Integrate product of heaviside function and function of x

In summary, the Heaviside function is a mathematical function that has a value of 0 for negative inputs and a value of 1 for positive inputs. Integrating a function is the process of finding the area under the curve of the function, and integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x involves breaking up the integral and using the properties of the Heaviside function. This process is useful in applications such as physics. Special cases to consider when integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x include discontinuities and undefined points.
  • #1
coverband
171
1
How would you integrate product of heaviside function and function of x

i.e. int[f(x)H(x)dx]

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Are you looking for definite integral or indefinite?

For indefinite, the integral=0 for x < 0 and = the integral of f(x) for x > 0.

For definite integral, integral of f(x) with lower bound ≥ 0.
 
  • #3
Thanks

The integral is [tex]\int_{0}^{2\pi} a^2(sint)^3H(-asint)dt[/tex]

Help !?
 
  • #4
If a > 0, integral is (π,2π), while for a < 0, integral is (0,π). In both cases the integrand is now without H.
 

What is the Heaviside function?

The Heaviside function, also known as the unit step function, is a mathematical function that has a value of 0 for negative inputs and a value of 1 for positive inputs.

What is meant by "integrating" a function?

Integrating a function is the process of finding the area under the curve of the function. It is essentially the reverse process of differentiation.

How do you integrate a product of Heaviside function and a function of x?

To integrate a product of Heaviside function and a function of x, first break up the integral into separate integrals for the positive and negative inputs of the Heaviside function. Then, use the properties of the Heaviside function to simplify the integrals and solve for the resulting function.

What is the purpose of integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x?

The purpose of integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x is to find the total area under the curve of the function, which can be useful in applications such as calculating displacement, velocity, and acceleration in physics.

Are there any special cases to consider when integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x?

Yes, there are special cases to consider when integrating a product of Heaviside function and a function of x. These include when the function being integrated has a discontinuity at the point where the Heaviside function switches from 0 to 1, and when the function being integrated is undefined at the point where the Heaviside function switches from 0 to 1.

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