Integrability of multiple integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integrability of a piecewise function defined as f(x,y)=3 if y is rational and f(x,y)=2y if y is irrational. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that while the iterated integral exists, the function is not Riemann integrable over the rectangle [0,1]x[0,3].

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition and implications of Riemann integrability, questioning the nature of the function's discontinuities and the conditions under which it can be considered integrable.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the function's discontinuities and referenced relevant theorems regarding Riemann integrability. There is an ongoing examination of the upper and lower Riemann sums and their implications for integrability.

Contextual Notes

Participants note confusion regarding the function's definition and the specific rectangle of integration, which has led to clarifications and corrections in the problem setup.

kingwinner
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Q1) Let f(x,y)=3, if x E Q
f(x,y)=2y, if y E QC

Show that
1 3
∫ ∫ f(x,y)dydx exists
0 0
but the function f is not (Riemann) integrable over the rectangle [0,1]x[0,3]


I proved that the iterated integral exists and equal 9, but I am completely stuck with the second part (i.e. to prove that the function f is not integrable over the rectangle [0,1]x[0,3] ), how can I do it? Can someone please help me?

Thanks!
 
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May someone be nice enough to answer this theoretical question?
 
It would help if you would ask a plausible question. "f(x,y)=3, if x E Q
f(x,y)=2y, if y E QC" doesn't make sense. What is f(2, \pi[/itex) where x is rational and q is irrational? What is f(x,y) if x is <b>not</b> rational? What is f(x,y) if y is <b>not</b> irrational?
 
Oh sorry, it should be y E Q instead of x E Q.
i.e.
Let f(x,y)=3, if y E Q[/color]
f(x,y)=2y, if y E QC

and I am having trouble with proving that f is not (Riemann) integrable over the rectangle [0,1]x[0,3]
 
Okay so that is really the same as f(y)= 3 if y\inQ, f(y)= 2y if y\inQC. What theorems do you have to work with? Since that function is discontinuous at every value of y except 3/2, It's set of discontinuities is not a null set and so it is not Riemann integrable.
 
Theorem:
f is Riemann integrable iff for all epsilon>0, there exists a partition P s.t. upper Riemann sum - lower Riemann sum < epsilon

How can I prove using this theorem?
 
Now matter how small the cells in your partition are, they all include points with rational y coordinate and points with irrational y coordinates. As long as y\le 1, 2y< 3 so the highest value of the function in that cell is 3. Since that is true in any cell, the "upper sum" for any partition is 3. Also, the smallest value of the function in any cell is 2y* where y* is the y at which the function has its smallest value in that cell. The "lower sum" then is 1 (the integral of 2y over the entire interval) for any partition. Taking the limit as the partition size goes to 0, we still get 3 as the limit of the upper sums and 1 as the limit of the lower sums. Since those two limits are not the same, the function is not Riemann integrable on the interval.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Now matter how small the cells in your partition are, they all include points with rational y coordinate and points with irrational y coordinates. As long as y\le 1, 2y< 3 so the highest value of the function in that cell is 3. Since that is true in any cell, the "upper sum" for any partition is 3.
But for y=sqrt3=1.71, which is in the retangle [0,1]x[0x3]
f(x,y)=2(sqrt3)=3.42 > 3
So the max value is not always 3, right?
 
Oh, blast! I was looking at 0\le x\le 1, 0\le y\le 1!
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy said:
Oh, blast! I was looking at 0\le x\le 1, 0\le y\le 1!

The question says "prove the function f is not (Riemann) integrable over the rectangle [0,1]x[0,3]"
 

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