Find Value of $\int_0^1 (f(x)-g(x))dx$ with $f,g$ Continuous

In summary, we are given a continuous function $f$ for $x \in (0,1]$ and $\displaystyle g(x)=\int_{1}^{1 \over x}\frac{1}{t}f\left( \frac{1}{t}\right)dt$. We are asked to find the value of $\displaystyle \int_0^1 (f(x)-g(x))dx$. By using integration by parts, we can simplify this integral to $\displaystyle I = -\int_{1}^{1}\frac{1}{t}f\left( \frac{1}{t}\right)dt$, which ultimately equals 0.
  • #1
Blandongstein
9
0
Let $f$ be a continuous function for $x \in (0,1]$ and $\displaystyle g(x)=\int_{1}^{1 \over x}\frac{1}{t}f\left( \frac{1}{t}\right)dt$, then find the value of

$$ \int_0^1 (f(x)-g(x))dx$$
 
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  • #2
If $\displaystyle g(x) = \int_{1}^{\frac{1}{x}}\frac{1}{t}f\left( \frac{1}{t}\right)dt$ then

$\displaystyle g'(x)=-\frac{xf(x)}{x^2} =-\frac{f(x)}{x}$.

or $f(x)=-xg(x)$ ...(1)

$\displaystyle I = \int_{0}^{1}(f(x)-g(x))dx = \int_0^1f(x)dx-\int_0^1g(x)dx$

Use integration by parts on the second integral:

$\displaystyle I = \int_0^1f(x)dx -(xg(x))_0^1 + \int_0^1 xg'(x) dx$

by (1) we have
$\displaystyle I= \int_0^1f(x)dx - \int_0^1f(x)dx -g(1) = -g(1) = -\int_{1}^{1}\frac{1}{t}f\left( \frac{1}{t}\right)dt $

$=0$
 
  • #3
Nearly identical to the method I had in mind. :D
 

FAQ: Find Value of $\int_0^1 (f(x)-g(x))dx$ with $f,g$ Continuous

What does the integral of the difference between two continuous functions represent?

The integral of the difference between two continuous functions represents the net area between the two functions on the interval from 0 to 1. It can be thought of as the total amount by which one function is greater or less than the other on that interval.

How is the value of the integral found?

The value of the integral can be found by first finding the antiderivative of the difference between the two functions. This antiderivative can then be evaluated at the upper and lower limits of the interval (in this case, 0 and 1) and the difference between these two values gives the value of the integral.

What does it mean if the value of the integral is positive?

If the value of the integral is positive, it means that the first function (f(x)) has a greater area than the second function (g(x)) on the interval from 0 to 1. This could indicate that f(x) is "above" g(x) on the interval, or that f(x) has a higher overall value than g(x) on the interval.

Can the value of the integral be negative?

Yes, the value of the integral can be negative. This would indicate that the second function (g(x)) has a greater area than the first function (f(x)) on the interval from 0 to 1. This could mean that g(x) is "above" f(x) on the interval, or that g(x) has a higher overall value than f(x) on the interval.

Why is it important that f(x) and g(x) are continuous?

It is important that f(x) and g(x) are continuous because if they are not, the value of the integral may not accurately represent the net area between the two functions on the interval from 0 to 1. If a function is not continuous, it may have sharp turns or breaks that would affect the overall area and therefore the value of the integral.

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