Help understanding Direct/Limit comparison tests

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding direct and limit comparison tests in calculus, specifically in evaluating integrals. The integrals in question are from 0 to π of dt/[sqrt(t) + sin(t)] and from -∞ to ∞ of dx/[e^x + e^-x]. Participants emphasize that to demonstrate convergence, one should find a larger integral that converges, while for divergence, a smaller integral that diverges is necessary. The discussion encourages practical exploration of these concepts by manipulating the integrals to identify suitable comparisons.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus
  • Familiarity with convergence and divergence of integrals
  • Knowledge of comparison tests in calculus
  • Basic skills in manipulating algebraic expressions
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  • Study the properties of convergence and divergence in integrals
  • Learn about the Direct Comparison Test and Limit Comparison Test
  • Practice evaluating integrals using comparison tests
  • Explore examples of integrals that converge and diverge
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of integral convergence and divergence through comparison tests.

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I'm having an extremely hard time understanding direct/limit comparison tests, and i will post some questions so you guys can attempt to help me.

integral from 0 to pi of: dt/[sqrt(t) + sin(t)]

and

integral from -infinity to infinity of: dx/[ex + e-x]

I cannot show my work because i have no idea how to do these problems. If someone can explain the direct/limit comparison tests then i will attempt these problems and post my work so you guys can guide me. Thanks.
 
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IntegrateMe said:
I'm having an extremely hard time understanding direct/limit comparison tests, and i will post some questions so you guys can attempt to help me.

integral from 0 to pi of: dt/[sqrt(t) + sin(t)]

and

integral from -infinity to infinity of: dx/[ex + e-x]

I cannot show my work because i have no idea how to do these problems. If someone can explain the direct/limit comparison tests then i will attempt these problems and post my work so you guys can guide me. Thanks.

Intuitively, if you are trying to show something converges, if you can find something larger that does converge, that would do it. Similarly, if you are trying to show something diverges and you can find something smaller that does diverge, that would settle that.

For example for your first problem. What would happen if you omit the sin(t) in the denominator. Would that make the integral larger or smaller? Would the resulting integral converge or diverge? Check it out and see if one of the comparison ideas work.
 

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