Differentiating Integral Exponents?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiation of the equation Z(t;T) = e^{-\int_{t}^{T} r(\tau) d\tau} in the context of finance. Participants clarify that to differentiate the integral in the exponent, one must apply the chain rule and the fundamental theorem of calculus, leading to the conclusion that r(T) = -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}(\log{Z(t;T)}). The integral cannot be simplified further, and the notation involving limits of integration is crucial for accurate differentiation.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically the fundamental theorem of calculus.
  • Familiarity with differentiation techniques, including the chain rule.
  • Knowledge of logarithmic differentiation and its applications.
  • Basic concepts of financial mathematics, particularly in relation to interest rates.
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Mathematicians, finance professionals, students studying calculus, and anyone involved in quantitative finance who seeks to understand the differentiation of integral exponents in financial equations.

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

<br /> Z(t;T) = e^{-\int_{t}^{\tau}r(\tau)d\tau}<br />

We get

<br /> r(T) = -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}(\log{Z(t;T)})<br />

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
<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial T}\int_t^T{d\tau\,r(\tau)} = r(T)<br />

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
\int_t^\tau r(\tau) d\tau
so you have the variable of integration in the limits of integration.

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

If that is the case you need to use the chain rule, to get
\frac{dZ}{dt}= (\int_t^T r(t,\tau)d\tau)e^{\int_t^T r(t,\tau)\dtau}
and Laplace's rule:
\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 /> \frac{dZ}{dt}= -r(t)e^{\int_t^T r(\tau)d\tau[/itex]
 
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
\int_t^\tau r(\tau) d\tau
so you have the variable of integration in the limits of integration.

Since you only have t and T in Z, did you intend
\int_t^T r(\tau) d\tau?
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.

<br /> Z(t;T) = exp^{-\int_{t}^{T}{r(\tau) d\tau}}<br />
<br /> -\log{Z(t;T)}=\int_{t}^{T}{r(\tau) d\tau}<br />
<br /> -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}=r(T)-r(t)<br />

r(t)=0, so:

<br /> r(T) = -\frac{\partial}{\partial{T}}\log{Z(t;T)}<br />

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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