Simple exercise about integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that a function defined as \( G(x) = \frac{1}{x} \int_0^x f(t) dt \) is increasing, where \( f \) is a positive and increasing function on the interval \([0, a]\).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivative of \( G(x) \) and its implications for the function's monotonicity. There are attempts to apply the product rule and explore the behavior of the terms involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their attempts at deriving \( G'(x) \) and have raised questions about the implications of the terms, particularly the negative sign that appears in the derivative. Some suggest using the mean value theorem to analyze the relationship between \( f(x) \) and the integral. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that \( f \) is positive and increasing, and they are navigating the complexities introduced by the \( \frac{1}{x} \) term in the derivative. There is also mention of constants and the need for clarity on their roles in the proof.

Felafel
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Homework Statement


Let ## f: [0, a]## ---> ## \mathbb{R}## be positive and increasing.
Prove that the function G, such that:
##G(x):= \frac{1}{x} \int_0^x f(t)dt## ## x\in (0,a)##
is increasing.

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that if the first derivative of a function is positive, that function is increasing.
By definition of primitive function, we have that the derivative of ##\int_0^x f(t)dt## is ##f##, which is positive by hypothesis.
However, i can't handle that ##\frac{1}{x}##. If I derivate it I get ##\frac{1}{x^2}##, making things worse.
What should I do with it?
 
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Have you tried to write out a formula for [itex]G'(x)[/itex]? (Apply the rule for the derivative of a product.)
 
awkward said:
Have you tried to write out a formula for [itex]G'(x)[/itex]? (Apply the rule for the derivative of a product.)

yes, and i get ##G ' (x)= -\frac{1}{x^2} \int_0^x f(t)dt + \frac{1}{x} f(x)+c ##
##= \frac{1}{x}(-\frac{1}{x}\int_0^x f(t)dt+f(x)+c)##
but there appears a minus, and i don't know how to go on with the proof
 
I've had an idea, maybe it's correct:
Let us consider ##G ' (x)##
##\frac{1}{x} ## is a positive number (because x>0 in the hypothesis), so i can do as if it weren't there.
Now,
##-\frac{1}{x} \int_0^x f(t)dt+f(x)+c > 0## if ##f(x)+c > \frac{1}{x} \int_0^x f(t)dt##
But ##f(x)## is the upper bound, so for the integral mean theorem we have:
##f(x) (\frac{1}{x-0}) > \int_0^x f(t)dt> m (\frac{1}{x-0})##
and therefore:
##f(x)+c> (\frac{1}{x})\int_0^x f(t)dt##
QED.
or have I made any mistakes?
 
For simplicity, let the antiderivative of f be F.
Then,
[tex]-\frac{1}{x}\int_0^x f(t)dt+f(x) = -\frac{1}{x} (F(x) - F(0)) + f(x)[/tex]
We can apply the mean value theorem in reverse:
There exists a point in the interval [0,x] (lets call it c) such that [tex]F'(c) = f(c) = \frac{F(x) - F(0)}{x-0}[/tex]
Then,
[tex]-\frac{1}{x} (F(x) - F(0)) + f(x) = -f(c) + f(x)[/tex]
But f is an increasing function, so f(x) > f(c) because c < x.
 
Fightfish said:
For simplicity, let the antiderivative of f be F.
Then,
[tex]-\frac{1}{x}\int_0^x f(t)dt+f(x) = -\frac{1}{x} (F(x) - F(0)) + f(x)[/tex]
We can apply the mean value theorem in reverse:
There exists a point in the interval [0,x] (lets call it c) such that [tex]F'(c) = f(c) = \frac{F(x) - F(0)}{x-0}[/tex]
Then,
[tex]-\frac{1}{x} (F(x) - F(0)) + f(x) = -f(c) + f(x)[/tex]
But f is an increasing function, so f(x) > f(c) because c < x.
Great!
Do you think my version above could work as well?
Anyway, loads of thanks!
 

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