Partial Derivative of Integral

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To find the derivative df/dx for the function f(x,y) defined as the integral of sqrt(1-t^3) dt from x^2 to x^3, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is applied. The integral can be expressed as the difference between two functions evaluated at x^3 and x^2, leading to the derivative g'(x) = sqrt(1-x^9) - sqrt(1-x^6). The discussion clarifies that the variable t is a dummy variable, and the focus should be on the limits of integration when differentiating. The approach emphasizes that knowing the derivatives of the evaluated functions at the limits is sufficient, without needing the explicit form of the antiderivative. This method effectively simplifies the differentiation process.
Victor8108
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Homework Statement



Find df/dx, f(x,y)=integral of sqrt(1-t^3)dt from x^2 to x^3.

Since it is asking to find the derivative with respect to x,should I regard t as a constant?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find the antiderivative of the integral sqrt(1-t^3)dt and then differentiate with respect to x.

However, I'm stuck in finding the antiderivative of the function , I tried using substitution u=1-t^3, du=-3t^2 dt. But that doesn't seem to be going the right direction.
 
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The variable "t" is a dummy variable we are summing over: the value of the definite integral is not a function of t. To see this another way, apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to write the integral as a difference of two functions of x. You do not actually need to find an expression for these two functions, as all you will need are their derivatives. For example, consider
f(x) = \int_0^{x^2} \sin(t^2) dt
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus tells us that we can write f(x) like this as well, for each value of x:
f(x) = F(x^2) - F(0)
where F(t) is any function whose derivative is \sin(t^2) at each point t in the closed interval between t = 0 and t = x^2. If we try to take the derivative of f(x), we find the following when we apply the chain rule:
f'(x) = F'(x^2)(2x) - F'(0)(0)
We don't need to know any particular version of F, we just need to know what its derivative at x^2 and 0 is. Since x^2 and 0 are in the closed interval, we know the value of the derivative of F at those points are \sin(x^4) and sin(0), respectively. Thus we get
f'(x) = 2x\sin(x^4)
once we simplify.
 
Last edited:
For those wondering why the equation f(x,y) has no y, here is the complete function:

f(x,y)= (x^2)y+integral of sqrt(1-t^3)dt from x^2 to x^3.

I figured the first part(x^2)y so I didnt put it in the equation. sorry about the inconvenience.
 
Ok, according to the fundamental theorem of calculus:

if g(x)= f(t)dt from a to x, then g'(x)=f(x)

applying this to my problem, then it becomes g'(x)= sqrt(1-x^9)-sqrt(1-x^6)
 
The fundamental theorem states that if F(a, b) is the integral of f(x) from a to b, then, letting g(t) = F(a, t), g'(t) = f(t).
 
Victor8108 said:
Ok, according to the fundamental theorem of calculus:

if g(x)= f(t)dt from a to x, then g'(x)=f(x)

applying this to my problem, then it becomes g'(x)= sqrt(1-x^9)-sqrt(1-x^6)

That's absolutely right.
 
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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