Measure theory question on integrals.

In summary: This means that both \{ x\in X\;|\; f(x)>h(x)\} and \{ x\in X\;|\; f(x)<h(x)\} have measure 0, and thus f=h a.e.In summary, if ∫f×g dμ=∫h×g dμ for all integrable functions g, then f = h almost everywhere, assuming the integrals exist. This is not a trivial claim and requires the use of properties of measures and integrals to prove.
  • #1
bolzano
15
0
Hi, I was wondering whether if ∫f×g dμ=∫h×g dμ for all integrable functions g implies that f = h?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
f = h almost everywhere, assuming the integrals exist.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
equality of integrals never implies equality, only equality a.e.
 
  • #4
Hi, thanks for the replies. However is this something trivial or is it hard to prove (that thery're equal a.e.)?
 
  • #5
Your claim was not properly explained, but I believe it is trivial to reduce it to this claim:

If [itex]\int\limits_X f(x)d\mu(x)=0[/itex] and [itex]f(x)\geq 0[/itex] for all [itex]x\in X[/itex], then [itex]f(x)=0[/itex] for [itex]\mu[/itex]-"almost all" [itex]x\in X[/itex].

This claim is not trivial. You must use the properties of measures and integrals.

Assume that there exists a set [itex]A\subset X[/itex] such that [itex]f(x)>0[/itex] for all [itex]x\in A[/itex], and also [itex]\mu(A)>0[/itex]. Now you can define sets

[tex]
A_1 = \{x\in A\;|\; f(x)>1\}
[/tex]
[tex]
A_n = \Big\{x\in A\;\Big|\; \frac{1}{n-1}\geq f(x) > \frac{1}{n}\Big\},\quad\quad n=2,3,4,\ldots
[/tex]

Equality [tex]\mu(A)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\mu(A_n)[/tex] will imply that at least one of the [itex]\mu(A_n)[/itex] is positive.
 
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  • #6
If

[tex]
\int\limits_X \big(f(x)-h(x))g(x)d\mu(x)=0
[/tex]

holds for all integrable [itex]g[/itex], then it will also hold for [itex]g_+[/itex] defined by

[tex]
g_+(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{ll}
1,\quad &f(x)-h(x)>0\\
0,\quad &f(x)-h(x)\leq 0\\
\end{array}\right.
[/tex]

and also for [itex]g_-[/itex] defined similarly.
 

1. What is measure theory and how does it relate to integrals?

Measure theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the concept of measuring sets and their properties. It provides a rigorous foundation for integration, which is a mathematical concept used to find the area under a curve or the volume under a surface. In measure theory, integrals are defined as the limit of a sequence of approximations, which allows for a more general and precise definition than in traditional calculus.

2. What is the difference between Riemann and Lebesgue integration?

Riemann integration is the traditional method taught in calculus, where the area under a curve is approximated by rectangles. Lebesgue integration is a more general and powerful form of integration that extends the concept to a wider range of functions. It uses a different approach to defining the integral, based on measure theory, and allows for the integration of more complex functions that may not have a traditional antiderivative.

3. What is the importance of the concept of "measure zero" in measure theory?

Measure zero refers to a set that has no length, area, or volume, depending on the dimension of the space in which it exists. In measure theory, these sets are considered negligible and do not contribute to the overall measure of a larger set. This concept is important because it allows for the definition of integrals on more complex sets, such as fractals, where traditional methods of integration may fail.

4. How is the Lebesgue integral used in probability theory?

The Lebesgue integral is used in probability theory to define the probability of an event occurring. In this context, the integral is known as the probability measure, and it assigns a number between 0 and 1 to a set of possible outcomes. This allows for a more rigorous and general treatment of probability, and it is a fundamental concept in the field of measure-theoretic probability.

5. Can you give an example of a function that is Riemann integrable but not Lebesgue integrable?

Yes, the classic example is the Dirichlet function, which takes the value 1 on rational numbers and 0 on irrational numbers. This function is Riemann integrable because its set of discontinuities has measure zero, but it is not Lebesgue integrable because it does not satisfy the conditions required by the Lebesgue integral. This highlights the difference in scope and flexibility between Riemann and Lebesgue integration.

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