Another quick question, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) when the integrand depends on the variable of integration, specifically in the context of differentiating an integral with variable limits. Participants explore the implications of this dependence and the conditions under which the FTC can be applied.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the FTC is not valid if the integrand depends on the variable of integration, using the example of an integral with a specific form.
  • Another participant argues that the variable x is treated as a constant during integration, and thus the FTC can still be applied, providing a reformulation of the integral to support this view.
  • A later reply questions the assumption that the derivative of the integral can be directly computed as zero when applying the FTC, pointing out a potential misunderstanding of the conditions required for its application.
  • Another participant introduces the Leibniz rule as a necessary consideration when the integrand depends on the variable of integration, indicating that the FTC cannot be applied directly in such cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the FTC when the integrand depends on the variable of integration. No consensus is reached, as some argue for its applicability while others highlight the need for the Leibniz rule.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical formulations and rules, indicating that the discussion involves nuanced interpretations of calculus principles and the conditions under which they hold. There are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of the integrand and the limits of integration.

c.teixeira
Messages
39
Reaction score
0
I am guessing the fundamental theorem of calculus, isn't not valid, if the integrand f depends on x. Right?

For example if he had:

\int^{x}_{0} f(u) ( x-u) du. If one would make F(x) = \int^{x}_{0} g(u) du, with g(u) = f(u) ( x-u). Then F`(x) = g(x) = f(x) (x-x) = 0. But this is not correct as you know. He have to get the x out of the integral.

So, concluding, The First Fudamental Theorem of Calculus, is valid only if the integrand f , doens't not depend on x. Correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. If x is a constant, it is treated as one in the integral. There is nothing special about x, it's just that it is the upper limit of integration. That does not change how the integration is carried out. Namely, your integral converts to
\int_{0}^{x}xf(u)-uf(u)\,du=x\int_{0}^{x}f(u)du-\int_{0}^{x}uf(u)du
to which the FFTC is applicable.
 
Millennial said:
No. If x is a constant, it is treated as one in the integral. There is nothing special about x, it's just that it is the upper limit of integration. That does not change how the integration is carried out. Namely, your integral converts to
\int_{0}^{x}xf(u)-uf(u)\,du=x\int_{0}^{x}f(u)du-\int_{0}^{x}uf(u)du
to which the FFTC is applicable.


First of all thank you! But I didn't quite understood your explanation.

Yes, I understand that that is the correct way to differentiate the expression. In fact that was exactly why I got this doubt to begin with.


When I saw:
\int^{x}_{0}f(u)(x-u) = \int_{0}^{x}xf(u)-uf(u)\,du=x\int_{0}^{x}f(u)du-\int_{0}^{x}uf(u)du

I tought:

They "expanded" f(u) (x-u) to f(u)x - f(u)u, so that they could differentiate using the FFTC and the rules for the differentiation of the product of two fuctions namely l(x)=x and F(x) = \int^{x}_{0}f(u)du.

That is why, I got the idea that one couln't use the FFTC to differentiate direcltly a function F(x) = \int^{x}_{0}g(u)du., with in which g(u) depends on x, altought it is perceived as a constant during integration.

To summarize my idea, I guess the following is the best way:

Let g(u) = f(u)(x-u).

and F(x) = \int^{x}_{0}g(u)du.

Then through direct apllication of the FFTC we would get F`(x) = g(x)=f(x)(x-x) = 0.,

Which is obvsiouly different from \int_{0}^{x}xf(u)-uf(u)\,du=x\int_{0}^{x}f(u)du-\int_{0}^{x}uf(u)du= \int^{x}_{0}f(u) du + xf(x) - xf(x).

What brings me to the same question:

Is or isn't the FFTC applicable when the integrand f in F(x) = \int^{x}_{0}f(u)du, depends on the constant x.

If is applicable to such case, why is it wrong in my example to assume F`(x) = g(x) = f(x) (x-x) = 0.

Regards,

c.teixeira
 
"Then through direct apllication of the FFTC we would get F`(x) = g(x)=f(x)(x-x) = 0.,"

This is false. How do you know g(0)=0?
 
Millennial said:
"Then through direct apllication of the FFTC we would get F`(x) = g(x)=f(x)(x-x) = 0.,"

This is false. How do you know g(0)=0?

I don't know that, but (x-x) would be zero, making g(0) = 0. right?
 
you can't *directly* use the FTC in the case you mention.

the idea your skirting is called leibniz rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_integral_rule

it is just an application of the FTC and the chain rule.
\frac{d}{dx} \int_0^x f(u,x) du = f(x,x) + \int_0^x \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}(u,x) du
 
qbert said:
you can't *directly* use the FTC in the case you mention.

the idea your skirting is called leibniz rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_integral_rule

it is just an application of the FTC and the chain rule.
\frac{d}{dx} \int_0^x f(u,x) du = f(x,x) + \int_0^x \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}(u,x) du

Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K