A Calculating Functional Derivatives: -1≤xₒ≤1 vs -1<xₒ<1

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the correct interpretation of the functional derivative given the bounds for xₒ, specifically comparing -1≤xₒ≤1 with -1<xₒ<1. The integral expression for the functional derivative is presented, highlighting the delta function's role in evaluating the integral. Participants debate whether the inclusion of the endpoints affects the outcome during integration by parts. The consensus leans towards the importance of the bounds in determining the behavior of the functional derivative. Ultimately, the choice of bounds can influence the results in specific contexts, making it a significant consideration in calculations.
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A functional derivative using the delta function with intergral limits of +-1.
##\frac {\delta I[f]} {\delta f(x_o)} = \int_a ^b \delta(x-x_o) \, dx## with a=-1 and b=+1

## -1 \leq x_o \leq +1 ## vs ## -1 \lt x_o \lt +1 ##, 0 otherwise. Which is correct and does it matter when doing integration by parts?
 
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I could not get the Latex Preview to work until now. This is more like what I intended.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

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