Why Is the Definite Integral Zero for Symmetric Functions?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 2K views
flyers
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



2sb1gnr.png





The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to start this integral. Can anybody give me a hint to start it off?
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well I noticed that x>0 is the reflection of x<0 except with negative values. Does this mean that the answer is 0? Also is it even possible to solve this integral?
 
No, you aren't going to get far trying to find an indefinite integral. But the definite integral is zero. In general, if f(-x)=(-f(x)) then the integral over a symmetric interval around zero is zero. You can formally show this by splitting the integral into two parts and working out their relation by doing the substitution u=(-x).