What is a derivative in the distribution sense?

In summary, the conversation discusses a function u that is considered the derivative of another function phi in the distributional sense, given certain conditions on the integration of smooth functions.
  • #1
pellman
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Never mind. I got this one. Couldn't figure out how to delete the post though.
 

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  • #2
Let ##u\in L^2(\mathbb{R})## be a function such that for all smooth ##\psi\in \mathcal{C}_c^1(\mathbb{R})##, we have that
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \psi(x) u(x)dx = -\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \psi'(x) \varphi(x)dx[/tex]
Then ##u## is said to be the derivative of ##\varphi## in the distributional sense.
 
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Likes pellman
  • #3
micromass said:
Let ##u\in L^2(\mathbb{R})## be a function such that for all smooth ##\psi\in \mathcal{C}_c^1(\mathbb{R})##, we have that
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \psi(x) u(x)dx = -\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \psi'(x) \varphi(x)dx[/tex]
Then ##u## is said to be the derivative of ##\varphi## in the distributional sense.

Thanks, micromass! I had just found the answer and was editing the OP. Still much appreciated though.
 

Related to What is a derivative in the distribution sense?

1. What is the distribution sense in calculus?

The distribution sense in calculus refers to the theory of distributions, which is a generalization of the concept of a function. It allows for the analysis of objects that are not traditional functions, such as generalized functions or distributions, which can be thought of as generalized functions that are not necessarily defined at every point.

2. What is a derivative in the distribution sense?

A derivative in the distribution sense is a generalized notion of a derivative that is defined for functions that are not necessarily smooth or continuous. It involves the use of a distribution as the derivative of a function, rather than a traditional function. This allows for the differentiation of functions that are not traditionally differentiable, such as step functions or delta functions.

3. How is the derivative in the distribution sense different from the traditional derivative?

The derivative in the distribution sense is different from the traditional derivative in that it is defined for a wider range of functions. While the traditional derivative requires a function to be smooth and continuous, the distribution derivative does not have these requirements. This allows for the differentiation of functions that are not traditionally differentiable.

4. Why is the distribution sense important in mathematics?

The distribution sense is important in mathematics because it allows for the analysis of objects that are not traditional functions, providing a more general and flexible framework for solving problems in various fields, such as physics and engineering. It also allows for the differentiation of functions that are not traditionally differentiable, making it a powerful tool in solving complex problems.

5. How is the distribution sense used in real-world applications?

The distribution sense is used in real-world applications, such as signal processing, image processing, and quantum mechanics. It allows for the analysis and differentiation of functions that are used to model real-world phenomena, such as signals or wave functions. It also plays a crucial role in solving differential equations, which are used to model many real-world systems.

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