How do I solve for the integral of 1/(xlnx) using logarithmic integration?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int^{e^2}_{e} \frac{1}{x \ln x} \, dx\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically focusing on integration techniques and logarithmic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substitution methods, particularly using \(u = \ln x\) and \(du = \frac{1}{x} dx\). There are questions about how to express the integral in terms of \(u\) and \(du\), and some participants explore the implications of integrating \(\frac{1}{u} du\).

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed through various attempts at substitution and integration. Some participants have provided guidance on interpreting the results of the integration, while others have raised questions about the correctness of expressions and the final form of the answer. There is an ongoing exploration of the logarithmic relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of logarithmic integration and the implications of nested logarithmic functions. There is a noted concern about the interpretation of the results and the accuracy of the expressions derived during the discussion.

tjbateh
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Homework Statement



[tex]\int^{e^2}_{e}[/tex] [tex]\frac{1}{xlnx}[/tex] dx

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I substituted U= xlnx
So DU= ([tex]\frac{1}{x}[/tex]dx...so Du * X = 1dx

From there I am stuck!



 
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so if du =(1/x)dx where u=lnx


what does

[tex]\int \frac{1}{x lnx} dx[/tex]

change to in terms of u and du?
 
[tex]\frac{du}{u}[/tex] ?
 
tjbateh said:
[tex]\frac{du}{u}[/tex] ?

yes so what is



[tex]\int \frac{1}{u} du = ?[/tex]
 
is it just LN (x)??
 
tjbateh said:
is it just LN (x)??

ln(u)

now since you are integrating from e2 to e, what is your integral equal to in terms of x?
 
ln e2- ln e
 
tjbateh said:
ln e2- ln e

No.

If you integrated 1/u du and got ln(u), and u = ln(x). What is ln(u) now?
 
it is LN (LN(x))
 
  • #10
tjbateh said:
it is LN (LN(x))

right now so now compute Ln(ln(e2))-Ln(ln(e))
 
  • #11
alright so LN (1/e^2)- LN (1/e) ?
 
  • #12
tjbateh said:
alright so LN (1/e^2)- LN (1/e) ?

No no, ln(ln(e2)) is definitely not ln(1/e2).

Now, let's do it step by step then. What is ln(e2)?
 
  • #13
it is 2
 
  • #14
and LN(e) is 1, so it would be LN (2)- LN (1)? Which is .693??
 
  • #15
tjbateh said:
and LN(e) is 1, so it would be LN (2)- LN (1)? Which is .693??

ln(1) = ln(e0) = 0, so, you can leave it as: ln(2) - ln(1) = ln(2). Taking an approximation is okay, though. :)
 
  • #16
ok so that's the final answer??
 
  • #17
tjbateh said:
ok so that's the final answer??

Yup. :)
 
  • #18
Great! Thanks for the help everyone! I just didn't think it made sense to have an LN in another LN, but I guess that works! Thanks again!
 

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