Is the Integral Independent of Time for Specific Powers of t?

In summary: lab code for abovesyms x t aassume(a, 'real')u(x,t)=(t^a)*g(x/sqrt(t))f(t)=int(u(x,t),x,-inf,inf)f(t)=int(u(x,t),x,-inf,inf)f(t)=simplify(f(t))f(t)=subs(f(t),t,1)f(t)=simplify(f(t))f(t)=simplify(f(t))v=x/sqrt(t)f(t)=subs(f(t),v,x)f(t)=simplify(f(t))f(t)=int(f(t),x,-inf,inf)f(t)=simplify(f(t))f(t)=subs(f(t),x,1)
  • #1
Gekko
71
0
du/dt = d2u/dx2

u(x,t) = (t^a) * (g(e)) where e = x/sqrt(t) and a is a constant

Show that

integral from -inf to inf [ u(x,t) ] dx = integral from -inf to inf [ (t^a) * g(e) ] dx

is independent of t only if a=-0.5

My attempt was to diff both sides by t (sorry not x) giving

integral from -inf to inf [d2u/dx2 ] dx = integral from -inf to inf [at^(a-1) g(e) + t^a dg(g)/dt ] dx

Not sure if this is correct and can't see where to go from here...any help most appreciated. Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
so just to write it out in tex your starting point is:
[tex] f(t) = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} u(x,t) dx = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} (t^a) g(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}})dx [/tex]

i don't think its ok here to differentiate both sides w.r.t. x, you always need to be careful bringing it differntiation inside an integral, and here in effect its just a dummy integration variable...
 
Last edited:
  • #3
but you can differentitae w.r.t. t no worries
[tex] f'(t) = \frac{\partial }{\partial t} \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} u(x,t) dx = \frac{\partial }{\partial t}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} (t^a) g(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}})dx [/tex]

[tex] f'(t) = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} u_t(x,t) dx = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} u_{xx}(x,t) dx = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} \frac{\partial }{\partial t}(t^a) g(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}})dx [/tex]

[tex] f'(t)
= \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} \left( a t^{a-1} g(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}})
- \frac{xt ^{a-3/2}}{2}g'(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}}) \right)dx
[/tex]

assuming my algebra is correct, and which appears close to what you presented

if you can show f'(t) = zero, then its clear the integral is independent of t
 
Last edited:
  • #4
then you can look at the x derivatives
[tex] u_x(x,t) = \frac{\partial }{\partial x}t^a g(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}}) [/tex]

[tex] u_x(x,t) = t^a g'(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}}) \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}}= t^{a-1/2} g'(\frac{x}{\sqrt{t}}) [/tex]

and carry on from there, you may have to consider a=1/2 and otherwise separatley

PS - i haven't fully worked it but this is what i would try
 
Last edited:
  • #5
So you have an integral:
[tex]
\int_{\infty}^{\infty}t^{a}g(x/\sqrt{t})dx
[/tex]
use [tex]v=x/\sqrt{t}[/tex] as a substitution to obtain (after a little algerbra)
[tex]
\int_{\infty}^{\infty}t^{a+1/2}g(v)dv
[/tex]
This will ne infependent of t if and only if a=-1/2. I will leave you to fill in the details.

Mat
 

Related to Is the Integral Independent of Time for Specific Powers of t?

1. What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to find the total value of a function over a given interval.

2. How is independence related to integrals?

In the context of mathematics, independence refers to the relationship between two or more variables. In the case of integrals, it means that the value of the integral is not affected by changes in any other variable.

3. Why is it important to show that an integral is independent?

Showing that an integral is independent provides evidence that the integral is a reliable and accurate representation of the function. It also allows for easier analysis and manipulation of the function, as the integral can be treated as a standalone entity.

4. What methods can be used to show that an integral is independent?

There are a few different methods that can be used to show that an integral is independent, depending on the specific function and context. Some common methods include using the fundamental theorem of calculus, performing transformations on the integral, or using mathematical proofs.

5. Can an integral ever be dependent on other variables?

In some cases, an integral may be dependent on other variables. This can happen when the function being integrated is a composite function, or when the limits of integration are variable. In these cases, it is important to carefully consider the relationship between the variables and how it may affect the value of the integral.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
283
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
812
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
798
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
979
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
963
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top