Is there a 'distributional antiderivative'? Suppose I have a distribution F which I know on the der

Noelle Wright

Noelle Wright

Answered question

2022-04-12

Is there a 'distributional antiderivative'?
Suppose I have a distribution F which I know on the derivative of an arbitrary test function. That is, I know F ( ϕ ) for all ϕ D ( ). I also know that F ( ϕ ) = F ( ϕ ). I want, however, to know F ( ϕ ). Is there a 'distributional antiderivative' that immediately tells me what this should be? If not, is it possible for such F′ that are induced by simpler, specific functions? (e.g. polynomials)
For Φ ( x ) := ϕ ( x ) d x, simply putting F ( ϕ ) = F ( Φ ) seems a little dangerous.

Answer & Explanation

frogoogg31

frogoogg31

Beginner2022-04-13Added 12 answers

Step 1
If there exists ψ C ( R ) such that ϕ = ψ then we can just set F ( ϕ ) = F ( ψ ) ..
But this is in general not the case. It is true precisely when ϕ ( x ) d x = 0.. Now fix ρ C c ( R ) such that ρ ( x ) d x = 1 and given ϕ C c ( R ) set ϕ ~ = ϕ ( ϕ ( x ) d x ) ρ .. Then ϕ ~ ( x ) d x = 0 so we can apply the first paragraph on ϕ ~ .. Now we note that F ( ( ϕ ( x ) d x ) ρ ) = F ( ρ ) ( ϕ ( x ) d x ) is just some constant F ( ρ ) times the constant distribution ϕ ϕ ( x ) d x acting on ϕ .
Step 2
Thus, we can set F ( ϕ ) = F ( ϕ ~ ) + F ( ρ ) ( ϕ ( x ) d x ) .

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?