Calculate a definite integral from another definite integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating definite integrals involving a continuous function \( f \) defined over specific intervals. The first integral involves a transformation of the variable, while the second integral presents a different substitution challenge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore substitution methods for both integrals, with some discussing the implications of changing limits of integration. There is confusion regarding the notation and the correctness of substitutions used.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the validity of their approaches and discussing potential errors in notation and reasoning. Some have provided partial insights into the transformations but have not reached a consensus on the correct methods.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the need to correctly apply substitution techniques and adjust limits accordingly. Participants note the importance of clarity in notation and the potential pitfalls of misapplying calculus concepts.

0kelvin
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Homework Statement


f is continuous in [-1, 1]. Calculate ##\int_0^1 f(2x - 1) dx##, given that ##\int_{-1}^1 f(u) du = 5##

f is continuous in [0, 4]. Calculate ##\int_{-2}^2 xf(x^2) dx##

The Attempt at a Solution


I did one easier exercise where both integrals were in terms of x, a simple x - 2 = u and du = dx substitution made the trick. The other fact was that I noticed that the whole function was shifted by two units and the limits of integratition were also shifted by two units, resulting in the same value for the definite integral.
 
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0kelvin said:

Homework Statement


f is continuous in [-1, 1]. Calculate ##\int_0^1 f(2x - 1) dx##, given that ##\int_{-1}^1 f(u) du = 5##

f is continuous in [0, 4]. Calculate ##\int_{-2}^2 xf(x^2) dx##

The Attempt at a Solution


I did one easier exercise where both integrals were in terms of x, a simple x - 2 = u and du = dx substitution made the trick. The other fact was that I noticed that the whole function was shifted by two units and the limits of integratition were also shifted by two units, resulting in the same value for the definite integral.
These look to me like applications of substitution. Did you try any substitutions on either integral? Also, since these are definite integrals, if you make substitutions, you'll want to change the limits of integration to values of the substituted variable.
 
##u = 2x - 1 \Rightarrow x = \frac{u+1}{2}##
##du = 2dx##

This is where I was confused:

$$\int_{u = 2.0 - 1}^{u = 2.1 - 1} f(u) \frac{du}{2}$$

##\int_{-1}^1 f(u) \frac{du}{2} ##

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-1}^1 f(u) du = \frac{5}{2}##

Had an idea about the second exercise:

##u = f(x^2)##

##du = 2xf'(x^2)dx##

Thus

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 u2xdx##

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 udu##

The rest is trivial.
 
0kelvin said:
##u = 2x - 1 \Rightarrow x = \frac{u+1}{2}##
##du = 2dx##

This is where I was confused:

$$\int_{u = 2.0 - 1}^{u = 2.1 - 1} f(u) \frac{du}{2}$$

##\int_{-1}^1 f(u) \frac{du}{2} ##

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-1}^1 f(u) du = \frac{5}{2}##
Right.

Your notation needs some work, though. When you write "2.0" and "2.1" I think you intend that the "." is supposed to mean multiplication, but it looks like a decimal fraction. Use * to make this clearer.
0kelvin said:
Had an idea about the second exercise:

##u = f(x^2)##
There's a much simpler substitution.
0kelvin said:
##du = 2xf'(x^2)dx##

Thus

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 u2xdx##
No this won't work.
0kelvin said:
##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 udu##

The rest is trivial.
The last integral is ##\frac{1}{2}\left. \frac{f(x^2)}{2} \right|_{x = -2}^2##
But you don't have any information about that function.
 
Oh, -_-'' I just noticed that I substituted f(x) by f'(x).

##u = x^2##

##du = 2xdx##

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 f(u) 2x dx \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 f(u) du##

##\frac{1}{2}F(2) - \frac{1}{2}F(-2) \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}F(2^2) - \frac{1}{2}F((-2)^2)##

I don't know the function ##f##, but the definite integral ended up being ##\frac{1}{2}F(4) - \frac{1}{2}F(4) = 0##.
 
0kelvin said:
Oh, -_-'' I just noticed that I substituted f(x) by f'(x).

##u = x^2##

##du = 2xdx##

##\frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 f(u) 2x dx \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}\int_{-2}^2 f(u) du##

##\frac{1}{2}F(2) - \frac{1}{2}F(-2) \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}F(2^2) - \frac{1}{2}F((-2)^2)##

I don't know the function ##f##, but the definite integral ended up being ##\frac{1}{2}F(4) - \frac{1}{2}F(4) = 0##.
That's what I get, as well, but your work is flaky here:
##\frac{1}{2}F(2) - \frac{1}{2}F(-2) \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}F(2^2) - \frac{1}{2}F((-2)^2)##

Nit: Don't use ##\Rightarrow## in place of =. Expressions that have the same value should be connected with =. The arrow (##\Rightarrow##) should be used between statements (typically equations or inequalities) where the statement on the left implies the statement on the right.

Besides that, how do you justify changing F(2) to F(22), and similar for F(-2) and F( (-2)2)?
The right way is to change the limits of integration to u values. When x = -2, u = ?, and when x = 2, u = ?.
 

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