Definite integration and stuff

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of finding the function f(x) defined by the equation f(x) = x² + 7x + ∫₀ˣ(e⁻ᵗ f(x-t) dt. Participants are exploring the implications of the integral and the relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to manipulate the integral and apply various mathematical techniques, including substitution and the Leibniz rule. There are questions about the treatment of variables and constants within the integral, as well as the validity of certain steps taken in the reasoning.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, including suggestions to use the Leibniz theorem and Laplace transforms. Participants are questioning assumptions made in previous attempts and discussing the implications of treating variables within the integral.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of using proper notation, such as LaTeX, for clarity. There is also a recognition that the integral involves two variables, which complicates the analysis. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and approaches without reaching a consensus.

  • #31
certainly said:
No the leibniz integral rule is:-
$$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\int_{a(x)}^{b(x)}f(x,t)\ dt=\int_{a(x)}^{b(x)}\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\ dt+f(b(x),x)\frac{\partial b}{\partial x}-f(a(x),x)\frac{\partial a}{\partial x}$$
 
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  • #32
certainly said:
What are you talking about ?

I think he is worried about the effects of having ##a(x)## in the lower limit.
 
  • #33
Raghav Gupta said:
Isn't Leibniz rule
$$ \frac{d}{dx} \int_{g(x)}^{h(x)} f(t) = f(h(x))h'(x) - f(g(x)) g'(x) $$ ?
So it should be
$$ \frac{d}{dx} \int_0^x e^{-t} f(x-t) = e^{-x}f(0) ? $$ as second term would be zero because differentiation of a constant which is the lower limit is zero

No. It should be exactly what I wrote in #22.
 
  • #34
$$-f(a(x),x)\frac{\partial a}{\partial x}$$
That last term is not visible in post 25 , that is what I am talking about.
I had to quote to see.
 
  • #35
It's visible here, @Ray Vickson is it not visible to you too...
 
  • #36
certainly said:
It's visible here, @Ray Vickson is it not visible to you too...
I think I am using a mobile device and you desktop.
 
  • #37
certainly said:
It's visible here, @Ray Vickson is it not visible to you too...

Yes, it was visible to me as soon as you posted your response.
 
  • #38
Raghav Gupta said:
I think I am using a mobile device and you desktop.

I have found that on a mobile device, a long LaTeX expression might not display properly. Some of it can run off the right side of the screen, and the device does not start a new line for it. It will start a new line for pure text, but not on a typeset LaTeX/TeX expression.
 
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  • #39
Raghav Gupta said:
Isn't Leibniz rule
$$ \frac{d}{dx} \int_{g(x)}^{h(x)} f(t) = f(h(x))h'(x) - f(g(x)) g'(x) $$ ?
So it should be
$$ \frac{d}{dx} \int_0^x e^{-t} f(x-t) = e^{-x}f(0) ? $$ as second term would be zero because differentiation of a constant which is the lower limit is zero

Your fundamental mistake is to treat x as a constant when you are differentiating by x. The definite integral will depend on x not just as a limit of the integral but also in the value of the integrand.
 
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  • #40
certainly said:
No the leibniz integral rule is:-
$$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\int_{a(x)}^{b(x)}f(x,t)\ dt=\int_{a(x)}^{b(x)}\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\ dt+f(b(x),x)\frac{\partial b}{\partial x}-f(a(x),x)\frac{\partial a}{\partial x}$$
Problems arising for me.
Getting first term in R.H.S
$$\int_0^x e^{-t} f'(x-t)$$ second term 0 and third term also 0 as δa/δx is 0.
 
  • #41
Raghav Gupta said:
Problems arising for me.
Getting first term in R.H.S
∫x0e−tf′(x−t)
\int_0^x e^{-t} f'(x-t) second term 0 and third term also 0 as δa/δx is 0.
i'm going to call the function to be integrated ##g(x,t)## (i.e ##f## in the equation you quoted) because it might cause some confusion.
Now, ##g(x,t)=e^{-t}f(x-t)## (this is the ##f## in the original problem)
therefore ##g(x,x)\frac{\partial x}{\partial x} = e^{-x}f(0)##
and the third term vanishes not only because ##\frac{\partial a}{\partial x} = 0## but also if look closely you'll notice that the limits of integration are 0 and 0 (EDIT:- In the recursive definition of f), thus making the integral 0 as well. This is a necessary step since the integral could diverge in which case we would have to take the limit.
 
Last edited:
  • #42
N42dgCt1LyHE0h68Y4bDMLYD.jpg
Attached
 
  • #43
It is incorrect to assume that ##f(0)=0##...
And if it was mentioned in the question, you should have told us so...
 
  • #44
certainly said:
It is incorrect to assume that ##f(0)=0##...
And if it was mentioned in the question, you should have told us so...
No.. it wasn't mentioned in the question.
 
  • #45
mooncrater said:

Homework Statement


The question says:
f (x)=x2+7x +∫0x(e-tf (x-t)dt.
Find f (x).
But definitely f(0) = 0
As integral from 0 to 0 is zero.
 
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  • #46
errrrr... yes, sorry for that, looks like I'm finally getting sleepy...
 
  • #47
certainly said:
errrrr... yes, sorry for that, looks like I'm finally getting sleepy...
For you :sleep:.
 
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