Indefinite integral and proving convergence

SteliosVas
Messages
70
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



okay so the equation goes:

∫(x*sin2(x))/(x3-1) over the terminals:
b= ∞ and a = 2

Homework Equations



Various rules applying to the convergence or divergence of integrals such as the p-test, ratio test, squeeze test etc

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay so I have tried factorising the bottom, I have tried the squeeze test and the ratio test to no success..

would method should I be applying, because I am unsure how to split up this integral...

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's a hint: first notice that \sin^2 x \leq 1 for all x. Then you can compare your integral with another one whose integrand is always greater. You can then prove the convergence of that integral.
 
Therefore using the comparison test should i compare this integral to 1/x3 over the same interval?
 
Lets apply a useful theorem. If ##\int_a^b |f(x)| \space dx## converges, then ##\int_a^b f(x) \space dx## converges. Note the converse of this theorem is not true. So you should always determine the convergence of ##\int_a^b |f(x)| \space dx## to determine if ##\int_a^b f(x) \space dx## converges.

Applying this theorem to your given problem:

$$\int_{2}^{\infty} \left| \frac{x \sin^2(x)}{x^3 - 1} \right| \space dx = \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{|x| |\sin^2(x)|}{|x^3 - 1|} \space dx \leq \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{|x|}{|x - 1| |x^2 + x + 1|} \space dx$$

For ##x \in [2, \infty)##, we can remove the absolute values in the expression because all of the terms would be positive anyway. So the new question is, does this integral converge:

$$\int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{x}{(x - 1) (x^2 + x + 1)} \space dx$$

Hint: Start with a partial fraction expansion, and then complete the square.
 
  • Like
Likes SteliosVas
Right now I understand. So the absolute of f(x) is always said to converge but the the opposite isn't always true ?

Right do we are performing a comparison test to x/(x^3-1)
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
Back
Top