Chapter 7: Problem 88
In each of Exercises \(85-88\), a function \(f\) is given. Let \(A_{f}(c)\) denote the average value of \(f\) over the interval \([c-1 / 4, c+1 / 4]\) Plot \(y=f(x)\) and \(y=A_{f}(x)\) for \(-1 \leq x \leq 1 .\) The resulting plot will illustrate the gain in smoothness that results from averaging. $$ f(x)=\left\\{\begin{array}{ccc} x^{2} & \text { if } & x<0 \\ x^{2}+x & \text { if } & 0 \leq x \end{array}\right. $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Function
Defining the Interval for Average Calculation
Setting Up the Integrals
Case 1: Interval Entirely Less than Zero
Case 2: Interval Entirely Greater than or Equal to Zero
Case 3: Interval Contains Zero
Solving the Integrals
Plotting the Functions
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Piecewise Functions
- For \( x < 0 \), the function is \( f(x) = x^2 \).
- For \( x \geq 0 \), it becomes \( f(x) = x^2 + x \).
Understanding how to work with piecewise functions is crucial because they are common in real-world scenarios where conditions change at certain thresholds.
Definite Integrals
- Case 1 requires integrating \( f(x) = x^2 \) entirely within the negative domain.
- Case 2 calls for \( f(x) = x^2 + x \) over the positive domain.
- Case 3 is unique because it splits the interval, handling the change at zero.
Function Plotting
- The original plot shows distinct changes or "corners," especially noticeable at \( x = 0 \).
- The averaged function plot appears smoother as averaging "blends" values across intervals, reducing sharp turn points.
Smoothness in Calculus
- Averaging effectively "evens out" the peaks and troughs within a specific range, leading to a curve that does not have the steep or dramatic changes of the original.
- This visual smoothness results in a function that is more regular and easier to predict or differentiate.