Finding a derivative using the FTC Part 1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of a function defined by an integral using Part 1 of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The original poster presents a specific problem involving the integral of the sine function with constant limits.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to find the derivative of the integral. Some participants question whether the function should be expressed in terms of a different variable, such as y, and discuss the implications of treating the integrand's variable as a dummy variable.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided feedback on the original poster's reasoning, noting that the integral's limits make the function constant with respect to x. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the variable dependency in the integral, and some participants suggest alternative formulations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the interpretation of the variable in the integral and how it affects the differentiation process. The original problem's setup and the implications of constant limits are under consideration.

BlackMamba
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I have a problem which asks me to find the derivative using Part 1 of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

So I know that the FTC says that if:

[itex]g(x) = \int_{a}^{h(x)} f(t) dt[/itex] then, [itex]g'(x) = f(h(x)) * h'(x)[/itex]

I've got what appears to be an easy problem, maybe too easy and because of that I think I'm doing something wrong. Below is the problem and my solution. If someone could just varify if I did it correctly or not, I would greatly appreciate it.

PROBLEM: [itex]G(x) = \int_{y}^{2} sin(x^2) dx[/itex]

My Solution:
[itex]G'(x) = sin(2^2) * 0[/itex]
[itex]= sin(4) * 0[/itex]
[itex]= 0[/itex]


Thanks for taking a look. :smile:
 
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Yes, it's right. Note that G(x) basically depends only on y, so G is a constant w.r.t. x which is why it's no surprise that it's derivative w.r.t. x is 0. It's even clearer if you recognize that the x's in the integrand are just dummy variables so:

[tex]G(x) = \int _y ^2 \sin (x^2)\, dx[/tex]

can be rewritten:

[tex]G(x) = \int _y ^2 \sin (z^2)\, dz[/tex]

Also, the middle part of: "sin(22)*0 = sin(4)*0 = 0" is unnecessary since regardless of the fact that 22 = 4, the whole thing is something times 0, so it's just 0.
 
Are you sure it isn't G(y)?
 
I'm with StatusX! Any integral of "f(x)dx" with numerical limits is just a constant. The derivative of any constant function is, of course, 0.

If you are given
[tex]G(y)= \int_y^2 sin(x^2) dx[/itex]<br /> and are asked to find <br /> [tex]\frac{dG}{dy}[/itex]<br /> or are given<br /> [tex]G(x)= \int_x^2 sin(t^2)dt[/itex]<br /> and are asked to find<br /> [tex]\frac{dG}{dx}[/itex]<br /> then it would be a non-trivial problem (but still easy).[/tex][/tex][/tex][/tex]
 
Thanks for all of the replies, it's greatly appreciated.
 

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