Check if the function has a period

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

Introduction

When it comes to integration, one of the fundamental concepts is the definite integral. It is used to find the area under curves, volumes of solids, and many other applications in mathematics and physics. However, there are cases where the definite integral does not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds. In this article, we will explore why this happens and provide examples to illustrate the concept.

What is a Definite Integral?

A definite integral is a type of integral that has a specific upper and lower bound. It is denoted as:

\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx

where $a$ and $b$ are the lower and upper bounds, respectively, and $f(x)$ is the function being integrated.

What is an Indefinite Integral?

An indefinite integral, also known as an antiderivative, is a function that is the antiderivative of a given function. It is denoted as:

F(x) = \int f(x) dx

where $F(x)$ is the antiderivative of $f(x)$ .

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

The fundamental theorem of calculus states that differentiation and integration are inverse processes. This means that if we have a function $f(x)$ and its antiderivative $F(x)$ , then:

\frac{d}{dx} \int_{a}^{x} f(t) dt = f(x)

This theorem also states that:

\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = F(b) - F(a)

where $F(x)$ is the antiderivative of $f(x)$ .

Why Definite Integral is not Equal to Difference of Indefinite Integral Evaluated at Bounds

Despite the fundamental theorem of calculus, there are cases where the definite integral does not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds. This can happen for several reasons:

Non-continuous functions: If the function being integrated is not continuous, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Singularities: If the function being integrated has singularities, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Complex functions: If the function being integrated is a complex function, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.

Example: Complex Function

Let's consider the following complex function:

f(z) = (-5 e^{iz})^{\frac{3}{2}} e^{-inz}

We want to evaluate the definite integral:

\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(z) dz

The indefinite integral of this function is:

F(z) = \frac{10 i\sqrt{5}}{n} e^{-\frac{3}{2} iz} e^{-inz} + C

where $C$ is the constant of integration.

Using the fundamental theorem of calculus, we would expect the definite integral to equal:

F(\pi) - F(-\pi)

However, this is not the case. The definite integral is actually:

\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(z) dz = 0

This is because the function $f(z)$ is periodic with period $2\pi$ , and the definite integral is taken over a full period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the definite integral is not always equal to the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds. This can happen for several reasons, including non-continuous functions, singularities, and complex functions. The example of the complex function $f(z) = (-5 e^{iz})^{\frac{3}{2}} e^{-inz}$ illustrates this concept.

References

Complex Analysis: Ahlfors, L. V. (1979). Complex Analysis. McGraw-Hill.
Fourier Series: Katznelson, Y. (1976). An Introduction to Harmonic Analysis. Dover Publications.
Integration: Spivak, M. (2008). Calculus. Cambridge University Press.

Code

Here is some sample code in Python to evaluate the definite integral of the complex function $f(z) = (-5 e^{iz})^{\frac{3}{2}} e^{-inz}$ :

import numpy as np
def f(z, n):
return (-5 * np.exp(1j * z))**(3/2) * np.exp(-1j * n * z)
def integrate_f(z, n, a, b):
return np.trapz(f(z, n), z=np.linspace(a, b, 1000))
a = -np.pi
b = np.pi
n = 1
result = integrate_f(0, n, a, b)
print(result)

This code uses the numpy library to evaluate the definite integral of the complex function $f(z)$ over the interval $[-\pi, \pi]$ . The result is printed to the console.

Q: What is the fundamental theorem of calculus, and how does it relate to definite integrals?

A: The fundamental theorem of calculus states that differentiation and integration are inverse processes. This means that if we have a function $f(x)$ and its antiderivative $F(x)$ , then:

\frac{d}{dx} \int_{a}^{x} f(t) dt = f(x)

This theorem also states that:

\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = F(b) - F(a)

where $F(x)$ is the antiderivative of $f(x)$ .

Q: Why is the definite integral not always equal to the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds?

A: There are several reasons why the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds. These include:

Non-continuous functions: If the function being integrated is not continuous, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Singularities: If the function being integrated has singularities, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Complex functions: If the function being integrated is a complex function, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.

Q: Can you provide an example of a complex function where the definite integral is not equal to the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds?

A: Let's consider the following complex function:

f(z) = (-5 e^{iz})^{\frac{3}{2}} e^{-inz}

We want to evaluate the definite integral:

\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(z) dz

The indefinite integral of this function is:

F(z) = \frac{10 i\sqrt{5}}{n} e^{-\frac{3}{2} iz} e^{-inz} + C

where $C$ is the constant of integration.

