Derivative of a definite integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivative of a definite integral, exploring various interpretations and implications of this concept. Participants examine the relationship between the definite integral and its derivative, considering both theoretical and practical aspects of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the derivative of a definite integral F(x) is f(x), arguing that as dx approaches zero, the change in area under the curve relates to the change in height of f(x).
  • Another participant asserts that the definite integral calculates an oriented area, which is a constant, leading to the conclusion that the derivative of a constant is zero.
  • A later reply questions the application of the Leibniz Rule, indicating that the previous assertion about the derivative being zero may not hold.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of discarding limits in the context of differentiating integrals, raising concerns about the assumptions regarding the differentiability of the function f.
  • There is a mention of the fundamental theorem of calculus, with an example provided where a function f(x) is not differentiable at a point, yet a primitive function exists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the derivative of a definite integral and the function f. Some argue for the derivative being zero based on the integral being a constant, while others challenge this by referencing the Leibniz Rule and the conditions under which derivatives can be taken. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the differentiability of the function f and the implications of applying the Leibniz Rule. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the fundamental theorem of calculus and its application to the problem at hand.

Terrell
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consider x is between the interval [a,b]
would it be correct to say that the derivative of a definite integral F(x) is f(x) because as dx approaches zero in (x + dx), the width of ALL "imaginary rectangles" would closely resemble a line segment which approximates f(x)? therefore change in area under a curve is dependent to the change in the height of f(x) with respect to dx(which is inifinitesimally small)??

the different notations used in several videos i watched seemed to have confused me or doubt my own understanding of a seemingly simple concept
 
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Derivative of a definite integral? The definite integral calculates an orientated area. This is a constant. The derivative of a constant equals zero. Therefor, the derivative of a definite integral is zero.
 
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Math_QED said:
Derivative of a definite integral? The definite integral calculates an orientated area. This is a constant. The derivative of a constant equals zero. Therefor, the derivative of a definite integral is zero.
sorry. just integral, not definite integral
 
Math_QED said:
Derivative of a definite integral? The definite integral calculates an orientated area. This is a constant. The derivative of a constant equals zero. Therefor, the derivative of a definite integral is zero.
Not necessarily.

You have to apply the Leibniz Rule:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz_integral_rule
 
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Math_QED said:
Derivative of a definite integral? The definite integral calculates an orientated area. This is a constant. The derivative of a constant equals zero. Therefor, the derivative of a definite integral is zero.

Sorry. I made a mistake. If we simply discard the limit then what happens? That is if $$F(x)=\int f(x)dx$$ implies $$F'(x)=\int f'(x)dx$$?
 
Ahmed Mehedi said:
Sorry. I made a mistake. If we simply discard the limit then what happens? That is if $$F(x)=\int f(x)dx$$ implies $$F'(x)=\int f'(x)dx$$?
No, by definition ##\int f(x) dx## is a function ##F(x)## satisfying ##F'(x) = f(x)##. So rather ##F'(x) = f(x)##.

What you wrote is not entirely false, but then you have to assume that ##f## is differentiable which must not be the case. Also you must take into account annoying (integrating) constants.
 
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Math_QED said:
No, by definition ##\int f(x) dx## is a function ##F(x)## satisfying ##F'(x) = f(x)##. So rather ##F'(x) = f(x)##.

What you wrote is not entirely false, but then you have to assume that ##f## is differentiable which must not be the case. Also you must take into account annoying (integrating) constants.

Can't we just differentiate both sides of the first line and pass the differentiation operator inside the integration operator?
 
Math_QED said:
No, by definition ##\int f(x) dx## is a function ##F(x)## satisfying ##F'(x) = f(x)##. So rather ##F'(x) = f(x)##.

What you wrote is not entirely false, but then you have to assume that ##f## is differentiable which must not be the case. Also you must take into account annoying (integrating) constants.

I got your answer. But why you assume that f is not differentiable?
 
Ahmed Mehedi said:
I got your answer. But why you assume that f is not differentiable?

##F## can be a primitive function of ##f## without ##f## being differentiable. For example, take ##f(x)=|x|##. This is not differentiable in ##0## but by the fundamental theorem of calculus there exists a primitive ##F## for ##f##.
 
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