Improper integrals (Comparison Test)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of improper integrals using the comparison test. Participants analyze specific integrals, including those with singularities and behavior at boundaries, focusing on theoretical aspects of convergence and divergence.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the integral $\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ converges if both $\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ and $\displaystyle\int_{\pi/2}^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ are convergent, particularly when $p<1$.
  • One participant provides a detailed analysis of $\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{1}{1-x^2}\,dx$, concluding that it diverges by evaluating the limit as it approaches the singularity at $x=1$.
  • Another participant uses the comparison test to argue that since $\displaystyle\int_0^1\frac{dx}{2(1-x)}$ diverges, it implies that $\displaystyle\int_0^1\frac{dx}{1-x^2}$ is also divergent.
  • There is a request for assistance with integrals (2) and (3), indicating a desire for further exploration of these problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the convergence of integrals (2) and (3). While there is a consensus on the divergence of integral (2), the status of integral (3) remains unresolved, with participants seeking further input.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on the comparison test and properties of logarithmic functions in their evaluations. The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of functions near singularities and the implications of those behaviors on convergence.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in improper integrals, convergence tests, and mathematical analysis within the context of calculus.

Fernando Revilla
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I quote a question from Yahoo! Answers

Use the comparison test to find out whether or not the following improper integral exist(converge)?
1)integral(upper bound:pi lower bound:0)1/((sinx)^p) dx,p<1
2)integral(upper bound:1 lower bound:0) 1/(1-x^2) dx
3)integral(upper bound:infinity lower bound:2) 1/(1-x^2) dx
I have given a link to the topic there so the OP can see my response.
 
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$(1)$ $I_1=\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is improper at $x=0$ and $I_2=\displaystyle\int_{\pi/2}^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is improper at $x=\pi$. Then, $I=\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is convergent iff $I_1$ and $I_2$ are both convergent. If $p<1$, $h(t)=t^p$ is decreasing on $(0,1]$ so if $x\in(0,1]$: $$0<\sin x<x\Rightarrow 0<x^p<\sin^p x\Rightarrow 0<\frac{1}{\sin^p x}<\frac{1}{x^p}$$ According to a well known property $\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{x^p} $ is convergent, so $\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is also convergent. But $$I_1=\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}+ \displaystyle\int_1^{\pi/2}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$$ and $f(x)=1/\sin^p x$ is continuous on $[1,\pi/2]$, so $I_1$ is convergent. With the substitution $t=\pi-x$ we easily verify $I_2=I_1$ that is, $I$ is convergent if $p<1.$

P.S. If someone wants to solve $(2)$ and $(3)$ ...
 
Fernando Revilla said:
$(1)$ $I_1=\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi/2}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is improper at $x=0$ and $I_2=\displaystyle\int_{\pi/2}^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is improper at $x=\pi$. Then, $I=\displaystyle\int_0^{\pi}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is convergent iff $I_1$ and $I_2$ are both convergent. If $p<1$, $h(t)=t^p$ is decreasing on $(0,1]$ so if $x\in(0,1]$: $$0<\sin x<x\Rightarrow 0<x^p<\sin^p x\Rightarrow 0<\frac{1}{\sin^p x}<\frac{1}{x^p}$$ According to a well known property $\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{x^p} $ is convergent, so $\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$ is also convergent. But $$I_1=\displaystyle\int_0^{1}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}+ \displaystyle\int_1^{\pi/2}\frac{dx}{\sin^px}$$ and $f(x)=1/\sin^p x$ is continuous on $[1,\pi/2]$, so $I_1$ is convergent. With the substitution $t=\pi-x$ we easily verify $I_2=I_1$ that is, $I$ is convergent if $p<1.$

P.S. If someone wants to solve $(2)$ and $(3)$ ...
thank you,
can you help me with 2 and 3?
 
Fernando Revilla said:
I quote a question from Yahoo! Answers


I have given a link to the topic there so the OP can see my response.

For 2) you wish to determine if [math]\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int_0^1{\frac{1}{1 - x^2}\,dx} \end{align*}[/math] is convergent.

[math]\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int_0^1{\frac{1}{1 - x^2}\,dx} &= \int_0^1{\frac{1}{(1 - x)(1 + x)}\,dx} \\ &= \int_0^1{\frac{1}{2(1 - x)} + \frac{1}{2(1 + x)}\,dx} \\ &= \lim_{\epsilon \to 1^+} \int_0^\epsilon{ \frac{1}{2(1 - x)} + \frac{1}{2(1 + x)}\,dx } \\ &= \lim_{\epsilon \to 1^+} \left[ -\frac{1}{2}\ln{|1 - x|} + \frac{1}{2}\ln{|1 + x|} \right]_0^\epsilon \end{align*}[/math]

Since it should be obvious that this will go to [math]\displaystyle \begin{align*} \infty \end{align*}[/math], the integral is divergent.
 
For all $x\in [0,1)$: $$0\leq 1-x^2=(1+x)(1-x)\leq 2(1-x)\Rightarrow \frac{1}{2(1-x)}\leq \frac{1}{1-x^2}$$ But $\displaystyle\int_0^1\frac{dx}{2(1-x)}=\left[-\frac{\color{red}1}{\color{red}2}\log (1-x)\right]_0^{1}=+\infty$ so, by the Comparison Test $\displaystyle\int_0^1\frac{dx}{1-x^2}$ is divergent.

renyikouniao said:
thank you,
can you help me with 2 and 3?

Please, show some work for 3).
 
Last edited:

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