# Homework Help: Determine whether the limit exists and evaluate the integral if it does

1. Dec 23, 2011

### resolvent1

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Determine whether the limit

$\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \int_{-1}^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{1-x^{2n}}} dx$

exists and evaluate the integral if it does

2. Relevant equations

Dominated convergence theorem (I think) and a power series representation.

3. The attempt at a solution

I've been attempting to find a dominating function for $\frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{1-x^{2n}}}$ by looking at the power series representation for $\frac{1}{1-x^{2n}}$, but I'm not seeing it. I'd appreciate any help.

Last edited: Dec 23, 2011
2. Dec 23, 2011

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
What does k have to do with this?

Why take the limit as k → ∞ ?

3. Dec 23, 2011

### jackmell

Much more interesting if we consider:

$$\lim_{n\to\infty}\int_{-1}^1 \frac{dx}{\sqrt[3]{1-x^{2n}}}$$

and in that case isn't:

$$x^{2n}\leq x^2$$

in that interval?

Last edited: Dec 23, 2011
4. Dec 23, 2011

### resolvent1

Sorry, that should be an n, not a k.

It's true that x^{2n} \leq x^2 on [-1,1], so $\frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{1-x^{2n}}} \leq \frac{1}{1-x^2}$ on [-1,1], but $\frac{1}{1-x^2}$ isn't in $L^1(-1,1)$

So I'm not sure what to do with it.

5. Dec 23, 2011

### I like Serena

What about $1 \over \sqrt{1-x^2}$?

6. Dec 23, 2011

### resolvent1

Thanks, I think that works perfectly. (I can't believe I didn't see that before - sorry - and that problem was really starting to piss me off.)

7. Dec 23, 2011

### I like Serena

Good! :)

Does that mean that you also evaluated the integral in its limit?

8. Dec 23, 2011

### resolvent1

Yeah, I knew that several hours ago, just not the dominating function. THank you for your help.