Show 2 functions have the same anti-derivative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the functions 2sin²(x) and -cos(2x) have the same anti-derivative. Participants explore the implications of integral calculus and the relationships between the functions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an approach to show that 2sin²(x) and -cos(2x) have the same anti-derivative but expresses confusion about the outcome.
  • Another participant argues that for two functions to have the same anti-derivative, they must be equivalent, citing the double-angle identity for cosine to show that -cos(2x) is not equivalent to 2sin²(x).
  • A later reply suggests that the question might actually be about showing that the two functions have the same derivative, noting that they differ only by a constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the functions have the same anti-derivative. Some argue they do not, while others suggest the question may be misinterpreted and could be about derivatives instead.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity in the original question's intent, leading to different interpretations regarding anti-derivatives versus derivatives. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding function equivalence in the context of calculus.

NoWay1
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So I have to show 2sin^2(x) and -cos(2x) have the same antiderative.

Here's how I approached this.

2sin^2(x) = 1-cos2x ==> u = 2x
intergral of that is
(u - sinu)/2 + c = x - (sinx)/2 + c

-cos2x ==> u = 2x
intregal of that is
(-sinu)/2 + c= -(sin2x)/2 + c

Have I calculated/approached this exercise wrongly? I don't see how they could be the same antiderative
I have another similar exercise with 2cos^2(x) and cos(2x).
 
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Since this question involves integral calculus, I have moved it here. :D

In order for two functions to have the same anti-derivative, they must in fact be equivalent. From a double-angle identity for cosine, we know:

$$\cos(2x)=1-2\sin^2(x)$$

Hence:

$$-\cos(2x)=2\sin^2(x)-1\ne2\sin^2(x)$$

Thus, the two given functions are not equivalent, therefore they cannot have the same anti-derivative.

Can you use a similar line of reasoning for the second question?
 
Thanks a lot for the confirmation, way the question was presented was very confusing to me, as if they had to have the same antideravative
 
I think the question actually must be to show that the two functions have the same derivative.

As $\displaystyle \begin{align*} -\cos{(2\,x)} \equiv -\left[ 1 - 2\sin^2{(x)} \right] \equiv 2\sin^2{(x)} -1 \end{align*}$, which only differs from $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2\sin^2{(x)} \end{align*}$ by a constant, they will in fact have the same derivatives.
 
This must be the answer I needed, thank you
 

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