242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/[x( ln x)^2]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral \(\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( \ln x)^2}\). Participants explore different approaches to solving this integral, including substitution methods and the importance of adjusting limits of integration when using substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the presence of multiple "dx" in the original integral notation.
  • Another suggests a substitution \(u = \ln x\) and notes that this leads to the integral \(\int u^{-2} du\).
  • Several participants emphasize the need to change the limits of integration when performing substitutions.
  • There is a discussion about the correct back substitution and the evaluation of the integral, with some participants providing different forms of the final expression.
  • One participant points out a potential misunderstanding regarding the integral's title, suggesting it represents a different problem than initially stated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of substitution and the need to adjust limits, but there is disagreement regarding the interpretation of the integral's title and whether it represents the same problem as initially posed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of correctly changing the limits of integration, which remains a point of contention. The discussion also highlights the potential for confusion arising from the integral's notation.

karush
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$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} \\
\displaystyle
\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2} $
 
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Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

Where did you get this question?
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

karush said:
$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} \\
\displaystyle
\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2} dx$
Yes this has 2 dx so ??
One problem is that you have too many "dx"s. :)

Hint: Do you know of a relationship between ln(x) and 1/x?

-Dan
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

karush said:
$\displaystyle \text{Find the integral: } \; \int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x(\ ln x)^2} $
$\displaystyle \text{We have: }\;\int (\ln x)^{-2\,}\frac{dx}{x} $

$\text{Let }u \,=\,\ln x \quad\Rightarrow\quad du \,=\,\frac{dx}{x}$

$\displaystyle \text{Substitute: }\;\int u^{-2}du$

$\text{Got it?}$
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}=\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2}=\ln\left({2}\right) \\
u=\ln\left({x}\right) \ \ \ du=\frac{1}{x}\, dx $$
$\text{then} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}
=\int_2^4\frac{1}{{u}^{2}}\, du
= \left[-\frac{1}{u}\right]_2^4$$
So far??
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

When you use a substitution in a definite integral, you need to not only rewrite the integrand and differential in terms of the new variable, but you also need to change the limits of integration in accordance with your substitution. :)
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

ok i keep forgetting to do so
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

karush said:
$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}=\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2}=\ln\left({2}\right) \\
u=\ln\left({x}\right) \ \ \ du=\frac{1}{x}\, dx $$
$\text{integrate and back substitute } u=ln(x)$
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}
=\int_{\ln{2}}^{2\ln{2}}\frac{1}{{u}^{2}}\, du
= \left[-\frac{1}{\ln{x}}\right]
_{\ln\left({2}\right)}^{2\ln\left({2}\right)}$$
You didn't back substitute in you last step. It's [math]\left[-\frac{1}{\ln{x}}\right]
_{2}^{4}[/math]

-Dan
 
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}=\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2}=\ln\left({2}\right) \\
u=\ln\left({x}\right) \ \ \ du=\frac{1}{x}\, dx $$
$\text{back substitute } u=ln(x)$
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}
=\int_{\ln{2}}^{\ln{4}}\frac{1}{{u}^{2}}\, du
= \left[-\frac{1}{\ln{x}}\right]
_{2}^{4}=
\frac{1}{\ln 2}-\frac{1}{\ln 4}$$
 
  • #10
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

karush said:
$\Large{242.Q2.3a} \\
\text{find the integral} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}=\int_2^4 \frac{dx}{x( ln\, x)^2}=\ln\left({2}\right) \\
u=\ln\left({x}\right) \ \ \ du=\frac{1}{x}\, dx $$
$\text{then} $
$$\displaystyle
I_{3a}
=\int_2^4\frac{1}{{u}^{2}}\, du
= \left[-\frac{1}{u}\right]_2^4$$
So far??

The only thing you neglected in this approach was to change the limits...

$$I=\int_{\ln(2)}^{\ln(4)}\frac{1}{u^2}\, du=-\left[\frac{1}{u}\right]_{\ln(2)}^{\ln(4)}=\frac{1}{\ln(2)}-\frac{1}{\ln(4)}=\frac{1}{2\ln(2)}$$
 
  • #11
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

MarkFL said:
The only thing you neglected in this approach was to change the limits...

$$I=\int_{\ln(2)}^{\ln(4)}\frac{1}{u^2}\, du=-\left[\frac{1}{u}\right]_{\ln(2)}^{\ln(4)}=\frac{1}{\ln(2)}-\frac{1}{\ln(4)}=\frac{1}{2\ln(2)}$$

:cool:
 
  • #12
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

That was quite tricky, but solved.
 
  • #13
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

I notice that the integral in the title of this thread is \int_2^4\frac{1}{(x ln(x))^2}dx[/int] which is quite a different problem!
 
  • #14
Re: 242.q2.3a Int_2^4 dx/(x ln x)^2 dx

HallsofIvy said:
I notice that the integral in the title of this thread is $$\int_2^4\frac{1}{(x ln(x))^2}dx$$ which is quite a different problem!

Thanks for the catch!...I have edited the thread title accordingly. :D
 

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