Comparison of Improper Integrals

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SUMMARY

The integral \(\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}\) converges or diverges based on the value of \(p\). Analysis shows that for \(p \leq 1\), the integral diverges, while for \(p > 1\), it converges. The antiderivative approach and limit evaluation confirm that the behavior of the logarithmic term significantly influences convergence. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying limits and transformations in improper integrals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of improper integrals
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions
  • Familiarity with limit evaluation techniques
  • Basic calculus concepts, including antiderivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the convergence criteria for improper integrals
  • Learn about the comparison test for integrals
  • Explore the properties of logarithmic functions in calculus
  • Review techniques for evaluating limits involving infinity
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on improper integrals, as well as educators and tutors seeking to clarify convergence concepts in integral calculus.

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Homework Statement



For what values of p does the following integral converge or diverge?

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I have graphed y=[tex]\frac{1}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}[/tex] for different values of p (negative, zero, positive), and it looks as though in all three cases the integral converges.

However, when I found the antiderivatives of [tex]\frac{1}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}[/tex] for

p=-p

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}=\frac{[ln(x)]^{p+1}}{p+1}\right|^{\infty}_{2}[/tex]

p=+p

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}=\frac{[ln(x)]^{1-p}}{1-p}\right|^{\infty}_{2}[/tex]

p=0

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}=ln(|x|)\right|^{\infty}_{2}[/tex]

When taking the limits of the antiderivatives as x approaches infinity, it appears that for any value of p the integral will diverge.

I'm doing something wrong here, so any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
 
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[tex]\int^{\infty}_{2}\frac{dx}{x[ln(x)]^{p}}[/tex] sub [tex]u=lnx=>du=\frac{dx}{x}[/tex]

[tex]\int^{\infty}_2\frac{du}{u^p}=\frac{u^{1-p}}{1-p}|^{\infty}_{2}=\frac{(lnx)^{1-p}}{1-p}}|^{\infty}_{2}[/tex] Now what u need to do is:


[tex]\lim_{b\rightarrow \infty}\frac{(lnx)^{1-p}}{1-p}}|^{b}_{2}=\frac{1}{1-p}\lim_{b\rightarrow \infty}[(ln(b))^{1-p}-(ln2)^{1-p}][/tex]

and see for what values of p this limit gives u a nr.
 

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