Integral problem with natural log ($5 to whoever gets it)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the integral of the function \( \frac{dx}{2x(\ln x)^{1/2}} \) evaluated from 2 to 16. Participants are discussing the setup and interpretation of the integral, as well as the appropriate methods for solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the confusion around the placement of \( dx \) and the transformation of the integral. There are attempts to rewrite the integral and questions about the use of substitution methods. Some participants suggest using \( y = \ln x \) as a potential substitution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to the integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution, and there is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in the setup. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are reminded of forum rules regarding homework help, including the expectation to show attempted work and the prohibition of offering monetary incentives for assistance.

formula107
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Here's the problem:

find the integral of

dx/2x(lnx)^1/2

In other words, dx over 2x times the square root of lnx.

It has to be evaluated from 16 and 2. I don't know how to say it, but the integral sign with 16 at the top, and 2 at the bottom.

If you can find the answerm and show me the work, preferably two different ways, I will paypal you $5.

The sooner the better.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to physicsforums, formula107.

First, a bit about our rules:

1) Homework help posts should go into the appropriate homework help forums.
2) You should show us the work you've attempted so far when asking for help.
3) You should never offer money in return for our help.

I assume you mean this integral?

[tex]\int_2^{16} \frac{dx}{2 x (\ln x)^{1/2}}[/tex]

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Welcome to physicsforums, formula107.

First, a bit about our rules:

1) Homework help posts should go into the appropriate homework help forums.
2) You should show us the work you've attempted so far when asking for help.
3) You should never offer money in return for our help.

I assume you mean this integral?

[tex]\int_2^{16} \frac{dx}{2 x (\ln x)^{1/2}}[/tex]

- Warren

Thanks for the advice. Yep, that was the integral I was trying to describe.

I have attempted it, but I still get confused on what to do with dx on the top.

One more question:
Can I use the same text you are by using the [tex]code?<br /> <br /> Thanks[/tex]
 
formula107 said:
I have attempted it, but I still get confused on what to do with dx on the top.
Can you please show us the paths you have already attempted to follow to find this integral? We do not generally just give away answers.
One more question:
Can I use the same text you are by using the [tex]code?[/tex]
[tex] Most certainly. You can click on any mathematical image to see the code that generated it. You can then copy and paste the code into your own posts, editing the code if you want. You can also quote a post to use or modify the code for the equations in that post.<br /> <br /> - Warren[/tex]
 
I tried bringing the bottom part to the top, so it makes

[tex]\int_2^{16} \dx (2 x (\ln x)^{1/2})^{-1}[/tex]

With dx on the end, but I can't get that to show.

Then from there I just get completely lost. Is that a good first step?
 
Last edited:
come on, this is darn easy, donate that $5 to charity.

(Hint: Let [tex]y = \ln x[/tex])
 
kakarukeys said:
come on, this is darn easy, donate that $5 to charity.

(Hint: Let [tex]y = \ln x[/tex])

Yep, I finally got it. I end up with u^1/2, and with the numbers plugged in, I got (ln(2))^(1/2).

Seems right to me!

Just one more question: Is there any way to solve this problem without solving for dx before integrating. I came up with dx=xdu, since du=1/x, but we haven't done this in class yet. Is there a way to solve this using only u and du?

Thanks
 
formula107 said:
Yep, I finally got it. I end up with u^1/2, and with the numbers plugged in, I got (ln(2))^(1/2).

Seems right to me!

Just one more question: Is there any way to solve this problem without solving for dx before integrating. I came up with dx=xdu, since du=1/x, but we haven't done this in class yet. Is there a way to solve this using only u and du?

Thanks

If you do a u-sub, and let u be (lnx)^1/2 it turns into just the intergral of U*DU.
 
So who ended up with the 5 dollars?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K