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When does differentiating an integral with a variable upper endpoint evaluate the integrand at that endpoint?

This occurs when the integrand is continuous on the relevant interval. Under this condition, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus states that the derivative of the integral with respect to its upper limit is the integrand evaluated at that limit.

Conditions

  • The integrand is continuous on the interval of integration.
  • The upper endpoint is the variable with respect to which we are differentiating (before applying the chain rule for a composite limit).

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Verify the continuity of the integrand.
  2. Apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1.
  3. Conclude that d/du∫auf(x)dx=f(u)d/du \int_a^u f(x) dx = f(u).
  4. If the upper limit is a function of tt, apply the chain rule next.

Example

The script states: 'When the integrand is continuous on the relevant interval, differentiating an integral with a variable upper endpoint evaluates the integrand at that endpoint.'

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming this holds for discontinuous integrands without further qualification.
  • Confusing the evaluation at the endpoint with the value of the integral itself.
  • Forgetting that this is the first step before applying the chain rule for composite upper limits.

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