Understanding the Relationship of Integral Calculus: A vs. (x-A)f(x) = 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between two integral equations involving a normalized distribution function f(x) and a positive constant A. Participants explore whether the equations \(\int x\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = {\rm A}\) and \(\int (x-{\rm A})\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = 0\) are equivalent, considering the implications of integration limits and the properties of the function f(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the two integral equations are equivalent, noting the importance of integration limits and the normalization of f(x).
  • One participant asserts that both equations use the same integration limits and that f(x) is normalized, suggesting they are indeed the same.
  • Another participant argues that the second equation should involve the derivative of A, referencing the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and expressing concerns about the algebraic correctness of the second equation.
  • A participant clarifies that if the integral is definite and the integral of f(x) equals 1, then the relationship holds, leading to the conclusion that \(\int_a^b xf(x) dx = A\).
  • There is a correction from a participant who initially misrepresented the relationship, clarifying that A is not multiplied by f(x).
  • One participant challenges the assumption that the integral of f(x) equals 1, prompting a discussion about the normalization of the function.
  • Another participant confirms that the function is normalized to 1, reiterating that the integral of f(x) is indeed 1.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the equivalence of the two integral equations, with some asserting they are the same while others raise concerns about the mathematical formulation and assumptions involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the algebra and the implications of the normalization of f(x).

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for clarity regarding integration limits and the normalization of the distribution function, which are critical to the discussion but not fully resolved.

Rajini
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Hello all,

I wanted to know whether the following two relations are same.
[tex] \int x\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = {\rm A}[/tex]
and
[tex] \int (x-{\rm A})\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = 0[/tex]
are same?
'A' is some positive number, distribution function f(x) is normalized to 1. (i am trying to understand some details of first moment of f(x) and got this doubt.)
thanks.
 
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Rajini said:
Hello all,

I wanted to know whether the following two relations are same.
[tex] \int x\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = {\rm A}[/tex]
and
[tex] \int (x-{\rm A})\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = 0[/tex]
are same?
'A' is some positive number, distribution function f(x) is normalized to 1.
thanks.

Looks the same as long as the integration limits are such that the integration covers the entire range of normalization. I'm not a mathematician, but I'm bothered by the unspecified integration limits.
 
Integration covers entire range in normalization. And for both equations the same integration limits.
f(x) is a normalized function. In the above 2 equation the same f(x) is used.
thanks.
edit:Stevenb, I solved, both are same.
 
Last edited:
Looks to me like the A in the 2nd [lower] equation needs to be at least d/dx A or the derivative of A.
Then by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, the integral of the derivative of A is = A.

Even then the algebra looks incorrect.

The second equation should be
Integral [ x f(x) ] - [ d/dx A ] dx NOT
Integral ( x - A ) f(x) dx

This is using the rule that the integral of a sum is the sum of the integrals due to
the linearity of integration.
 
Last edited:
Hi paulfr,

do you mean this :
[tex] <br /> \int \left( x-\frac{\rm dA}{{\rm d}{x}}\right)\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = 0<br /> [/tex]
 
If that is a definite integral and [math]\int_a^b f(x)dx= 1[/math] then it is true that
[tex]\int_a^b (x- A)f(x) dx= \int_a^b xf(x)dx- A\int f(x)dx= \int_a^b xf(x)dx- A= 0[/tex]
so
[tex]\int_a^b xf(x) dx= A[/tex].
 
HallyofIvy,
I never thought that it will be very simple as you show. thanks.
 
Rajini said:
Hi paulfr,

do you mean this :
[tex] <br /> \int \left( x-\frac{\rm dA}{{\rm d}{x}}\right)\;f(x)\;{\rm d}x = 0<br /> [/tex]

No I did not mean that.

My original post was wrong.
Please see the correction.
The A constant is not multiplied by f(x).
 
HallsofIvy said:
If that is a definite integral and [math]\int_a^b f(x)dx= 1[/math] then it is true that
[tex]\int_a^b (x- A)f(x) dx= \int_a^b xf(x)dx- A\int f(x)dx= \int_a^b xf(x)dx- A= 0[/tex]
so
[tex]\int_a^b xf(x) dx= A[/tex].

Your first line here implies that the integral of f(x) dx = 1
How do you arrive at that ?
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy didn't specify but he intended that [a,b] is the entire range of distribution, and since f(x) is normalized, by definition [tex]\int_a^b f(x) dx = 1[/tex]
 
  • #11
Hi Paulfr,
I already informed that my function is normalized to 1. So integral of f(x)=1.
 

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