Change of Variables in Multiple Integrals is a powerful technique for simplifying complex integrations. By transforming coordinates, we can align the integration domain with the problem's geometry, making calculations more manageable and intuitive. This method uses the Jacobian matrix to represent the transformation between coordinate systems. The Jacobian determinant, a key component, measures volume or area changes during transformation. Common coordinate shifts include polar, cylindrical, and spherical, each suited for specific geometric shapes.
The Jacobian matrix is a matrix of partial derivatives that represents the linear transformation between the original and new coordinate systems
For a transformation from $(x, y)$ to $(u, v)$, the Jacobian matrix is given by:
The Jacobian determinant, denoted as $|J|$ or $\det(J)$, is the determinant of the Jacobian matrix
The Jacobian determinant measures the change in volume or area elements during the coordinate transformation
The Jacobian determinant is a scalar function of the new coordinates and is included as a multiplicative factor in the transformed integral
The Change of Variables Theorem relates the original integral to the transformed integral using the Jacobian determinant
For a double integral over a region $R$ in the $(x, y)$ plane, the Change of Variables Theorem states:
where $S$ is the transformed region in the $(u, v)$ plane and $|J|$ is the Jacobian determinant
For a triple integral over a region $E$ in $(x, y, z)$ space, the Change of Variables Theorem states:
where $T$ is the transformed region in the $(u, v, w)$ space and $|J|$ is the Jacobian determinant
The Jacobian determinant accounts for the change in volume or area elements during the transformation and ensures that the transformed integral is equivalent to the original integral