Let f:[1,∞)→R be a differentiable function. If 61∫xf(t)dt=3xf(x)+x3−4 for all x≥1, then the value of f(2)−f(3) is:
Answer: B
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Differentiate both sides of the given equation, using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus on the left and the product rule on the right.
dxd[6∫1xf(t)dt]=6f(x)
dxd[3xf(x)+x3−4]=3f(x)+3xf′(x)+3x2
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Equate the two derivatives and simplify.
6f(x)=3f(x)+3xf′(x)+3x2⟹f(x)−xf′(x)=x2
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Divide through by x2, recognizing the left side as the derivative of xf(x).
x2f(x)−xf′(x)=1⟹dxd(xf(x))=−1
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Integrate both sides.
xf(x)=−x+k⟹f(x)=−x2+kx
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Use the boundary condition — setting x=1 in the original equation gives f(1)=1, which fixes k.
1=−1+k⟹k=2
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So the function is fully determined.
f(x)=−x2+2x
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Compute f(2) and f(3) and subtract.
f(2)=0,f(3)=−3
f(2)−f(3)=0−(−3)=3
Hence, the answer is Option B.