Solving Volterra Equations: Integrating for Solutions

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter sara_87
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration techniques used to solve Volterra equations, specifically focusing on a linear integrodifferential equation and the derivation of a solution through integration. The scope includes theoretical aspects and mathematical reasoning related to the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the integration process used to derive a solution from the given Volterra equation.
  • Another participant references the fundamental theorem of calculus as a basis for the integration method applied.
  • A third participant questions the introduction of the variables T and G in the derived equation.
  • One participant suggests that G corresponds to g and clarifies that T is a dummy variable, recommending differentiation of the derived equation to verify the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains some agreement on the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus, but there remains uncertainty regarding the introduction of certain variables and the clarity of the integration process.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions and roles of the variables T and G in the context of the equations discussed, as well as the assumptions underlying the integration process.

sara_87
Messages
748
Reaction score
0
I am reading an example from a book on Volterra equations but there's one point i don't understand. the book says:
for certain types of linear integrodifferential equations, the reduction can be made directly by integration. consider for instance, the linear equation:

[tex]f'(t) - \int^{t}_{0}k(t,s)f(s) ds=g(t)[/tex],
with f(0)=f0. Integrating this we get:
[tex]f(t)- \int^{t}_{0}[/tex][tex]\int^{T}_{0}k(T,s)f(s) dsdT=G(t)[/tex]

I don't understand how that can be derived by integration.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi sara_87! smile:

It's the "fundamental theorem of calculus" …

the derivative of ∫at f(x) dx = f(t) :wink:
 
but where did the T and G come from?
 
If that's g'(t) in the top line, then G is simply g.

T is just a "dummy" value of t.

Try differentiating the bottom equation, and you'll see that it works!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K