uu to xx. The original bounds correspond to values of uu, but the new integral is evaluated with respect to xx. Retaining the old bounds would integrate over the wrong interval, leading to an incorrect result.

Conditions

  • The integral is a definite integral.
  • A substitution x=g(u)x = g(u) is performed.
  • The variable of integration changes from uu to xx.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the original bounds in terms of uu.
  2. Apply the substitution equation x=g(u)x = g(u) to the lower bound to find the new lower bound.
  3. Apply the substitution equation x=g(u)x = g(u) to the upper bound to find the new upper bound.
  4. Replace the old bounds with the new bounds in the transformed integral.
  5. Evaluate the new integral using the converted bounds.

Example

In the example, the old endpoints u=0u=0 and u=ln⁡2u=\ln 2 become x=2x=2 and x=3x=3. The script explicitly warns: 'do not retain bounds belonging to the old variable.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that the bounds remain the same regardless of the variable change.
  • Confusing the indefinite integral process (where bounds are not present) with the definite integral process.
  • Forgetting to update the bounds after changing the variable.

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