Derivate of generalized function

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of generalized functions and their derivatives in integration. It is shown that the integral of the derivative of a generalized function is equal to the negative integral of the function itself. This is proven using the limits for generalized functions and the concept of integration by parts.
  • #1
greisen
76
0
Hi,

I have to show that if the derivate f'(x) of a generalized function f(x) is defined by the sequence f'_n(x) where f(x) is defined

[tex]f_n(x)[\tex]

then

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f'(x)F(x) dx = - \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)F'(x) dx [/tex]

I use the limits for generalized functions and get

[tex]lim_{n \to \infty} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f'_n(x)F(x) dx = - \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f_n(x)F'(x) dx [/tex]

which should show the above - I am a liltte confused where the minus sign comes from?
[tex]- \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}f(x)F'(x) dx [/tex]

Any help appreciated - thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
it is from integration by parts
let f,F be functions
d(fF)=(fF)'dx=f'Fdx+fF'dx
f'Fdx=d(fF)-fF'dx
integrating gives (assume f,F->0)
ʃf'Fdx=ʃd(fF)-ʃfF'dx
ʃd(fF)=0 so
ʃf'Fdx=-ʃfF'dx
now extent this to generalized functions by limits
 

1. What is a derivative of a generalized function?

A derivative of a generalized function is a mathematical concept that extends the idea of a derivative to functions that are not typically differentiable in the traditional sense. It allows for the calculation of derivatives of functions that are not continuous or do not have a well-defined slope at certain points.

2. How is a derivative of a generalized function calculated?

The calculation of a derivative of a generalized function involves using a distributional derivative, which is defined as the limit of a sequence of smooth functions that approximates the generalized function. This allows for the use of traditional differentiation rules and formulas to calculate the derivative.

3. What are some examples of generalized functions?

Some common examples of generalized functions include the Dirac delta function, the Heaviside step function, and the sign function. These functions are not continuous or differentiable at certain points, but their derivatives can still be calculated using the distributional derivative.

4. What is the significance of the derivative of a generalized function?

The derivative of a generalized function is important in many areas of mathematics and physics, particularly in the study of differential equations. It allows for the solution of equations involving non-differentiable functions and has applications in fields such as signal processing and quantum mechanics.

5. Are there any limitations to the use of derivatives of generalized functions?

One limitation of using derivatives of generalized functions is that they can only be applied within a certain class of functions. They cannot be used for functions that grow too rapidly at infinity, as their derivatives may not exist. Additionally, some traditional differentiation rules may not hold for generalized functions.

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