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Why is the reciprocal endpoint-derivative factor essential when differentiating an integral with a variable upper limit?

The factor is essential because the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus combined with the Chain Rule requires multiplying the integrand evaluated at the upper limit by the derivative of that limit. Without this factor, the rate of change of the accumulated area with respect to the outer variable tt would be incorrect.

Conditions

  • The upper limit is a function of tt, not just tt itself.
  • The integrand is continuous.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Recall the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1: d/dx∫axf(u)du=f(x)d/dx \int_a^x f(u) du = f(x).
  2. Apply the Chain Rule for a composite function where the upper limit is u(t)u(t): d/dt∫au(t)f(x)dx=f(u(t))⋅u′(t)d/dt \int_a^{u(t)} f(x) dx = f(u(t)) \cdot u'(t).
  3. Identify u′(t)u'(t) as the endpoint-derivative factor.
  4. Conclude that omitting u′(t)u'(t) fails to account for how fast the upper limit moves relative to tt.

Example

For the lesson's integrand sin⁡(x5)/x4\sin(x^5)/x^4 and upper limit t\sqrt{t}, the derivative is sin⁡(t5/2)/(2t5/2)\sin(t^{5/2})/(2t^{5/2}). The script notes: 'The reciprocal endpoint-derivative factor is essential.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that the derivative is just the integrand evaluated at the upper limit.
  • Confusing the derivative of the upper limit with the integrand itself.
  • Believing the factor is only needed for non-linear limits, whereas it is needed for any variable limit u(t)≠tu(t) \neq t.

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