How Do You Calculate f(8) Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the value of f(8) given that f is continuous, f(3)=10, and the integral of f'(x) from 3 to 8 equals 16. The discussion centers around the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the integral of f'(x) and the values of f at specific points, questioning how to correctly apply the FTC. Some participants express confusion about the notation and the role of constants in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the application of the FTC, noting that the integral from 3 to 8 relates to the difference f(8) - f(3). There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of continuity and the determination of constants in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted potential confusion regarding the notation used for integrals and the assumptions made about the continuity of f. There is also mention of the need for clarity in the definitions and roles of functions and their derivatives in the context of the FTC.

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Homework Statement



If f is continuous, f(3)=10, and ∫ from (3,8)f'(x)dx=16, find f(8)

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to do this by evaluating 16x] from 3 to 8 using FTC. I got 80. And in no way shape or form did i get any closer to the answer from there.
 
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B18 said:

Homework Statement



If F is continuous, f(3)=10, and ∫ from (3,8)f'(x)dx=16, find f(8)

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to do this by evaluating 16x] from 3 to 8 using FTC. I got 80. And in no way shape or form did i get any closer to the answer from there.
I suspect that you mean that f is continuous. There is no F mentioned anywhere else.

Isn't [itex]\displaystyle \int f'(x)\,dx=f(x)+C\ ?[/itex]
 
Yes i apologize, the question has "f is continuous" not F.
 
B18 said:
Yes i apologize, the question has "f is continuous" not F.
In addition to that ...

My rhetorical question was meant to be a hint.

Try it.
 
Would this be a correct way of finding the answer?
f(3)=10 so f(8)=10+C
then ∫(3,8) f'(x)dx=16
f(x)+c=16
c=16 so..
f(8)=10+16=26.
 
B18 said:
Would this be a correct way of finding the answer?
f(3)=10 so f(8)=10+C
then ∫(3,8) f'(x)dx=16
f(x)+c=16
c=16 so..
f(8)=10+16=26.
Well, f(8) is 26, but I don't believe you can determine C from the information given.

According to the FTC: [itex]\displaystyle \ \int_{3}^{8}f'(x)\,dx=f(8)-f(3)\ .[/itex]

That's about all you need.
 
i did ∫(3,8)=f(8)-f(3)=16
f(8)=16+f(3)
f(8)=16+10=26
correct way of completing this problem?
 
B18 said:
i did ∫(3,8)=f(8)-f(3)=16
f(8)=16+f(3)
f(8)=16+10=26
correct way of completing this problem?
The answer looks good.

Your notation could use some work though.

$$ \int_3^8 f'(x) dx = 16$$
Replacing the integral above, for the reason that SammyS gave, we have
f(8) - f(3) = 16
=> f(8) - 10 = 16 (It's given that f(3) = 10.)
=> f(8) = 26
 
Thanks guys. I am going to sketch a picture or two so i fully understand FTC and how this problem was solved. Thanks again.
 
  • #10
I'm not sure a picture would be helpful, but don't let that stop you. The idea is pretty simple.

The 2nd part of the FTC is usually presented like this (with some of the fine print about continuity omitted)If F is an antiderivative of f, then
$$ \int_a^b f(x)dx = F(b) - F(a)$$

In your problem, f is an antiderivative of f', so
$$ \int_3^8 f'(x)dx = f(8) - f(3)$$

Antidifferentiation and differentiation are pretty much inverse operations, so if you antidifferentiate something that is already a derivative, you get back the original function.
 
  • #11
Your right a picture is not extremely beneficial. So in the definition of the FTC you provided the f(x)dx... the f(x) would be considered (a) the function and F(a) and F(b) are antiderivatives/integrals that are being evaluated at 3, 8 respectively. So to make sure i completely understand this for our test tomorrow, if we had ∫(3 to 8) f''(x) is it safe to assume that equals f'(8)-f'(3)
 
  • #12
Having trouble finding how to place the bounds on the integral correctly. Sorry :(
 
  • #13
B18 said:
Your right a picture is not extremely beneficial. So in the definition of the FTC you provided the f(x)dx... the f(x) would be considered (a) the function and F(a) and F(b) are antiderivatives/integrals that are being evaluated at 3, 8 respectively. So to make sure i completely understand this for our test tomorrow, if we had ∫(3 to 8) f''(x) is it safe to assume that equals f'(8)-f'(3)

Yes.
 
  • #14
B18 said:
Having trouble finding how to place the bounds on the integral correctly. Sorry :(

Sammy and I used LaTeX, which is essential for doing nice definite integrals. The script looks like this

[ tex]\int_{3}^{8} f(x) dx [/ tex]

To make this display without rendering as an integral, I had to insert a couple of extra spaces at the beginning of the tex and /tex tags. If you remove the spaces, it looks like this:
[tex]\int_{3}^{8} f(x) dx[/tex]

Instead of [ tex ] and [ /tex ] tags, I usually use $ $ at the beginning and end, again without the space.
 

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