Chapter 7: Problem 4
Evaluate the integrals that converge. $$ \int_{-1}^{+\infty} \frac{x}{1+x^{2}} d x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The integral diverges.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Integral
The given integral is \( \int_{-1}^{+\infty} \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \). Because it has an infinite upper limit, it's considered an improper integral.
02
Set Up the Improper Integral
We rewrite the integral with a limit to properly handle the infinite boundary: \[ \lim_{b \to +\infty} \int_{-1}^{b} \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \]
03
Evaluate the Integral
To evaluate \( \int \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \), use a substitution. Let \( u = 1 + x^2 \), then \( du = 2x dx \) or \( x dx = \frac{1}{2} du \). The integral becomes:\[ \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{u} \, du = \frac{1}{2} \ln |u| + C \]Substitute back for \( u \):\[ \frac{1}{2} \ln |1+x^2| + C \]
04
Evaluate the Definite Integral
Using the result of the indefinite integral, calculate:\[ \lim_{b \to +\infty} \left[ \frac{1}{2} \ln |1+x^2| \right]_{-1}^{b} = \lim_{b \to +\infty} \left( \frac{1}{2} \ln(1+b^2) - \frac{1}{2} \ln(2) \right) \]Since the term \( \ln(1+b^2) \) tends towards infinity as \( b \to +\infty \), the integral diverges.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limit Process
When evaluating improper integrals, the limit process is a central technique. Improper integrals usually involve infinite limits or unbounded integrands, making them impossible to evaluate directly.
Instead, we replace the problematic boundaries with a limit. Take, for example, the integral\( \int_{-1}^{+\infty} \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \). Here, the upper limit is infinite, which transforms the integral into an improper one.
To properly handle this, we introduce a variable, like \( b \), to replace infinity.
Instead, we replace the problematic boundaries with a limit. Take, for example, the integral\( \int_{-1}^{+\infty} \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \). Here, the upper limit is infinite, which transforms the integral into an improper one.
To properly handle this, we introduce a variable, like \( b \), to replace infinity.
- Set up: \( \lim_{b \to +\infty} \int_{-1}^{b} \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \)
- The limit \( b \to +\infty \) allows us to consider the behavior of the integral as it extends towards infinity.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a powerful tool for simplifying and evaluating integrals. It involves changing variables to make an integral easier to solve.
In our exercise, we encounter the integral \( \int \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \). At first glance, it seems complex, but substitution can simplify it.
Here's how you can use substitution:
In our exercise, we encounter the integral \( \int \frac{x}{1+x^2} \, dx \). At first glance, it seems complex, but substitution can simplify it.
Here's how you can use substitution:
- Choose a substitution: Let \( u = 1 + x^2 \)
- Find the differential of \( u \), which is \( du = 2x \, dx \)
- Rewriting the integral with \( x \, dx = \frac{1}{2} \, du \) results in \( \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{u} \, du \)
- This simplifies to \( \frac{1}{2} \ln|u| + C \)
Divergence of Integrals
Determining whether an integral converges or diverges is crucial in calculus, especially for improper integrals. Divergence occurs when the integral does not settle on a finite value.
In our problem, after applying the substitution method and limit process, we find:
\( \lim_{b \to +\infty} \left( \frac{1}{2} \ln(1+b^2) - \frac{1}{2} \ln(2) \right) \)
The term \( \ln(1+b^2) \) grows unbounded as \( b \) approaches infinity.
In our problem, after applying the substitution method and limit process, we find:
\( \lim_{b \to +\infty} \left( \frac{1}{2} \ln(1+b^2) - \frac{1}{2} \ln(2) \right) \)
The term \( \ln(1+b^2) \) grows unbounded as \( b \) approaches infinity.
- This indicates that the integral's value increases indefinitely.
- Ultimately, we conclude that the integral diverges.