Difficult Calculus II integral

In summary, the given integral can be solved using substitution and the result is \displaystyle \int\, \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx=-\frac{e^{1/x}}{x}+e^{1/x}+C. However, when evaluating the limit, it is found to be undefined. The correct solution is \frac{-2}{e}.
  • #1
QuarkCharmer
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Homework Statement


[tex]\int_{-1}^{0} \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx[/tex]
Solve the integral and determine if it converges/diverges ect.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int_{-1}^{0} \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t \to 0}\int_{-1}^{t} \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx[/tex]

[itex]u = \frac{1}{x}[/itex]
[itex]du = \frac{1}{x^{2}}dx[/itex]

[tex]\lim_{t \to 0}\int_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} \frac{e^{u}(-x^{2})}{x^{3}}du[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t \to 0}\int_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} \frac{-e^{u}}{x} du[/tex]
[tex]x = \frac{1}{u}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t \to 0}\int_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} \frac{-e^{u}}{\frac{1}{u}} du[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{t \to 0} \int_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} -e^{u}u du[/tex]

[itex]v = u[/itex]
[itex]dv = du[/itex]
[itex]w = -e^{u}[/itex]
[itex]dw = -e^{u}du[/itex]

[tex]\lim_{t \to 0} (-e^{u}u)_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} - \int_{-1}^{\frac{1}{t}} -e^{u}du[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{t \to 0} (\frac{-e^{\frac{1}{t}}}{t} + e^{-1}(-1)) - (-e^{\frac{1}{t}}+e^{-1})[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{t \to 0} (\frac{-e^{\frac{1}{t}}}{t}-e^{-1}) + e^{\frac{1}{t}}-e^{-1}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{t \to 0} (e^{\frac{1}{t}}-\frac{e^{\frac{1}{t}}}{t}-2e^{-1})[/tex]

And now I can't solve this limit. What am I doing wrong here? I put the limit into my TI-89 and as I thought it is undefined. I know the solution is that it converges to [itex]\frac{-2}{e}[/itex] but I can't seem to get there.
 
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  • #2
The indefinite integral, [itex]\displaystyle \int\, \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx[/itex]

becomes [itex]\displaystyle -e^{u}u - \int\, -e^{u}du\,,[/itex] where u = 1/x

[itex]\displaystyle = -e^{u}u + e^u
+C\,.[/itex]

Back substituting (u=1/x) gives:

[itex]\displaystyle \int\, \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx=-\frac{e^{1/x}}{x}+e^{1/x}+C[/itex]

Now, evaluate [itex]\displaystyle \lim_{t \to 0}\int_{-1}^{t} \frac{e^{\frac{1}{x}}}{x^{3}}dx \,.[/itex]
 

Related to Difficult Calculus II integral

1. What is a "Difficult Calculus II integral"?

A "Difficult Calculus II integral" is a type of mathematical problem that requires advanced knowledge and skills in calculus to solve. It involves finding the area under a curve that cannot be easily solved using basic integration techniques.

2. How do I know if an integral is considered "difficult"?

An integral is considered "difficult" if it cannot be solved using basic integration techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or trigonometric identities. It often involves complex functions or functions with multiple variables.

3. What are some strategies for solving a "Difficult Calculus II integral"?

Some strategies for solving a "Difficult Calculus II integral" include using advanced integration techniques such as partial fractions, trigonometric substitutions, or using advanced theorems such as the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus or the Mean Value Theorem.

4. Why is it important to be able to solve "Difficult Calculus II integrals"?

"Difficult Calculus II integrals" are important because they represent real-world problems that cannot be solved using simple methods. They are also essential in many fields such as physics, engineering, and economics, where advanced calculus is used to model and solve complex systems.

5. How can I improve my skills in solving "Difficult Calculus II integrals"?

To improve your skills in solving "Difficult Calculus II integrals", it is important to have a strong foundation in basic integration techniques and to practice solving a variety of problems. Additionally, studying advanced integration techniques and understanding the concepts behind them can also help in solving more complex integrals.

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