Question about derivative of an integral

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    Derivative Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the derivative of an integral, specifically the expression ##\displaystyle\frac{d }{d x}\int f(x)dx = f(x)##, and its relation to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC). Participants explore the components and implications of the FTC, including its two parts and the relationship between differentiation and integration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the expression ##\displaystyle\frac{d }{d x}\int f(x)dx = f(x)## indicates that differentiation and antidifferentiation are inverse operations.
  • One participant describes the FTC as having two parts: the first part states that if ##F(x)= \int_a^x f(x)dx##, then ##\frac{dF}{dx}= f(x)##; the second part states that if ##f(x)= \frac{dF}{dx}##, then ##F(x)= \int f(x) dx + C##, where C is a constant.
  • Another participant questions the differences between the two parts of the FTC and inquires about the relationship between definite integrals and antiderivatives.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the FTC can also be expressed as ##\frac {d}{dx} \int_0^x f(t)dt =f(x)##, suggesting a specific case of the theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the FTC and its components, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding its implications and expressions. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the nuances of the theorem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' statements depend on specific definitions of integrals and derivatives, and there are unresolved questions about the relationship between definite integrals and antiderivatives.

Mr Davis 97
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What does it mean to say that ##\displaystyle\frac{d }{d x}\int f(x)dx = f(x)##? Does this somehow relate to the fundamental theorem of calculus? If so, how?
 
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What is the fundamental theorem according to you?
 
Mr Davis 97 said:
What does it mean to say that ##\displaystyle\frac{d }{d x}\int f(x)dx = f(x)##?

It means that if you find $$F(x) = \int {f(x)dx}$$ (i.e. the antiderivative, a.k.a. indefinite integral) and then you find $$\frac{d}{dx}F(x)$$ you get ##f(x)## back again.
 
Another way to look at it is that differentiation and antidifferentiation are inverse operations.
 
The "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus" has two parts:
1) If we define [itex]F(x)= \int_a^x f(x)dx[/itex] then [itex]dF/dx= f(x)[/itex].
2) If f(x)= dF/dx then [itex]F(x)= \int f(x) dx+[/itex] some constant.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus" has two parts:
1) If we define [itex]F(x)= \int_a^x f(x)dx[/itex] then [itex]dF/dx= f(x)[/itex].
2) If f(x)= dF/dx then [itex]F(x)= \int f(x) dx+[/itex] some constant.

How are those two parts different? Also, isn't there a part that relates the definite integral to the antiderivative?
 
Mr Davis 97 said:
How are those two parts different? Also, isn't there a part that relates the definite integral to the antiderivative?

HallsofIvy said:
The "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus" has two parts:
1) If we define [itex]F(x)= \int_a^x f(x)dx[/itex] then [itex]dF/dx= f(x)[/itex].
2) If f(x)= dF/dx then [itex]F(x)= \int f(x) dx+[/itex] some constant.

In 1) above, F(x) is the antiderivative of f(x).

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is more often expressed as:

[itex]\int_a^b f(x)dx = F(b) - F(a)[/itex], where F(x) is the antiderivative of f(x), as defined in part 2) above.
 
Actually, the FTC says that ## \frac {d}{dx} \int_0^x f(t)dt =f(x) ##
 

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