Find Limit of Integral Equation - Rules & Examples

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of an integral equation involving a function y(x) as it approaches infinity. Participants explore the conditions under which the limit of the integral equals 1, specifically focusing on the variable x and its relationship to the function y(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the possibility of swapping limit and integral signs and question the behavior of the integral as y(x) tends to infinity. There are attempts to clarify the interpretation of the problem, particularly regarding the nature of y(x) and its dependence on x.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some suggest that understanding the function y(x) is crucial, while others question the feasibility of finding x without knowing the specific form of y(x). There is no consensus yet on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the definitions and assumptions about y(x) and its behavior as it approaches infinity. The discussion also touches on the implications of vertical asymptotes in the context of finding the limit.

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Homework Statement



are there any rules on how to find the limit of an integral equation?

for example,

find x such that the limit as y(x) tends to infinitiy of the integral equation equals 1
[tex]lim \int_0^x \frac{1}{y(t)-y(x)}dt=1[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Im not sure how to do this, can i simply swap the limit sign with the integral sign?

Thanks in advance.
 
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sara_87 said:
find x such that the limit as y(x) tends to infinitiy of the integral equation equals 1
[tex]lim \int_0^x \frac{1}{y(t)-y(x)}dt=1[/tex]

Huh?:confused:

[tex]\lim_{y(x)\to\infty}\int_0^x\frac{dt}{y(t)-y(x)}=0[/tex]

For all values of [itex]x[/itex], so I'm not sure what you mean here.
 
why does the limit = 0
?

what if we had t in the numerator instead of 1?
 
I think you're asking:

Let:

[itex]\lim_{x\to a} y(x)=\infty[/itex]

is there a function y(x) such that:

[itex]\lim_{x\to a}\int_0^x \frac{1}{y(t)-y(x)}dt=1[/itex]
 
no, i mean, i need to find an 'x'.

I agree that the integrand is 0 (if y tends to infinity)

but what if we have

[tex]\lim_{y(x)\to\infty}\int_0^x\frac{(x-t)^{-1}dt}{y(t)-y(x)}=1[/tex]

can we find an x such that the limit is 1?
 
If you are fixing x, how can y(x) tend to infinity?
 
because i need to find an x, say x* such that as y(x*) tends to infinity, the limit is 1
 
y(x*) is some number. It doesn't make sense to say that a number tends to infinity. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the question?
 
sorry, i think I am confusing things.

forget y(x*).

I want to find x such that
[tex]\lim_{y(x)\to\infty}\int_0^x\frac{(x-t)^{-1}dt}{y(t)-y(x)}=1[/tex]

so y(x) is just a function depending on a variable x. then, after i found the limit (in terms of x), i want to solve the equation for x...
am i making sense?
 
  • #10
Would the following interpretation be correct:

Look for x* such that

[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow x^*} y(x) = \infty<br /> \quad\text{ and }\quad<br /> \lim_{x \rightarrow x^*} \int_0^x \frac{(x-t)^{-1}dt}{y(t)-y(x)} = 1,[/tex]

where we always approach x* from the direction of 0.

But even if this isn't the right interpretation, it seems important to know what y(x) is as well.
 
  • #11
yes, this is the right interpretation.
is it possible to find x* without knowing what the function is?
 
  • #12
Are you sure your integrand isn't [tex]\frac{y(t)-y(x)}{t-x}[/tex] instead?
 
  • #13
yes, I am sure.
would it be easier if it was?
 
  • #14
In addition, I don't see how to find x* without knowing the function. I mean, x* appears at a vertical asymptote, but different functions have different asymptotes.
 
  • #15
lets assume it has a vertical asymptote.
would we be able to find x* then?
 
  • #16
Evaluate the improper integral at most at two candidates for x*, one to the left and right of zero. Then, if one of those equals 1, you're good. I don't know another way.
 

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