Definite Integral of 1/x from 0 to 1 problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the equality of two integrals and the reason why a specific mathematical statement may not hold true. The participants analyze the geometric interpretation and the behavior of the natural logarithm function as x approaches 0 and infinity. Ultimately, it is concluded that x=0 has no specific geometric interpretation and is instead a limit that approaches infinity.
  • #1
TylerH
729
0
Given that 1/x is symetric across y=x, why can't we say [tex]\int^1_0 1/x - x dx= \int^\infty_1 1/x + x dx[/tex]? Geometrically, it makes sense, but ln(0) is clearly undefined.
 
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  • #2
from 1 to infinity the integral is unboundedly large. ln(x) tends to -infinity as x tends to 0, so the other integral is also unboundedly large. I think there's nothing wrong with saying the areas are equal
 
  • #3
Yeah... I should have waited to post. I solved it and got x=0, but I'm not sure that means anything...

[tex]\int^1_0 (1/x - x)dx = \int^\infty_1 dx/x + \int^1_0 xdx[/tex]
[tex]\right[lnx\left]^1_0 - x^2/2 = \right[lnx\left]^\infty_1 + x^2/2[/tex]
[tex]ln1 - \lim_{x \to 0+}lnx = \lim_{x \to \infty}lnx + ln1 + x^2[/tex]
[tex]-\lim_{x \to 0+}lnx = \lim_{x \to \infty}lnx + x^2[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \to \infty}lnx + \lim_{x \to 0+}lnx + x^2 = 0[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \to \infty}(lnx + ln1/x)+x^2=0[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \to \infty}\frac{x}{x}+x^2=0[/tex]
and so on...

What is the geometric interpretation of x=0?
 

1. What is the definition of a definite integral?

The definite integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the area under a curve on a specified interval. It is represented by the symbol ∫ and is the limit of the sum of infinitely small rectangles under the curve as the width of the rectangles approaches zero.

2. How do you solve the definite integral of 1/x from 0 to 1?

To solve this definite integral, we must first set up the integral using the limit definition. This means taking the limit as the width of the rectangles approaches zero and the number of rectangles approaches infinity. Then, we can use the properties of logarithms to simplify the integral and evaluate it using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

3. What is the significance of the lower and upper limits in a definite integral?

The lower and upper limits of a definite integral represent the starting and ending points on the x-axis for the area under the curve that is being calculated. These limits determine the interval over which the integral is being evaluated and can greatly affect the value of the integral.

4. Can the definite integral of 1/x from 0 to 1 be solved using any other methods?

Yes, this integral can also be solved using the substitution method or integration by parts. However, the limit definition is the most commonly used method for evaluating definite integrals.

5. What is the practical application of the definite integral of 1/x from 0 to 1?

This integral can be used to solve problems involving exponential or logarithmic growth, such as calculating compound interest or population growth. It can also be applied in physics to calculate the work done by a variable force over a given distance.

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