Integrate: Solving an Integration Problem - Math Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an integration problem involving the greatest integer function, also known as the floor function. Participants are examining the correctness of an integration approach and the interpretation of symbols used in the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of the original integration steps and the meaning of specific symbols. There are discussions about the correct interpretation of the greatest integer function and its implications for the integration process.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the greatest integer function and suggesting a breakdown of the integral into manageable parts. There is no explicit consensus, but some guidance on how to approach the problem has been offered.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the notation used in the problem, particularly concerning the symbols around the variable. Participants express the need for clarity on these symbols to proceed effectively with the integration.

gl0ck
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Hello, Is this the right way to compute this integral. I get the answer from the book, but I am not sure if I've done it right.

Thanks

PS Sorry for the upside down image :)
Now should be alright
 

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Sorry, I won't stand on my head to read a question.
 
gl0ck said:
Hello, Is this the right way to compute this integral. I get the answer from the book, but I am not sure if I've done it right.

Thanks

PS Sorry for the upside down image :)
Now should be alright

I have no idea what those symbols around the ##x## mean nor can I follow your steps. In particular you can't take the antiderivative of just part of the integrand.
 
This is how its written in the book..
 
LCKurtz said:
I have no idea what those symbols around the ##x## mean nor can I follow your steps. In particular you can't take the antiderivative of just part of the integrand.

gl0ck said:
This is how its written in the book..

So you are trying to work a problem where you don't know and can't tell us what the symbols mean? Better read that book a bit more closely and get back to us...
 
LCKurtz said:
So you are trying to work a problem where you don't know and can't tell us what the symbols mean? Better read that book a bit more closely and get back to us...

So, if the found value is 0.6 and it is surrounded by these strange brackets this is equal to 1, if the brackets are turned other way around 0.6 is equal to 0
 
gl0ck said:
So, if the found value is 0.6 and it is surrounded by these strange brackets this is equal to 1, if the brackets are turned other way around 0.6 is equal to 0

I'm guessing that ##\lfloor x \rfloor## stands for the greatest integer less than or equal to ##x##. Surely your text must define that symbol. You need to look it up and get it correct to use it in your integral. Your original integration attempt was nonsense. How could you possibly expect to get a correct antiderivative of a function when you don't know what it is in the first place? Start over.
 
The best way to do this integral would be to write [itex]\int_0^3= \int_0^1+\int_1^2+\int_2^3[/itex] since the greatest integer function is constant on [0,1),[1,2), and [2,3). Also, I do not understand what your solution was. It seemed as though you thought that ∫fg=∫f∫g which is not true.
 

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