How would you integrate Cantor's function

In summary, The conversation is about integrating Cantor's function from 0 to 1 and whether it can be done as a geometric series or not. The function is described as being symmetric and the hint is given that 1-f(x) is the same function but going downhill instead of uphill. The speaker suggests using this symmetry to solve the problem, similar to how you can integrate sin(x) over any range without knowing its indefinite integral.
  • #1
sebastianzx6r
4
0
On the interval from 0 to 1?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
integrating cantor's function

How would you integrate it from 0 to 1? For those of you who don't know what it is here is a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor_function.
Is it possible to do this as some sort of geometric series? Any help would be appreaciated.
Thanks
 
  • #3
It looks like itself upside down.
 
  • #4
Well how can I integrate it? It's almost like an infinite piece wise function.
 
  • #5
If its integral (over the range [0,1]) exists, let it be I, StatusX's hint was that 1-f(x) is the same function but going downhill not uphill, so the integral of 1-f(x) over [0,1] is also I. You can do the rest from here surely. The point is the function is very symmetric, so you can exploit that symmetry, just like you can integrate sin(x) from -t to t for any t without knowing the indefinite integral of sin(x).
 

1. How does Cantor's function work?

Cantor's function, also known as the Cantor ternary function, is a mathematical function that maps all numbers in the interval [0,1] to the interval [0,1]. It is defined by the following recursive algorithm: - Start with the interval [0,1]- Divide the interval into three equal sub-intervals- Remove the middle third from each sub-interval- Repeat this process infinitelyThe resulting function is a continuous, non-decreasing function with a fractal-like graph.

2. Why is Cantor's function important?

Cantor's function is important in the field of mathematics because it is an example of a function that is continuous everywhere but differentiable nowhere. This challenges the traditional definition of a function and has implications in other areas of mathematics, such as topology and measure theory. It also has practical applications in computer science and data compression.

3. How would you graph Cantor's function?

To graph Cantor's function, you can start by plotting a few points on the interval [0,1]. For example, you can plot the points (0,0), (1/3, 1/2), (2/3, 1/2), and (1,1). Then, you can connect these points with straight lines. As you continue to divide the interval into smaller sub-intervals and remove the middle third, you will see the graph approach a continuous, non-decreasing function with a fractal-like shape.

4. Can Cantor's function be integrated?

Yes, Cantor's function can be integrated. However, due to its fractal nature, the integral is not a traditional Riemann integral and requires a more advanced form of integration known as the Lebesgue integral. This type of integration takes into account the size and density of the intervals that make up the function, rather than just the values of the function at specific points.

5. What are some real-world applications of Cantor's function?

Cantor's function has practical applications in computer science and data compression. It is used in image and audio compression algorithms, such as the JPEG format, to reduce the file size while maintaining a high level of detail. It is also used in fractal image compression, where the self-similar nature of the function is utilized to compress images without losing quality.

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