Proof on a property of Riemann integrals

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that if a continuous function f on the interval [a,b] is non-negative and there exists a point c in [a,b] such that f(c) > 0, then the Riemann integral of f over [a,b] is greater than zero. The proof utilizes the concepts of upper and lower sums, defined as U(f,P) and L(f,P), respectively, based on partitions of the interval. It concludes that since L(f) > 0, and given that f is Riemann integrable, it follows that the integral ∫ab f > 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Riemann integrals and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concepts of upper and lower sums
  • Knowledge of continuous functions and their behavior on closed intervals
  • Basic skills in mathematical notation and partitioning of intervals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Riemann integrable functions
  • Learn about the implications of the Extreme Value Theorem on continuous functions
  • Explore the concept of partitions in the context of Riemann sums
  • Investigate the relationship between upper and lower integrals in more depth
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on real analysis and the properties of Riemann integrals.

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Homework Statement



Let f be continuous on [a,b] and suppose that [tex]f(x) \geq 0[/tex] for all x Є [a,b]
Prove that if there exists a point c Є [a,b] such that [tex]f(c) > 0[/tex], then

[tex]\int_{a}^{b} f > 0[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Using my books notation,

Suppose P = {x0,x1,...,xn} is a partition of [a,b]. For each i = 1,...,n we let:
[tex]M_i(f) = sup\{f(x) : x \epsilon [x_{i-1},x_i]\}[/tex]
[tex]m_i(f) = inf\{f(x) : x \epsilon [x_{i-1},x_i]\}[/tex]

The upper sum of f with respect to P: U(f,P)
The lower sum of f with respect to P: L(f,P)

The upper integral of f on [a,b]: U(f) = inf{ U(f,P) : P is a partition of [a,b] }
The lower integral of f on [a,b]: L(f) = sup{ L(f,P) : P is a partition of [a,b] }

Suppose there exists a c Є [a,b] such that f(c) > 0 then
there exists a [tex]m_i(f) > 0[/tex]
thus L(f,P) > 0

but then L(f) > 0, but since f is Riemann integrable:

[tex]0 < L(f) = U(f) = \int_{a}^{b} f[/tex]

I know I'm kinda leaving out some details but is the outline alright? I have a feeling it's wrong since it was really short...
 
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Looks pretty decent to me.
 
I should also include:

[tex]\Delta x_i = x_i - x_{i-1}[/tex]

[tex]U(f,P) = \sum_{i=1}^n M_i \Delta x_i[/tex]
[tex]L(f,P) = \sum_{i=1}^n m_i \Delta x_i[/tex]
 

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