Mastering Double Integrals: Solving Tricky Problems with 1/(1-xy) Function

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The discussion focuses on solving the double integral of 1/(1-xy) over the range of x and y from 0 to 1. The initial attempt yielded -ln|1-y|/y after integrating with respect to x, but challenges arose when integrating with respect to y. Participants suggest using integration by parts and rewriting the integrand as A/y + B/y^2 + C/(1-y) to simplify the expression. They emphasize that since y ranges from 0 to 1, the term 1 - y is nonnegative, eliminating the need for absolute values. The conversation highlights techniques for tackling complex integrals effectively.
cragar
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Homework Statement


integral of 1/(1-xy)dxdy x's from 0 to 1 and y's from 0 to 1

The Attempt at a Solution


ok so the first integral gives -ln|1-y|/(y) after we evaluated the x's from 0 to 1
but I am having trouble with integrating with respect to y .
 
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Did you use integration by parts for the integrand above? If so, are you getting something like
\int \frac{dy}{y^2(1 - y)}

For an integrand like that you want to rewrite the expression as A/y + B/y2 + C/(1 - y). To do this, set 1/(y2(1 - y)) equal to A/y + B/y2 + C/(1 - y) and solve for A, B, and C. This equation has to be identically true for all y.

BTW, since y ranges from 0 to 1, 1 - y is always nonnegative, so you don't need the absolute values around it.
 
ok thanks
 
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