206.08.08.10 integral from --\infty

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the improper integral \( I = \int_{-\infty}^{0}\frac{dx}{(x+2)^{1/3}} \) and the behavior of the integral as the limits approach negative infinity. Participants explore the implications of the integral diverging to \( -\infty \) and consider variations in the limits of integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the improper integral evaluates to \( -\infty \), questioning the implications of this result.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how \( -\infty \) could be incorporated into the equation and what would occur if the upper limit were greater than zero.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the integral using limits and asks about the behavior of the first limit as it approaches \( -\infty \).
  • It is mentioned that as larger negative values are input into the equation, the result approaches \( -\infty \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the integral diverges to \( -\infty \), but there are differing views on the implications of this result and how changes to the limits of integration might affect the outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the implications of the limits and the behavior of the integral under different conditions, leaving some assumptions and mathematical steps unaddressed.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
\tiny{206.08.08.10 }

\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
I&= \int_{-\infty}^{0}\frac{dx}{(x+2)^{1/3}}\\
&=-\infty\\
\end{align*}

why does this go to $-\infty$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What have you tried? The improper integral does evaluate to $-\infty$.
 
greg1313 said:
What have you tried? The improper integral does evaluate to $-\infty$.

my guess was just observation

how would $-\infty$ be plugged into the equation

and what would happen if the the upper limit would be greater than zero?

would the answer be the same no matter what the expression would be?
 
$$I = \lim_{a \to -\infty} \int_a^{-10} \dfrac{dx}{(x+2)^{1/3}} + \lim_{b \to -2^-} \int_{-10}^b \dfrac{dx}{(x+2)^{1/3}} + \lim_{c \to -2^+} \int_c^0 \dfrac{dx}{(x+2)^{1/3}}$$

$$I = \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{a \to -\infty} \bigg[(x+2)^{2/3}\bigg]_a^{-10} + \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{b \to -2^-} \bigg[(x+2)^{2/3}\bigg]_{-10}^b + \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{c \to -2^+} \bigg[(x+2)^{2/3}\bigg]_c^0
$$

$$I = \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{a \to -\infty} \bigg[4 - (a+2)^{2/3} \bigg] + \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{b \to -2^-} \bigg[(b+2)^{2/3}-4 \bigg] + \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{c \to -2^+} \bigg[2^{2/3} - (c+2)^{2/3} \bigg]$$

$$I = \dfrac{3}{2} \lim_{a \to -\infty} \bigg[4 - (a+2)^{2/3} \bigg] + (-6) + \dfrac{3}{2^{1/3}}$$

... what happens with that first limit?
 
as larger negative values are input the eq goes to $-\infty$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K