Can we prove that the integral of a logarithm function is integrable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the integral $$\displaystyle \int_{\frac{2}{\pi}}^{+\infty} \ln(\cos \frac{1}{t})dt$$. Participants explore the behavior of the logarithmic function involved, particularly as it approaches certain limits, and the implications for integrability.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant studies the convergence of the integral and expresses confusion regarding the behavior of the function \( f(t) = \ln\big(\cos \frac{1}{t}\big) \) as \( t \to 0^+ \).
  • Another participant challenges the claim that \( \ln t \) is not integrable on the interval \([\frac{2}{\pi}, 1]\), stating that its anti-derivative is defined in that range.
  • A later reply corrects the earlier misunderstanding, clarifying that the concern was actually about the behavior of \( \ln t \) as \( t \to 0 \), which is relevant for the limit being analyzed.
  • Participants discuss the implications of the limit \( \lim_{t \to 0} \ln t = -\infty \) and its relevance to the convergence of the integral.
  • One participant suggests a substitution to transform the integral into a different form, hinting at its convergence without providing a definitive conclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the integrability of \( \ln t \) over specific intervals, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the convergence of the original integral.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of the logarithmic function near zero and its implications for integrability, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

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Hello everybody !

I was just doing a small exercice on integration :
Study the convergence of this integral : $$\displaystyle \int_{\frac{2}{\pi}}^{+\infty} \ln(\cos \frac{1}{t})dt$$

So.
Ok, the study in \( +\infty \) does not cause me much trouble, it is the others which seems much complicated.

Indeed, let \( f(t) = \ln\big(\cos \frac{1}{t}\big) \). Then, I want to study \( f( \frac{2}{\pi} + t) \) when \( t \to 0^+ \).
But, when I compute some Taylor series, i found that \( f( \frac{2}{\pi} + t) = \ln t + \ln \big(\frac{\pi^2}{4} + o(1)\big) \sim_0 \ln t \).

So, since \(t \mapsto \ln t \) is not integrable on \( [\frac{2}{\pi}, 1]\), the integral does not converge. Yet, the correction seems to think the opposite. But the fact that \(\lim_0 \ln t = - \infty \) implies that they cannot say that.

So, there's something I didn't catch here. This may be something stupid, but I keep thinking about it without understand why.Thank you for taking your time to read this and help me !
Bye.I've just realize this a first fail since I didn't place this topic into the proper section... I'm trying to delete it but I haven't manage to do se yet. Well... I'll keep trying :)
 
Last edited:
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Spam said:
I've just realize this a first fail since I didn't place this topic into the proper section... I'm trying to delete it but I haven't manage to do se yet. Well... I'll keep trying :)

If this happens next time just report the post so the Moderators are aware of it. As it stands if you get any infractions over this I'll reverse them since you are making an effort.

Jameson
 
I don't understand why you say "since t-> ln(t) is not integrable on $[\frac{2}{\pi}, 1]$". The anti-derivative of ln(t) is t ln(t)- t and that is defined for all in that interval.[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web][[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]2 [FONT=MathJax_Math-italic-Web]π [FONT=MathJax_Main-Web],[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]1[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]]

You say also "$\lim_{t\to 0} ln(t)= -\infty$". That's true but irrelevant. 0 is not in the given interval.

$\int_{\frac{2}{\pi}}^1 ln(t)dt= - 1- (\frac{2}{\pi}ln(\frac{2}{\pi})- \frac{2}{\pi})$
 
Spam said:
Hello everybody !

I was just doing a small exercice on integration :
Study the convergence of this integral : $$\displaystyle \int_{\frac{2}{\pi}}^{+\infty} \ln(\cos \frac{1}{t})dt$$

So.
Ok, the study in \( +\infty \) does not cause me much trouble, it is the others which seems much complicated.

Indeed, let \( f(t) = \ln\big(\cos \frac{1}{t}\big) \). Then, I want to study \( f( \frac{2}{\pi} + t) \) when \( t \to 0^+ \).
But, when I compute some Taylor series, i found that \( f( \frac{2}{\pi} + t) = \ln t + \ln \big(\frac{\pi^2}{4} + o(1)\big) \sim_0 \ln t \).

So, since \(t \mapsto \ln t \) is not integrable on \( [\frac{2}{\pi}, 1]\), the integral does not converge. Yet, the correction seems to think the opposite. But the fact that \(\lim_0 \ln t = - \infty \) implies that they cannot say that.

So, there's something I didn't catch here. This may be something stupid, but I keep thinking about it without understand why.Thank you for taking your time to read this and help me !
Bye.I've just realize this a first fail since I didn't place this topic into the proper section... I'm trying to delete it but I haven't manage to do se yet. Well... I'll keep trying :)
After substitution $x=\frac{1}{t}$, you will get:

$$ \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{\ln\cos (x)}{x^2}dx $$ Which can be written as:$$ \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{4}} \frac{\ln\cos (x)}{x^2}dx+ \int_{\frac{\pi}{4}}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} \frac{\ln\cos (x)}{x^2}dx $$ Could you proceed? (Hint: this integral is converges)
 
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HallsofIvy said:
I don't understand why you say "since t-> ln(t) is not integrable on $[\frac{2}{\pi}, 1]$". The anti-derivative of ln(t) is t ln(t)- t and that is defined for all in that interval.[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web][[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]2 [FONT=MathJax_Math-italic-Web]π [FONT=MathJax_Main-Web],[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]1[FONT=MathJax_Main-Web]]

Oh yeah. This was a mistake. This isn't exactly what I meant. I meant : "since \( t\mapsto \ln\, t\) is not integrable on $[0,1]$"

HallsofIvy said:
You say also "$\lim_{t\to 0} ln(t)= -\infty$". That's true but irrelevant. 0 is not in the given interval.

I said that because we are studying the behaviour of \(f(\frac{2}{\pi} + t)\) when \(t\to 0^+\). And we have found that : $$f(\frac{2}{\pi} + t) \sim \ln\, t$$

So I assumed that it is indeed in 0 that we have to see how \(\ln \) behaves.
Obviously, there is still something I didn't understand. But thank you all for helping me :)
 

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