Show that trapezoidal rule is exact for y(t)=t and y(t)=1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around demonstrating the exactness of the trapezoidal rule for the functions y(t) = t and y(t) = 1. Participants explore the integration process and application of the trapezoidal rule over specified intervals.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests guidance on how to approach the problem of proving the trapezoidal rule's exactness.
  • Another participant suggests performing an exact integration of the linear function, stating that it integrates to (1/2)(b^2 - a^2), and then applying the trapezoidal rule to verify the result.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the guidance and indicates they have found the solution.
  • A further elaboration is provided on using n intervals for the trapezoidal rule, detailing the calculation of subinterval lengths and subdivision points, and suggesting that participants substitute values into the trapezoidal formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on the approach or solution, as participants provide different levels of detail and guidance without resolving the problem definitively.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for exact integration and the application of the trapezoidal rule, but do not clarify assumptions or limitations regarding the functions or intervals used.

shehpar
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Anybody can guide me about it. At least start me in right direction . thanks
 
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Let the interval of integration be from t = a to t = b.

Next do an an exact integration. For example the linear function integrates to
[tex] \frac{1}{2} (b^2 - a^2)[/tex]

Then apply the trapezoidal rule using one interval and see that it gives the same result. I won't do it for you except to recall that the trapezoidal rule is:
[tex] \frac{1}{2}(b - a)(y(a) + y(b))[/tex]

Hope you get it.
 
Thanks for guiding me, I found the solution.
 
loveequation said:
Let the interval of integration be from t = a to t = b.

Next do an an exact integration. For example the linear function integrates to
[tex] \frac{1}{2} (b^2 - a^2)[/tex]

Then apply the trapezoidal rule using one interval and see that it gives the same result. I won't do it for you except to recall that the trapezoidal rule is:
[tex] \frac{1}{2}(b - a)(y(a) + y(b))[/tex]

Hope you get it.

And you will probably need to do it with n intervals. So your subintervals will be length

[tex]\delta = \frac {(b-a)}{n}[/tex].

and your subdivision points will be

[tex]t_k = a + k\delta[/tex]

for k from 0 to n. Now put these values in the formula

[tex]T_n = \frac \delta 2 (y_0 + 2y_1 + ... + 2y_{n-1} + y_n)[/tex]

You will have to put in the y values using y = t (or y = 1 for the simpler problem). Then if you look carefully, you will see that you can factor and collect terms and add up an arithmetic series. Substitute in your value for delta and with any luck, you're done.
 

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