Integral Problem: Compute f(0) Given f'', f(\pi)=1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem involving the computation of f(0) given the second derivative f'', the condition f(π)=1, and an integral equation. The participants explore various methods and reasoning related to the problem, including integration techniques and the implications of continuity.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start the problem and questions the relevance of the continuity of f''.
  • Another suggests using a substitution (x ← π - x) or integration by parts as potential methods to approach the integral.
  • Several participants assert that f(0)=1 is a solution, citing the constant function f(x)=1 as satisfying the integral condition.
  • Some participants clarify that while f(x)=1 works, the original problem asks for f(0), and they note that f itself cannot be uniquely determined from the given information.
  • There is a discussion about the uniqueness of the solution, with one participant arguing that if a unique answer exists, it must be f(0)=1, while another emphasizes that f(x) is not necessarily a constant function.
  • Integration by parts is mentioned as a useful method to derive the result, but the specifics of this method are not fully detailed in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that f(0)=1 is a valid conclusion based on the constant function solution, but there is disagreement regarding the uniqueness of this solution and the implications of the integral. The discussion remains unresolved regarding whether f(x) must be constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem's conditions and the continuity of f'' may influence the interpretation of the solution, but these aspects are not fully explored or resolved.

Jupiter
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Suppose [tex]f''[/tex] is continuous and
[tex]\int_0^{\pi}[f(x)+f''(x)]\sin xdx=2[/tex]. Given that [tex]f(\pi)=1[/tex], compute f(0).
I'm stuck on this, and I'm not sure where to start. The problem seems like a quickie, and the assumption that f'' is continuous seems curious. Do I have to use the FTC?
A hint, please??
 
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What about a substitution? [itex]x \leftarrow \pi - x[/itex] looks particularly tempting. Integration by parts could be helpful too.
 
f(0)=1.
The constant function f=1 is a solution... (and f'' is continuous)
 
h2 said:
f(0)=1.
The constant function f=1 is a solution... (and f'' is continuous)

PF is looking better :biggrin:

Ya f(0)=1

But what do u mean by constant function f=1
 
The function f(x) = 1 satisfies the integral.

f(x) = 1
f''(x) = 0

[tex]\int_0^\pi [f(x) + f''(x)]\sin{x} \,dx = \int_0^\pi [1 + 0]\sin{x} \,dx = - \cos{x}\Big|_0^\pi = 2[/tex]

cookiemonster
 
Last edited:
(The integral of sine is -cosine)
 
cookiemonster said:
The function f(x) = 1 satisfies the integral.

f(x) = 1
f''(x) = 0

[tex]\int_0^\pi [f(x) + f''(x)]\sin{x} \,dx = \int_0^\pi [1 + 0]\sin{x} \,dx = - \cos{x}\Big|_0^\pi = 2[/tex]

cookiemonster


Yes, that's true but the original problem was to show that that is the ONLY function that satisfies the equation.
 
Well, the orignal question was to determine what f(0) is. f itself cannot be determined. Since f(x)=1 works, and yields f(0)=1 we can say that if a unique answer to what f(0) is exists it must be f(0)=1. This is a useful observation, but the solution is found be integration by parts.
 
matt grime said:
Well, the orignal question was to determine what f(0) is. f itself cannot be determined. Since f(x)=1 works, and yields f(0)=1 we can say that if a unique answer to what f(0) is exists it must be f(0)=1. This is a useful observation, but the solution is found be integration by parts.

ya i agree that's why i wanted out to point that f(x) is not a constant function

u have
[tex]\int_o^{\pi} f(x) sinx dx + \int_o^{\pi} f^{''}{(x) sinx dx[/tex]
u will have

[tex]- cosx * f(x)|_0^{\pi} + sinx * f^{'} (x)|_0^{\pi}[/tex]

with the given conditions u get f(0)=1 not f(x)=1
 
  • #10
I was just expanding on h2's post! Don't kill the messenger... =\

cookiemonster
 

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