Example of non-integrable partial derivative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an example of a function \( f: X \times Y \to \mathbb{R} \) where the integral of the function converges for all \( x \in X \), the partial derivative with respect to \( x \) exists for all \( (x,y) \in X \times Y \), but the integral of the partial derivative diverges for at least some \( x \in X \). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of integrability conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an example of a function that meets specific integrability criteria.
  • Another participant suggests working backwards by choosing the partial derivative first, rather than guessing the function.
  • A participant proposes that if the partial derivative is chosen such that it cannot be integrated with respect to \( y \), then the function \( f \) will also not be integrable with respect to \( y \).
  • One participant claims to have several infinite families of solutions and hints at trying the intervals \( X, Y = [1, \infty) \).
  • A participant expresses willingness to see example functions and indicates a desire to critique them.
  • One example provided is \( f(x,y) = \frac{1}{y^2} x^{-y} \), which converges for all \( x \) but has a diverging integral of the partial derivative for \( x = 1 \).
  • Another example presented is \( f(x,y) = \frac{\sin{xy}}{y^2 + a^2} \), which fails to converge for the integral of the partial derivative when \( x = 0 \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple examples and approaches, indicating that there is no consensus on a single solution. The discussion remains open with various proposed functions and methods.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the difficulty of finding such functions and the implications of their choices for \( \partial_x f \). The discussion involves exploring different families of functions and their properties without resolving the overall challenge.

jostpuur
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Can you give an example of a function [itex]f:X\times Y\to\mathbb{R}[/itex], where [itex]X,Y\subset\mathbb{R}[/itex], such that the integral

[tex] \int\limits_Y f(x,y) dy[/tex]

converges for all [itex]x\in X[/itex], the partial derivative

[tex] \partial_x f(x,y)[/tex]

exists for all [itex](x,y)\in X\times Y[/itex], and the integral

[tex] \int\limits_Y \partial_x f(x,y) dy[/tex]

diverges at least for some [itex]x\in X[/itex]?
 
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Have you tried working backwards? Rather than guess at what f has to be to give a [itex]\partial_x f[/itex] with the desired property, instead choose [itex]\partial_x f[/itex] first.
 
If I choose [itex]\partial_x f[/itex] so that it cannot be integrated with respect to [itex]y[/itex], then I easily get a function [itex]f[/itex] which cannot be integrated with respect to [itex]y[/itex] either. It looks like a difficult task, either way you try it.
 
I have a few infinite families of solutions. Do you want me to just post them or let you figure them out?

Hint: try [itex]X, Y = \left[ 1, \infty \right)[/itex]
 
Feel free to post your example functions. I don't mind if you take, the right to the feel of discovery, away from me :smile:

I might try to obtain the feel of proving somebody wrong, when I check what's wrong with your example functions :wink:
 
OK, the first one I thought of was

[tex]f(x,y) = \frac{1}{y^2} x^{-y}[/tex]

where X and Y are both the interval [1, infinity).

[tex]\int_1^\infty f(x,y) \; dy[/tex]

converges for all x in X, but

[tex]\int_1^\infty \partial_x f(x,y) \; dy = \int_1^\infty \frac{-1}{y} x^{-y-1} \; dy[/tex]

diverges for x = 1.
 
I see. Very nice.
 
And here is one where the sets X and Y are the entire real line:

[tex]f(x,y) = \frac{\sin{xy}}{y^2 + a^2}[/tex]

Then

[tex]\int_R \partial_x f(x,y) \; dy = \int_R \frac{y \cos{xy}}{y^2 + a^2} \; dy[/tex]

fails to converge for x = 0.
 

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