First fundamental theorem of Calculus

In summary, the theorem states that if a function f is integrable on [a,b] and there exists a function F such that F(x) = ∫a^x f, then F is also integrable at any point where f is continuous, and F'(x) = f(x). However, this theorem only stands if f is continuous, as shown in the example of the piecewise function f(x). In this case, F(x) is equal to |x| - 1 for all x in [-1,1]. The issue with the differentiability of F arises when trying to determine F'(0), as the left and right limits do not match and therefore the limit does not exist.
  • #1
evinda
Gold Member
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Hello! :)

I am looking at the theorem:
"$f:[a,b] \to \mathbb{R}$ integrable
We suppose the function $F:[a,b] \to \mathbb{R}$ with $F(x)=\int_a^x f$.If $x_0$ a point where $f$ is continuous $\Rightarrow F$ is integrable at $ x_0$ and $F'(x_0)=f(x_0)$".

There is a remark that the theorem stands only if $f$ is continuous and there is the following example:

$f(x)=\left\{\begin{matrix}
-1,-1 \leq x \leq 0\\
1,0 < x \leq 1
\end{matrix}\right.$
which is not continuous at $0$.
Then,according to the textbook, the function $F(x)$ is equal to $|x|-1$..But,why is it like that??And also why is $F$ not differentiable at $0$?? :confused:
 
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  • #2
Well on the intervals [-1,0] and (0,1] $f$ is constant, so it doesn't matter which points you pick for the Riemann sums you get:

\(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^x f(t)\ dt = -x - 1\) for $x \in [-1,0]$

\(\displaystyle \int_0^x f(t)\ dt = x\) for $x \in (0,1]$

(I urge you to actually calculate these Riemann sums).

From these integrals, we see that for $x \in [0,1]$:

\(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^x f(t)\ dt = \int_{-1}^0 f(t)\ dt + \int_0^x f(t)\ dt = -1 + x\),

so that in all cases, $F(x) = |x| - 1$.

The problem with the differentiability of $F$ is in trying to determine $F'(0)$, we have:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{F(0+h) - F(0)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{[-(0+h) - 1] - (0 - 1)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{-h}{h} = -1\)

whereas:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{F(0+h) - F(0)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{[(0+h) - 1] - (0 - 1)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{h}{h} = 1\),

so this limit does not exist.
 
  • #3
Deveno said:
Well on the intervals [-1,0] and (0,1] $f$ is constant, so it doesn't matter which points you pick for the Riemann sums you get:

\(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^x f(t)\ dt = -x - 1\) for $x \in [-1,0]$

\(\displaystyle \int_0^x f(t)\ dt = x\) for $x \in (0,1]$

(I urge you to actually calculate these Riemann sums).

From these integrals, we see that for $x \in [0,1]$:

\(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^x f(t)\ dt = \int_{-1}^0 f(t)\ dt + \int_0^x f(t)\ dt = -1 + x\),

so that in all cases, $F(x) = |x| - 1$.

The problem with the differentiability of $F$ is in trying to determine $F'(0)$, we have:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{F(0+h) - F(0)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{[-(0+h) - 1] - (0 - 1)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^-} \frac{-h}{h} = -1\)

whereas:

\(\displaystyle \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{F(0+h) - F(0)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{[(0+h) - 1] - (0 - 1)}{h}\)

\(\displaystyle = \lim_{h \to 0^+} \frac{h}{h} = 1\),

so this limit does not exist.

I understand..Thanks a lot! (Nod)
 

FAQ: First fundamental theorem of Calculus

What is the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is a theorem in mathematics that establishes the relationship between the concepts of differentiation and integration. It states that if a function is continuous and has an antiderivative, then the integral of that function can be calculated by evaluating the antiderivative at the upper and lower limits of integration.

How is the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus used in real life?

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus has numerous real-life applications, including in physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. For example, it is used to calculate the work done by a varying force, the velocity of an object undergoing acceleration, and the area under a curve representing a probability distribution.

What is the difference between the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus deals with the relationship between differentiation and integration, while the Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus deals with the relationship between integration and differentiation. The Second Fundamental Theorem of Calculus states that if a function is continuous and has an integral, then the derivative of the integral is equal to the original function.

Why is the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus important?

The First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is important because it provides a fundamental link between the two main operations in calculus – differentiation and integration. It allows us to calculate the value of integrals without having to use complex geometric methods, and it has numerous practical applications in various fields of science and engineering.

Are there any limitations to the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus?

Yes, there are some limitations to the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. For example, it only applies to continuous functions that have an antiderivative. Additionally, it does not provide a method for calculating integrals of functions that do not have an antiderivative. In these cases, other methods, such as numerical integration techniques, must be used.

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