I Another Integration Formula

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The integration formula discussed is rarely taught despite being well-known, expressed as $$\int f(x)dx = xf(x)-\int_{x_{0}}^{f(x)}f^{-1}(t)dt$$. Users are questioning its validity, particularly when applied to the function f(x) = e^x, leading to confusion about potential errors in the calculations. The integral of log(t) is highlighted as a key component in the derivation, emphasizing the need for careful application of integration techniques. While the formula may have limited independent value, it could be useful for solving complex integral challenges. Overall, the discussion reflects a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the practical utility of the integration identity.
gleem
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According to the author of this article, this integration formula is well-known but rarely taught. Do you know it?

$$\int f(x)dx = xf(x)-\int_{x_{0}}^{f(x)}f^{-1}(t)dt $$

where x0 is a constant and f-1(x) is the inverse function of f(x).
 
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Is there a typo somewhere? I get for ##f(x)=e^x##
\begin{align*}
\int e^x\,dx &\stackrel{?}{=} xe^x-\int_{x_{0}}^{e^x}\log(t)\,dt\\
&= xe^x-\left[t\log(t)-1\right]_{x_{0}}^{e^x}\\
&=xe^x-(e^x x-1)+(x_0\log(x_0)-1)\\
&=x_0\log(x_0)
&\neq e^{x}
\end{align*}
Where am I wrong?
 
gleem said:
According to the author of this article, this integration formula is well-known but rarely taught. Do you know it?

$$\int f(x)dx = xf(x)-\int_{x_{0}}^{f(x)}f^{-1}(t)dt $$

where x0 is a constant and f-1(x) is the inverse function of f(x).
It's a combination of parts and substitution. You can start from the integral of an inverse function. With ##f(x) = t##, do a change of variables, followed by parts.
$$\int_{t_0}^{t_1}f^{-1}(t)dt = \int_{x_0}^{x_1}xf'(x)dx$$$$ =\bigg[xf(x)\bigg]_{x_0}^{x_1} - \int_{x_0}^{x_1}f(x)dx$$
 
fresh_42 said:
Is there a typo somewhere? I get for ##f(x)=e^x##
\begin{align*}
\int e^x\,dx &\stackrel{?}{=} xe^x-\int_{x_{0}}^{e^x}\log(t)\,dt\\
&= xe^x-\left[t\log(t)-1\right]_{x_{0}}^{e^x}\\
&=xe^x-(e^x x-1)+(x_0\log(x_0)-1)\\
&=x_0\log(x_0)
&\neq e^{x}
\end{align*}
Where am I wrong?
The integral of ##\log t## is ##t\log t - t##.
 
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PeroK said:
It's a combination of parts and substitution. You can start from the integral of an inverse function. With ##f(x) = t##, do a change of variables, followed by parts.
$$\int_{t_0}^{t_1}f^{-1}(t)dt = \int_{x_0}^{x_1}xf'(x)dx$$$$ =\bigg[xf(x)\bigg]_{x_0}^{x_1} - \int_{x_0}^{x_1}f(x)dx$$
You can also just take the derivative of the RHS, and verify that it is f(x). I note that I have never seen this before. It looks cute, but I wouldn't know how useful it is without playing with some examples myself.

[The derivative comes out ##f(x)+xf'(x)-xf'(x)## ]
 
PAllen said:
It looks cute, but I wouldn't know how useful it is without playing with some examples myself.
This looks like one of those integration identities that might find use on some ubsurd integral challenges (which I enjoy), but probably not much use anywhere else. I would be interested to see if it does show up in someones research somewhere.
 
Mondayman said:
This looks like one of those integration identities that might find use on some ubsurd integral challenges (which I enjoy), but probably not much use anywhere else. I would be interested to see if it does show up in someones research somewhere.
It could be useful, but it doesn't have a lot of independent value. It's just the full substitution, followed by parts. In that sense, it's nothing new.
 

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