Discrepancy in Integration of 1/x by Parts

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The discussion focuses on the integration of 1/x by parts, highlighting a discrepancy that leads to an incorrect conclusion of 1 = 0. The error arises from neglecting the integration constant during the integration process. The correct integration of 1/x yields ln|x| + c, which is the standard result. Some texts define ln(x) as the anti-derivative of 1/x, reinforcing the importance of including the constant. Overall, the integration process must account for constants to avoid contradictions.
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If we were to integrate 1/x by parts using u = 1/x and dv = 1dx, then it would end up as:
Int(dx/x) = 1 + Int(dx/x), ending up with 1 = 0. Why was there a discrepancy in the integration?
--Int() refers to integral
 
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You're missing an integration constant.
 
\int\frac{1}{x}dx=uv -\int vdu= \frac{x+c}{x} - \int \frac{-(x+c)}{x^{2}}dx = etc...
u=\frac{1}{x}
du=\frac{-1}{x^{2}}
dv=1dx
v=x+c

Please tell me if I am wrong.

Regardless, you are looking for the result to be ln|x|+c.
 
exk said:
v=x+c
I don't think there should be a '+ c' in this intermediate step. Anyway, integrating
1/x gives ln(x) + c by definition. Some books actually define ln(x) to be the anti-derivative of that.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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