Integrate dy/dx=0 and arbitrary constant?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the equation dy/dx = 0, exploring the implications of the constant of integration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of including a constant of integration when integrating zero, with some questioning whether y should simply be a constant or if it can take on specific values like 5.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concept of integration and the role of constants. Some participants suggest that the integration of zero leads to a constant, while others emphasize the importance of explicitly stating the constant of integration in formal contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that there may be academic expectations regarding the inclusion of the constant of integration in homework or tests, indicating a potential constraint in formal settings.

DryRun
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Homework Statement
Integrate:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=0[/tex]

The attempt at a solution
[tex]\int \frac{dy}{dx}=\int 0\,.dx[/tex]
The answer is: [itex]y=0[/itex] or [itex]y=0+A[/itex]?
This is the part which is confusing, as i know that integral of 0 is 0, but do i have to add a constant of integration??
 
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How about a dy/dx which is as positive as negative over the interval, that could be zero. fix it was e.g. sin(x)
But yeah, a constant.
 
Now that i think about it, here is a simple example:
Let [itex]y=5[/itex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=0[/tex]
Now, if i integrate 0, then i should normally get 5. So, the constant of integration has to be involved.
 
sharks said:
Homework Statement
Integrate:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=0[/tex]

The attempt at a solution
[tex]\int \frac{dy}{dx}=\int 0\,.dx[/tex]
The above should be
[tex]\int \frac{dy}{dx}~dx=\int 0\,.dx[/tex]
You are integrating both sides of the original equation, with respect to x.

sharks said:
The answer is: [itex]y=0[/itex] or [itex]y=0+A[/itex]?
This is the part which is confusing, as i know that integral of 0 is 0, but do i have to add a constant of integration??
Zero is merely one antiderivative of 0.

A simpler approach is as follows.
Since dy/dx = 0, then y must be a constant. IOW y ##\equiv## C.

Also, when you integrate both sides of an equation, there is a constant of integration for each side. So the integration that you did would look like this:
y + C1 = 0 + C2

Of course, you can subtract C1 from both sides to end up with y = C, where C = C2 - C1.
 
Thank you for the clarification, Mark44. :smile:
 
Most teachers will mark off on homework or a test if you do not include the "constant of integration". If F(x) is an anti- derivative of f(x)- that is, if F'(x)= f(x), then [itex]\int f(x)dx= F(x)+ C where C can be any number.[/itex]
 

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