What Does the Lower Limit in This Integral Represent?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the lower limit in a specific integral involving the maximum function, specifically ∫^{T}_{max \in \{0, t\}} f(x) dx. Participants explore the implications of this limit in the context of mathematical functions and integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the meaning of the lower limit in the integral involving the max function.
  • Another participant explains that the lower limit can be expressed as a function g(t) = ∫_{\mbox{max}(0,t)}^T dx~f(x), indicating that if t is less than zero, the lower limit is zero, and if t is greater than zero, the lower limit is t.
  • A participant expresses interest in understanding how such an integral is derived and requests recommendations for textbooks or papers that address similar problems.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the source of the integral, suggesting a need for context or examples to better understand its application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of the lower limit in terms of the max function, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the derivation of the integral and the request for additional examples or resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the origins of the integral and seek further clarification on its application, indicating a potential lack of foundational understanding or missing context in the discussion.

femiadeyemi
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Hi All,

I need your help, we we have an intergral like this

∫^{T}_{max \in \{0, t\}} f(x) dx

what is the meaning of the lower limit in this integral? Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The function max(a,b) is equal to a if a > b, or b if b > a. What the lower limit of your integral means, then, is that you have a function

g(t) = \int_{\mbox{max}(0,t)}^T dx~f(x).

If t is less than zero, then the lower limit is zero. If t is greater than zero, then the lower limit is t.
 
Thank you @Mute, you are safer! I still have couple more questions though:

1. How can someone arrive at this type of integral?

2. Assuming the upper limit of the integral, T>>y, how can I implement that in my solution. In between can you please recommend a textbook/paper that I can use for this type of problem, I still have more of weird ones like this. Thanks!

Mute said:
The function max(a,b) is equal to a if a > b, or b if b > a. What the lower limit of your integral means, then, is that you have a function

g(t) = \int_{\mbox{max}(0,t)}^T dx~f(x).

If t is less than zero, then the lower limit is zero. If t is greater than zero, then the lower limit is t.
 
You were the one who posted it! Where did you find it?
 
HallsofIvy said:
You were the one who posted it! Where did you find it?

I found it in a paper but the problem is that I couldn't make a sense out of how the equation of such was arrived at, so I was thinking if I could see some other example in which such equation was used, it will help to understand what I'm currently working on
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K