Proving integrand of odd function from -a to a is 0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the integral of an odd function over a symmetric interval from -a to a equals zero. The problem is situated within the context of integral calculus and properties of odd functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods to express the integral of the odd function, including substitution techniques and breaking the integral into parts. Some question the steps taken in their reasoning, while others suggest alternative approaches to simplify the proof.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and methods for tackling the problem. Some have offered guidance on how to approach the integral using substitutions, while others are reflecting on their previous attempts and considering where they may have gone wrong.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of substitution and the properties of odd functions. Participants are also navigating the constraints of the homework assignment, which may limit the methods they can use.

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Homework Statement



Suppose f is a continuous function defined on an interval [-a, a]. Show that if f is odd, then
[itex][-a,a]\int f(x)\,dx = 0[/itex]

Homework Equations


If f is odd, then
##f(-x) = -f(x)##
##u=-x##
Our TA told us to set u equal to -x.

The Attempt at a Solution


## u = -x ##
## -du = dx ##

##-[a,-a]\int f(x)\,dx##
##[a,-a]\int -f(x)\,dx##
definition of odd function
##[a,-a]\int f(-x)\,dx##

##-\int f(u)\,du##
##-F(-x)|[a,-a]##
##F(-x)|[-a,a]##
##F(-a) - F(-(-a))##
##F(-a) - F(a)##
## -2F(a) ##
Obviously I went wrong in my proof somewhere or I got distracted and did useless steps.
Thanks in advance!
 
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Write ##\int_{-a}^a f(x)\ dx = \int_{-a}^0 f(x)\ dx +\int_{0}^a f(x)\ dx ## and make that substitution on the first integral only.
 
##\int_{-a}^a f(x)\ dx = \int_{-a}^0 f(x)\ dx +\int_{0}^a f(x)\ dx##
## \int_{-a}^0 f(x)\ dx ##
##-\int_{0}^{-a} f(x)\ dx ##
##\int_{0}^{-a} -f(x)\ dx ##
##\int_{0}^{-a} f(-x)\ dx ##
##\int f(u)\,dx ##
## -F(u) = -F(-x) ##
## -F(-x)|_{0}^{-a} ##
## -[F(-(-a)) - F(0)] ##
## [F(0) - F(a)] ##

##\int_{0}^a f(x)\ dx##
## F(x)|_{0}^{a} ##
##[F(a) - F(0)]##


##F(0) - F(a) + F(a) - F(0) = 0##

Thanks man!
 
It is much less convoluted to do it like this with ##\int_{-a}^0 f(x)\, dx##. Let ##u = -x,\, du=-dx## giving ##\int_a^0 f(-u)(-du)=-\int_0^a f(u)\, du##, which cancels out the ##\int_0^a f(x)\, dx##.
 

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