Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the convergence of improper integrals and the conditions under which they may converge without absolute convergence. Participants explore the implications of the triangle inequality in the context of integrals and the nuances of improper integrals, particularly when singularities are present.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants inquire about the proof of the inequality $$ \big | \int^{b}_{a} f(t) \, dt \big | \leq \int^{b}_{a} |f(t)|\, dt$$ and the conditions under which it holds.
- There is a discussion on whether the inequality applies to improper integrals, with some suggesting that it is more complex in such cases.
- One participant notes that if $f(x)$ is integrable on $[a,b]$, then $|f(x)|$ is also integrable, leading to the conclusion that $$- \int_{a}^{b} |f(x)| \ dx \le \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \ dx \le \int_{a}^{b} |f(x)| \ dx$$ holds.
- Another participant provides an example of an improper integral, $$\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\sin \frac {1}{t}}{t}\ dt$$, to illustrate a case where the integral converges while the integral of its absolute value diverges.
- It is mentioned that the situation is analogous to absolute convergence in series, where an absolutely convergent integral is convergent, but an "absolutely divergent" integral may or may not converge.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express uncertainty regarding the application of the inequality to improper integrals, and there is no consensus on the conditions under which convergence without absolute convergence occurs.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the complexity of improper integrals, particularly in relation to singularities and the behavior of integrals of functions and their absolute values. Specific assumptions about the integrability of functions are not fully resolved.