# How do I convince my students that the choice of variable of integration is irrelevant?

I will be TA this semester for the second course on Calculus, which contains the definite integral.

I have thought this since the time I took this course, so how do I convince my students that for a definite integral

i.e. The choice of variable of integration is irrelevant?

I still do not have an answer to this question, so I would really hope someone would guide me along, or share your thoughts. (through comments of course)

NEW EDIT: I’ve found a relevant example from before, that will probably confuse most new students. And also give new insights to this question.

Example: If $f$ is continuous, prove that

And so I start proving…

Note that $\cos x=\sin(\frac{\pi}{2} -x)$ and that $f$ is continuous, the integral is well-defined and

Applying the substitution $u=\frac{\pi}{2} -x$, we obtain $dx =-du$ and hence

Where the red part is the replacement of the dummy variable. So now, students, or even some of my peers will ask: $u$ is now dependent on $x$, what now? Why is the replacement still valid?

Draw a graph of the function on the blackboard, showing $a$ and $b$ and a crosshatched area representing the integral. Put an $x$ on the horizontal axis. Erase the $x$ and put a $z$ there. Does that change the area? Erase the $z$ and put a smiley face there. Does the area change? Why/why not?