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Find a function f and a number "a" such that
2 + int_(x at top, a at bottom) f(t)/t^3 dt = 6x^-3
?? I've been learning the fundamental theorem of calculus but I've just been staring at this question. I really don't know where to begin. I didn't think the lower limit, a, should come into play with the FTC... I don't know.
Please help. Thanks!!
Even if someone could show me an example of another problem like this and how to solve it that would be helpful! I just don't know the process and I can't find a similar problem in my textbook or online.
$\displaystyle 2 + \int_x^a \frac{f(t)}{t^3} \, dt = 6x^{-3}$Quote:
Originally Posted by littlejodo
$\displaystyle 2 - \int_a^x \frac{f(t)}{t^3} \, dt = 6x^{-3}$
$\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx} \left[2 - \int_a^x \frac{f(t)}{t^3} \, dt = 6x^{-3}\right]$
$\displaystyle -\frac{f(x)}{x^3} = -18x^{-4}$
$\displaystyle f(x) = \frac{18}{x}$
So you never have to take the constant 2 into consideration?
And what does it mean to find an "a" value in this problem? It doesn't seem like the value of a mattered at all.
the derivative of a constant = 0Quote:
Originally Posted by littlejodo
it didn't when taking the derivative, but you can find the value of a now that you have f(x) ...Quote:
And what does it mean to find an "a" value in this problem? It doesn't seem like the value of a mattered at all.
$\displaystyle 2 - \int_a^{x} \frac{18}{t^4} \, dt = 6x^{-3}$
$\displaystyle 2 - \left[-\frac{6}{t^3}\right]_a^x = 6x^{-3}$
$\displaystyle 2 - \left[-\frac{6}{x^3} + \frac{6}{a^3}\right] = 6x^{-3}$
$\displaystyle 2 + \frac{6}{x^3} - \frac{6}{a^3} = 6x^{-3}$
$\displaystyle a^3 = 3$
$\displaystyle a = \sqrt[3]{3}$
