What is the name for F(x) and ##\mathcal{F}(x)## in this context?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminology used for the functions ##F(x)## and ##\mathcal{F}(x)## in the context of integration and antiderivatives. Participants explore the distinctions between particular and general solutions in the context of antiderivatives, as well as the implications of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that ##F(x)## is a particular solution to the integral of a function ##f(x)##, while ##\mathcal{F}(x)## represents the general solution or family of antiderivatives.
  • Others argue that the expression ##F(x) + C## encompasses the entire family of antiderivatives, suggesting that it does not represent a particular antiderivative unless ##C## is specified.
  • A participant mentions that they have heard the term "family of antiderivative" used to describe ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, while "primitive" may be more appropriate for ##F(x)##.
  • There is a suggestion that the distinction between ##F(x)## and ##\mathcal{F}(x)## could lead to different naming conventions, but this remains a point of contention.
  • One participant provides an example of an antiderivative to illustrate their point, stating that all antiderivatives have a specific form that includes an arbitrary constant ##C##.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of ##F(x)## and ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, with no consensus reached on the terminology or the significance of the distinctions made.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion hinges on the interpretation of constants in antiderivatives and the definitions of particular versus general solutions, which may depend on the context in which these terms are used.

Jhenrique
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When we took the integral of a function f, the result is: [tex]\int f(x)dx = F(x) + C[/tex] But, F(x) + C can be rewritten like: [tex]F(x) + C = \mathcal{F}(x)[/tex] So, my first ask is: which is the name given for ##F(x)## and for ##\mathcal{F}(x)## ? I can't call both of primitive of f, because it's confuse. I already heard the term "family of antiderivative", I think that this term is the name of ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, thus, maybe, primitive is better for ##F(x)##. What do you think?

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Second question: by FTC: [tex]\int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx = F(x) - F(x_0)[/tex] implies that: [tex]F(x) = \int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx + F(x_0)[/tex] This result, F(x), represents the ##F(x)## or the ##\mathcal{F}(x)## of the my 1st question?

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OBS: if you affirm that F(x) of the 2nd question is equal to ##\mathcal{F}(x)## this implies that ##\int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx = F(x)## and ##F(x_0)=C## .
 
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Jhenrique said:
When we took the integral of a function f, the result is: [tex]\int f(x)dx = F(x) + C[/tex] But, F(x) + C can be rewritten like: [tex]F(x) + C = \mathcal{F}(x)[/tex]
What's the point? Is there some purpose in writing F(x) + C as ##\mathcal{F}(x)##?
Jhenrique said:
So, my first ask is: which is the name given for ##F(x)## and for ##\mathcal{F}(x)## ?
F is an antiderivative of f. I've also seen it called a primitive.
Jhenrique said:
I can't call both of primitive of f, because it's confuse. I already heard the term "family of antiderivative", I think that this term is the name of ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, thus, maybe, primitive is better for ##F(x)##. What do you think?

---

Second question: by FTC: [tex]\int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx = F(x) - F(x_0)[/tex] implies that: [tex]F(x) = \int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx + F(x_0)[/tex] This result, F(x), represents the ##F(x)## or the ##\mathcal{F}(x)## of the my 1st question?
F is any antiderivative of f (or any primitive of f).
Jhenrique said:
---

OBS: if you affirm that F(x) of the 2nd question is equal to ##\mathcal{F}(x)## this implies that ##\int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)dx = F(x)## and ##F(x_0)=C## .
 
There is a importnat difference between ##F(x)## and ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, the 1st is a particular solution for ##\int f(x) dx## and the 2nd is general solution. By be different solutions, maybe they have different names. How I already heard a lot times the term "antiderivative" and "family of antiderivative", I asked if those terms are the names for ##F(x)## and for ##\mathcal{F}(x)## ...

EDIT: YEAH! An teacher confirmed my hypothesis above.
 
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Jhenrique said:
There is a importnat difference between ##F(x)## and ##\mathcal{F}(x)##, the 1st is a particular solution for ##\int f(x) dx## and the 2nd is general solution.
I disagree. The expression F(x) + C doesn't represent a particular antiderivative unless C is somehow specified to be a particular value. In that sense (i.e., C being an unspecified arbitrary value) F(x) + C represents the entire family of antiderivatives. Again, I still don't see the point of writing both F(x) + C and ##\mathcal{F}(x)##. IMO it's much ado about a minor point.
Jhenrique said:
By be different solutions, maybe they have different names. How I already heard a lot times the term "antiderivative" and "family of antiderivative", I asked if those terms are the names for ##F(x)## and for ##\mathcal{F}(x)## ...

EDIT: YEAH! An teacher confirmed my hypothesis above.
I still disagree.
For example, consider ##\int x^2 dx##.
One antiderivative is (1/3)x3 + 7.
All antiderivatives have the form (1/3)x3 + C.
 

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