FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL Meaning and
Definition
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A fractional integral refers to a mathematical operation that generalizes the concept of integration to non-integer orders. It allows for the integration of functions to be extended beyond the traditional notion of integer values.
In essence, a fractional integral is obtained by raising the function being integrated to a non-integer power. This power represents the order of the integral. For example, a fractional integral of the order 1/2 is defined as raising the function to the power of 1/2, or taking the square root of the function.
The process of fractional integration is closely related to the concept of fractional differentiation. In fact, the fractional integral of a given function is the inverse operation of its fractional derivative.
Fractional integrals have numerous applications in various fields of mathematics and science. They play a vital role in the theory of fractional calculus, which has found applications in physics, engineering, finance, and other disciplines. Fractional integrals are particularly useful in the study of complex systems, where traditional integer-order integration may not adequately capture the system's dynamics.
Furthermore, fractional integrals provide an alternative approach to solving differential equations, especially those involving non-integer orders. They offer a versatile tool for modeling and analyzing real-world phenomena that exhibit fractal or long-memory properties.
Overall, a fractional integral is a mathematical operation that extends the concept of integration to non-integer orders, providing a powerful tool for understanding and analyzing complex systems and phenomena.
Etymology of FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL
The word "fractional" in the term "fractional integral" comes from the concept of fractions or parts. It refers to a non-integer or fractional value of the order or exponent used in the integral calculation.
The word "integral" in this context refers to a mathematical operation called integration, which is the reverse process of differentiation. It involves finding the area under a curve or the calculation of the antiderivative of a function.
Putting it together, a "fractional integral" is a mathematical operation that calculates the antiderivative or area under a curve for a function using a non-integer or fractional order or exponent.
