Analyzing the Symmetry of the Function
We begin with a function g(x) that is symmetric across the y-axis, meaning it is an even function such that g(−x)=g(x). We define f(x) as the accumulation function:
To determine the parity of f(x), we evaluate f(−x):
By substituting t=−u, we find dt=−du. As t ranges from 0 to −x, u ranges from 0 to x. Thus:
f(−x)=∫0xg(−u)(−du)=−∫0xg(u)du=−f(x)
Since f(−x)=−f(x), we have proven that f(x) is an odd function.
The Bridge
Connecting f and g
We are given the condition f(x+5)=g(x). Because g is even, we know g(x)=g(−x), which implies:
Replacing x with −x in the original equation yields f(−x+5)=g(−x), which simplifies to f(5−x)=g(x). Utilizing the odd property of f, we rewrite f(5−x) as f(−(x−5))=−f(x−5).
Therefore, we establish the crucial relationship:
−f(x−5)=g(x)⇒f(x−5)=−g(x)
The Integral Transformation
The Final Act
Our goal is to evaluate the integral I=∫0xf(t)dt. To utilize our established relationship, we perform the substitution t=u−5, which implies dt=du.
When t=0, u=5, and when t=x, u=x+5. The integral transforms as follows:
Substituting f(u−5)=−g(u) into the expression, we obtain:
I=∫5x+5(−g(u))du=−∫5x+5g(u)du
By applying the property of definite integrals that allows us to swap the limits by negating the integral, we arrive at the final result:
Changing the dummy variable back to t, the final expression is: