Calculus II Integral Convergence and Divergence Questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence and divergence of various integrals presented in a Calculus II context. Participants explore specific integrals, share their calculations, and seek clarification on their results, particularly focusing on integrals that may diverge or converge to specific values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the first integral diverges to -infinity, the second converges to π/6, and the third diverges to infinity, based on their calculations.
  • One participant explains the substitution method used to evaluate the second integral, leading to a convergent result of π/9.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the third integral, noting that one part of the split integral yields a convergent value of 1/3, while suspecting the overall integral is divergent.
  • A participant suggests that the rationale for the divergence of the third integral is correct, questioning if their calculations leading to infinity are valid.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the convergence or divergence of the integrals, particularly the third one, where uncertainty remains about the implications of a convergent part versus the overall behavior of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants' calculations involve various assumptions and methods, including substitution and limits, which may not be fully resolved or agreed upon. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations regarding the behavior of the integrals in question.

ardentmed
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For a,b, and c respectively, I got divergent (to -infinity), convergent (to π/6), and divergent (to infinity, since the first part's sum is 1/3, but lim negative infinity gives infinity, thus the summation of the two integrals gives a divergent integral). I'm sure these are right, but I'd appreciate some help, especially for 8c.I really appreciate the help guys. Thanks in advance.
 
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ardentmed said:
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Finally, for 8abc repectively, I got divergent (to -infinity), convergent (to π/6), and divergent (to infinity, since the first part's sum is 1/3, but lim negative infinity gives infinity, thus the summation of the two integrals gives a divergent integral). I'm sure these are right, but I'd appreciate some help, especially for 8c.I really appreciate the help guys. Thanks in advance.

I agree that the first one needs to be divergent, as the integral of a 1/x type function is a logarithm, which grows without bound (but at the slowest possible rate).

For the second:

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{\mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x}{\mathrm{e}^{2x} + 3}} &= \int{\frac{\mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x}{ \left( \mathrm{e}^x \right) ^2 + 3 } } \end{align*}$

Now substitute $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \mathrm{e}^x = \sqrt{3}\tan{ \left( \theta \right) } \implies \mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x = \sqrt{3}\sec^2{ \left( \theta \right) } \,\mathrm{d}\theta \end{align*}$ and the integral becomes

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{\mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x}{ \left( \mathrm{e}^x \right) ^2 + 3 }} &= \int{ \frac{\sqrt{3}\sec^2{ \left( \theta \right) } \,\mathrm{d}\theta}{ \left[ \sqrt{3}\tan{\left( \theta \right) } \right] ^2 + 3 }} \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \int{ \frac{\sec^2{ \left( \theta \right) } \,\mathrm{d}\theta}{ \tan^2{\left( \theta \right) } + 1 }} \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \int{ \frac{\sec^2{\left( \theta \right) } \,\mathrm{d}\theta}{\sec^2{\left( \theta \right) } }} \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \int{ 1 \, \mathrm{d}\theta} \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \theta + C \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \arctan{ \left( \frac{\mathrm{e}^x}{\sqrt{3}} \right) } + C \end{align*}$

so your definite integral is

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int_0^{\infty}{\frac{\mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x}{\mathrm{e}^{2x} + 3}} &= \lim_{\epsilon \to \infty} \int_0^{\epsilon}{ \frac{\mathrm{e}^x\,\mathrm{d}x}{\mathrm{e}^{2x} +3} } \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \lim_{\epsilon \to \infty} \left[ \arctan{ \left( \frac{\mathrm{e}^x}{\sqrt{3}} \right) } \right]_0^{\epsilon} \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \lim_{\epsilon \to \infty} \left[ \arctan{ \left( \frac{\mathrm{e}^{\epsilon}}{\sqrt{3}} \right) } - \arctan{ \left( \frac{\mathrm{e}^0}{\sqrt{3}} \right) } \right] \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \left( \frac{\pi}{2} - \frac{\pi}{6} \right) \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \left( \frac{\pi}{3} \right) \\ &= \frac{\sqrt{3}\,\pi}{9} \end{align*}$

so this integral is convergent :)
 
Any idea about the third one? I'm almost definite that it is divergent, but one of the sums for the split up integral gives me 1/3, a convergent value.
 
ardentmed said:
Any idea about the third one? I'm almost definite that it is divergent, but one of the sums for the split up integral gives me 1/3, a convergent value.

You'll have to post all your working out, I have no idea how to tell you where (or if) you have gone wrong if I have no idea what you have done...
 
Prove It said:
You'll have to post all your working out, I have no idea how to tell you where (or if) you have gone wrong if I have no idea what you have done...

Well, if you take u=-x^3 and -(du/3)=x^2 dx, then the resulting integral is (-1/(3e^ (x^3))

Therefore, from infinity to zero, the sum is 1/3, and from zero to negative infinity, the sub is just infinity since [(-e)^ -(-infinity)] / 3 is infinity.

Thanks.
 
ardentmed said:
Well, if you take u=-x^3 and -(du/3)=x^2 dx, then the resulting integral is (-1/(3e^ (x^3))

Therefore, from infinity to zero, the sum is 1/3, and from zero to negative infinity, the sub is just infinity since [(-e)^ -(-infinity)] / 3 is infinity.

Thanks.

So if you end up with an infinite amount, what conclusion should you come to?
 
Prove It said:
So if you end up with an infinite amount, what conclusion should you come to?

Then it would obviously be divergent. My question is if my rationale was correct, meaning was my work leading up to the conclusion that it equals infinity correct?

Thanks.
 

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