Upper and lower bounds of integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the validity of the inequality involving definite integrals and functions, specifically the expression (b-a)√(f(a)f(b)) ≤ ∫_a^b f(x) dx. Counterexamples are provided, including f(x) = x and f(x) = cos(x), demonstrating that the inequality does not hold for all functions, particularly polynomial ones. The participants emphasize the necessity of considering absolute values to avoid undefined scenarios, particularly when dealing with negative outputs under square roots.

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  • Concept of absolute values in mathematical expressions.
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Is it always true that:
upload_2016-9-8_20-37-30.png


upload_2016-9-8_20-38-26.png

Noticing that it works for some functions, I wanted to ensure it is true for all of them( at least polynomical), but since I am still in high school, and I don't have deep understanding in calculus( yet), the question is forwarded to you. proof please!
 

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The first equation is obviously false. Consider: ##f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}: x \mapsto x.##

Then, ##\int\limits_{-1}^1 x dx = 0##, while ##(b-a) \sqrt{f(a) f(b)} = 2 \sqrt{-1} \quad ##is not defined when we only allow real numbers.
 
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In order to calculate that area , one needs to divide the parts. Let's assume also that only the absolute values are taken, and then , there will not be any problems with the root output. Thus, the formula is still valid.
 
ddddd28 said:
In order to calculate that area , one needs to divide the parts. Let's assume also that only the absolute values are taken, and then , there will not be any problems with the root output. Thus, the formula is still valid.

I don't see absolute values in the formula itself though.
 
Consider the function

$$f(x) = x(1-x)$$

Then

$$\int^1_0 x(1-x) dx = \frac{x^2}{2}-\frac{x^3}{3} = \frac{1}{6} > \frac{f(1)+f(0)}{2} = 0$$
 
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ok, what about the first part of the formula?
 
Math_QED said:
The first equation is obviously false. Consider: ##f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}: x \mapsto x.##

Then, ##\int\limits_{-1}^1 x dx = 0##, while ##(b-a) \sqrt{f(a) f(b)} = 2 \sqrt{-1} \quad ##is not defined when we only allow real numbers.
ddddd28 said:
In order to calculate that area ,
one needs to divide the parts.
@ddddd28, you posted an inequality that included a definite integral, which can represent an area, but doesn't have to.
The inequality was ##(b - a)\sqrt{f(a)f(b)} \le \int_a^b f(x) dx##
ddddd28 said:
Let's assume also that only the absolute values are taken, and then , there will not be any problems with the root output. Thus, the formula is still valid.
 
For the first equation. Consider the function

$$f (x) = \cos(x), a= 0 , b= 2\pi$$

$$2 \pi \sqrt {1 \times 1} >\int^{2\pi}_0\cos(x ) dx=0$$
 
ddddd28 said:
Is it always true that:
View attachment 105614

View attachment 105615
Noticing that it works for some functions, I wanted to ensure it is true for all of them( at least polynomical), but since I am still in high school, and I don't have deep understanding in calculus( yet), the question is forwarded to you. proof please!
Both false - simple counterexamples:
(1) f(x)=x^2,\ a=-1,\ b=1,\ (2) f(x)=1-x^2,\ a=-1,\ b=1
 
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