Mastering Improper Integrals: Convergence & Divergence Techniques

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the convergence or divergence of the integral from 1 to infinity of x/((1+x^6)^1/2) using the comparison test. The user initially struggles with setting up the comparison correctly but establishes that 1/√(1+x^6) is less than or equal to x/√(1+x^6), which is less than 1/√(x^6). It is concluded that as x becomes large, the integral behaves like 1/x^2, which is known to converge. Therefore, since the comparison integral converges, the original integral also converges.
mpgcbball
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm having a bit of trouble showing that the integral from 1 to infinity of x/((1+x^6))^1/2 converges or diverges by the comparative property.

I'm not sure if I'm setting it up right, but so far I have that 1/rad(1+x^6) is less than or equal to x/rad(1+x^6) which is less than 1/rad(x^6).

I don't know if this is right, or where to go from here if it is right.

Thanks for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you think it converges or diverges? What is your gut feeling. If x is large what does it look like (ie ignoring the 1)?
 
\sqrt{x^6+1}>\sqrt{x^6}. (Trivial)\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^6+1}}<\frac{x}{\sqrt{x^6}}
For every value of x within our bounds of integration, that is true.
\int^{\infty}_1 \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^6+1}} dx< \int^{\infty}_1 \frac{1}{x^2} dx. Since we know, and can show, the 2nd part converges, the 1st part does as well.
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K