Integration Proof with constant

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If f'(x) = g'(x) for all x in the interval (a,b), then the difference f-g must be constant on that interval. The proof involves defining h(x) = f(x) - g(x), which leads to h'(x) = f'(x) - g'(x) = 0, indicating that h(x) is constant. The constants C and D represent the differences in the antiderivatives of f and g, confirming that f-g = C - D is constant. Proper notation and understanding of integrals are essential for clarity in the proof. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the derivative being zero implies constancy over the interval.
OmniNewton
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Homework Statement


Prove that if f'(x) = g'(x) for all x in an interval (a,b) then f-g is constant on (a,b) then f-g is constant on (a,b) that is f(x) = g(x) + C

Homework Equations


Let C be a constant
Let D be a constant

The Attempt at a Solution


f(x) = antiderivative(f'(x)) = f(x) + C
g(x)= antiderivative(g'(x)) = g(x) + D

f-g = f(x) + C - (g(x) + D)
f-g = f(x) - g(x) + C - D

but since f'(x) = g'(x) then f(x) = g(x) the only difference is their constant.

then,

f-g = f(x) - f(x) + C - D
f-g = C - D

Since C and D are constants

then,

f-g = constant

if C = D

then f-g = 0

Note: I feel like I proved it but my notation is wrong since I cannot use f(x) = f(x) + C. I would like guidance for the proper notation to use. The possibility also exists my proof is completely wrong. I would like help

Thanks in Advanced!
 
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You have not used the interval.
 
How would I got about approaching this problem? I'm sorry perhaps I am lacking knowledge but I have only received a 30 minute lesson on integrals in my class, which was the last class of the semester.
 
OmniNewton said:
How would I got about approaching this problem? I'm sorry perhaps I am lacking knowledge but I have only received a 30 minute lesson on integrals in my class, which was the last class of the semester.

Here's a suggestion to get you started. Let ##h(x) = f(x) - g(x)##. What can you say about ##h(x)##?
 
PeroK said:
Here's a suggestion to get you started. Let ##h(x) = f(x) - g(x)##. What can you say about ##h(x)##?
h(x) is constant on (a,b). Should I be using the area beneath the curve formula?
 
OmniNewton said:
h(x) is constant on (a,b). Should I be using the area beneath the curve formula?
How did you deduce that ##h(x)## is constant on ##(a,b)##? PeroK has a very good suggestion, under what conditions would ##h(x)## be constant over an interval? Could this have something to do with its derivative?
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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