Is the Integral of ln(x)/(x+2) from 0 to 5 an Improper Integral?

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In summary, the integral from 0 to 5 of ln(x)/(x+2) dx is considered an improper integral because the integrand has a discontinuity at x = 0. In order to compute this integral, the limit must be taken as the lower bound approaches 0.
  • #1
ElectricMile
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the question states:

Is the integral, from 0 to 5, ln(x)/(x+2) dx, an improper integral? do not try to compute this integral.

the answer: Yes, ln(x) undifined when x = 0.

WHAT, why is this so, i thought an improper integral is when i take the upper/lower bound and replace it with infinity and take the limit? any help?
 
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  • #2
There are two catagories (three, if you count both as a separate category) of improper integrals: those that have infinite bounds, like

[tex]\int_{a}^{\infty} f(x)dx, \int_{-\infty}^{b} f(x)dx ,\mbox{ and } \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x)dx, [/tex]

and those which have integrands possessing infinite discountinuities somewhere in the domain of integration, and both. Yours is of the second variety.
 
  • #3
The label "improper integral" is attached to any definite integral where the function blows up or is otherwise undefined at the endpoints (points on the interval can be dealt with as well). In these cases the integral is defined as a limit, here:

[tex]\int_0^5 \frac{\log x}{x+2} dx=\lim_{\delta\rightarrow 0^+}\int_\delta^5 \frac{\log x}{x+2} dx[/tex]
 
Last edited:

What is an improper integral?

An improper integral is an integral where one or both of the limits of integration are infinite or where the function being integrated is unbounded at one or more points within the interval of integration.

How do you evaluate an improper integral?

To evaluate an improper integral, you must first identify the type of improper integral (infinite limits or unbounded function) and then use appropriate techniques such as limit comparison test, integration by parts, or partial fractions to convert it into a proper integral. You can then evaluate the proper integral using standard integration techniques.

What are the conditions for convergence of an improper integral?

The conditions for convergence of an improper integral depend on the type of improper integral. For an infinite limit improper integral, it converges if the limit of the integral exists and is finite. For an unbounded function improper integral, it converges if the integral can be broken into smaller intervals where the function is bounded and each of these smaller integrals converges.

What is the difference between an improper integral and a proper integral?

The main difference between an improper integral and a proper integral is that a proper integral has both limits of integration within a finite interval, while an improper integral has one or both limits of integration that are infinite or a function that is unbounded within the interval of integration. This makes the evaluation of improper integrals more challenging than proper integrals.

When should you use improper integrals?

Improper integrals are used when the function being integrated is unbounded or has infinite limits of integration. They also arise in many applications such as finding areas under curves, calculating volumes of solids, and solving differential equations. Improper integrals provide a way to extend the concept of integration to these types of functions and situations.

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