[(|f(x)|)^(-1)]*integral(|f(x)|dx) = [(f(x))^(-1)]*integral(f(x)dx)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation [(|f(x)|)^(-1)]*integral(|f(x)|dx) = [(f(x))^(-1)]*integral(f(x)dx). Participants are exploring whether this statement holds true, particularly in the context of definite versus indefinite integrals and the implications of absolute values in integration.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the equation, suggesting that the presence of unknown constants in antiderivatives complicates the matter.
  • One participant provides a specific example using f(x) = x to illustrate the potential discrepancy between the two sides of the equation.
  • Another participant clarifies that the integral in the numerator is a number (in the case of definite integrals) and does not depend on x, while the denominator does depend on x.
  • There is a discussion about whether the integration is definite or indefinite, with implications for the validity of the original statement.
  • One participant asserts that a counter-example has been provided, indicating that the original statement is not generally true.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that the numerator must be a number, arguing that if the integral is indefinite, it results in a function rather than a number.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are competing views regarding the validity of the equation and the implications of different types of integrals.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the definitions of definite and indefinite integrals, as well as the role of absolute values in the context of the proposed equation.

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I heard [(|f(x)|)^(-1)]*integral(|f(x)|dx) = [(f(x))^(-1)]*integral(f(x)dx)

(i.e. when dividing the integral of the absolute value of a function by the absolute value of the function, the absolute value signs cancel out)

Is this true

If so, how so?
 
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Are these antiderivatives? If so, the presence of unknown constants are going to blow this whole thing out of the water. Regardless, let's pick an example

f(x) = x

[tex]\frac{ \int_{-a}^{a}|x|dx }{ |a| } = |a|[/tex]
[tex]\frac{ \int_{-a}^{a} xdx } { a } = 0[/tex]

Like that?
 
Basically is
(int|x|dx)/(|x|) = (intxdx)/( x )

and if so how?
 
Last edited:
First let's clear up the notation.
The numerator
[tex]\int f(x) \, dx[/tex]
is a number, it does not depend on x. The denominator f(x) does.
Do you then claim that
[tex]\frac{ \int |f(y)| \, dy}{|x|} = \frac{\int f(y) \, dy}{x}[/tex]
for all x?

Secondly, is the integration definite (e.g. implied over the whole domain) or indefinite (i.e. you need an arbitrary integration constant to be added)?

Finally, Office_Shredder has given a counter-example to what was supposedly your statement, so to answer your question: "No, basically it is not".
 
CompuChip said:
First let's clear up the notation.
The numerator
[tex]\int f(x) \, dx[/tex]
is a number, it does not depend on x. The denominator f(x) does.
Do you then claim that
[tex]\frac{ \int |f(y)| \, dy}{|x|} = \frac{\int f(y) \, dy}{x}[/tex]
for all x?

Secondly, is the integration definite (e.g. implied over the whole domain) or indefinite (i.e. you need an arbitrary integration constant to be added)?

Finally, Office_Shredder has given a counter-example to what was supposedly your statement, so to answer your question: "No, basically it is not".


first of all, why should the numerator be a "number" if the integral is indefinite, then it gives a function! only if the num was definite, would it be a number
 

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