Integrate \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x

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In summary, the problem requires finding the integral of (1/x - 1/x^2)e^x. After attempting integration by parts and realizing it won't work, the solution is to break the integral into two parts and integrate the first part by parts again, resulting in a cancellation that simplifies the problem.
  • #1
Matuku
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Homework Statement


Find,
[tex]\int \left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x^2} \right)e^x ~dx[/tex]

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried integrating by parts,
[tex] \]\int \left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x^2} \right)e^x ~dx\\
Let ~\frac{dv}{dx}=\left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x^2} \right), and ~u=e^x.\\
\therefore v=\ln{x} + \frac{1}{x}, and ~\frac{du}{dx}=e^x\\
\therefore \int \left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x^2} \right)e^x ~dx
= e^x(\ln{x} + \frac{1}{x}) - \int{ e^x(\ln{x} + \frac{1}{x})}~dx\[ [/tex]

But I can't see what to do now; the next integral is even messier than the first!
 
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  • #2
I think that it won't work here, you need to develop e^x power series expansion.
 
  • #3
First break the integral apart thus:

[tex]\int \left( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x^2} \right) e^x\ \text{d}x = \int \frac{1}{x} e^x \ \text{d}x - \int \frac{1}{x^2} e^x \ \text{d}x[/tex]

Now, integrate the first of the two resulting integrals by parts, letting [itex]u=\frac{1}{x}[/itex] and [itex]\text{d}v=e^x\ \text{d}x[/itex]. You should get a very convenient cancellation.
 

1. What is the purpose of integrating \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x?

The purpose of integrating \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x is to determine the area under the curve of the given function. This is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to solve various problems in physics, engineering, and other fields.

2. How do you solve the integral \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x?

To solve this integral, we use the technique of integration by parts. First, we rewrite the function as \frac{e^x}{x^2} - \frac{e^x}{x}. Then, we use the formula for integration by parts: \int u dv = uv - \int v du. Finally, we substitute the values of u and v and integrate the remaining terms to obtain the solution.

3. What is the domain of the function \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x?

The domain of this function is all real numbers except for x = 0. This is because the function is undefined at x = 0 due to the presence of \frac{1}{x} term in the function.

4. Can the integral \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x be solved using other techniques?

Yes, this integral can also be solved using substitution or by converting it into a simpler form using algebraic manipulation. However, integration by parts is the most efficient and straightforward method for solving this particular integral.

5. What are the applications of integrating \frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^2}e^x?

The integration of this function has various applications in physics, such as determining the work done by a variable force, calculating the potential energy of a system, and finding the center of mass of an object. It is also used in economics, biology, and other fields to solve optimization problems and model real-world phenomena.

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