Indefinite integral with discontinuous integrand

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the indefinite integral of a function defined with a discontinuity at a single point. Participants explore whether the antiderivative of such a function is defined at the point of discontinuity and how this affects integration over an interval that includes that point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the antiderivative of the function, which is defined as 1 everywhere except at x=1 where it is 10, is defined at x=1.
  • Another participant suggests that if an antiderivative F exists, it must satisfy F' = f, implying a consideration of functions defined almost everywhere.
  • Some participants argue that integration acts as a "smoothing" operator, indicating that the singularity at x=1 does not affect the value of the integral over the interval.
  • A participant proposes splitting the integral around the point of discontinuity and considering the limit as the interval shrinks to examine the implications for the integral.
  • There is a reiteration that the first fundamental theorem of calculus leads to a contradiction at the point of discontinuity, suggesting the need for an extended interpretation of the theorem.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the antiderivative is defined to capture the behavior of f almost everywhere, noting that point discontinuities do not contribute to the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the discontinuity for the existence of the antiderivative at that point. Some agree that the integral can be computed despite the discontinuity, while others highlight the challenges posed by the discontinuity in defining the antiderivative.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of discontinuities and the definitions of integrals and antiderivatives, which may not be universally agreed upon. The implications of point discontinuities on integration and differentiation are also explored without resolution.

PFuser1232
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Suppose ##f## is defined as follows:
##f(x) = 1## for all ##x ≠ 1##, ##f(1) = 10##.
Is the indefinite integral (or the most general antiderivative) of ##f## defined at ##x = 1##?
I'm asking this question because I already know how to deal with, say, ##\int_0^2 f##; ##f## has only one removable discontinuity in ##[a,b]##, so it's integrable. When I do the following:
$$\int_0^2 f(x) dx = \int_0^1 dx + \int_1^2 dx$$
and then apply the second fundamental theorem of calculus on each of the integrals, I am assuming that the antiderivative of ##f## exists at ##x = 1## and is equal to ##1##.
Is this assumption wrong?
 
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That is one way to say it. However, if F is the antiderivative of f, the F' = f. Perhaps, you are defining a continuous function g such that g = f almost everywhere and finding its integral.
 
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Integration is a "smoothing" operator. If there is a singularity at a single point the integral will simply ignore it. The integral of "f(x)= 1 if x is not 1, f(1)= 10" is exactly the same as the integral of f(x)= 1.
 
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Let \varepsilon >0 and split up the integrand in the following way:
\int_{0}^{2}f(x)dx=\int_{0}^{1-\varepsilon}f(x)dx+\int_{1-\varepsilon}^{1+\varepsilon}f(x)dx+\int_{1+\varepsilon}^{2}f(x)dx
Now think about the consequences as \varepsilon\rightarrow 0
 
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HallsofIvy said:
Integration is a "smoothing" operator. If there is a singularity at a single point the integral will simply ignore it. The integral of "f(x)= 1 if x is not 1, f(1)= 10" is exactly the same as the integral of f(x)= 1.

But if we apply the first fundamental theorem to the antiderivative ##F(x) = x + C## (i.e. ##F' = f##) we get ##1 = f(x)##, which is not true for ##x = 1##.
 
MohammedRady97 said:
But if we apply the first fundamental theorem to the antiderivative ##F(x) = x + C## (i.e. ##F' = f##) we get ##1 = f(x)##, which is not true for ##x = 1##.
Well, in this case you must apply the extended fundamental theorem which says F'=falmost everywhere (which means "except possibly on a set with measure 0).
 
The antiderivative F is defined such that F' = [f] where [f] = f almost everywhere. There is not going to be an antiderivative that captures point discontinuities, since the goal of the antiderivative is to have the property that ##F(b)-F(a) = \int_a^b f(x) dx ##. And the point discontinuities do not contribute to the integral.
 
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