Solving Reverse Integrals: Find f(x) to Solve 1-0.1^n

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Big-Daddy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrals Reverse
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a function f(x) such that the integral from negative infinity to a variable limit (100 + 10n) equals 1 - 0.1^n for n being a positive integer. The focus is on exploring the nature of the function, particularly its potential exponential characteristics, and the methods to derive it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on finding a function f(x) related to the integral equation, suggesting it might be exponential in nature.
  • Another participant suggests replacing the upper limit (100 + 10n) with a variable (y) and taking the derivative of both sides to derive an expression for f(y), indicating it will likely be exponential.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the substitution of (100 + 10n) with y and provides a transformation for n in terms of y, while expressing concern about the integral limits.
  • Another participant manipulates the equation to express 0.1^n in terms of y and hints at taking derivatives to find f(y), though the expression remains incomplete.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of substituting variables and taking derivatives to find f(y), but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact form of f(y) and the implications of the integral limits.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps necessary to derive f(y), and there are assumptions about the existence of such a function that remain unexamined.

Big-Daddy
Messages
333
Reaction score
1
I need to find a function f(x) such that

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{100+10n} (f(x)) dx = 1-0.1^n[/tex]

for n=1,2,3,4,5,6...∞. How would I go about this? It must be exponential in some way I'm guessing?

This is not a homework problem. I don't just want the answer. I want guidance on this type of problem and function, but please from someone with an idea of how to answer this particular case too ...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Replace (100+10n) by a real variable (y). Take the derivative of both sides, this will give you an expression for f(y) if it exists. It will be an exponential.
 
Last edited:
mathman said:
Replace (100+10n) by a real variable (y). Take the derivative of both sides, this will give you an expression for f(y) if it exists. It will be an exponential.

So y=100+10n, n = 1/10(y-100) = (1/10)y-10.

Now what? I need to bear the integral limits (-∞ to y) in mind...
 
0.1n = 0.1(y-100)/10 = exp((y-100)ln(0.1)/10). Now take the derivatives of both sides to get f(y) = .
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K