Integration using the fundamental theorem of calculus

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a function g such that the integral from 0 to x² of tg(t) dt equals x² + x, utilizing the fundamental theorem of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate both sides of the equation to find g(x²) but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their solution. Other participants question the method of substituting g(x²) back into the integral and discuss how to derive g(x) from g(x²).

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different interpretations of the substitution process and clarifying the relationship between g(x²) and g(x). Some guidance has been offered regarding the substitution of variables.

Contextual Notes

The original poster acknowledges a potential error in their solution and seeks clarification on the correct approach to simplify g(x²) to g(x). There is an emphasis on ensuring the function satisfies the original integral equation.

trulyfalse
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Hello PF.

Homework Statement


Find a function g such that

\int_0^{x^2} \ tg(t) \, \mathrm{d}t = x^2+x

Homework Equations



From the fundamental theorem of calculus:

f(x) = \frac{d}{dx}\int_a^x \ f(t) \, \mathrm{d}t

The Attempt at a Solution



After taking the derivative of both sides of the equation:

\frac{d}{dx}\int_0^{x^2} \ tg(t) \, \mathrm{d}t = 2x+1

Thus, from the fundamental theorem and chain rule,

(2x)(x^2)g(x^2) = 2x+1

2x^3g(x^2) = 2x+1

g(x^2) = \frac{1}{x^2} + \frac{1}{2x^3}


However, I know that this answer is wrong because the definite integral of this function (when substituted into the original equation) is not equal to x + x^2. I'm having difficulty identifying my error. Could someone please point me in the right direction? :)
 
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What did you put back into your integral for checking. You solved only down to g(##x^2##). Did you put that back in or g(x)? I got the right answer when I put in g(x).
 
I put g(x^2) back into the integral. How would I simplify g(x^2) to get g(x)? Would I square every expression for x in the equation (i.e x^2 and x^3)?
 
trulyfalse said:
I put g(x^2) back into the integral. How would I simplify g(x^2) to get g(x)? Would I square every expression for x in the equation (i.e x^2 and x^3)?

To break it into two steps: Let u = ##x^2## and figure out what g(u) is. Then since it doesn't matter what symbol you use the function g(u) is the same as g(x).

More directly, just stick an x in everywhere you have an ##x^2##.
 
Aha! Then U = sqr(x) and that can be substituted in the equation. Thanks brmath!
 

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