Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, specifically applying it to a problem involving the function g(x) defined as the integral of f(t) from 0 to x^2, equating it to x ln x. The original poster is tasked with finding f(1) based on this setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, with some questioning the original poster's understanding of the theorem's requirements for variable limits of integration. There are attempts to clarify the use of substitution and the chain rule in differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the differentiation of the integral and the implications of the theorem. There is a recognition of the need to correctly interpret the limits of integration and apply the theorem appropriately. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, and the discussion is ongoing.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of the theorem, particularly in relation to the variable limits of integration and the differentiation process. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations and the discrepancy with the answer key.

Hunny
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1. If g(x) = ∫ f(t) dt = xln x, find f(1)
The ∫ has x^2 on top and 0 on bottom.


2. g'(x) = f(x) <--FTC1

The Attempt at a Solution


g'(x) = f(x) u=x^2
g'(x) = u*lnu * 2x(derivative of inner function)
g'(x) = 2x(x^2)ln(x^2)
f(1) = 2(1)(1^2)ln(1^2)
f(1) = 0, since ln(1) = 0

I keep getting 0, and I'm not sure how 0 is not the answer... The answer key says the solution is 1/2. I really don't know what I'm doing wrong :(
 
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Hunny said:
g'(x) = f(x) <--FTC1
That's not what the theorem says. You would need x as upper integration limit to do that.
You can introduce a new variable to fix that, like your u. Plug it in everywhere in the first equation, then proceed as before.
 
Oh, I didn't even have the theorem correct :frown:
Mmm.. I'm not quite following you...
 
u=x2
You can solve for x and replace all occurences of x in the initial equation. Then it has the right shape to use the theorem because the upper integral limit is the variable itself, not something else.
 
I'm going to type out my work, okay? Can you check my work and see if I am doing it correctly?

u = x^2 --> sqrt(u) = x

g'(x) = ∫ u*lnu
with sqrt(u) being the upper limit and 0 being lower

Am I doing it correctly?
 
Hunny said:
1. If g(x) = ∫ f(t) dt = xln x, find f(1)
The ∫ has x^2 on top and 0 on bottom.
In a lot nicer form, this is
##g(x) = \int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt = x \ln(x)##
Hunny said:
2. g'(x) = f(x) <--FTC1

The Attempt at a Solution


g'(x) = f(x) u=x^2
g'(x) = u*lnu * 2x(derivative of inner function)
g'(x) = 2x(x^2)ln(x^2)
f(1) = 2(1)(1^2)ln(1^2)
f(1) = 0, since ln(1) = 0

I keep getting 0, and I'm not sure how 0 is not the answer... The answer key says the solution is 1/2. I really don't know what I'm doing wrong :(
Since you're taking the derivative with respect to x, it would help if you kept track of what you're given (the equation I wrote above).

##g'(x) = d/dx (\int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt )= d/dx(x \ln(x))##
To take the derivative in the middle expression, you need to use the chain rule.
The derivative of the expression on the right is straightforward, but you should continue in the pattern above until you get a formula for f.
 
I SOLVED IT!
Thank you so much, mfb and Mark44!

I didn't know that I had to find the derivative for xlnx!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
 
That's what I would have done:

$$\int_0^{u} f(t)dt = \sqrt{u} \ln(\sqrt{u}) = \frac{1}{2} \sqrt{u} \ln(u)$$
Using the derivative with respect to u on both sides:
$$f(u) = \frac{d}{du} \left(\frac{1}{2} \sqrt{u} \ln(u)\right)$$
.. and that is quick to calculate and gives f(1)=1/2.
 
This calculation makes sense too: $$\frac{d}{dx}\int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt =\frac{d(x^2)}{dx}\frac{d}{d(x^2)}\int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt = 2x f(x^2).$$
 
  • #10
Fredrik said:
This calculation makes sense too: $$\frac{d}{dx}\int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt =\frac{d(x^2)}{dx}\frac{d}{d(x^2)}\int_0^{x^2} f(t)dt = 2x f(x^2).$$
That's more or less what I said in post #6.
 
  • #11
In a generalized way, the FTC deals with composite functions, i.e., (EDIT, from Pasmith's post) ##\frac {d}{dx} \int_{h(x)}^{g(x)} f(t)dt= f(g(x))g'(x)-f(h(x))h'(x) ##, by the chain rule.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
WWGD said:
In a generalized way, the FTC deals with composite functions, i.e., ##\frac {d}{dx} \int_{h(x)}^{g(x)} f(t)dt= f(h(x))h'(x)-f(g(x))g'(x) ##, by the chain rule.

You have a sign error: The lower limit's derivative should be multiplied by -1, not the upper limit's.
 
  • #13
pasmith said:
You have a sign error: The lower limit's derivative should be multiplied by -1, not the upper limit's.

Bah, f(x), -f(x), potato, potatoe :) . Just edited, thanks.
 

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