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Evaluate: $$\int _0^2 (x^2+1) \; d \lfloor x\rfloor$$

Here $[x]$ denotes the greatest integer function of $x$.

I know this has to be done by parts as:

$$\int _0^2 (x^2+1) \, d [x]= {|(1+x^2)[x]|}_0^2- \int_0^2 [x] \, d(1+x^2)$$

Note:- This integral can be quite easily evaluated.I don't need the method for this.

But if we split the given integral into the sum of $2$ integrals as:-

$$\int _0^2 (x^2+1) \, d [x]=\int _0^1 (x^2+1) d [x]+\int _1^2 (x^2+1) \, d [x]$$

My question is as $[x]$ is constant in each of the intervals $[0,1)$ and $[1,2)$ in each of these $2$ integrals $d[x] = 0$

So, the value of the given integral should be $0$.

This seems contradictory !!

Kindly correct my reasoning for the part $d[x]=0$.

miyagi_do
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  • Quite nonstandard notation. You should check its meaning but this might refer to $$\int_0^2u(x)d[x]=\tfrac12u(0)+u(1)+\tfrac12u(2).$$ – Did Oct 05 '15 at 14:04
  • @Did, what has this to do with my question? – miyagi_do Oct 05 '15 at 15:15
  • Tell me. $ $ $ $ – Did Oct 05 '15 at 18:13
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    @Did, why can't you answer my question rather than commenting down to close the question?Answer it and i will close it myself. I believe this group is for sharing knowledge.So please stop acting so rudely. – miyagi_do Oct 06 '15 at 11:14
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    Would you be so nice as to point at examples of rudeness in my two comments? Please be specific. If you are alluding to my second comment, I suggest that you engage in a little thinking about your attitude in your first comment. "why can't you answer my question" Well, I did. – Did Oct 06 '15 at 11:18
  • @Did , My question is just that why my method is wrong? As far as the integral is concerned i know how to evaluate it. All i am asking is about the case $d[x]=0$. – miyagi_do Oct 06 '15 at 15:01
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  • What is the answer that 'zero' contradicts? – Bob Kadylo Sep 16 '16 at 09:17

1 Answers1

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'Zero' contradicts the correct answer of '7' because the method of 'Integration by Parts' is invalid in this context since there is a discontinuity at x=1 in $\lfloor {x} \rfloor $