General formula for the nth integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a proposed general formula for the nth integral of a function, exploring its formulation and implications. Participants engage in technical reasoning regarding indefinite integrals, the relationship to Cauchy's formula, and the use of functions like the Heaviside step function.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a generalization of the nth integral of a function f, introducing a new notation and properties related to the integrals.
  • Another participant references Cauchy's formula for repeated integration, suggesting a connection but noting that it applies to definite integrals, while the proposed formula is for indefinite integrals.
  • A participant discusses a specific function, f(x) = -1/x², and its integral, F(x), highlighting that it does not conform to the proposed general form due to the presence of the Heaviside step function.
  • There is a clarification about the notation used for functions, distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase letters, and the implications for derivatives involving the Heaviside function.
  • Participants express differing views on the definitions and properties of the functions involved, particularly regarding the treatment of derivatives and the generalized derivative concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the proposed general formula and its implications, particularly in relation to Cauchy's formula and the treatment of specific functions. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the definitions and applications of the concepts presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of functions and derivatives, as well as unresolved mathematical steps regarding the proposed general formula and its application to various functions.

Jhenrique
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For my own use and consumption, I created a generalization of the nth integral of a function f and I'm posting it here for you look: $$\int f(x) dx = f^{(-1)}(x) + C_1$$ $$\iint f(x) dxdx = f^{(-2)}(x) + xC_1 + C_2$$ $$\iiint f(x) dxdxdx = f^{(-3)}(x) + \frac{1}{2}x^2C_1 + xC_2 + C_3$$
$$\int^n f(x) dx^n = f^{(-n)}(x) + \sigma_n(x)$$
being ##\sigma_n(x)##:

$$\sigma_0(x) = 0$$
$$\sigma_1(x) = \frac{1}{0!}x^0C_1$$
$$\sigma_2(x) = \frac{1}{1!}x^1C_1 + \frac{1}{0!}x^0C_2$$
$$\sigma_3(x) = \frac{1}{2!}x^2C_1 + \frac{1}{1!}x^1C_2 + \frac{1}{0!}x^0C_3$$
$$\sigma_4(x) = \frac{1}{3!}x^3C_1 + \frac{1}{2!}x^2C_2 + \frac{1}{1!}x^1C_3 + \frac{1}{0!}x^0C_4$$
Properties
$$\int^n \sigma_k(x) dx^n = \sigma_{k+n}(x)$$ $$\frac{d^n}{dx^n} \sigma_k(x) = \sigma_{k-n}(x)$$
Identities
$$f^{(-1)}(x) = \int_{x_0}^{x} f(x) dx + \frac{1}{0!}f^{(-1)}(x_0)(x-x_0)^0$$
$$f^{(-2)}(x) = \int_{x_0}^{x} \int_{x_0}^{x} f(x) dx dx + \frac{1}{1!}f^{(-1)}(x_0)(x - x_0)^1 + \frac{1}{0!}f^{(-2)}(x_0)(x-x_0)^0$$
$$f^{(-3)}(x) = \int_{x_0}^{x} \int_{x_0}^{x} \int_{x_0}^{x} f(x) dx dx dx + \frac{1}{2!}f^{(-1)}(x_0)(x - x_0)^2 + \frac{1}{1!}f^{(-2)}(x_0)(x - x_0)^1$$
$$ + \frac{1}{0!}f^{(-3)}(x_0)(x-x_0)^0$$
$$\int\limits_{x_0}^{x} \! {\;}^{n} f(x) dx^n = \frac{1}{(n-1)!} \int_{x_0}^{x} (x-u)^{(n-1)} f(u)du$$

What you think about, rox?
 
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pwsnafu said:
I said it in the other thread Cauchy formula.

Yeah! I appreciated your comment. But note that Cauchy formula for repeated integration is a formula for definite integrals, I'm proposing a general formula for indefinite integrals that involve the cauchy's formula, the series taylor and plus a function that I call of sigma.
 
Jhenrique said:
I'm proposing a general formula for indefinite integrals that involve the cauchy's formula, the series taylor and plus a function that I call of sigma.

Consider ##f(x) = \frac{-1}{x^2}##. Then we define ##F(x)## as ##F(x) = \frac{1}{x}## for ##x<0## and ##F(x) = \frac{1}{x} + 1## for ##x > 0##. Clearly ##F'(x) = f(x)## but ##F## is not of the form ##\frac{1}{x} + C_1## for some real number. Instead ##F(x) = \frac{1}{x} + H(x)## where H is the Heaviside step function.
 
You are using different functions with the same name (f, or F). If F(x) = 1/x + H(x), so F'(x) = -1/x² + δ(x).
 
Jhenrique said:
You are using different functions with the same name (f, or F).

One is a capital F, the other is lower case f. They are different.

If F(x) = 1/x + H(x), so F'(x) = -1/x² + δ(x).

No, F is not defined at x=0. Under the standard derivative ##H'(x) = 0## for ##x \in (-\infty,0) \cup (0, \infty)##. With the generalized derivative we have ##H' = \delta##, but you never said you were using the generalized derivative.
 

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