Improper Integrals - converge or diverge

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on determining the convergence of improper integrals, specifically addressing four integrals: \(\int_{e}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{x \ln x}\), \(\int_{1}^{4} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4}\), \(\int_{e}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{(\ln x)^2}\), and \(\int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{x^2 + \sin x}\). Key insights include the necessity of using substitution methods, such as \(u = \ln(x)\), for evaluating these integrals. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing discontinuities in integrals, particularly at \(x = 2\) for the second integral, and emphasizes the need for proper limits when evaluating integrals that approach infinity.

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Homework Statement



Hello. I have some questions on this assignment, I'm wondering if I could get some help:
Determine whether the integral converges and, if so, evaluate the integral.

1) \int_{e}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{xlnx}



2) \int_{1}^{4} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4}



3) \int_{e}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{(lnx)^2}



4) \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac {dx}{x^2 + sinx}




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1) I integrate and get \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_{e}^{b} \frac{dx}{xlnx} = \lim_{ b \to \infty} [ \frac{ln(xlnx)}{lnx}]_{e}^{b} ?

2) It has discontinuity at x = 2 and x = -2 so I evaluate \int_{1}^{2} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4} \int_{2}^{4} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4}

I integrate and get \frac{-1}{4} \lim_{c \to \infty} \int_{1}^{c} \frac{1}{x+2} - \frac{1}{x-2} dx

I sub in and get ln0?

3) Does this integrate into \lim_{b \to \infty} [\frac {-x}{lnx}]_{e}^{b} ?

4) I don't know how to integrate this
 
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zeion said:

The Attempt at a Solution



1) I integrate and get \lim_{b \to \infty} \int_{e}^{b} \frac{dx}{xlnx} = \lim_{ b \to \infty} [ \frac{ln(xlnx)}{lnx}]_{e}^{b} ?

Your antiderivative is incorrect. Try u = ln(x)

2) It has discontinuity at x = 2 and x = -2 so I evaluate \int_{1}^{2} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4} \int_{2}^{4} \frac{dx}{x^2 - 4}

Don't you need a + sign between them?

I integrate and get \frac{-1}{4} \lim_{c \to \infty} \int_{1}^{c} \frac{1}{x+2} - \frac{1}{x-2} dx

Where did c \rightarrow \infty come from? Your intgerals are improper at x = 2.
3) Does this integrate into \lim_{b \to \infty} [\frac {-x}{lnx}]_{e}^{b} ?

No.

4) I don't know how to integrate this

To integrate 1/(x-a) try a u substitution.
 

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