How do I find the integral of ln x?

  • Thread starter Thread starter lsim16
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the integral of the natural logarithm function, specifically the integral of y = ln(x). The original poster expresses confusion about the integration process, particularly distinguishing it from the derivative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of integration by parts and whether it is covered in the original poster's math class. There are attempts to clarify the integration process and the necessary components involved.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the integration by parts method, with some suggesting specific substitutions and approaches. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is preparing for an exam and is working within the constraints of a specific math class level, which may limit the techniques they are familiar with.

lsim16
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
this is an honest question. i have attempted this but i didnt know how to do this. tomorrow is my exam and i realized that there was no where of finding the integration of y=lnx. everytime i ask tis question, people will tell be 1/x but that is the derivative, i am after the integral

so is there an integral of ln x?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you learned about integrating by parts?
 
no, does that go into maths c?
this is only a maths b class
does this mean, there is no simple way of doing this?
 
[tex]\int ln x dx = x \ln x + x[/tex] i think, but I am not sober. its done by integration by parts which looks something like this

[tex]\int u dv = uv - \int v du[/tex]
 
whozum said:
[tex]\int ln x dx = x \ln x + x[/tex] i think, but I am not sober. its done by integration by parts which looks something like this

[tex]\int u dv = uv - \int v du[/tex]
It should be [itex]\int ln x dx = x \ln x - x = x(\ln x - 1)[/itex]
 
Yeh, int by parts needs two functions so you have ln(x) and 1. Make u=ln(x) and dv=1, then follow whozums equation and you'll get what TD wrote! +c of course
 
The other way is to make the obvious substitution [itex]x = e^u[/tex], then integrate by parts.[/itex]
 
And indeed you can use the same method to find the integral of any function for which the inverse function has a simple integral.

Let's say you know that [tex]\int f(x)dx = g(x) + c[/tex]. You want to find [tex]\int f^{-1}(x)dx[/tex] where the exponent denotes the inverse function.

Substitute [tex]x = f(u)[/tex].

You get [tex]\int f^{-1}(x)dx = \int uf'(u)du = uf(u) - \int f(u)du = uf(u) - g(u) + c = xf^{-1}(x) - g(f^{-1}(x)) + c[/tex]

You can verify that works by trying out [tex]f^{-1}(x) = \ln x[/tex] in the result.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
64
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
7K