Convergence/Divergence of an Integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the integral \(\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt\). Participants explore various methods for assessing convergence, including comparison tests and evaluating the behavior of the integrand at different intervals.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using the comparison test to evaluate the integral by comparing it to simpler functions.
  • One participant proposes checking the convergence of \(\int_0^{1}t^{-2} dt\) and \(\int_1^{\infty}e^t dt\) to deduce the convergence of the original integral.
  • Another participant mentions that drawing a sketch of the function can help visualize convergence, but this method is challenged by others.
  • It is noted that convergence can depend on behavior at points other than infinity, with a specific example given of \(f(t)=1/t\) to illustrate this point.
  • One participant questions the limits used in evaluating the integrals separately and discusses the implications of finding that both integrals diverge.
  • Another participant states that if any part of the integral does not converge, then the whole integral cannot converge, suggesting a comparison with \(e^t/t^2\) for large \(t\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods for determining convergence, with no consensus reached on the most effective approach. Some methods are challenged, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the final determination of convergence or divergence.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of considering the behavior of the integrand at various points, and there are references to specific limits and comparisons that may affect the conclusions drawn about convergence.

VitaX
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Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?
 
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VitaX said:
Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?

You can apply several tests. If you take integral calculus... you use the comparsion test.. testing the bounds or evaluating a similar function via comparsion, test. You should find whether or not these converges.
 
VitaX said:
Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?

Try determining convergence or divergence of
\int_0^{1}t^{-2} dt
and
\int_1^{\infty}e^t dt
then deduce the convergence by comparison or otherwise of
\int_0^{\infty}t^{-2}e^t dt
 
My method is that I draw a rough sketch of function.If f(t)→ 0 while t→∞,then we can say that integral is convergent as integral is area under the curve.
 
^That does not work. Convergence can depend upon behavior at points other than infinity and even when behavior at infinity is conclusive the function going to zero is not strong enough consider f(t)=1/t.
 
lurflurf said:
Try determining convergence or divergence of
\int_0^{1}t^{-2} dt
and
\int_1^{\infty}e^t dt
then deduce the convergence by comparison or otherwise of
\int_0^{\infty}t^{-2}e^t dt

So if both have no limit and diverge, then by comparison test the whole integrand diverges?

Edit: Just noticed you have the limits a little different. How did you determine the limits to be those when evaluating them separately?

I get \int_0^1 t^{-2} dt = -1

And \int_1^{\infty} e^t dt = \infty

What would I determine from these exactly?
 
Last edited:
The limits can be broken up to study the convergence of each region. So if any part does not converge the integral cannot. Show et>t2 for large t to conclude et/t2>1 and thus diverges.
 

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