Is the following function Riemann integrable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Riemann integrability of a specific function defined piecewise based on the rationality of its input. Participants explore the properties of the function, its discontinuities, and implications for integration, particularly in the context of an upcoming exam.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants attempt to solve the integral of the function x/(x^4 + 2x^2 + 1) and suggest substitutions to simplify the expression.
  • There is a discussion about the validity of a piecewise function defined as 1 for positive rationals, -1 for negative rationals, and 0 for irrationals, with some arguing that the integral from 0 to 1 should equal 0 due to the function's odd symmetry.
  • Others challenge this view, stating that the function is discontinuous and that the integral cannot be zero, particularly noting that upper and lower sums differ significantly on the interval [0,1].
  • A participant introduces the concept of Lebesgue integration as a method that could handle such functions, suggesting that Riemann integrability may not apply.
  • There is a clarification on the definitions of rational and irrational numbers, with some participants expressing confusion about these concepts.
  • One participant presents a proof regarding the surrounding of rational numbers by irrational numbers, contributing to the discussion on the nature of the function's discontinuities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the integrability of the function, with some asserting it is not Riemann integrable while others suggest it could be under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive nature of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the function's discontinuities and the implications for integration, but there are unresolved mathematical steps and definitions that affect the conclusions drawn.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for exams in calculus or those interested in the properties of integrable functions and the distinctions between Riemann and Lebesgue integration.

moham_87
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i really need to know...

first->
integration of:
x/(x^4 + 2x^2 + 1)

i tried solving that using (ln), u=g(x), and a lot of ways, but i couldn't get an answer

second->
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Is the following argument valid? Explain
f(x) =
1 if (x) is rational and (x)>0
-1 if (x) is rational and (x)<0
0 if (x) is irrational

is defined for all numbers in [-1,1] and has the property that f(-x)=-f(x) for all (x) in [-1,1].
Thus, definite integration{0 to 1 of f(x).dx}=0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
i couldn't understand the question, and what is meant by "irrational", i think all values (even integers) can be rational

thank u a lot, i wish to reply as soon as possible, my exam is TOMORROW... and any efforts will be appreciated
 
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For first part
[tex]\int \frac{x dx}{x^4+2x^2+1} = \int \frac{x dx}{(x^2+1)^2}[/tex]

now substitute x^2+1=t u will get 2xdx=dt and so on u get
[tex]\int \frac{dt}{2t^2}=-\frac{1}{2t}[/tex]
 
Man for Exams and these types of math go and consult:

I believe it should be in Homework Section And nothing else
 
Last edited:


Originally posted by moham_87
second->
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Is the following argument valid? Explain
f(x) =
1 if (x) is rational and (x)>0
-1 if (x) is rational and (x)<0
0 if (x) is irrational

is defined for all numbers in [-1,1] and has the property that f(-x)=-f(x) for all (x) in [-1,1].
Thus, definite integration{0 to 1 of f(x).dx}=0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
i couldn't understand the question, and what is meant by "irrational", i think all values (even integers) can be rational

thank u a lot, i wish to reply as soon as possible, my exam is TOMORROW... and any efforts will be appreciated [/B]

A number that can be expressed as a fraction where p and q are integers and , is called a rational number with numerator p and denominator q. Numbers that are not rational are called irrational numbers.

For the validness...I am not sure...first you've to define the function!

But as the function seems odd, of course the integration will be 0
 
A number that can be expressed as a fraction where p and q are integers and , is called a rational number with numerator p and denominator q. Numbers that are not rational are called irrational numbers.

Nonperiodic decimal fractions are called irrational numbers.



But as the function seems odd, of course the integration will be 0

It would be zero only when integration is of the form [tex]\int^a_{-a}[/tex]

For the second part

Any number on x-axis has two possibility either rational OR irrational for rational f(x)=1 whereas fo irational it is = 0,

A rational point is surrounded by two irrational points and vice versa So clearly the function is discontinuous

And function consists of a collection of points as defined by function

integral won't be zero in this range i.e from [0,1]
 
Last edited:
The second function is definitely not integrable. On the interval [0,1] any upper sum will be 1 and any lower sum will be 0. Thus there is no value for the integral.
 
Originally posted by himanshu121
Nonperiodic decimal fractions are called irrational numbers.





It would be zero only when integration is of the form [tex]\int^a_{-a}[/tex]

For the second part

Any number on x-axis has two possibility either rational OR irrational for rational f(x)=1 whereas fo irational it is = 0,

A rational point is surrounded by two irrational points and vice versa So clearly the function is discontinuous

And function consists of a collection of points as defined by function

integral won't be zero in this range i.e from [0,1]

Thanks! Himanda! I read once and didn't watched the limits :(

and mmwave as I told you go to sosmath and there you find lots of students who can share math ideas with you :)
 
Originally posted by mmwave
This is a fascinating tidbit I don't recall learning. Is it taught in calculus? I'd like to learn more about this idea, maybe see a proof if it isn't too complicated. Can you suggest a reference?

Suppose that you have a rational point not surrounded by two irrational points. So you have two rational numbers "a" and "b" with no irrational number between them. Thus the interval [a,b] contains only rational numbers, even over the reals.

But we clearly have a bijection between [a,b] and [0,1] (just apply a translation and scale the interval). Thus both [a,b] and [0,1] have the same cardinality.

Yet [a,b] only contains rational numbers and so it must be countable. But we can show that [0,1] is uncountable. Thus there cannot exist a bijection between [a,b] and [0,1]. This is a contradiction. Thus every rational is surrounded by two irrationals.
 
  • #10
The second function is definitely not integrable. On the interval [0,1] any upper sum will be 1 and any lower sum will be 0. Thus there is no value for the integral.
The function is not Riemann integrable. But there are other sorts of integration, namely Lebesgue integration, that can handle such functions.
 
  • #11
Originally posted by BigRedDot
The function is not Riemann integrable. But there are other sorts of integration, namely Lebesgue integration, that can handle such functions.

I didn't want to confuse the original poster too much. I figured bringing up Lebesgue integration (or other types of integration) would do that.
 

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