Connection between Improper Integrals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the geometric interpretation of the relationship between two improper integrals: the integral of dx/sqrt(x) from 0 to 1 and the integral of dx/x^2 from 1 to infinity, along with an additional unit area. Participants are exploring how to represent these integrals graphically and the implications of their geometric properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss graphing the functions involved and their intersections, questioning how to demonstrate the geometric relationship. There is mention of reflecting functions across the line x=y and considering the areas represented by the integrals. Some participants inquire about the significance of adding 1 to the areas and how different methods of calculating the area (vertical vs. horizontal strips) might affect the interpretation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights about the geometric properties of the functions and their inverses. There is a focus on understanding the areas represented by the integrals and how they relate to each other, though no consensus or final conclusions have been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment that requires a geometric explanation, and there is an emphasis on including graphs in their responses. The nature of the problem involves improper integrals, which may introduce additional complexities in their analysis.

dami
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Homework Statement


Explain geometrically why the integral of dx/sqrt(x) for (x, 0,1)= [the integral of dx/x^2 for (x, 1, infinity)] + 1
Including graphs as well.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I graphed both functions and they met at a point (1,1) but i don't really understand how to show it geometrically.
 
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dami said:

Homework Statement


Explain geometrically why the integral of dx/sqrt(x) for (x, 0,1)= [the integral of dx/x^2 for (x, 1, infinity)] + 1
Including graphs as well.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I graphed both functions and they met at a point (1,1) but i don't really understand how to show it geometrically.
Graph the regions whose areas are represented by the two integrals. That might get you going in the right direction.

Also, there is a relationship between y = 1/sqrt(x) and y = 1/x^2. Can you figure out what it is?
 
I know the two functions are both inverse of each other. I graphed the areas of each region. But i still don't know what to write to answer the question.
 
dami said:
I know the two functions are both inverse of each other. I graphed the areas of each region. But i still don't know what to write to answer the question.

Do you know that if two functions are inverses of each other then their graphs are reflections of each other across the line x=y?
 
How does this affect their area on the intervals i wrote in the initial question i asked.Why do need to add 1 to make both areas equal
 
The area represented by the integral [tex]\int_0^1 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x}}[/tex] is a bit larger (1 unit) than the area represented by the integral [tex]\int_1^{\infty}\frac{dx}{x^2}}[/tex].

For the first integral, the area is calculated using vertical strips of width dx and height 1/sqrt(x). What would the integral be if you used horizontal strips?
 
Yeah, finally solve it. I used the inverses and reflection of the two graphs at x=y.
 

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