How to calculate the lower and upper riemann sum

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the lower and upper Riemann sums for the function $$f(x) = x^3$$ over the interval $$[0, 1]$$ using the standard partition $$P_n$$ with equal subintervals. The lower Riemann sum is derived as $$L(f, P_n) = \frac{1}{4}$$, confirmed by simplifying the sum of cubes. The upper Riemann sum, $$U(f, P_n)$$, is similarly evaluated, reinforcing the integrability of the function. The integral of $$f(x)$$ over the specified interval is also computed to be $$\frac{1}{4}$$, aligning with the Riemann sums.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Riemann sums
  • Familiarity with the function $$f(x) = x^3$$
  • Knowledge of summation formulas for powers of integers
  • Basic calculus concepts, including definite integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Riemann sums for different functions
  • Learn about the properties of integrable functions
  • Explore the relationship between Riemann sums and definite integrals
  • Investigate advanced summation techniques for polynomial functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians interested in numerical integration, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Riemann sums and integrability of functions.

FallArk
Messages
127
Reaction score
0
I ran into some issues when trying to calculate the lower Riemann sum of $$f\left(x\right)={x}^{3}$$, $$x\in[0,1]$$
I am asked to use the standard partition $${P}_{n}$$ of $$[0,1]$$ with n equal subintervals and evaluate $$L(f,{P}_{n})$$ and $$U(f,{P}_{n})$$
What I did:
$$L(f,{P}_{n}) = \sum_{i=1}^{n}{m}_{i}{\delta}_{{x}_{i}} = \sum_{i=1}^{n}{(\frac{i-1}{n})}^{3}\cdot\frac{1}{n} = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n} {(i-1)}^{3} = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n}({i}^{3}-3{i}^{2}+3i-1) = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}}[\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}^{3} - 3\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}^{2} + 3\sum_{i=1}^{n}i - \sum_{i=1}^{n}i]$$
Then I know that the sum of $${n}^{3}$$ is $$\frac{{n}^{2}{(n+1)}^{2}}{4}$$, sum of $${n}^{2}$$ is $$\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$$, sums of $$n$$ and $$1$$ are just $$\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$ and $$n$$
But I'm not so sure if my anwsers are correct.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
FallArk said:
I ran into some issues when trying to calculate the lower Riemann sum of $$f\left(x\right)={x}^{3}$$, $$x\in[0,1]$$
I am asked to use the standard partition $${P}_{n}$$ of $$[0,1]$$ with n equal subintervals and evaluate $$L(f,{P}_{n})$$ and $$U(f,{P}_{n})$$
What I did:
$$L(f,{P}_{n}) = \sum_{i=1}^{n}{m}_{i}{\delta}_{{x}_{i}} = \sum_{i=1}^{n}{(\frac{i-1}{n})}^{3}\cdot\frac{1}{n} = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n} {(i-1)}^{3} = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n}({i}^{3}-3{i}^{2}+3i-1) = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}}[\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}^{3} - 3\sum_{i=1}^{n}{i}^{2} + 3\sum_{i=1}^{n}i - \sum_{i=1}^{n}i]$$
Then I know that the sum of $${n}^{3}$$ is $$\frac{{n}^{2}{(n+1)}^{2}}{4}$$, sum of $${n}^{2}$$ is $$\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}$$, sums of $$n$$ and $$1$$ are just $$\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$ and $$n$$
But I'm not so sure if my anwsers are correct.

Hey FallArk,

Note that we can simplify it a bit - and use the formula you provided:
$$L(f,{P}_{n}) = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n} {(i-1)}^{3}
= \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{j=0}^{n-1} {j}^{3}
= \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \cdot \frac{{(n-1)}^{2}{n}^{2}}{4}
\to\frac 14
$$
Since
$$\int_0^1 x^3\,dx = \frac 14 x^4 \Big|_0^1 = \frac 14$$
I think we are good. (Smile)
 
I like Serena said:
Hey FallArk,

Note that we can simplify it a bit - and use the formula you provided:
$$L(f,{P}_{n}) = \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{i=1}^{n} {(i-1)}^{3}
= \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \sum_{j=0}^{n-1} {j}^{3}
= \frac{1}{{n}^{4}} \cdot \frac{{(n-1)}^{2}{n}^{2}}{4}
\to\frac 14
$$
Since
$$\int_0^1 x^3\,dx = \frac 14 x^4 \Big|_0^1 = \frac 14$$
I think we are good. (Smile)

Ooooo, that is clever! and just so happen that $$U(f,{P}_{n})$$ is almost the same since $${M}_{i}$$ is $$\frac{i}{n}$$! which further proves that this function is integrable
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K