Lebesgue Integral: Definition & Examples

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In summary, the function \frac{1}{x^2} is not currently a Lebesgue integral because it is not properly defined. However, if it is integrated using the measure theoretic definition, it would be a Lebesgue integral. It is also Riemann integrable and can be approximated using step functions. The concept of Lebesgue integral is part of general integration theory and is used to determine if a function is integrable. In the given example, the function is bounded and has no points of discontinuity, making it Riemann integrable over the interval [1, infinity). However, since the interval is unbounded, it is an improper Riemann integral. The integral can be evaluated to
  • #1
mooberrymarz
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is this a lebesgue intergral? And why?

[tex]\int\frac{dx}{x^2}[/tex]

P.S Can u also give me exact defintion of Lebesgue integral PLz. Textbook tooooooo complicated.
 
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  • #2
At the moment it isn't an integral. You need to put in a dx or something. it is a lebesgue integral if you're integrating using the measure theoretic definition for integral. however, sidestepping the issue of the function not being defined at zero and that there is no limit in the integral, it is riemann integrable, as it's a continuous function.

remember to end environments with "/" in brackets, not "\".

Do you really need to learn measure theory? I can think of other things you need to learn before you get that far that appear to be missing (cf your other thread) before starting an advanced topic such as measure theory.
 
  • #3
Ok. forgive my mathematical incompetency Mr Matt Grime :-p . I have to do learn this coz its part of General integration theory.
 
  • #4
One question mATT! how do u know all this stuff? Are u a lecturer or masters student.?
 
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  • #5
Hi:

My answer to you is yes !

But i can't understand your meening when you ask "why".
So please explain what you know already about measure theory.

Moshek

Try to be carfull from Math answers...
 
  • #6
I am not a lecturer nor am I a masters student. I am somewhere in between.

I'm just surprised that they're making you do this stuff given you were new to the idea of proving that other result about |f| by contradiction. Please don't take offence, I am genuinely bemused by that sylllabus.

As it is my knowledge of measure theory is very ropey so I won't begin to explain the intricate aspects of it. Something is a legesbue integral if it use lebesgue integration, you don't indicate in that example what kind of integral you are doing, but it is lebesgue integrable (since it is riemann integrable).
often something like du(x) is used to indicate one needs to use lebesgue techniques.

One way of doing the lebesgue integral is, I believe, to use step functions to approximate the function in some way.

Say we have f defined on the unit interval to be 1 at irrationals and 0 at rationals. Then that is not Riemann integrable. But it is lebesgue integrable because it is equal to the constant function f(x)=1 except on a set of measure zero, hence its integral is the same as the integral of the constant function, ie 1. (Someone set me straight if I'm mucking it up).
 
  • #7
I know that's riemann integrable coz its bounded and has no points of discontinuity over that interval. riemann integrable implies lebesgue integrable. is that a good enough reason for why its lebesgue integrable?
 
  • #8
hmm. matt,I wasnt totally new to the idea of proving by contradiction, its just that I'm not good with mathematical proofs and this lecturer really is something when he marks stuff. If i leave anything no matter how trivial it is he subtracts marks. That kind of question is intuitively obvious but I suck at putting it into mathsy type o language.
 
  • #9
well, assuming the interval over which your integrating is indeed as you say it is then that's fine.
 
  • #10
The interval is [1,infinity)
 
  • #11
then that isn't fine as the interval is unbounded. the same observations you made apply to 1/x and that isn't integrable over that region. (and i made a mistake too in the reply.)
 
  • #12
Oh interval has to be closed. ure right. is it an improper riemann integral??
 
  • #13
absolutely, that integral exists.
 
  • #14
[tex]\[
\int_1^\infty {\frac{{dx}}{{x^2 }}} = 1
\]
[/tex]

Just in case you were wondering.
 
  • #15
thanx!i figured that part cos
that integral
= 1 + lim 1/n (as n tends to infinity)
= 1

just trying to figure out if our questions are lebesgue integral,riemann integral or improper riemann integral and why??
So this one should be a improper riemann integral,,,rite?
 
  • #16
A function f is Lebesgue integrable if it is measurable and int(|f|) is finite. However just because a function is bounded and measurable does not imply that it's Lebesgue integrable. For example the constant function 1 is not Lebesgue integrable on [1, infinity). However, for your problem, you could use the fact that it's both positive and Riemann integrable.
Vignon .S Oussa
 
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FAQ: Lebesgue Integral: Definition & Examples

What is the Lebesgue Integral?

The Lebesgue Integral is a mathematical concept used to define the area under a curve or the volume under a surface in higher dimensions. It is a generalization of the Riemann Integral and allows for the integration of a wider range of functions.

How is the Lebesgue Integral defined?

The Lebesgue Integral is defined as the limit of a sum of areas or volumes of smaller and smaller intervals or regions. This limit is taken as the size of the intervals or regions approaches zero, resulting in a more precise measurement of the area or volume.

What are the advantages of using the Lebesgue Integral?

The Lebesgue Integral has many advantages over the Riemann Integral, including the ability to integrate a wider range of functions, the ability to handle discontinuous functions, and the ability to define integrals in higher dimensions.

What are some examples of using the Lebesgue Integral?

The Lebesgue Integral can be used to find the area under a curve, the volume under a surface, and the length of a curve in higher dimensions. It is also used in probability theory and statistics to calculate probabilities and expected values.

How is the Lebesgue Integral related to measure theory?

The Lebesgue Integral is closely related to measure theory, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with the concept of size or measure. The Lebesgue Integral is defined in terms of a measure, which assigns a numerical value to sets and allows for the integration of more general functions.

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