Mean of the derivative of a periodic function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the mean of a periodic function and the mean of its derivative. Participants explore whether the condition that the mean of a periodic function is zero implies that the mean of its derivative is also zero, focusing on theoretical implications and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if the mean of a periodic function is zero, then the mean of its derivative should also be zero, citing examples that support this.
  • Others argue that the mean of the derivative can be shown to be zero using the fundamental theorem of calculus, regardless of the mean of the original function.
  • A participant questions whether a specific function, ##\frac{\sin x\ |\cos x|}{\cos x}##, qualifies as a periodic function with mean zero, raising concerns about its continuity and differentiability.
  • Another participant notes that the derivative of the questioned function may not be plotable due to continuity issues, suggesting that the function's domain excludes certain points.
  • It is mentioned that the anti-derivative of the questioned function's derivative may have multiple constants of integration, complicating the cancellation of terms that would typically simplify the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the mean of a periodic function being zero and whether it necessarily leads to the mean of its derivative being zero. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the analysis depends on the continuity and differentiability of the functions involved, as well as the specific characteristics of the periodic functions being discussed.

Robin04
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TL;DR
I'm wondering if given that the mean of a periodic fuction is zero than the mean of all of its derivatives is zero too.
We have a periodic function ##f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}## with period ##T, f(x+T)=f(x)##
The statement is the following: $$\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T f(x)dx =0 \implies \frac{1}{T}\int_0^T\frac{d}{dx} f(x)dx =0$$
Can you give me a hint on how to prove/disprove it? The examples I tried all confirmed this.
 
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Let ##F(x)## be the antiderivative of ##\left( \dfrac{d}{dx}\,f(x) \right)##. Then the right hand side is?
 
fresh_42 said:
Let ##F(x)## be the antiderivative of ##\left( \dfrac{d}{dx}\,f(x) \right)##. Then the right hand side is?
So then ##F(x)=f(x)+c##, where ##c## is the integration constant.
$$\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T \frac{d}{dx}f(x) dx = \frac{1}{T}[F(x)]_0^T=\frac{1}{T}[f(x)+c]_0^T=\frac{1}{T}(f(T)+c-f(0)-c)=0$$
Is this correct?
 
Robin04 said:
Summary: I'm wondering if given that the mean of a periodic fuction is zero than the mean of all of its derivatives is zero too.

We have a periodic function ##f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}## with period ##T, f(x+T)=f(x)##
The statement is the following: $$\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T f(x)dx =0 \implies \frac{1}{T}\int_0^T\frac{d}{dx} f(x)dx =0$$
Can you give me a hint on how to prove/disprove it? The examples I tried all confirmed this.

\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T\frac{d}{dx} f(x)dx = 0 is a direct result of the fundamental theorem of caclulus and the fact that f(0) = f(T). It holds irrespective of the value of \frac{1}{T}\int_0^T f(x)dx.
 
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Robin04 said:
Summary: I'm wondering if given that the mean of a periodic fuction is zero than the mean of all of its derivatives is zero too.

We have a periodic function ##f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}## with period ##T, f(x+T)=f(x)##
The statement is the following: $$\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T f(x)dx =0 \implies \frac{1}{T}\int_0^T\frac{d}{dx} f(x)dx =0$$
Can you give me a hint on how to prove/disprove it? The examples I tried all confirmed this.
Would you count ##\frac{\sin x\ |\cos x|}{\cos x}## as a periodic function with mean zero for purposes of this question?
 
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pasmith said:
\frac{1}{T}\int_0^T\frac{d}{dx} f(x)dx = 0 is a direct result of the fundamental theorem of caclulus and the fact that f(0) = f(T). It holds irrespective of the value of \frac{1}{T}\int_0^T f(x)dx.
Oh, you're right. Interesting, haven't thought about that.

jbriggs444 said:
Would you count ##\frac{\sin x\ |\cos x|}{\cos x}## as a periodic function with mean zero for purposes of this question?
Well, that's interesting. I cannot plot its derivative for some reason, but I suppose it's continuity the issue here.
 
Robin04 said:
Well, that's interesting. I cannot plot its derivative for some reason, but I suppose it's continuity the issue here.
It is continously differentiable over its domain. But its domain misses the odd multiples of ##\frac{\pi}{2}##.

That means that the anti-derivative of its derivative over almost any interval of length ##\pi## has two disjoint segments. Two c's, instead of just one. *WHAM* There goes that cancellation of the c's you did in post #3.
 

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