What Does Integrating the Derivative \(\int \frac{d}{dx} dx\) Equal?

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    Derivative Integration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical expression \(\int \frac{d}{dx} dx\) and its implications in calculus, particularly focusing on the integration of derivatives and the relationship between integration and differentiation. Participants explore whether the expression is valid, its equivalence to other forms, and the conditions under which integration and differentiation can be considered inverse operations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of the expression \(\int \frac{d}{dx} dx\) and suggests it might equal 1, comparing it to \(\int \frac{dx}{dx}\).
  • Another participant argues that the notation \(\frac{d}{dx}\) is for taking derivatives and that integrating this notation is not defined, contrasting it with the defined integral \(\int \frac{df}{dx} dx\) which equals \(f + C\).
  • A participant introduces a more complex expression involving definite integrals and questions its validity, suggesting it might yield the original integral \(\int^{a(x)}_{0} f(x,y) dy\).
  • There is a discussion about the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, with one participant asserting that integration and differentiation are inverse functions, while another emphasizes the need for careful definitions regarding definite and indefinite integrals.
  • Concerns are raised about the conditions under which functions are differentiable or integrable, with references to continuity and absolute continuity in the context of Lebesgue integration.
  • Participants express differing levels of rigor in their explanations, with some advocating for a more informal approach while others emphasize the importance of mathematical precision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the original expression \(\int \frac{d}{dx} dx\) or the implications of integrating derivatives. Multiple competing views on the relationship between integration and differentiation remain, particularly regarding the conditions under which they can be considered inverses.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that their statements may not encompass all mathematical rigor and that various conditions must be considered for differentiability and integrability. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its applications.

autobot.d
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Just wondering what this is

\int\frac{d}{dx}dx

What does this equal? Is it even allowed. I was thinking it is equal to identity,
which in my case is 1.
Is it equivalent to

\int\frac{dx}{dx}



??

Thanks!
 
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It makes no sense. The notation \frac{d}{dx} is just the notation for taking the derivative of something. What you're writing

\int\frac{d}{dx}dx

is taking the integral of a notation. It's not defined.

However,

\int \frac{df}{dx}dx

IS defined: it is the integral of a function. The integral is equal to f (plus a constant).
 
What if I did something like this
\int\left(\frac{d\left(\int^{a\left(x\right)}_{0}f\left(x,y\right)dy\right)}{dx}\right)dx
does this make sense?
 
Last edited:
I am saying that this will give me

\int^{a\left(x\right)}_{0}f\left(x,y\right)dy
 
autobot.d said:
What if I did something like this
\int\left(\frac{d\left(\int^{a\left(x\right)}_{0}f\left(x,y\right)dy\right)}{dx}\right)dx
does this make sense?

autobot.d said:
I am saying that this will give me

\int^{a\left(x\right)}_{0}f\left(x,y\right)dy
No, it wouldn't. For one thing, that integral is a definite integral, a number, while your first integral will be a function of x.

Leibniz's rule:
\frac{d}{dx}\int_{\alpha(x)}^{\beta(x)} f(x,y)dy= f(x, \beta(x))\frac{d\beta}{dx}- f(x, \alpha(x))\frac{d\alpha}{dx}+ \int_{\alpha(x)}^{\beta(x)} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} dy

In this particular example, the integral of the derivative would be
\int \left(f(x, a(x))\frac{da}{dx}\right)dx+ \int \int_a^{a(x)} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} dy dx
 
Thanks for the help!
 
Integration of a Derivative and
Differentiation of an Integral
both result in the original function
AND
both allude to
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
That is that Integration and Differentiation are Inverse Functions
 
Actually, paulfr, I think it may be a good idea to be more careful:

I don't know how you would define integrals and derivatives as functions;

are you referring to definite, or indefinite integrals? If your integral is indefinite,

then the two processes cannot be inverses of each other, because the indefinite

integral of f' is f+C, for C real.

You also need to state that

f must be a.e continuous (or , having at-most countably-many discontinuities ) for

f' to be defined. The conditions for the FT Calculus for Lebesgue Integration is

a little different; I think f being absolutely-continuous is sufficient, but I think it

can be weakened.
 
Bacle
My statements are not meant to be taken in a strict Mathematical sense with all conditions stated.
I was trying to simplify for the student.

But it is true that ... informally ...
For a function to be Differentiable, continuity is necessary but NOT sufficient.
For a function to be Integrable, continuity IS sufficient but not necessary.

In general though, as I said, The Fundamental Rule of Calculus is
Differentiation and Integration are Inverse Operations/Functions/Processes
You can find this in any Calculus text.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Yes, Paulfr, I guess it is difficult for me to take off my Mathematical hat

and not address every possible case at times. Still, it is not too clear to me the level

of rigor that autobot.d wanted, so I just tried to complement/expand a bit , just

in case the OP wanted some more.
 

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