Doubt with proof of integral of odd function

In summary, an odd function is a mathematical function that is symmetric about the origin and has a graph that is identical to its reflection across the y-axis. Its integral is always equal to zero due to the property of symmetry. The integral is also related to the function's antiderivative, and it is not possible for an odd function to have an even integral.
  • #1
Hernaner28
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1. The proof
attachment.php?attachmentid=48872&stc=1&d=1341445316.gif
2. The doubt

What I don't understand is when he switch the variable back to x. He says that:
[tex] \displaystyle \int_{-a}^{0}{f(x)dx=-\int_{0}^{a}{f(x)dx}}[/tex]

But if we have:
[tex] \displaystyle \int_{0}^{a}{f(-t)dt=-\int_{0}^{a}{f(t)dt}}[/tex]

Then if we switch back to x we should have:
[tex] \displaystyle \int_{-a}^{0}{f(x)dx=\int_{-a}^{0}{f(-x)dx}}[/tex]

And not what he said. Could you clarify that to me?

Thanks!
 

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  • #2
I think I got it. I think is a matter of the name of the variable.
 

FAQ: Doubt with proof of integral of odd function

What is an odd function?

An odd function is a mathematical function where f(-x) = -f(x) for all values of x. This means that the function is symmetric about the origin and has a graph that is identical to its reflection across the y-axis.

How do you prove that the integral of an odd function is equal to zero?

To prove that the integral of an odd function is equal to zero, you can use the property of symmetry. Since an odd function is symmetric about the origin, the area under the curve on one side of the origin will cancel out the area on the other side, resulting in a net area of zero.

Can an odd function have a non-zero integral?

No, an odd function cannot have a non-zero integral. As mentioned before, the property of symmetry guarantees that the integral will always equal zero.

How is the integral of an odd function related to its antiderivative?

The integral of an odd function is equal to the antiderivative evaluated at the upper and lower limits of integration. This can be represented by the equation ∫f(x)dx = F(b) - F(a), where F(x) is the antiderivative of the odd function f(x) and a and b are the limits of integration.

Is it possible for an odd function to have an even integral?

No, it is not possible for an odd function to have an even integral. The integral of an odd function will always be odd, as it is the difference between two identical areas on opposite sides of the origin.

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