Verifying Integration of ##\int_0^1 x^m \ln x \, \mathrm{d}x##

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The integral ##\int_0^1 x^m \ln x \, \mathrm{d}x## evaluates to ##\frac{-1}{(m+1)^2}## for any real number m. The application of L'Hôpital's rule is correctly utilized in the derivation, particularly when handling the limit as x approaches 0. The integration by parts method is effectively applied, confirming the validity of the result. Additionally, the symmetry of the graphs of y=log x and y=e^x further supports the correctness of the computed integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integration techniques, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with L'Hôpital's rule for evaluating limits.
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Basic calculus concepts, including limits and continuity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of L'Hôpital's rule in various limit scenarios.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including improper integrals.
  • Investigate the properties of logarithmic and exponential functions in calculus.
  • Learn about the symmetry properties of functions and their implications in integration.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, calculus students, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of integration techniques and limit evaluation in the context of logarithmic functions.

murshid_islam
Messages
468
Reaction score
21
TL;DR
Is my Integration ok?
I'm trying to compute ##\int_0^1 x^m \ln x \, \mathrm{d}x##. I'm wondering if the bit about the application of L'Hopital's rule was ok. Can anyone check?

Letting ##u = \ln x## and ##\mathrm{d}v = x^m##, we have ##\mathrm{d}u = \frac{1}{x}\mathrm{d}x ## and ##v = \frac{x^{m+1}}{m+1}##

##\int_0^1 x^m \ln(x) \, \mathrm{d}x##

##= \left. \frac{1}{m+1} x^{m+1} \ln(x) \right|_{0}^{1} - \int_{0}^{1} \frac{x^m}{m+1} \, \mathrm{d}x##

##= \frac{1}{m+1} \left(0 - \lim_{x \to 0} x^{m+1} \ln(x) \right) - \left. \frac{x^{m+1}}{(m+1)^2} \right|_{0}^{1}##

##= \frac{1}{m+1} \left(\lim_{x \to 0} x^{m+1} \ln\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \right) - \frac{1}{(m+1)^2} ##

##= \frac{1}{m+1} \left(\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{\ln(1/x)}{1/x^{m+1}} \right) - \frac{1}{(m+1)^2} ##

##= \frac{1}{m+1} \left(\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{x (-1/x^2)}{-(m+1)x^{-m-2}} \right) - \frac{1}{(m+1)^2} ##

##= \frac{1}{m+1} \left(\lim_{x \to 0}\frac{x^{m+1}}{m+1} \right) - \frac{1}{(m+1)^2} ##

## = 0 - \frac{1}{(m+1)^2} ##

## = \frac{-1}{(m+1)^2} ##
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It seems OK. For verification, say m=0 the graphs of y=log x and y=e^x are symmetric wrt line y=x, the integration
\int_{-\infty}^0 e^x dx = 1
equals with your result putting minus sign.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: murshid_islam

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K