Solving Definite Integrals with Variable Limits

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of integrals with variable limits. For integrals with constant and variable limits, the fundamental theorem of calculus can be applied directly. When both limits are functions of x, the integral can be split into two parts to facilitate differentiation. A user also inquires about applying the product rule when another function multiplies the integral, but later resolves this question independently. The conversation emphasizes techniques for handling complex integrals in calculus.
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Homework Statement



I'm trying to solve a problem where you are asked to find the derivative of an integral where both limits of integrations contain variables


Homework Equations



Definition of integrals, derivatives

The Attempt at a Solution



For problems where you have an integral from a to x, where a is a constant and x is the variable and you are asked to find the derivative of the integral, you can just apply the fundamental theorem of calculus and arrive at the original function f(x).

For problems where you have an integral from a to a function of x, such as x^2, you can use 'u' substitution and find the derivative of the integral from a to u multiplied by du/dx

What can you do for problems where both the lower and upper bounds are variables, e.g. derivative of an integral from x to x^2-x. How would you approach one of these problems?

I can answer questions of the first two kinds but am stuck on the third type.
 
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CalculusHelp1 said:

Homework Statement



I'm trying to solve a problem where you are asked to find the derivative of an integral where both limits of integrations contain variables


Homework Equations



Definition of integrals, derivatives

The Attempt at a Solution



For problems where you have an integral from a to x, where a is a constant and x is the variable and you are asked to find the derivative of the integral, you can just apply the fundamental theorem of calculus and arrive at the original function f(x).

For problems where you have an integral from a to a function of x, such as x^2, you can use 'u' substitution and find the derivative of the integral from a to u multiplied by du/dx

What can you do for problems where both the lower and upper bounds are variables, e.g. derivative of an integral from x to x^2-x. How would you approach one of these problems?

I can answer questions of the first two kinds but am stuck on the third type.

You can split the integral into two integrals. For example,
\int_x^{x^2 -x} f(x) dx = \int_x^a f(x) dx + \int_a^{x^2-x} f(x)dx
= -\int_a^x f(x) dx + \int_a^{x^2-x} f(x)dx
 
Thanks a lot!
 
Sorry one more question, how would you deal with finding the derivative if there was another function being multiplied by the integral?

For example, d(x^5 * integral of f(x) from x to x^2-x)/dx?

Do you use the product rule here or is there some other trick?
 
Nevermind I figured it out.

Problems solved.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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