Finding Partial Derivative of an Integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of finding partial derivatives of an integral, specifically in the context of calculus III. Participants are exploring how to apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to compute the first partial derivatives with respect to variables x and y for an integral of the function cos(t^3) with specified limits.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Kev, presents a problem involving the partial derivative of an integral but initially omits the limits of integration, which are crucial for solving the problem.
  • Another participant references the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, suggesting that the derivative with respect to x can be derived from the theorem, indicating that the derivative of the integral from a constant to x is simply the function evaluated at x.
  • A different participant points out a potential error in the notation used by another, suggesting that the differentiation should be with respect to x rather than t.
  • Another participant offers a hint to Kev, suggesting to think of the integral as a function g and to apply the partial derivative accordingly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct approach yet, as participants are still clarifying the problem and discussing the necessary steps to solve it. Some participants provide hints and corrections, but the overall solution remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the limits of integration in the original problem, which may affect the interpretation and solution of the partial derivatives. Additionally, the notation used in the discussion has led to some confusion among participants.

physman88
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Hey everyone. I am new here and i have a problem with some partials. We're studying partial derivatives in calculus III. I understand and all, but we haven't covered how to take a partial derivative of an integral. This problem showed up in my practice problems before our exam tomorrow.

The problem is as follows:

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial}x[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]cos(t[tex]^{3}[/tex])dt

If you can't follow that.. then it says we need the first partials (x and y) of the integral of cos(t^3)dt.. (lower limit=y, and upper limit=x)

Any insight on how to start this problem?? Thanks for any help!


-Kev
 
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physman88 said:
Hey everyone. I am new here and i have a problem with some partials. We're studying partial derivatives in calculus III. I understand and all, but we haven't covered how to take a partial derivative of an integral. This problem showed up in my practice problems before our exam tomorrow.

The problem is as follows:

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial}x[/tex][tex]\int[/tex]cos(t[tex]^{3}[/tex])dt

If you can't follow that.. then it says we need the first partials (x and y) of the integral of cos(t^3)dt.. (lower limit=y, and upper limit=x)

Any insight on how to start this problem?? Thanks for any help!


-Kev
I couldn't follow it because you didn't put in the limits of integration, and that is crucial!

You should know from single variable calculus, the "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus":
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\int_a^x f(t)dt= f(x)[/tex]
where a is any constant.
From that it should be easy to find the partial derivative with respect to x.

To find the derivative with respect to y, remember that
[tex]\int_y^a f(t)dt= -\int_a^y f(t)dt[/tex]
 
I understand that you couldn't follow it, but may I ask how to get the limits on the integral? Sorry for the mix-up.
 
HallsofIvy...your d/dt should be a d/dx for the fund. theor... the way you have it written it would be zero
 
physman88 said:
Any insight on how to start this problem??

Hey Kev! :smile:

Hint: start by thinking ∫f = g …

then ∂/∂x of (∫f between y and x)

= ∂/dx ([g] between y and x). :wink:
 

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