Chapter 11: Problem 49
Which of the following improper integrals diverges? (A) \(\int_{-\infty}^{0} e^{x} d x\) (B) \(\int_{0}^{1} \frac{d x}{x}\) (C) \(\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x} d x\) (D) \(\int_{0}^{1} \frac{d x}{\sqrt{x}}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Integral (B) diverges due to the divergence of \( \ln |x| \) at \( x = 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Evaluate Integral (A)
Consider the integral \( \int_{-\infty}^{0} e^{x} \, dx \). Since \( e^{x} \) quickly approaches zero as \( x \to -\infty \), we need to find the limit: \[ \lim_{t \to -\infty} \int_{t}^{0} e^{x} \, dx. \] The antiderivative of \( e^{x} \) is itself \( e^{x} \). Thus, the integral becomes \( \lim_{t \to -\infty} [e^{x}]_{t}^{0} = 1 - \lim_{t \to -\infty} e^{t}. \) Since \( e^{t} \to 0 \) as \( t \to -\infty \), the integral converges to 1.
02
Evaluate Integral (B)
Consider \( \int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{x} \). This is an improper integral at \( x = 0 \). Evaluate it as \( \lim_{t \to 0^{+}} \int_{t}^{1} \frac{dx}{x} \). The antiderivative of \( \frac{1}{x} \) is \( \ln |x| \), so the integral is \( \lim_{t \to 0^{+}} [\ln |x|]_{t}^{1} = 0 - \ln |t|. \) As \( t \to 0^{+} \), \( \ln |t| \to -\infty \), indicating divergence.
03
Evaluate Integral (C)
Consider \( \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x} \, dx \). Since \( e^{-x} \to 0 \) as \( x \to \infty \), use \( \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_{0}^{b} e^{-x} \, dx \). The antiderivative is \( -e^{-x} \), so the integral is \( \lim_{b \to \infty} [-e^{-x}]_{0}^{b} = \lim_{b \to \infty} (-(0) + 1) = 1. \) Thus, the integral converges.
04
Evaluate Integral (D)
Consider \( \int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x}} \). This is improper at \( x = 0 \). Evaluate it as \( \lim_{t \to 0^{+}} \int_{t}^{1} x^{-1/2} \cdot dx \). The antiderivative of \( x^{-1/2} \) is \( 2\sqrt{x} \), yielding \( \lim_{t \to 0^{+}} [2 \sqrt{x}]_{t}^{1} = 2 - \lim_{t \to 0^{+}} 2\sqrt{t} \). As \( t \to 0^{+}, \sqrt{t} \to 0 \), so the integral converges to 2.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Convergence
Convergence in improper integrals is all about whether or not a specific integral results in a finite number. Imagine pouring water into a container; if it fills up without spilling, the process is finite, much like a convergent integral.
For improper integrals, this assessment involves limits. If the limit exists and results in a finite number, the integral converges. Look at the integral: \[ \int_{-\infty}^{0} e^{x} \, dx\]In this case, since the function \( e^{x} \) approaches zero rapidly as \( x \to -\infty \), the limit converges to 1:
For improper integrals, this assessment involves limits. If the limit exists and results in a finite number, the integral converges. Look at the integral: \[ \int_{-\infty}^{0} e^{x} \, dx\]In this case, since the function \( e^{x} \) approaches zero rapidly as \( x \to -\infty \), the limit converges to 1:
- The convergence was validated by evaluating the limit: \( \lim_{t \to -\infty} [e^{x}]_{t}^{0} = 1 - 0 = 1 \)
Divergence
Divergence occurs when an improper integral does not approach a finite value. Think of a container with a hole; if water keeps leaking, it never fills "completely" – this mirrors a divergent integral.
Take the integral: \[ \int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{x}\] As you try to evaluate the limit as \( t \to 0^{+} \), like near an undefined point at zero, we find:
Take the integral: \[ \int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{x}\] As you try to evaluate the limit as \( t \to 0^{+} \), like near an undefined point at zero, we find:
- \( \ln|t| \) approaching \( -\infty \)
Antiderivative
Finding an antiderivative is like unraveling a sweater back to its yarn, returning the function to its roots. It’s re-engineering to see what function has the given derivative.
For example, the function \( e^{x} \) serves as its own antiderivative, which makes evaluating integrals like \( \int e^{x} \, dx \) straightforward:
For example, the function \( e^{x} \) serves as its own antiderivative, which makes evaluating integrals like \( \int e^{x} \, dx \) straightforward:
- The antiderivative of \( e^x \) is simply \( e^x \) itself.
- The antiderivative is \( 2\sqrt{x} \), which illustrates how the functions behind integral convergence are often straightforward to deduce.
Limit
A limit in calculus is a way to understand what value a function approaches as the input gets closer and closer to a specific point. Imagine driving towards a stop sign; as you get nearer, your speed decreases to zero, representing the idea of convergence or divergence in integrals.
For improper integrals,
For improper integrals,
- Limits help define behavior at infinity or points of discontinuity.
- Here, \( \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_{0}^{b} e^{-x} \, dx \) assesses the integral's convergence as \( x \to \infty \) and finds the limit resolves to 1.