Rule to integrate a function with respect to its derivative

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of integrating a function with respect to its own derivative. The general solution for ##\int _{ }^{ }f\left(x\right)d\left(f\left(x\right)\right)## is ##\frac{1}{2}\left(f\left(x\right)\right)^2##, but there is no general solution for ##\int _{ }^{ }f\left(x\right)d\left(f'\left(x\right)\right)##. Substitution can be used, but the closed form of the integral depends on the function ##f##.
  • #1
Bill_Nye_Fan
31
2
Hello all, I was just wondering if there is any rules for integrating a function with respect to it's own derivative.

That is to say ##\int _{ }^{ }f\left(x\right)d\left(f'\left(x\right)\right)## or ##\int _{ }^{ }yd\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)##

Thank you in advance for your time :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I came until ##\int f(x) d(f'(x)) = f(x)f'(x) - \int (f'(x)^2)dx## so its the integral of a function squared, which has no general solution without knowing ##f'(x)##.
 
  • #3
We can use substitution. Set ##u=f'(x)##. Then ##\frac{d(f'(x))}{dx}=\frac{du}{dx}=f''(x)## so in the integral we can replace ##d(f'(x))##, which is ##du##, by ##f''(x)dx##. That gives us:
$$\int f(x)f''(x)dx$$
Whether a closed form can be found for the integral depends on ##f##.
 
  • #4
Thank you both for your help :)

I knew that ##\int _{ }^{ }f\left(x\right)d\left(f\left(x\right)\right)## has the general solution of ##\frac{1}{2}\left(f\left(x\right)\right)^2## regardless of what the function actually is. I was curious as to whether there would be a way to apply this while integrating with respect to the functions derivative instead, but it looks like there's no general solution for this.
 

1. What is the purpose of integrating a function with respect to its derivative?

The purpose of integrating a function with respect to its derivative is to find the original function from which the derivative was derived. This allows us to solve various problems related to the function, such as finding the area under the curve or the total change in the function over a given interval.

2. How do you determine the appropriate rule for integrating a function with respect to its derivative?

The appropriate rule for integrating a function with respect to its derivative can be determined by first identifying the derivative of the function and then using known integration rules or techniques to reverse the process. For example, if the derivative is a polynomial, we can use the power rule for integration.

3. Are there any special cases or exceptions when integrating a function with respect to its derivative?

Yes, there are special cases and exceptions when integrating a function with respect to its derivative. One common exception is when the derivative is undefined at certain points, which can result in discontinuities in the original function. Another special case is when the derivative is a constant, in which case the original function will be a linear function.

4. Can the rule for integrating a function with respect to its derivative be applied to all types of functions?

No, the rule for integrating a function with respect to its derivative may not apply to all types of functions. Some functions may require more advanced integration techniques or may not have a closed-form antiderivative. Additionally, the rule may not apply to functions with multiple variables or complex functions.

5. What are some real-world applications of integrating a function with respect to its derivative?

The technique of integrating a function with respect to its derivative has numerous real-world applications, such as in physics for calculating displacement, velocity, and acceleration; in economics for finding total revenue and profit; and in engineering for determining work and power. It is also used in optimization problems to find the maximum or minimum value of a function.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
944
Replies
8
Views
185
Replies
4
Views
369
Replies
3
Views
339
Replies
2
Views
301
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
937
Replies
4
Views
359
Back
Top