Differentiation under the integral sign

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves computing the derivative with respect to t of a double integral defined as _{c}\int^{d} ( _{a}\int^{t} f(x,y)dx)dy, where f is a continuous real-valued function. The context is differentiation under the integral sign.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of computing d/dt in this context and explore the implications of differentiating a double integral. Some suggest defining intermediate functions to clarify the relationship between the variables involved.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the differentiation process, with participants offering insights into the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus and differentiation under the integral sign. Some participants express uncertainty about their interpretations and the correctness of their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the roles of the variables and the nature of the functions involved, particularly in relation to the integration limits and the dependence on y.

celtics2004
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Homework Statement



I am asked to compute d/dt of [tex]_{c}\int^{d}[/tex] ( [tex]_{a}\int^{t}[/tex] f(x,y)dx)dy for t [tex]\in[/tex] (a,b) for a problem involving differentiation under the integral sign.

[a,b] , [c,d] are in closed intervals in [tex]\Re[/tex]
f a continuous real valued function on [a,b] x [c,d]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm stuck because I don't really get what compute d/dt means in this context. Can someone explain to me what this problem is asking?
 
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Hi celtics2004!

The double integral defines a real-valued function of t, which turns out to be differentiable. So you can compute its derivative d/dt.
To compute the derivative, you will need http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differentiation_under_the_integral_sign" (as you mentioned) and the fundamental theorem of calculus.
 
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Yes, it is asking you to find the derivative of that function!
[tex]\int_a^t f(x,y)dx[/tex]
is a function of both t and y. I'm going to call that g(t,y).
[tex]\int_c^d\int_a^t f(x,y)dx dy= \int_c^d g(t,y)dt[/tex]
is a function of t only, say h(t). You are being asked to differentiate that function: dh/dt.

You can use the "fundamental theorem of Calculus", that
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x f(u)du= f(x)[/itex].<br /> <br /> You can also use the fact that when you are integrating with respect to <b>another</b> variable, you can take the derivative inside the integral:<br /> [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int_a^b f(x,y)dy= \int_a^b \frac{\partial f(x,y)}{\partial x} dy[/tex][/tex]
 
Thanks for your replies. I think I may have figured it out but I'm not very confident in my solution as this subject is still a little confusing.

Let F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.
Then d/dt F(t,y) = d/dt [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.
Using differentiation under the integral sign I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] d/dt ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] f(t,y) dy.
Again using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = F(t,d) - F(t,c).

Does this make sense or did I screw up?

Thanks again for your help
 
celtics2004 said:
Thanks for your replies. I think I may have figured it out but I'm not very confident in my solution as this subject is still a little confusing.

Let F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.

The RHS not a function of y, since you already integrated y from d to c. It should just be F(t).

Then d/dt F(t,y) = d/dt [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.
Using differentiation under the integral sign I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] d/dt ( [tex]\int^{t}_{a}[/tex] f(x,y) dx ) dy.
Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = [tex]\int^{d}_{c}[/tex] f(t,y) dy.
Again using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus I get:
d/dt F(t,y) = F(t,d) - F(t,c).

F is not the antiderivative of f with respect to y in this case, so the last step is not correct. The final answer is what you had before that (without the y on the LHS).
 

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