Solution of an integral equation

In summary, the given equation places a condition on f(x) and g(x) where g(x) cannot be equal to 0, unless considering complex functions. Another possible solution is g(x) = e^±∫f(x) dx. However, it is also mentioned that this solution may be subject to a lower bound based on the Darboux inequality.
  • #1
neelakash
511
1

Homework Statement



Given [tex]\frac{1}{| \int\ f(\ x)\ g(\ x)\ d\ x\ |}=\int \frac{\ f(\ x)}{\ g(\ x)}\ d\ x[/tex]
Does the above put any condition on f(x) and g(x)?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The | | in the denominator reminds me of Darboux inequality...In fact it looks impossible to solve analytically...Can it be solved numerically?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What if you take the derivative of both sides?

[tex]
\frac{-f(x) g(x) }{| \int\ f(x)\ g(x)\ dx\ |^2}= \frac{\ f(\ x)}{\ g(\ x)}
[/tex]

Assuming f(x) =/= 0 and simplifying with a little algebra

[tex]
(g(x))^2 = - (\int\ f(x)\ g(x)\ dx )^2
[/tex]

Which would imply that g(x) = 0, which is impossible.

So, no such function exists, unless we consider complex functions.
 
  • #3
Remembering |x|=x if x>0 and |x|=-x if x<0,there is another option:

[tex]

(g(x))^2 = (\int\ f(x)\ g(x)\ dx )^2

[/tex]
This leads to
[tex]\ g(\ x)=\ e^{\pm\int\ f(\ x)\ d\ x}[/tex]

Do you agree?
 
  • #4
Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Though it should be

g(x) = e^int f(x).

Not f(x).
 
  • #5
Personally I expected g(x) to have some lower bound;and that looked plausible for Darboux inequality says:| integral |>= Maximum value of integrand*length of the contour...

Can that be a way?

Yea...that was a typo..I am fixing it
 

FAQ: Solution of an integral equation

What is an integral equation?

An integral equation is an equation that contains an unknown function within an integral sign. It relates the value of a function to its integral over a given domain.

What is the purpose of solving an integral equation?

The solution of an integral equation is important in many areas of mathematics and physics, as it allows us to find an unknown function from its integral. This can help in understanding physical phenomena and in solving differential equations.

How is an integral equation solved?

There are several methods for solving integral equations, such as the method of successive approximations, the method of moments, and the Fredholm and Volterra methods. The choice of method depends on the type of equation and the properties of the unknown function.

What is the difference between a Volterra integral equation and a Fredholm integral equation?

A Volterra integral equation has a kernel that depends only on the current value of the unknown function, while a Fredholm integral equation has a kernel that depends on both the current value and past values of the unknown function. This means that the solution to a Fredholm equation is more sensitive to initial conditions than a Volterra equation.

Are there real-world applications of integral equations?

Yes, integral equations have many applications in physics, engineering, economics, and other fields. They are used to model various physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, diffusion, and fluid flow. They are also used in signal processing and image reconstruction.

Back
Top