General Integral Question (not a specific problem)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of anti-derivatives and their relationship with definite integrals, specifically for the function f(x) = √(1 + x⁴). The participant seeks clarification on why the anti-derivative is represented as an integral and the reasoning behind variable changes from x to t. Additionally, the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is explored, particularly in the context of finding derivatives of functions defined by definite integrals with variable limits. The participant ultimately resolves their confusion independently.

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  • Understanding of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  • Familiarity with definite integrals and anti-derivatives
  • Knowledge of variable substitution in calculus
  • Basic differentiation techniques, including the chain rule
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  • Study the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in detail
  • Practice problems involving variable substitution in integrals
  • Explore the concept of anti-derivatives with various functions
  • Learn about the implications of changing limits of integration on derivatives
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Homework Statement



My book states that "The only way that we can show that the function [tex]f(x) = \sqrt {1 + x^{4}}[/tex] has an anti-derivative is to take a definite integral,

[tex]\int^{x}_{0} \sqrt {1 + t^{4}} dt[/tex]

This is a new function that cannot be expressed in terms of algebraic, trigonometric or exponential functions without calculus."

What are they really saying here? I don't understand the point. Why is the anti-derivative of
[tex]f(x) = \sqrt {1 + x^{4}}[/tex] an integral? And why do we switch the variables from x to t with respect to t?

Second Part Of My Question

From my book:

"The Fundamental Theorem can also be used to find the derivative of a function which is defined as a definite integral with a variable limit of integration. This can be done without actually evaluating the integral."

Examples:

Let

[tex]y = \int^{2}_{x} \sqrt{1+t^{2}} dt[/tex]

then

[tex]y = - \int^{x}_{2} \sqrt{1+t^{2}} dt[/tex]

and

[tex]dy = -d( \int^{x}_{2} \sqrt{1+t^{2}}dt) = -\sqrt{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]

My question here arises from the same thing, why do they take a negative integral before taking a derivative and why does the derivative switch from t dt to x dx? The only reason I can see from the example is that x is the upper limit of the integral.. is that why?

A second example given:

Let

[tex]y = \int^{x^{2}+x}_{3} \frac {1} {t^{3}+1} dt[/tex]

Let

[tex]u = x^{2}+x[/tex]

Then

[tex]\frac {du}{dx} = (2x+1)[/tex] ... [tex]y = \int^{u}_{3} \frac {1}{t^{3}+1} dt[/tex]

[tex]\frac {dy}{du} = \frac {1}{u^{3}+1}[/tex]

then by the chain rule

[tex]\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dx} = \frac{1}{u^{3}+1} (2x+1) = \frac {2x +1} {(x^{2}+x)^{3} +1}[/tex]

I have basically the same questions as before here, so any advice would be great.

The only thing that is after this in my book is questions for the chapter so I am kind of at a loss right now.

Thanks!
 
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Actually never mind, I got it, thanks anyway!
 

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