Need Help with Integral : undefined function integrand

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    Function Integral
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an integral involving an undefined function, specifically \(\int_0^{y-x} (y-x)^3f[x] dx\). Participants express confusion regarding the integration method and the meaning of the function \(f[x]\), which is not defined in the context of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various integration methods, including integration by parts, while expressing frustration over the undefined function \(f[x]\). Questions arise about the validity of the integration limits and the implications of having the variable \(x\) in both the integrand and the limits of integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the setup of the problem and identifying potential typos. Some guidance has been offered regarding the fundamental theorem of calculus, but there is no consensus on how to proceed with the original integral due to the undefined nature of \(f[x]\>.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may contain typos and emphasize the need for clarification regarding the function \(f[x]\) and the limits of integration, which are causing confusion in the problem setup.

barnator
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[itex]\int_0^{y-x} (y-x)^3f[x] dx[/itex]

I really don't know what integration method that should be used to solve this. I would really appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction, this problem is frustrating me! I tried integration by parts but it doesn't really get me anywhere.
 
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barnator said:
[itex]\int_0^{y-x} (y-x)^3f[x] dx[/itex]

I really don't know what integration method that should be used to solve this. I would really appreciate anyone pointing me in the right direction, this problem is frustrating me! I tried integration by parts but it doesn't really get me anywhere.

What does f[x] mean? No hope of working the problem without knowing.
 
The whole problem makes no sense. In addition to f being undefined, you should not have the "integration variable", x, in the upper limit of integration- it makes no sense to say that x varies from 0 to x- y.
 
OK thanks for the help. I guess the problem I have has some typos.

I have a related question though referring to the Integral theorem under http://www.atp.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/rt1/syscontrol/node145.html

I'm confused about the work at the integration by parts. It looks like he sets [itex]u = \int_0^t f[\tau] d\tau[/itex] and [itex]dv = e^{-st} dt[/itex], so that he ends up with [itex]du = f[t]dt[/itex]. I'm not following how to go from u to du.
 
Let the antiderivative of [itex]f[/itex] be [itex]F[/itex].

By the fundamental theorem of calculus,

[tex]\int_0^t f(\tau) \; d\tau = F(t) - F(0)[/tex]

Clearly, the derivative of this result is [itex]F'(t) = f(t)[/itex].
 

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