Integration of powers of natural logs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of powers of natural logarithms, specifically focusing on expressions involving terms like \( (ln x)^n \). Participants are exploring techniques for integration, particularly integration by parts, and are seeking clarification on the correct application of these methods.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a polynomial expression involving powers of \( ln x \) and requests assistance with its integration.
  • Another participant suggests that integration by parts may be a reasonable approach and prompts the original poster to try it.
  • A participant attempts to integrate \( 2(ln x)^3 \) but arrives at an incorrect result, prompting a challenge from another participant to verify the answer through differentiation.
  • Further discussion leads to confusion regarding the choice of \( u \) and \( dv \) in the integration by parts method, with one participant questioning the assignment of \( v' = 1 \).
  • Another participant clarifies the integration by parts formula and emphasizes the distinction between \( dv \) and \( v' \).
  • There is a discussion about whether it is valid to take \( u = (ln x)^2 \) for integration, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the breakdown of the expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct application of integration by parts, with some providing guidance while others highlight misunderstandings. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct steps to take in integrating the given expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants exhibit varying levels of familiarity with integration techniques, leading to confusion about the application of the integration by parts formula and the roles of \( u \), \( dv \), and \( v' \). There are also unresolved questions about the correctness of specific integration steps.

sciencefog
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Hi,

I need some help! :rolleyes:

I have a series of maths problems in my physics work...

I am trying to integrate a power of a log - such as:

y= 3.2875E+004 - 8.9321E+005*ln x + 4.2316E+006*(ln x)^2 - 7.7776E+006*(ln x)^3 + 7.4949E+006*(ln x)^4 - 4.1373E+006*(ln x)^5 + 1.3164E+006*(ln x)^6 - 2.2448E+005*(ln x)^7 + 1.5873E+004*(ln x)^8

Any help at all would be great :smile:

All I have is that: integral of lnx = xlnx - x + C

even just the simple y = 2*(lnx)^3, would be great, I can do the rest from there...I assume its a 'by parts' expression?

Cheers :redface:
 
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I assume its a 'by parts' expression?

Sounds reasonable; have you tried it?
 
Well I was thinking - but I don't know if its right and I don't know where to find out - hence posting here... :smile:

y = 2*(lnx)^3

= 2*[(lnx)(lnx)(lnx)]

therefore integral = 2*( xlnx - x * xlnx - x * xlnx - x) +C
= 2*(3xlnx - x) + c
=6xlnx - x + c

Is that right?

Thanks very much for the help. :biggrin:
 
This is absolutely wrong!
(Ask yourself: How can I prove that my answer is wrong? Hint: Differentiate..)
 
ok, so can you help me get further than this? maybe pointing me in the direction of the parts bit?

I know that: (all this is from the web, I have done this work - but 6 years ago..)

integral = $

$udv = uv - $vdu

[eg $xe^x.dx, u = x, dv = e^x.dx]

so for the expression: $2(lnx)^3.dx

I need a u part and a dv part:

u = lnx, (dv = x^3.dx)? I'm not sure what the dv part should be??

I also assume I take the constant out?

Cheers :redface:
 
Set u=(ln(x))^3 v'=1
Then,
uv=xln(x)^3, vu'=3ln(x)^2
Then, use the same technique with (ln(x))^2
 
Why is dv/dx = 1?

so here is my attempt at an answer:

$2(lnx)^3

u=(lnx)^3, v'=1

uv = x(lnx)^3, vu'=3(lnx)^2

u = (lnx)^2, v'=1

uv= x(lnx)^2, vu'=2lnx

so: $udv=x(lnx)^3 -$3(lnx)^2
= x(lnx)^3 - x(lnx)^2 - $2lnx
=x(lnx)^3 - x(lnx)^2 - 2(xlnx - x)

so complete answer would be:
= 2(x(lnx)^3 - x(lnx)^2 - 2(xlnx - x)) + C ??
 
I really am confused with the v' =1 i.e. are you saying that the integral of lnx = 1?? :cry:

How can that be - as when you differentiate you do not get lnx?

If you are not saying that then what is going on = can you break it down for me please as I'm very confused...

I thought the integral of lnx = xlnx - x +C ?

also - if you have: $2(lnx)^3 how is taking u = (lnx)^3 breaking it down - isn't that the same as what you start with - ie needing to break into parts...

I'm sorry if this is really obvious - but I am having real trouble working this out...

Cheers
 
You are mixing up dv and v'!
The integration by parts formula reads:
Int(uv',dx)=uv-Int(u'v,dx)
You may write this (using the change of variables formula) as:
Int(u,dv)=uv-Int(v,du)
 
  • #10
Cheers guys

dats helpd a lil man... i was kinda stuck on da integral of (lnx)^2, an i thought dat mayb cos yu got (lnx) to the power 2, dat yu cnt take u = (lnx)^2... but now I am guessin yu can... RIIGHT? :rolleyes: :confused:
 

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