Chapter 4: Problem 33
Find \(f\) $$f^{\prime \prime}(x)=x^{-2}, \quad x>0, \quad f(1)=0, \quad f(2)=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \( f(x) = (\ln 2)(x - 1) - \ln|x| \).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the First Derivative
Given the second derivative of the function: \( f''(x) = x^{-2} \). The first step is to find the first derivative by integrating \( f''(x) \). We integrate: \[ f'(x) = \int x^{-2} \, dx = -x^{-1} + C_1 \], where \( C_1 \) is the constant of integration.
02
Determine the Function
Now, integrate the first derivative \( f'(x) = -x^{-1} + C_1 \) to find \( f(x) \). Perform the integration: \[ f(x) = \int (-x^{-1} + C_1) \, dx = -\ln|x| + C_1 x + C_2 \], where \( C_2 \) is another constant of integration.
03
Apply Initial Condition \(f(1) = 0\)
Use the condition \( f(1) = 0 \) to solve for one of the constants. Substitute \( x = 1 \) into the equation: \( 0 = -\ln|1| + C_1\cdot1 + C_2 \), leading to \( C_2 = -C_1 \), since \( \ln(1) = 0 \).
04
Apply Initial Condition \(f(2) = 0\)
Use the second condition \( f(2) = 0 \) to find \( C_1 \). Substitute \( x = 2 \) into \( f(x) \): \( 0 = -\ln2 + C_1\cdot2 - C_1 \), simplifying gives \( C_1 = \ln2 \).
05
Write the Final Function
With \( C_1 \) determined, substitute back into our function. Thus, the function \( f(x) \) is \[ f(x) = -\ln|x| + (\ln2)x - \ln2 \]. Simplifying, we get \[ f(x) = (\ln2)(x - 1) - \ln|x| \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differential Equations
Differential equations involve functions and their derivatives and play a significant role in calculus and applied mathematics. They can describe various phenomena such as motion, growth, decay, and other dynamic processes.
The problem we are examining deals with finding a function based on its second derivative. More specifically, the differential equation is given as:
The problem we are examining deals with finding a function based on its second derivative. More specifically, the differential equation is given as:
- The second derivative, denoted as \( f''(x) = x^{-2} \), provides a rate of change of the slope of the original function.
- Integration reverses differentiation, allowing us to backtrack from a rate of change (derivative) to a cumulative sum (original function).
Constant of Integration
In calculus, when integrating a function, a constant of integration, typically denoted as \( C \), is added. This constant accounts for any constant value that may have been "lost" during differentiation.
Let's look at its role in solving the problem:
Let's look at its role in solving the problem:
- When the second derivative \( f''(x) \) is integrated to find \( f'(x) \), it results in \( f'(x) = -x^{-1} + C_1 \). Here, \( C_1 \) represents an unknown constant added because differentiating a constant results in zero; thus, it vanishes when we derive from \( f' (x) \) to \( f''(x) \).
- The expression \( f(x) = -\ln|x| + C_1 x + C_2 \) shows the accumulation of two constants, indicating that these constants tailor the function to fit specific criteria or conditions.
Initial Conditions
Initial conditions are specific values given at a particular point to find a unique solution for differential equations. These conditions refine the solution by determining the constants of integration.
In our exercise, we are given:
In our exercise, we are given:
- \( f(1) = 0 \): Means that when \( x = 1 \), the function \( f(x) \) evaluates to 0.
- \( f(2) = 0 \): Means that when \( x = 2 \), the function \( f(x) \) also evaluates to 0.
- From \( f(1) = 0 \), we find that \( C_2 = -C_1 \), aligning with the balance required in our function.
- From \( f(2) = 0 \), substituting and solving lets us find \( C_1 = \ln2 \), thus giving a precise form to \( f(x) \).