Path integral

This is not about "path integrals" in the sense that means that which was studied by Richard Feynman. See Functional integration.

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In mathematics, a path integral is an integral where the function to be integrated is evaluated along a path or curve. Various different path integrals are in use.

Table of contents

1 Complex analysis 2 Vector calculus 3 Quantum mechanics

Complex analysis

The path integral is a fundamental tool in complex analysis, where it is also called a contour integral. Suppose U is an open subset of C, γ : [a, b] → U is a rectifiable curve and f : U → C is a function. Then the path integral

may be defined by subdividing the interval [a, b] into a = t₀ < t₁ < ... < t_n = b and considering the expression

The integral is then the limit as the distances of the subdivision points approach zero.

If γ is a continuously differentiable curve, the path integral can be evaluated as an integral of a function of a real variable:

Important statements about path integrals are given by the Cauchy integral theorem and Cauchy's integral formula.

Vector calculus

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Quantum mechanics

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