Finding the Gradient of an Integral?

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    Gradient Integral
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the gradient of an integral, specifically involving the function cos(t²) and its relationship to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Participants express uncertainty about how to begin tackling the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using the gradient in terms of partial derivatives and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to derive expressions for ∂f/∂x and ∂f/∂y. Others propose switching the bounds of the integral to facilitate calculations.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered tips and approaches, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem. While there is no explicit consensus, the discussion includes constructive suggestions and hints that may guide the original poster in their understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the integral of cos(t²) does not have a closed form with elementary functions, which may impact the approach to finding the gradient.

theBEAST
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Homework Statement


https://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/Capture.PNG

I'm not even sure where to start :O
 
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How about

[tex]f(0+\Delta x,0+\Delta y)\approx f(0,0)+\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}(0,0)\Delta x+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}(0,0)\Delta y[/tex]

This uses the gradient in the sense of

[tex]df\approx \nabla f\cdot(dx,dy)[/tex]

Though I'm sorting of putting together whatever notation comes to mind, so let us know if you have notes close to this but aren't sure how they relate, or any other questions.
 
theBEAST said:

Homework Statement


https://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/Capture.PNG

I'm not even sure where to start :O

Start with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to work out [itex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}[/itex] and [itex]\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}[/itex].

For the latter, you might find it more helpful to switch the bounds and put a negative sign on the integral.
 
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theBEAST said:

Homework Statement


https://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/Capture.PNG

I'm not even sure where to start :O
You have received two very good tips.

I'll make my response more concrete.

cos(t2) is integrable, but not in closed form with elementary functions.

Let G(t) be an anti-derivative of cos(t2).

Then of course, cos(t2) is the derivative of G(t).

Using this to evaluate your integral gives:

[itex]\displaystyle \int_{x}^{y}{\cos(t^2)}\,dt=G(y)-G(x)\ .[/itex]

Now take the gradient of that.

Can you take it from here?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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