Is the double integral convergent?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the double integral ∫(2,∞) ∫(2/x,∞) 1/(y^2)*e^(-x/y) dydx and whether it converges. Participants are exploring the implications of changing the order of integration and the resulting limits.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to change the order of integration and are questioning the limits of integration. Some express confusion over the correct setup and whether the integral converges to a finite value or diverges to infinity.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the integral's limits and convergence. Some participants have identified potential errors in the integration limits and are discussing the implications of these changes. Multiple interpretations of the integral's behavior are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the limits of integration, particularly regarding the transformation from y = 2/x to x = 2/y. There is also mention of the challenges in integrating certain exponential functions.

Fizic
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Evaluate the integral ∫(2,∞) ∫(2/x,∞) 1/(y^2)*e^(-x/y) dydx by changing the order of integration.

I get ∫(1,∞) ∫(2y,∞) 1/(y^2)*e^(-x/y)dxdy

etc. etc. etc.

I get to ∫(1,∞) (e^(-2)/y) dy

Which is (ln∞-ln1)/e^2 = ∞

Does this thing not converge?
 
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Fizic said:
Evaluate the integral ∫(2,∞) ∫(2/x,∞) 1/(y^2)*e^(-x/y) dydx by changing the order of integration.

I get ∫(1,∞) ∫(2y,∞) 1/(y^2)*e^(-x/y)dxdy

etc. etc. etc.

I get to ∫(1,∞) (e^(-2)/y) dy

Which is (ln∞-ln1)/e^2 = ∞

Does this thing not converge?
Sketch the region of integration.

You have errors in your integration limits for your integral, \displaystyle \int\int \frac{1}{y^2}e^{-x/y}\,dx\,dy\ .

It looks to me like you will need to write that as the sum of two integrals.
 
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SammyS said:
Sketch the region of integration.

You have errors in your integration limits for your integral, \displaystyle \int\int \frac{1}{y^2}e^{-x/y}\,dx\,dy\ .

It looks to me like you will need to write that as the sum of two integrals.

You're right, it should be ∫(2,2y) instead of ∫(2y,∞)

I'm still getting ∞
 
Fizic said:
You're right, it should be ∫(2,2y) instead of ∫(2y,∞)

I'm still getting ∞
I also get ∞. However, the limits of integration are not what you have.

The original integral has y going from y = 2/x to y = ∞.

If y = 2/x , then x = 2/y not what you have, which is x = 2y.

Furthermore:

When y ≥ 1 , x goes from x = 2 to x = +∞ .

And when 0 ≤ y ≤ 1 , x goes from x = 2/y to x = +∞ .
 
SammyS said:
I also get ∞. However, the limits of integration are not what you have.

The original integral has y going from y = 2/x to y = ∞.

If y = 2/x , then x = 2/y not what you have, which is x = 2y.

Furthermore:

When y ≥ 1 , x goes from x = 2 to x = +∞ .

And when 0 ≤ y ≤ 1 , x goes from x = 2/y to x = +∞ .

My bad, it was supposed to be x/2, not 2/x.

I think it's infinity but I can't integrate e^(-2/y)/y.
 
Fizic said:
My bad, it was supposed to be x/2, not 2/x.

I think it's infinity but I can't integrate e^(-2/y)/y.
O.K.

Then you do get \displaystyle \int_{1}^{\infty}\,\int_{2}^{2y} \frac{1}{y^2}e^{-x/y}\,dx\,dy \ .

I also get that this does not converge.

Yes. That does not integrate to an elementary function.
 
Surely
$$
\int_{2}^{\infty}\int_{x/2}^{\infty}\frac 1{y^2}e^{-x/y} \, \mathrm dy \, \mathrm dx =
\int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{e^{1/y}}{y^2} \int_{2y}^{\infty}e^{-x} \, \mathrm dx \, \mathrm dy
$$
is integrable. I get ##e^{-2}## as its value.
 
Michael Redei said:
Surely
$$
\int_{2}^{\infty}\int_{x/2}^{\infty}\frac 1{y^2}e^{-x/y} \, \mathrm dy \, \mathrm dx =
\int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{e^{1/y}}{y^2} \int_{2y}^{\infty}e^{-x} \, \mathrm dx \, \mathrm dy
$$
is integrable. I get ##e^{-2}## as its value.
Except that \ \ e^{-x/y}\ne e^{-x}e^{1/y}\ .
 
I'd still try moving ##1/y^2## forwards:
$$
\int_2^\infty\int_{x/2}^\infty\frac1{y^2}e^{-x/y}\,\mathrm dy\,\mathrm dx = \int_2^\infty\frac1{y^2}\int_{2y}^\infty e^{(-1/y)\cdot x}\,\mathrm dx\,\mathrm dy.
$$
 
Last edited:

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