Draw a diagram to interpret this equation geometrially as an equality

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving certain integral equations involving continuous functions on the real line and interpreting these equations geometrically as equalities of areas. The specific problems include symmetry in integrals, translation of functions, and properties of beta functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of substitution rules to transform integrals and explore the geometric interpretation of these transformations. There is a focus on drawing diagrams to represent the areas under curves for the first two problems.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confidence in the mathematical transformations presented, while others seek clarification on how to create the necessary diagrams for visual interpretation. Guidance has been offered regarding the symmetry of areas and the concept of function translation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are specifically addressing the cases where the functions involved are non-negative and the limits of integration are positive. There is an emphasis on drawing diagrams to support the understanding of the integral equations.

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I need some help with the following problems. Any help is highly appreciated.

1. If [tex]f[/tex] is continuous on [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex], prove that

[tex]\int _a ^b f(-x) \: dx = \int _{-b} ^{-a} f(x) \: dx[/tex]

For the case where [tex]f(x) \geq 0[/tex] and [tex]0 < a < b[/tex], draw a diagram to interpret this equation geometrially as an equality of areas.

2. If [tex]f[/tex] is continuous on [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex], prove that

[tex]\int _a ^b f(x + c) \: dx = \int _{a+c} ^{b+c} f(x) \: dx[/tex]

For the case where [tex]f(x) \geq 0[/tex], draw a diagram to interpret this equation geometrially as an equality of areas.

3. If [tex]a[/tex] and [tex]b[/tex] are positive numbers, show that

[tex]\int _0 ^1 x^a (1 - x) ^b \: dx = \int _0 ^1 x^b (1 - x) ^a \: dx[/tex]

Here is what I've got so far:

1. Consider the left-hand side

[tex]\int _a ^b f(-x) \: dx[/tex]

and apply the substitution rule:

[tex]u=-x \Rightarrow \frac{du}{dx} = -1 \Rightarrow dx = - du[/tex]

[tex]u(b)=-b[/tex]

[tex]u(a)=-a[/tex]

[tex]\int _a ^b f(-x) \: dx = -\int _{-a} ^{-b} f(u) \: du = \int _{-b} ^{-a} f(u) \: du = \int _{-b} ^{-a} f(x) \: dx[/tex]

2. Consider the left-hand side

[tex]\int _a ^b f(x + c) \: dx[/tex]

and apply the substitution rule:

[tex]u=x+c \Rightarrow \frac{du}{dx} = 1 \Rightarrow dx = du[/tex]

[tex]u(b)=b+c[/tex]

[tex]u(a)=a+c[/tex]

[tex]\int _a ^b f(x + c) \: dx = \int _{a+c} ^{b+c} f(u) \: du = \int _{a+c} ^{b+c} f(x) \: dx[/tex]

3. Consider the left-hand side

[tex]\int _0 ^1 x^a (1 - x) ^b \: dx[/tex]

and apply the substitution rule:

[tex]u=1-x \Rightarrow \frac{du}{dx} = -1 \Rightarrow dx = -du[/tex]

[tex]u(1)=0[/tex]

[tex]u(0)=1[/tex]

[tex]\int _0 ^1 x^a (1 - x) ^b \: dx = \int _1 ^0 u^b (1 - u) ^a \: du = \int _0 ^1 x^b (1 - x) ^a \: dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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This looks fine to me.
Where do you need help?
 
arildno said:
This looks fine to me.
Where do you need help?

Oh, good! Thanks for checking it out.

Other than that, I need to take care of the diagrams (problems 1 & 2). I'm not so sure how to handle those. It seems that the areas in #1 are symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
 
Last edited:
You're right about diagram 1.
For diagram 2, remember that f(x+c) represents a translation.
 
arildno said:
You're right about diagram 1.
For diagram 2, remember that f(x+c) represents a translation.

I've got it. Thanks!
 

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