What am I doing wrong integrating with 1-|x|?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a misunderstanding in using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTOC) for more complicated examples. The conversation includes a visual understanding of the FTOC for simpler examples and a specific example of using the FTOC with the function |x|, resulting in an incorrect answer. The conversation also includes an appreciation for feedback and a clarification on the use of derivatives and anti-derivatives in the FTOC.
  • #1
zmalone
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I understand [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{1}_{-1}[/itex]1-|x|dx = 1 visually just by graphing it and taking the area of the triangle but for the sake of more complicated examples I'm not exactly sure what step I'm messing up when I use the FTOC:

|x|= x when x>0, -x when x<0

[itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{0}_{-1}[/itex]1-|x|dx + [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{1}_{0}[/itex]1-|x|dx


= [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{0}_{-1}[/itex]1-(-x)dx + [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{1}_{0}[/itex]1-(x)dx


= [itex]\frac{x^2}{2}[/itex]|[itex]^{0}_{-1}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{x^2}{2}[/itex]|[itex]^{1}_{0}[/itex]

= -1/2 - 1/2 = -1 [itex]\neq[/itex]1

Any input is appreciated and hope this makes sense lol (still getting used to the formula drawer).
 
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  • #2
hi zmalone! welcome to pf! :smile:
zmalone said:
= [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{0}_{-1}[/itex]1-(-x)dx + [itex]\int[/itex][itex]^{1}_{0}[/itex]1-(x)dx


= [itex]\frac{x^2}{2}[/itex]|[itex]^{0}_{-1}[/itex] - [itex]\frac{x^2}{2}[/itex]|[itex]^{1}_{0}[/itex]

you missed out [x]-11, = 2 :wink:
 
  • #3
Wow :( I don't know why I was taking the derivative of 1 instead its anti-derivative but I certainly confused myself by doing so for the past half hour. Thanks for pointing it out!
 

FAQ: What am I doing wrong integrating with 1-|x|?

How can I integrate with 1-|x| if the absolute value is present?

Integrating with 1-|x| requires using different integration techniques depending on the value of x. First, break the integral into two parts: 1-x for x < 0 and 1+x for x ≥ 0. Then, use the substitution method for x < 0 and the integration by parts method for x ≥ 0.

What is the domain and range of 1-|x|?

The domain of 1-|x| is all real numbers, while the range is the set of all numbers greater than or equal to -1 and less than or equal to 1.

Can I use the power rule to integrate with 1-|x|?

No, the power rule only applies to integrals of the form x^n. Since 1-|x| does not have a constant exponent, the power rule cannot be used.

Is it possible to graph 1-|x|?

Yes, it is possible to graph 1-|x|. The graph will have a "V" shape with the vertex at (0,1) and the x-intercepts at (-1,0) and (1,0).

Why is the integral of 1-|x| different for x < 0 and x ≥ 0?

The absolute value function is not differentiable at x = 0, so the integration techniques must be adjusted accordingly. For x < 0, the integral is equal to x-1+C, while for x ≥ 0, it is equal to -x+1+C.

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