Using the fundamental theorem of calculus, we would expect the definite integral to equal:

F(\pi) - F(-\pi)

However, this is not the case. The definite integral is actually:

\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(z) dz = 0

This is because the function $f(z)$ is periodic with period $2\pi$ , and the definite integral is taken over a full period.

Q: How can I determine if a function is periodic or not?

A: To determine if a function is periodic or not, you can use the following steps:

Check if the function has a period: If the function has a period, then it is periodic.
Check if the period is finite: If the period is finite, then the function is periodic.
Check if the function is bounded: If the function is bounded, then it is periodic.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with definite integrals?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with definite integrals include:

Not checking if the function is continuous: If the function is not continuous, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Not checking if the function has singularities: If the function has singularities, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Not checking if the function is periodic: If the function is periodic, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.

Q: How can I evaluate a definite integral using a computer?

A: To evaluate a definite integral using a computer, you can use the following steps:

Choose a programming language: Choose a programming language such as Python, MATLAB, or Mathematica.
Define the function: Define the function being integrated.
Define the bounds: Define the lower and upper bounds of the integral.
Use a numerical integration method: Use a numerical integration method such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule to evaluate the definite integral.

Q: What are some common numerical integration methods?

A: Some common numerical integration methods include:

Trapezoidal rule: This method approximates the definite integral by dividing the area under the curve into trapezoids and summing the areas of the trapezoids.
Simpson's rule: This method approximates the definite integral by dividing the area under the curve into parabolic segments and summing the areas of the parabolic segments.
Gaussian quadrature: This method approximates the definite integral by dividing the area under the curve into segments and summing the areas of the segments using Gaussian quadrature.

Q: How can I choose the best numerical integration method for my problem?

A: To choose the best numerical integration method for your problem, you can use the following steps:

Check the accuracy requirements: Check the accuracy requirements of your problem.
Check the complexity of the function: Check the complexity of the function being integrated.
Choose a method: Choose a method that meets the accuracy requirements and is suitable for the complexity of the function.

Q: What are some common applications of definite integrals?

A: Some common applications of definite integrals include:

Physics: Definite integrals are used to calculate quantities such as work, energy, and momentum in physics.
Engineering: Definite integrals are used to calculate quantities such as stress, strain, and displacement in engineering.
Economics: Definite integrals are used to calculate quantities such as revenue, profit, and cost in economics.

Q: How can I use definite integrals in my field?

A: To use definite integrals in your field, you can use the following steps:

Identify the problem: Identify the problem you want to solve.
Choose the method: Choose the method that is best suited for the problem.
Apply the method: Apply the method to solve the problem.

Q: What are some common challenges when working with definite integrals?

A: Some common challenges when working with definite integrals include:

Choosing the right method: Choosing the right method can be challenging, especially for complex problems.
Evaluating the integral: Evaluating the integral can be challenging, especially for complex functions.
Checking the accuracy: Checking the accuracy of the result can be challenging, especially for complex problems.

Q: How can I overcome these challenges?

A: To overcome these challenges, you can use the following steps:

Choose a method: Choose a method that is well-suited for the problem.
Use numerical methods: Use numerical methods to evaluate the integral.
Check the accuracy: Check the accuracy of the result using multiple methods.

Q: What are some common resources for learning about definite integrals?

A: Some common resources for learning about definite integrals include:

Textbooks: Textbooks such as "Calculus" by Michael Spivak and "Calculus: Early Transcendentals" by James Stewart.
Online resources: Online resources such as Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and Wolfram Alpha.
Courses: Courses such as Calculus I, II, and III, and Advanced Calculus.

Q: How can I practice working with definite integrals?

A: To practice working with definite integrals, you can use the following steps:

Practice problems: Practice problems such as those found in textbooks and online resources.
Real-world problems: Apply definite integrals to real-world problems.
Projects: Work on projects that involve definite integrals.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with definite integrals?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with definite integrals include:

Not checking if the function is continuous: If the function is not continuous, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Not checking if the function has singularities: If the function has singularities, then the definite integral may not exist or may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.
Not checking if the function is periodic: If the function is periodic, then the definite integral may not equal the difference of the indefinite integral evaluated at the bounds.

Q: How can I avoid these mistakes?

A: To avoid these mistakes, you can use the following steps:

Check the function: Check the function to ensure it is continuous, has no singularities, and is periodic.
Use numerical methods: Use numerical methods to evaluate the definite integral.
Check the accuracy: Check the accuracy of the result using multiple methods.