Indefinite integral with discontinuous integrand

In summary, the concept of an antiderivative or indefinite integral for a function f(x) is not affected by point discontinuities. The integral simply "smooths" over these points and ignores them. However, in order to fully understand the behavior of the function at these points, the extended fundamental theorem of calculus must be applied. This states that the antiderivative is defined as F(x) = x + C, where C is a constant, and F' = f almost everywhere, meaning that the function f is equal to the derivative of F except possibly on a set with measure 0.
  • #1
PFuser1232
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Suppose ##f## is defined as follows:
##f(x) = 1## for all ##x ≠ 1##, ##f(1) = 10##.
Is the indefinite integral (or the most general antiderivative) of ##f## defined at ##x = 1##?
I'm asking this question because I already know how to deal with, say, ##\int_0^2 f##; ##f## has only one removable discontinuity in ##[a,b]##, so it's integrable. When I do the following:
$$\int_0^2 f(x) dx = \int_0^1 dx + \int_1^2 dx$$
and then apply the second fundamental theorem of calculus on each of the integrals, I am assuming that the antiderivative of ##f## exists at ##x = 1## and is equal to ##1##.
Is this assumption wrong?
 
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  • #2
That is one way to say it. However, if F is the antiderivative of f, the F' = f. Perhaps, you are defining a continuous function g such that g = f almost everywhere and finding its integral.
 
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  • #3
Integration is a "smoothing" operator. If there is a singularity at a single point the integral will simply ignore it. The integral of "f(x)= 1 if x is not 1, f(1)= 10" is exactly the same as the integral of f(x)= 1.
 
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  • #4
Let [itex]\varepsilon >0[/itex] and split up the integrand in the following way:
[tex]\int_{0}^{2}f(x)dx=\int_{0}^{1-\varepsilon}f(x)dx+\int_{1-\varepsilon}^{1+\varepsilon}f(x)dx+\int_{1+\varepsilon}^{2}f(x)dx[/tex]
Now think about the consequences as [itex]\varepsilon\rightarrow 0[/itex]
 
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  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
Integration is a "smoothing" operator. If there is a singularity at a single point the integral will simply ignore it. The integral of "f(x)= 1 if x is not 1, f(1)= 10" is exactly the same as the integral of f(x)= 1.

But if we apply the first fundamental theorem to the antiderivative ##F(x) = x + C## (i.e. ##F' = f##) we get ##1 = f(x)##, which is not true for ##x = 1##.
 
  • #6
MohammedRady97 said:
But if we apply the first fundamental theorem to the antiderivative ##F(x) = x + C## (i.e. ##F' = f##) we get ##1 = f(x)##, which is not true for ##x = 1##.
Well, in this case you must apply the extended fundamental theorem which says [itex] F'=f [/itex]almost everywhere (which means "except possibly on a set with measure 0).
 
  • #7
The antiderivative F is defined such that F' = [f] where [f] = f almost everywhere. There is not going to be an antiderivative that captures point discontinuities, since the goal of the antiderivative is to have the property that ##F(b)-F(a) = \int_a^b f(x) dx ##. And the point discontinuities do not contribute to the integral.
 
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FAQ: Indefinite integral with discontinuous integrand

What is an indefinite integral with a discontinuous integrand?

An indefinite integral with a discontinuous integrand is a type of integral where the integrand (the function being integrated) has one or more points where it is undefined or discontinuous. This means that the integral cannot be evaluated using traditional integration methods and may require special techniques to be solved.

Why is it important to study indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands?

Studying indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands allows us to solve a wider range of problems and understand the behavior of functions more deeply. It also helps us develop new techniques for solving challenging integrals and can provide insights into the underlying mathematical concepts.

What are some common techniques used to solve indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands?

Some common techniques used to solve indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands include integration by parts, integration by substitution, and using properties of the integrand to simplify the integral. Sometimes, a discontinuous integrand can also be broken into smaller, continuous pieces and each piece can be integrated separately.

Can indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands have multiple solutions?

Yes, indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands can have multiple solutions. This is because a discontinuous function can have different behaviors on different intervals, leading to different integrals with different solutions. It is important to specify the interval of integration to get a unique solution.

Are there any real-world applications of indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands?

Yes, indefinite integrals with discontinuous integrands have various real-world applications, particularly in physics and engineering. For example, they can be used to calculate the work done by a variable force or to determine the center of mass of an irregularly shaped object.

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