Solving Integral Equations: Find x from 1-x+ ∫^x_1 (sin t/t) dt

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the integral equation \(1 - x + \int_1^x \frac{\sin t}{t} \, dt = 0\). The primary solution identified is \(x = 1\), with the integral \(\int_1^x \frac{\sin t}{t} \, dt\) being non-integrable in terms of elementary functions. Participants noted that aside from \(x = 1\), there are unlikely to be additional solutions due to the growth rate of \(x - 1\) compared to the integral. The conversation emphasizes the need for mechanical methods to solve similar problems in the future.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically improper integrals.
  • Familiarity with the properties of the sinc function, \(\frac{\sin t}{t}\).
  • Knowledge of non-integrable functions and their implications in calculus.
  • Basic skills in numerical methods for approximating solutions to equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore numerical integration techniques for approximating \(\int_1^x \frac{\sin t}{t} \, dt\).
  • Study the properties of the sinc function and its applications in signal processing.
  • Learn about numerical root-finding methods, such as the Newton-Raphson method.
  • Investigate the behavior of non-integrable functions and their implications in mathematical analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of calculus, and anyone interested in solving complex integral equations or exploring numerical methods for approximating solutions.

Rectifier
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The problem
I want to find ##x## which solves ## 1-x+ \int^x_1 \frac{\sin t}{t} \ dt = 0 ##

The attempt
##\int^x_1 \frac{\sin t}{t} \ dt = x -1 ## I see that the answer is ##x=1## but I want to be able to calculate it mechanically in case if I get similar problem with other elements. Any suggestions on how I can do that?
 
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Hi,
'mechanically' sounds good. But, ##{\sin x\over x}## is (and I https://owlcation.com/stem/How-to-Integrate-sinxx-and-cosxx )

one of the simplest examples of non-integrable functions in the sense that their antiderivatives cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions, in other words, they don't have closed-form antiderivatives.​

However, apart from ##x=1## there shouldn't be too many other solutions ... ##x-1## grows faster than the integral.
You could also investigate domain [0,x] : with ##{\sin x\over x} < 1## the integral is always different from x-1.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Rectifier
Okay, thank your for your help.
 

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