Differentiation under the integral sign problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the integral \int_1^2 \frac {e^x}{x}\,dx and the challenges of evaluating it using differentiation under the integral sign. Participants highlight that attempts to derive an elementary anti-derivative result in non-elementary forms. They suggest alternative methods such as numerical integration techniques, specifically Simpson's method, and the use of power series expansions. The Leibniz Rule is also mentioned as a potential approach to evaluate the integral without relying solely on numerical methods.

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  • Understanding of differentiation under the integral sign
  • Familiarity with numerical integration methods, particularly Simpson's method
  • Knowledge of power series and their applications in integration
  • Proficiency in applying the Leibniz Rule for evaluating definite integrals
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  • Research the application of the Leibniz Rule in evaluating definite integrals
  • Explore numerical integration techniques, focusing on Simpson's method
  • Study power series expansions and their use in approximating integrals
  • Investigate non-elementary integrals and methods for their evaluation
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Mathematicians, students studying calculus, and anyone interested in advanced integration techniques and the evaluation of complex integrals.

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Homework Statement


\int_1^2 \frac {e^x}{x}\,dx Through the use of differentiation under the integral sign.

2. The attempt at a solution
Tried inputting a several times, each one resulting in another function without an elementary anti-derivative (example given below)
I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {e^{-ax}}{x}\,dx
I'(a)=\int_1^2 -e^{-ax}\,dx
I'(a)=\frac {e^{-2a}}{a}-\frac {e^{-a}}{a}
I(a)=\int \frac {e^{-2a}}{a}\,da-\int \frac {e^{-a}}{a}\,da
Resulting in a non-elementary anti-derivative...

Other examples I've tried include:
  • I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {e^x*sin(ax)}{x}
  • Subsituting x for ln(b), resulting in \int_1^2 \frac {1}{b*ln(b)}\,db, then saying I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {1-b^a}{b*ln(b)}\,db
Both of these last two also result in a non-elementary anti-derivative
 
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Bounceback said:

Homework Statement


\int_1^2 \frac {e^x}{x}\,dx Through the use of differentiation under the integral sign.

2. The attempt at a solution
Tried inputting a several times, each one resulting in another function without an elementary anti-derivative (example given below)
I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {e^{-ax}}{x}\,dx
I'(a)=\int_1^2 -e^{-ax}\,dx
I'(a)=\frac {e^{-2a}}{a}-\frac {e^{-a}}{a}
I(a)=\int \frac {e^{-2a}}{a}\,da-\int \frac {e^{-a}}{a}\,da
Resulting in a non-elementary anti-derivative...

Other examples I've tried include:
  • I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {e^x*sin(ax)}{x}
  • Subsituting x for ln(b), resulting in \int_1^2 \frac {1}{b*ln(b)}\,db, then saying I(a)=\int_1^2 \frac {1-b^a}{b*ln(b)}\,db
Both of these last two also result in a non-elementary anti-derivative

Not every integral of a function can be written as elementary functions. Try to use numerical integration methods.
 
Math_QED said:
Not every integral of a function can be written as elementary functions. Try to use numerical integration methods.

If I understand you correctly, you're saying to use a different method to find the value of \int_1^2 \frac {e^x}{x}\,dx, rather than differentiation under the integral sign.

The question I was asked stated to use differentiation under the integral sign.

If I understand you wrong, could you rephrase your statement?
 
Last edited:
I mean, you can't solve this integral by finding a primitive. You either use a numerical integration method (Simpson's method, for instance) or you express e^x/x as a power series. In that case, you can determine the power series of the primitive function and approximate the solution.
 
Math_QED said:
I mean, you can't solve this integral by finding a primitive. You either use a numerical integration method (Simpson's method, for instance) or you express e^x/x as a power series. In that case, you can determine the power series of the primitive function and approximate the solution.
You can use the Leibniz Rule to evaluate definite integrals without resorting to purely numerical approximations or using infinite series. That's what the point of the question is all about in the OP: how to use the Leibniz Rule in this fashion.
 
SteamKing said:
You can use the Leibniz Rule to evaluate definite integrals without resorting to purely numerical approximations or using infinite series. That's what the point of the question is all about in the OP: how to use the Leibniz Rule in this fashion.

It is clear that the OP knows how to use Leibniz' rule, and has made several attempts to apply it, but none of them seem to work.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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