Prove derivative of an odd function is even and vise versa.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the derivative of an odd function is even and vice versa. It establishes that if a function f(x) is odd on the interval (-L, L), its derivative f'(x) can be represented using Fourier sine series, resulting in an even function. Conversely, if f(x) is even, its derivative f'(x) is odd, demonstrated through the limit definition and negation function. The integration properties of odd and even functions are also explored, confirming that the integral of an odd function results in an even function plus a constant, and vice versa.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of odd and even functions
  • Familiarity with Fourier series expansion
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically derivatives and integrals
  • Proficiency in limit definitions of derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Fourier sine and cosine series
  • Learn about the limit definition of derivatives in depth
  • Explore the relationship between integration and function symmetry
  • Investigate the implications of odd and even functions in real analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, calculus instructors, and anyone interested in the properties of odd and even functions and their derivatives and integrals.

yungman
Messages
5,741
Reaction score
291

Homework Statement


Prove if f(x) is defined on -L< x < L, and if f(x) is odd function on (-L,L), the f'(x) is even function. and vise versa.


Homework Equations



Using Fourier series expansion, f(x) is odd function on (-L,L) can be represented by Fourier sine series expansion. If f(x) is even function on (-L,L), the it can be represented by cosine series.



The Attempt at a Solution



By series expansion of odd and even function, if f(x) is odd and represented by sine series, then the derivative of the sine series is cosine series and it become an even function. And the reverse is true from even to odd by derivative.


Anyone have a better way of proving this than what I have instead of referring to series expansion?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could use the limit definition of f'(-x) to show that it is equal to f'(x)
 
Let n(x) = -x so basically just a "negation function". To say that f is even is to say f(x)=f(-x) or in other words f = f \circ n, and to say it's odd is to say -f(x)=f(-x) or in other words -f = f\circ n.

Now use:
(f \circ n)(x)&#039; = f&#039;(n(x)) n&#039;(x) = -f&#039;(-x)
in both cases.
 
rasmhop said:
Let n(x) = -x so basically just a "negation function". To say that f is even is to say f(x)=f(-x) or in other words f = f \circ n, and to say it's odd is to say -f(x)=f(-x) or in other words -f = f\circ n.

Now use:
(f \circ n)(x)&#039; = f&#039;(n(x)) n&#039;(x) = -f&#039;(-x)
in both cases.

Is f\circ n = f(n(x))=f(-x)?
 
Last edited:
Yes it is
 
rasmhop said:
Let n(x) = -x so basically just a "negation function". To say that f is even is to say f(x)=f(-x) or in other words f = f \circ n, and to say it's odd is to say -f(x)=f(-x) or in other words -f = f\circ n.

Now use:
(f \circ n)(x)&#039; = f&#039;(n(x)) n&#039;(x) = -f&#039;(-x)
in both cases.

Let me clarify:

A) Let f(x) be even:

\Rightarrow f(-x)=f(x)

f(-x)= f(n(x)) =f(x)\Rightarrow [f(n(x))]&#039;=f&#039;(x) (1)

[df(n(x))]&#039; =f&#039;(nx)n&#039;(x)=-f&#039;(n(x))=-f&#039;(-x) (2)

(1) and (2)\Rightarrow f&#039;(x)=-f&#039;(-x)

Therefore if f(x) is even, f'(x) is odd.




B) Let f(x) be odd:

\Rightarrow f(-x)=-f(x)

f(-x)= f(n(x)) =-f(x)\Rightarrow [f(n(x))]&#039;=-f&#039;(x) (3)

[df(n(x))]&#039; =f&#039;(nx)n&#039;(x)=-f&#039;(n(x))=-f&#039;(-x) (4)

(3) and (4)\Rightarrow -f&#039;(x)=-f&#039;(-x)

Therefore if f(x) is odd, f'(x) is even



Tell me whether I got this right? Does this apply to integration that integrate of an odd function is an even function plus a constant and vise versa?

Thanks

Alan
 
yungman said:
Tell me whether I got this right?
Yes you did.

Does this apply to integration that integrate of an odd function is an even function plus a constant and vise versa?

Given a function f(x) that is integrable on the appropriate intervals define:
F(x) = \int_0^x f(t) dt
Then you wish to show that f(x) is odd imply F(x) even, and f(x) even imply F(x) odd. In general we have the identity:
\int_a^b f(t) dt = -\int_{-a}^{-b}f(-t)dt
You can use that to write:
F(-x) = \int_0^{-x} f(t)dt = -\int_0^x f(-t) dt
Now you can use f(-t)=f(t) or f(-t)=-f(t) depending on whether you're in the odd or even case to investigate how F(-x) relates to F(x).
 
rasmhop said:
Yes you did.



Given a function f(x) that is integrable on the appropriate intervals define:
F(x) = \int_0^x f(t) dt
Then you wish to show that f(x) is odd imply F(x) even, and f(x) even imply F(x) odd. In general we have the identity:

\int_a^b f(t) dt = -\int_{-a}^{-b}f(-t)dt
You can use that to write:
F(-x) = \int_0^{-x} f(t)dt = -\int_0^x f(-t) dt
Now you can use f(-t)=f(t) or f(-t)=-f(t) depending on whether you're in the odd or even case to investigate how F(-x) relates to F(x).

Thanks for your help, I need to verify again.


Let u=-t, therefore du=-dt. Also the integration of t from -a to -b imply integration of u from a to b.

\Rightarrow -\int_{-a}^{-b}f(-t)dt = \int_{a}^{b}f(u)du = F(b)-F(a)


\int_{a}^{b}f(t)dt = F(b)-F(a)\Rightarrow \int_a^b f(t) dt = -\int_{-a}^{-b}f(-t)dt = F(b)-F(a)

\Rightarrow F(x)=\int_0^x f(t)dt = -\int _0^{-x}f(-t)dt

If f(x) is even, f(-t)=f(t):

\Rightarrow F(x)=\int_0^x f(t)dt = -\int _0^{-x}f(-t)dt = -\int _0^{-x}f(t)dt = -[F(-x)-F(0)] = -F(-x)

This give F(x)=-F(-x) which imply if f(x) is even, F(x) is odd. Therefore integration of an even function gives an odd function.

There other way would be the same that integrate of an odd function give an even function.

Am I correct?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K