Is the Integral of ${x}^{2}/({x}^{5}+2)$ Convergent or Divergent?

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    Comparison Theorem
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the convergence or divergence of the integral $$\displaystyle I=\int\frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}+2} \, dx$$ using the Comparison Theorem. Participants explore the application of this theorem, the nature of the integral, and the conditions under which convergence is assessed.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the Comparison Theorem to analyze the integral, expressing uncertainty about how to apply it effectively.
  • Another participant proposes a specific comparison, stating that $$0 \le \frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}+2} \le \frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}}$$ as a potential approach.
  • There is a question about how to determine the lower boundary $a$ for the integral, with a later reply clarifying that $a$ can be chosen arbitrarily.
  • One participant notes that the concept of convergence or divergence applies only to improper integrals, as limits are involved in such cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and seek clarification on the application of the Comparison Theorem and the nature of the integral, indicating that there is no consensus on how to proceed with the analysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established specific values or conditions for $a$, and there is ambiguity regarding the classification of the integral as improper or not.

karush
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71. Use the Comparison Theorem to determine weather the integral
$$\displaystyle
I=\int\frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}+2} \, dx$$
is convergent or divergent.

Comparison Theorem Suppose that $f$ and $g$ are continuous with

$f(x) \ge \, g(x) \ge 0 $ for $x\ge a$

(a) if $\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} f(x) \,dx
\text { is convergent then, }
\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} g(x) \,dx
\text { is convergent}$

(b) if $\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} g(x) \,dx
\text { is divergent then, }
\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} f(x) \,dx
\text { is divergent}$

class hasn't started yet so clueless how to do this
looked at some examples but got lost...

the graph converges to 0
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
71. Use the Comparison Theorem to determine weather the integral
$$\displaystyle
I=\int\frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}+2} \, dx$$
is convergent or divergent.

class hasn't started yet so clueless how to do this
looked at some examples but got lost...the graph converges to 0

Hi karush!

Isn't the comparison theorem that we use for instance that:
$$0 \le \frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}+2} \le \frac{{x}^{2}}{{x}^{5}}$$
(Wondering)

No need for that integral test.
 
guess so never have done it...
but well try some more...how would you know what $a$ is
 
karush said:
guess so never have done it...
but well try some more...

how would you know what $a$ is

I think that should be:

Comparison Theorem Suppose that $f$ and $g$ are continuous with

$f(x) \ge \, g(x) \ge {\color{red}0} $ for $x\ge a$

(a) if $\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} f(x) \,dx
\text { is convergent then, }
\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} g(x) \,dx
\text { is convergent}$

(b) if $\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} {\color{red}g}(x) \,dx
\text { is divergent then, }
\displaystyle \int_{a}^{\infty} {\color{red}f}(x) \,dx
\text { is divergent}$So $a$ is the lower boundary of the integrals.
It can be chosen arbitrarily - we can just leave it as is.
 
ok i fixed... save it to latex library

does this always have to be an improper integral?
 
karush said:
ok i fixed... save it to latex library

does this always have to be an improper integral?

The concept of convergence or divergence only applies if we're talking about some limit.
For integrals that means they have to be improper, otherwise there's no limit involved.
 

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