Chapter 5: Problem 114
a. Show that if \(f\) is odd on \([-a, a],\) then \(x\) $$\int_{-a}^{a} f(x) d x=0$$ b. Test the result in part (a) with \(f(x)=\sin x\) and \(a=\pi / 2\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral of an odd function over a symmetric interval is zero.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Odd Functions
A function \(f(x)\) is called odd if it satisfies the condition \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) for all \(x\). This means that the function has point symmetry about the origin.
02
Setting Up the Integral
We need to evaluate the integral \(\int_{-a}^{a} f(x) \, dx\). Since \(f(x)\) is odd, \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) holds within the interval \([-a, a]\).
03
Symmetric Properties of the Integral
For an odd function \(f(x)\), the definite integral over a symmetric interval about the origin (like \([-a, a]\)) cancels out, because for every part of the area under \(f(x)\) from \(-a\) to \(0\), there is an equal and opposite area from \(0\) to \(a\). Therefore, \(\int_{-a}^{a} f(x) \, dx = 0\).
04
Testing with \(f(x)=\sin x\) and \(a=\pi/2\)
The function \(f(x) = \sin x\) is odd, because \(\sin(-x) = -\sin(x)\). We need to compute \(\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} \sin x \, dx\).
05
Evaluate the Integral
Calculate \(\int \sin x \, dx = -\cos x + C\). So, evaluate the integral from \(-\pi/2\) to \(\pi/2\):\[-\cos(\pi/2) + \cos(-\pi/2) = 0 - 0 = 0\].
06
Conclusion
Both theoretically, from the property of odd functions, and practically, by calculating the integral of \(\sin x\) over \([-\pi/2, \pi/2]\), we find \(\int_{-\pi/2}^{\pi/2} \sin x \, dx = 0\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Odd Functions
An odd function is a mathematical concept that describes a certain type of symmetry in functions. For a function to be classified as odd, it must satisfy the equation \(f(-x) = -f(x)\) for every value of \(x\) in its domain. This means that if you plot the function on a coordinate system, it will exhibit symmetry about the origin.
This type of symmetry implies that for every point \((x, y)\) on the function, there is a corresponding point \((-x, -y)\).
This type of symmetry implies that for every point \((x, y)\) on the function, there is a corresponding point \((-x, -y)\).
- Examples include functions like \(f(x) = \sin(x)\) and \(f(x) = x^3\).
- These functions have a distinctive property when integrated over symmetric intervals, such as \([-a, a]\).
Symmetric Interval
A symmetric interval in the context of mathematics generally refers to an interval of the form \([-a, a]\), where \(a\) is a positive real number. Such intervals are perfectly balanced around zero, making them of particular interest when evaluating certain types of functions.
For odd functions, symmetric intervals play a key role in simplifying the evaluation of definite integrals.
For odd functions, symmetric intervals play a key role in simplifying the evaluation of definite integrals.
- The interval \([-a, a]\) ensures that every positive portion of the interval has a corresponding negative portion.
- This balance is a foundation for understanding why the integral of an odd function over a symmetric interval results in zero.
Properties of Integrals
The properties of integrals are numerous, but when focusing on definite integrals involving odd functions over symmetric intervals, there's a specific property that stands out. It states that if you integrate an odd function over a symmetric interval, the result is always zero.
- This is because the area under the curve from \(-a\) to 0 will cancel out with the area from 0 to \(a\).
- For example, consider \(f(x) = \sin(x)\) over \([-\pi/2, \pi/2]\): the positive area under \(\sin(x)\) from 0 to \(\pi/2\) is exactly mirrored and canceled by the negative area from \(-\pi/2\) to 0.