Differentiation under the integral sign problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int_1^2 \frac {e^x}{x}\,dx\) and the application of differentiation under the integral sign to evaluate it. Participants explore various approaches to this problem, noting challenges in finding an elementary anti-derivative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants describe attempts to differentiate the integral with respect to a parameter, leading to functions that do not yield elementary anti-derivatives. Some also consider alternative methods, such as numerical integration and power series expansion, while questioning the necessity of using differentiation under the integral sign as specified in the original problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various insights and suggestions. Some express uncertainty about the applicability of numerical methods versus the required differentiation approach, while others emphasize the importance of using the Leibniz Rule in this context.

Contextual Notes

There is a recognition that not all integrals can be expressed in terms of elementary functions, and this constraint is a focal point of the discussion. Participants are also navigating the requirements of the homework prompt, which explicitly asks for the use of differentiation under the integral sign.

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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.
 

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