Differentiating Integral Exponents?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differentiation of an equation involving integral exponents, specifically the expression for Z(t;T) = e^{-\int_{t}^{T}r(\tau)d\tau}. Participants explore how to differentiate this expression and simplify the integral in the exponent, raising questions about notation and the application of calculus principles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to differentiate the exp(-int()) portion and simplify the integral as an exponent.
  • Another participant cites the fundamental theorem of calculus, stating that the derivative of the integral with respect to T yields r(T), and mentions the need to use the chain rule for differentiation.
  • A participant questions the notation used in the exponent, suggesting a possible typo in the limits of integration and asking if T is a constant.
  • One participant clarifies that the integral should indeed have T as the upper limit and discusses the differentiation process, referencing Laplace's rule.
  • A later reply indicates a realization that the differentiation process may have been overcomplicated and attempts to relate the differentiation back to the original equation.
  • Another participant questions the assumption that r(t) equals zero, prompting further clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the notation and the differentiation process, with some agreeing on the need for clarification while others propose different interpretations. No consensus is reached on the correct approach to the differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with notation, such as the variable of integration in the limits, and the implications of assuming T is a constant. There is also uncertainty regarding the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus in this context.

rwinston
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Hi

I have a question about rearranging the following equation (I saw this in a finance book):

If we rearrange and differentiate

[tex] Z(t;T) = e^{-\int_{t}^{\tau}r(\tau)d\tau}[/tex]

We get

[tex] r(T) = -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}(\log{Z(t;T)})[/tex]

My question is: how do we differentiate the exp(-int()) portion? How can we simplify the integral as an exponent?

Thanks!
 
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rwinston said:
My question is: how do we differentiate the exp(-int()) portion? How can we simplify the integral as an exponent?


By the fundamental theorem of calculus you have
[tex] \frac{\partial}{\partial T}\int_t^T{d\tau\,r(\tau)} = r(T)[/tex]

If it is in the exponent you must use the chain rule. As for the second question: I don't understand it.:smile:

You might also try to first solve your equation Z(t;T) for the integral and then taking the derivative.
 
The answer to your second question is: we can't simplify the exponent.

But I have to say I don't understand your notation. Your exponent is
[tex]\int_t^\tau r(\tau) d\tau[/tex]
so you have the variable of integration in the limits of integration.

Since you only have t and T in Z, did you intend
[tex]\int_t^T r(\tau) d\tau[/tex]?
And, if so, is T a constant?

If that is the case you need to use the chain rule, to get
[tex]\frac{dZ}{dt}= (\int_t^T r(t,\tau)d\tau)e^{\int_t^T r(t,\tau)\dtau}[/tex]
and Laplace's rule:
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} F(t, \tau)d\tau= \int_{a(t)}^{b(t)} \frac{\partial F}{\partial t} d\tau+ \frac{db}{dt}F(t, b(t))- \frac{da}{dt}F(t,a(t))[/itex]<br /> to differentiate the integral.<br /> In this case, r is not a function of t so the first term is 0. The upper limit of integration is T, so the second term is 0. a= t so da/dt= 1. The derivative of the integral is just -r(t) which is basically what Pere Callahan was saying.<br /> You derivative is <br /> [tex]\frac{dZ}{dt}= -r(t)e^{\int_t^T r(\tau)d\tau[/itex][/tex][/tex]
 
HallsofIvy said:
The answer to your second question is: we can't simplify the exponent.

But I have to say I don't understand your notation. Your exponent is
[tex]\int_t^\tau r(\tau) d\tau[/tex]
so you have the variable of integration in the limits of integration.

Since you only have t and T in Z, did you intend
[tex]\int_t^T r(\tau) d\tau[/tex]?
And, if so, is T a constant?

Thanks guys - yes, sorry, I had a typo in the integral - it should have been T as the upper limit of integration.
 
Actually I think I was making this more complicated than it needed to be.

[tex] Z(t;T) = exp^{-\int_{t}^{T}{r(\tau) d\tau}}[/tex]
[tex] -\log{Z(t;T)}=\int_{t}^{T}{r(\tau) d\tau}[/tex]
[tex] -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}=r(T)-r(t)[/tex]

r(t)=0, so:

[tex] r(T) = -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}\log{Z(t;T)}[/tex]

Im still not sure why we are differentiating wrt T - I would have expected t. I suspect that this is due to a misunderstanding of the application of the FTOC in this case.
 
Last edited:
If I may ask, why is r(t)=0?
 
nm got it.
 

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