Proving Uniqueness in Continuous Functions with Positive Values

In summary, for a continuous function k(t) with positive values, there is a unique τ for any given t (or at least for any t not too large) such that τ =∫ (k(η)dη,0,t). Conversely, any such τ corresponds to a unique t. This is because the antiderivative of k(t) will only give increasing values for increasing t, meaning that for every different t substitute into the integral, there will be a different output. To show the uniqueness of τ, one can start by assuming there are two unique τ and then show that they must be the same.
  • #1
proximaankit
11
0

Homework Statement



Suppose that k(t) is a continuous function with positive values. Show that for any t (or at least for any t not too large), there is a unique τ so that τ =∫ (k(η)dη,0,t); conversely
any such τ corresponds to a unique t. Provide a brief explanation on why there is such a 1-1 correspondence.


Homework Equations


NA


The Attempt at a Solution


Stuck on it but here are some of my thoughts and reasoning:

I first view τ as function dependent upon t. since k(t) is positive and continuous, that will mean that the antiderivative of k(t) will only give us increasing values for increasing t. The new k(η) function is essentially same as k(t) except with η as the independent var. Hence since the k(t) is positive then k(η) is also positive. Then the integral of k(η) must be increasing for each increasing t. Hence for t2 and t1 the integral of k(η) from 0 to t2 is greater than the integral of k(η) from 0 to t1. This makes sure the for every different t substitute into the integral have a different output. And as we said τ is


The problem is how do I show the unique τ for each t part.

Thank you very much in advance for any help :)
 
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  • #2
proximaankit said:

Homework Statement



Suppose that k(t) is a continuous function with positive values. Show that for any t (or at least for any t not too large), there is a unique τ so that τ =∫ (k(η)dη,0,t); conversely
any such τ corresponds to a unique t. Provide a brief explanation on why there is such a 1-1 correspondence.


Homework Equations


NA


The Attempt at a Solution


Stuck on it but here are some of my thoughts and reasoning:

I first view τ as function dependent upon t. since k(t) is positive and continuous, that will mean that the antiderivative of k(t) will only give us increasing values for increasing t. The new k(η) function is essentially same as k(t) except with η as the independent var. Hence since the k(t) is positive then k(η) is also positive. Then the integral of k(η) must be increasing for each increasing t. Hence for t2 and t1 the integral of k(η) from 0 to t2 is greater than the integral of k(η) from 0 to t1. This makes sure the for every different t substitute into the integral have a different output. And as we said τ is


The problem is how do I show the unique τ for each t part.

Thank you very much in advance for any help :)

Is this supposed to be an if and only if or are you to prove that for any ##t## there is a unique ##τ##?

If it's the latter, you should start by assuming there are two unique ##τ## and then show that they both must be the same.
 

1. What does it mean to prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values?

Proving uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values means showing that there is only one possible solution for a given function, and that this solution is continuous and has positive values for all inputs.

2. Why is it important to prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values?

Proving uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values is important because it ensures that there is only one possible solution for a given function, which helps to eliminate ambiguity and provides a clear understanding of the function's behavior.

3. How do you prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values?

To prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values, you can use different techniques such as the intermediate value theorem, the mean value theorem, or the monotonicity of a function. These techniques involve showing that the function has only one solution that satisfies the given conditions.

4. What are some common challenges when trying to prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values?

Some common challenges when trying to prove uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values include finding the right approach or technique to use, dealing with complex functions that may have multiple solutions, and ensuring that all necessary conditions are met for the proof to be valid.

5. Can you provide an example of proving uniqueness in continuous functions with positive values?

Yes, for example, we can prove the uniqueness of the function f(x) = x^2 on the interval [0,1]. We can do this by showing that the function is continuous and has positive values for all inputs on this interval, and that it has a unique solution, x=0, which satisfies the given conditions.

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