Differentiating Integrals w/ Respect to x: Tips & Tricks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating definite integrals with respect to x, specifically using the second fundamental theorem of calculus. The integrals involve functions of t and include variable limits such as sin(x) and x.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to apply the second fundamental theorem of calculus to differentiate integrals, questioning how to handle variable limits and the treatment of x as a constant in certain contexts.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the differentiation process, including the application of the chain rule when sin(x) is involved as a limit. Others are seeking clarification on whether to differentiate the function first or evaluate it at the limits before differentiating.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the treatment of x as a constant in some integrals, which may depend on the specific context provided by the textbook or course materials.

LilTaru
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Homework Statement



Differentiate the following functions with respect to x.

a) [tex]\int[/tex] (t2 + cos(t7))/(1 + t4) dt [0, x]

b) [tex]\int[/tex] (t2 + cos(t7))/(1 + t4) dt [2, x]

c) [tex]\int[/tex] (t2 + cos(t7))/(1 + t4) dt [0, sin x]

d) [tex]\int[/tex] (t2 + cos(t7))/(1 + t4) dt [x, sin x]

e) [tex]\int[/tex] (x2 + cos(t7))/(1 + x4) dt [2, sin x]

Note: [a, b] means a is the lower limit of the integral and b is the upper limit of the integral.


Homework Equations



I know that the derivative of an indefinite integral is the function itself and that with definite integrals you need to find an antiderivative G(x) and the derivative equals G(upper limit) - G(lower limit).


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to find an antiderivative for this function. Nor do I know how to use sin(x) as an upper limit. Nor do I know how to do (e) with x replacing some of the t's. Will x be considered a constant then, since we are differentiating in respect to t? I don't want the answers to all of them... I prefer to do the work on my own... That's how I actually learn, but if someone can give me a hint on how to start each one? I would be greatly appreciative!
 
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They're asking you to apply the second fundamental theorem of calculus which allows you to sort of skip finding an antiderivative. The logic goes something like this:

according to the first fundamental theorem, each of those integrals can be rewritten as the difference of their antiderivaties evaluated at the bounds, that is F(b)-F(a)

But you're asked to find the derivative of that, so you have d/dx(F(b)-F(a)) which essentially undoes the anti-differentiating and you're left with F'(b)-F'(a) which is just the function written inside the original integral.

In the case where you use sinx as an upper limit and say some constant c as a lower you have d/dx(F(sinx)-F(c)) Remember, F(sinx) is a composition of two functions and to differentiate it you need to apply the chain rule, also F(c) is a constant so its derivative is zero. In the end you're left with: F'(sinx)*cosx-0.

So the general form for problems like these is [F'(g(x))*g'(x)]-[F'(h(x))-h'(x)], where g and h are your upper and lower bounds respectively and F' is the function inside the original integral.

Hope this helps.
 
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Oh. So I just differentiate the actual function? That sounds a lot easier. To clarify: when sin x is a limit, I plug in sin x into f and then differentiate the function, then multiply all of that by cos x? And in (e) do we treat the x's in the function as a constant?
 


Or do I differentiate f first and plug sin x into the already differentiated function?
 


f would already be differentiated so in (d) you would have (sinx^2 + cos(sinx^7))/(1 + sinx4) all of that times cosx then minus (x2 + cos(x7))/(1 + x4) all of that times one.

As far as treating x as a constant, I would probably agree with you. Otherwise you have a multivariable derivative. I would imagine your book would specify
 


Oh, okay! This makes a lot of sense now! Thank you so much!
 

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