Are there any non zero(i.e not $f \equiv0 $) and non-negative continuous function $f$ defined on $[0,1]$, which satisfies $\int_0^x{f(t)}dt \geq f(x)~ \forall x$ in $[0,1]$?
Can the integral of a function be larger than function itself?
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$\begingroup$
real-analysis
convergence
definite-integrals
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4$f(t) = -c$ where $c > 0$ . – 2017-01-07
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0Note that this does *not* rule out Guru's answer - maybe you want to say *non-constant* instead? – 2017-01-07
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0sorry f(x) should be non negative – 2017-01-07
2 Answers
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No. Since $f$ is continuous on a compact set it is bounded and achieves both its minimum and maximum, $m=f(x_0)$ and $M=f(x_1)$. Since $f$ is non-constant these are distinct. Pick any $c\in(m,M)$. Without loss of generality assume $x_0 $$\int_a^b f(t)dt \le \int_a^b cdt = c(b-a) < M(b-a)$$ Note the strict inequality. Then $$\int_0^{x_1} f(t)dt$$ $$=\int_0^a f(t)dt + \int_a^b f(t)dt + \int_b^{x_1} f(t)dt$$ $$\le M(a-0) + \int_a^b f(t)dt + M(x_1-b)$$ $$< M(a-0) + M(b-a) + M(x_1-b)$$ $$= Mx_1\le M=f(x_1)$$ Thus $$\int_0^{x_1} f(t)dt < f(x_1)$$
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0I got it, but after looking your answer I got that just have to apply mean value theorem on any smaller sub interval [0,b] It will be an two line argument $\int^{x_1}_0{f(x)}dx=f(c)(x_1-0)\geq{f(x_1)}$ the equality case only f is 0 – 2017-01-08
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Use the integrating factor $e^{-x}$ to find $$ \frac{d}{dx}\left(e^{-x}\int_0^xf(s)ds\right)\le 0 $$ so that after integration $$ e^{-x}\int_0^xf(s)ds-e^0·0\le 0 $$ and thus $$ f(x)\le\int_0^xf(s)ds\le 0 $$
As $f$ is supposed to be non-negative, the only solution is the zero function.
See also Grönwall lemma.
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1I'm sure I'm being obtuse, but -- where does your first inequality come from? – 2017-01-08
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1@ruakh: The derivative is just $e^{-x}(f(x) - \int^x_0 f)$, which is non-negative everywhere by hypothesis. – 2017-01-08
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0@anomaly: Oh, I see now -- thanks! – 2017-01-08