Improper Integrals: Solving Homework Statement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around improper integrals, specifically focusing on the integral of the function 1/(sqrt(1-x^2)) over the interval from 0 to a, where 0

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss proving inequalities involving the integral of 1/(sqrt(1-x^2)) and 1/(sqrt(1-x)). There is an exploration of the derivative of the integral function I(a) to establish its increasing nature. Some participants express uncertainty about how to show that I(a) is bounded by 2 and question the implications of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts at proving the inequalities and exploring the properties of the integral. Hints and suggestions have been provided, particularly regarding the use of derivatives and potential integration techniques, but no consensus has been reached on the bounding of I(a).

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem relies heavily on the initial steps and that there may be missing information or assumptions that need clarification. The discussion also reflects a learning environment where participants are encouraged to explore reasoning rather than simply providing answers.

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Homework Statement


Suppose 0<a<1.
1) Show that
0<Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2)<=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x)<=2

2) Show that I(a)=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2) is increasing and bounded by 2.

3) Deduce that Integral(0 to 1)1/(sqrt(1-x^2) exists and has an improper integral.


Homework Equations


Not sure that there are any relevant equations that are too useful.


The Attempt at a Solution


I can prove with simple algebra that Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2)<=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x). But I'm not sure how to show that it is all less then 2. I don't have an atttempt for parts 2 and 3 because they heavily rely on step 1.
 
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steelers2147 said:

Homework Statement


Suppose 0<a<1.
1) Show that
0<Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2)<=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x)<=2

2) Show that I(a)=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2) is increasing and bounded by 2.

3) Deduce that Integral(0 to 1)1/(sqrt(1-x^2) exists and has an improper integral.


Homework Equations


Not sure that there are any relevant equations that are too useful.


The Attempt at a Solution


I can prove with simple algebra that Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x^2)<=Integral(0 to a)1/(sqrt(1-x). But I'm not sure how to show that it is all less then 2. I don't have an atttempt for parts 2 and 3 because they heavily rely on step 1.

Just evaluate last integral by integrating it.

Hint for part (b): If

[tex]I(a) = \int_0^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\ dx[/tex]

what is I'(a)?
 
By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, if
[tex]I(a) = \int_0^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\ dx[/tex], then
I'(a)=1/(sqrt{1-x^2}.
Then, since 0<x<1, we see that sqrt(1-x^2)>0.
Thus, I is increasing since I'(a) is positive.
I'm still not sure how to show that I is bounded by 2...
 
What's the value of I(a)? The integral is an easy trig substitution.
 
steelers2147 said:
By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, if
[tex]I(a) = \int_0^a \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\ dx[/tex], then
I'(a)=1/(sqrt{1-x^2}.

I'(a) has no x in it.

Then, since 0<x<1, we see that sqrt(1-x^2)>0.
Thus, I is increasing since I'(a) is positive.
I'm still not sure how to show that I is bounded by 2...

You have shown your integral is less or equal to

[tex]\int_0^1 \frac 1 {\sqrt{(1-x)}}\, dx[/tex]

Just integrate that. It's easy.
 
So the integral is equal to inverse sine of x. So evaluated from 0 to 1 we have that it is equal to pi/2 <2?
 

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