Integrating Natural Logarithmic Functions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating a natural logarithmic function, specifically focusing on the double integral of the function 1/(x+y) over a defined region. The original poster expresses difficulty in recalling the integration techniques for natural logarithmic functions after a significant time away from calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate with respect to y first, leading to a logarithmic expression. They then question the validity of their approach to integrating the resulting logarithmic function and express uncertainty about the steps involved in handling the integral of a natural logarithm.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the integration process, suggesting that integration by parts may be a suitable method. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's realization regarding the use of integration by parts, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of recent experience with calculus, which may influence their confidence in applying integration techniques. There is also a discussion about the complexity of integrating different forms of logarithmic expressions.

wubie
Hello,

It has been over a year since I last took calculus. And I don't recall how to take the integral of a natural logarithmic function. Here is the question that I am supposed to integrate.

double integral 1/(x+y) dA

where

R = [1,2] X [0,1]

So what I did first was integrate with respect to y first. I ended up with

ln(x+y)

with an upper limit of 1 and a lower limit of 0. Once simplified I get

ln(x+1) - ln x or ln( (x+1)/x )

Now I have to integrate with respect to x. But I can't remember how to take the integral of a natural log function. How do I proceed from here?

I can't remember if I can do the following:

Let G(x) = integral of ln( (x+1)/x ) dx

then

e^G(x) = integral of e^ln( (x+1)/x ) dx

which would simplify to

integral of (x+1)/x dx.

After I get a solution to the above equation I would then take the log of

ln e^G(x) = ln (answer)

to get

G(x) = ln (answer).

Can I do that? I can't remember. If not, how do I proceed from here?

Any help is appreciated. Thankyou.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can't move the exponential into the integral like that.

That said, IIRC:

[tex]\int ln(x) dx= x ln(x)-x[/tex]
(You can derive this by using parts)
 
!@#$!@#$!@#$#!@$!@#!

I should have known I could have done it by parts. I see that now. Thanks NateTG.
 
And it's a lot easier to integrate [itex]\ln(x+1) - \ln x[/itex] than it is to integrate [itex]\ln (x+1)/x[/itex]. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
7K