If $f(x)$ is a differentiable function defined for all positive real numbers such that $xf(x) = x + \int_{1}^{x} f(t)\,dt$, then the value of $\sum_{k=1}^{10} f(e^k)$ is:
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Differentiate the integral equation to find f'(x), integrate to get f(x), use initial condition to find the constant.
Step 1: Differentiate the given functional equation with respect to $x$.
We are given that $xf(x) = x + \int_{1}^{x} f(t)\,dt$.
Differentiating both sides with respect to $x$:
$$\frac{d}{dx}[xf(x)] = \frac{d}{dx}\left[x + \int_{1}^{x} f(t)\,dt\right]$$
Using the product rule on the left side and the fundamental theorem of calculus on the right side:
$$f(x) + xf'(x) = 1 + f(x)$$
Step 2: Simplify to find $f'(x)$.
Subtracting $f(x)$ from both sides:
$$xf'(x) = 1$$
Therefore:
$$f'(x) = \frac{1}{x}$$
Step 3: Integrate to find the general form of $f(x)$.
Integrating both sides with respect to $x$:
$$f(x) = \ln x + C$$
where $C$ is a constant of integration.
Step 4: Use the initial condition to find the constant $C$.
Substitute $x = 1$ into the original equation:
$$1 \cdot f(1) = 1 + \int_{1}^{1} f(t)\,dt = 1 + 0 = 1$$
So $f(1) = 1$.
Now substitute $x = 1$ into $f(x) = \ln x + C$:
$$f(1) = \ln 1 + C = 0 + C = 1$$
Therefore, $C = 1$.
Step 5: Write the explicit form of $f(x)$.
$$f(x) = \ln x + 1$$
Step 6: Evaluate $f(e^k)$ for the sum.
Substitute $x = e^k$ into $f(x)$:
$$f(e^k) = \ln(e^k) + 1 = k + 1$$
Step 7: Calculate the sum $\sum_{k=1}^{10} f(e^k)$.
$$\sum_{k=1}^{10} f(e^k) = \sum_{k=1}^{10} (k+1)$$
Separating the sum:
$$\sum_{k=1}^{10} (k+1) = \sum_{k=1}^{10} k + \sum_{k=1}^{10} 1$$
Using the formula $\sum_{k=1}^{n} k = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}$:
$$\sum_{k=1}^{10} k = \frac{10 \cdot 11}{2} = 55$$
Therefore:
$$\sum_{k=1}^{10} f(e^k) = 55 + 10 = 65$$
The answer is **Option 3: 65**.
Correct Answer: 1