Mastering the Art of Integration: Vector-Valued Functions Explored

To integrate vector-valued functions, break down the integral of a function \(\mathbf{F}(t)\) that outputs vectors, such as \(\int \mathbf{F}(t) \, dt\), into its individual components. For instance, if \(\mathbf{F}(t) = (f(t), g(t), h(t))\), calculate each integral separately: \(\int f(t) \, dt\), \(\int g(t) \, dt\), and \(\int h(t) \, dt\). This results in a vector with integrated components, forming a new vector function. Such integrations are vital in applications like physics to determine displacement from a velocity vector function or work done by a force over time. Techniques like the Fundamental Theorem for Line Integrals can further simplify these calculations, proving especially useful in fields like electromagnetism and fluid dynamics where vector fields are common.

Consider a vector-valued function \(\mathbf{F}(t) = (2t, \sin(t), t^2)\). To integrate \(\mathbf{F}(t)\) over \(t\), calculate each component separately:

1. \(\int 2t \, dt = t^2 + C_1\)
2. \(\int \sin(t) \, dt = -\cos(t) + C_2\)
3. \(\int t^2 \, dt = \frac{t^3}{3} + C_3\)

Thus, the integral of \(\mathbf{F}(t)\) is:

\( [
\int \mathbf{F}(t) \, dt = \left( t^2 + C_1, -\cos(t) + C_2, \frac{t^3}{3} + C_3 \right)
] \)

This result gives a new vector function representing the integrated components of \(\mathbf{F}(t)\).