Problems with def. integrals/fundamental theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of definite integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC) in finding derivatives and analyzing relative extrema of functions defined by integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of integral expressions using substitution and the chain rule. There is discussion on finding the first and second derivatives of functions defined by integrals. Questions arise regarding the classification of relative maxima and minima, particularly in relation to the second derivative test and the evaluation of integrals.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress on the first problem, while others express uncertainty about evaluating the integral in the second problem. There is acknowledgment of the need to find critical points and evaluate the second derivative, but confusion remains about the integral calculations necessary for determining the corresponding y-values.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of integrating specific functions and the implications of the second derivative test for identifying maxima and minima. There is a focus on the need for clarity in applying the FTC and understanding the behavior of functions around critical points.

myanmar
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1. Find \frac{dy}{dx} and \frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} if \int^{3x}_{1} \frac{1}{t^{2}+t+1}\,dt

I expect that I'd make u=3x, then du=3dx. I think when I differentiate, I'd end up with \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{3t^{2}+3t+3}. I think that \frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} would just be the derivative of \frac{dy}{dx}

2. Find and classify the relative maxima and minima of f(x), if
f(x) = \int^x_0 \frac{t^{2}-{4}}{{1}+{cos}^{2}{t}}\,dt

I think to find max and min, I just need to find the second derivative and solve for zero right? Is the first derivative \frac{x^{2}-{4}}{{1}+{cos}^{2}{x}}?
 
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Assuming that y is the integral expression in #1, then I guess you could use substitution, but it'd be easier just to apply the chain rule. But either way, you need to substitute u = 3x in place of t so dy/dx should be [1/(9x^2 + 3x +1)] * 3. I think it's a lot less confusing if you applied the FTC (remember the parameter t should disappear) by substituting 3x in place of t and then applied the chain rule to the upper limit of integration.

The second derivative is then just the derivative of 3/(9x^2 + 3x +1), which is easy.

For #2, you applied the FTC correctly but your subsequent reasoning is a bit flawed. To find the relative min and max, you need to find the zeros of f'(x), which you determined correctly. You could use the second derivative test to verify whether each critical point (zeros of f'(x)) is a relative max or min (or neither). Suppose x = a is a zero of f'(x). If f''(a) < 0, then f(x) has a relative max at x = a and if f''(a) > 0, then f(x) has a relative min at x = a. Of course just looking at sign changes prevents you from having to take the second derivative of f(x).
 
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So I've got the first one now, it's quite easy due to the help I've recieved.

However, on the second one. I have my x values for the extrema, but I can't figure out the y values because I'm not sure how to take the integral of \frac{t^2-4}{1 + cos^{2}t}. I just need to take the def. integral from (0,2) and from (0,-2). Also, I need that integral because I can't figure out how I'd plug in values around 2 and -2 to figure whether they were max/min
 
myanmar said:
So I've got the first one now, it's quite easy due to the help I've recieved.

However, on the second one. I have my x values for the extrema, but I can't figure out the y values because I'm not sure how to take the integral of \frac{t^2-4}{1 + cos^{2}t}. I just need to take the def. integral from (0,2) and from (0,-2). Also, I need that integral because I can't figure out how I'd plug in values around 2 and -2 to figure whether they were max/min

You don't need to plug values in if you can figure out whether the second derivative is positive or negative at those x values.
 

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