Proving the Double Integral Problem: Reversing the Order of Integration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the double integral \(\int_0^1\int_x^1 e^{\frac{x}{y}} dy dx\) and verifying its equivalence to \(\frac{1}{2}(e-1)\). Participants explore the implications of reversing the order of integration and the challenges associated with integrating the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss reversing the order of integration and express uncertainty about the correctness of their transformations. There are attempts to evaluate the resulting integrals, with some questioning the ability to integrate specific terms like \(ye^{\frac{1}{y}}\). Others clarify the correct limits of integration when changing the order.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the setup of the integral. Some have offered guidance on the correct interpretation of the limits when reversing the order of integration, while others express confusion about the integration process itself.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential issues with the display of mathematical notation in the forum, which may have contributed to misunderstandings. Participants note the importance of accurately interpreting the integral's limits and the visual clarity of the notation used.

cholyoake
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The question is:

Show that:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_x^1e^\frac{x}{y}dydx[/itex]=[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](e-1)

I've tried reversing the order of integration then solving from there:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_y^1 e^{\frac{x}{y}}dxdy[/itex]

=[itex]\int_0^1[ye^\frac{x}{y}]_y^1dy[/itex]

=[itex]\int_0^1ye^\frac{1}{y}-ye^1dy[/itex]

But I can't integrate [itex]ye^\frac{1}{y}[/itex]

So either I've done something wrong when changing the order of integration or something else but I can't see how to go on from here.

Thanks,
Chris.
 
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cholyoake said:
The question is:

Show that:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_x^1e^\frac{x}{y}dydx[/itex]=[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](e-1)

I've tried reversing the order of integration then solving from there:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_y^1 e^{\frac{x}{y}}dxdy[/itex]

=[itex]\int_0^1[ye^\frac{x}{y}]_y^1dy[/itex]

=[itex]\int_0^1ye^\frac{1}{y}-ye^1dy[/itex]

But I can't integrate [itex]ye^\frac{1}{y}[/itex]

So either I've done something wrong when changing the order of integration or something else but I can't see how to go on from here.

Thanks,
Chris.

Note that the integral can also equally well be represented by [itex]\int_0^1\int_0^xe^\frac{x}{y}dydx = \int_0^1\int_0^ye^\frac{x}{y}dxdy[/itex].
 
Oh of course, thank you very much for your help.
 
cholyoake said:
The question is:
[itex]\int_0^1\int_x^1e^\frac{x}{y}dydx[/itex]=[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](e-1)

I have no idea why but my browser shows e^{z/y} instead of e^{x/y} as the itex code is written. I am using Firefox 14.0.1
I tried clearing cache, etc but the problem still persists. Is this some bug with the forum?
 
sharks said:
I have no idea why but my browser shows e^{z/y} instead of e^{x/y} as the itex code is written. I am using Firefox 14.0.1
I tried clearing cache, etc but the problem still persists. Is this some bug with the forum?

Try blowing up the font (Ctrl-'plus', using the Numeric Pad plus). It's an 'x', but looks like a 'z' at small font sizes.

If you still see a 'z', then there's a real problem.
 
Curious3141 said:
Try blowing up the font (Ctrl-'plus', using the Numeric Pad plus). It's an 'x', but looks like a 'z' at small font sizes.

If you still see a 'z', then there's a real problem.

That fixed it. But it is a really annoying problem. I don't want to leave my display font-size bigger than it should be in my browser in order to correctly read a problem/solution. This font-size bug will certainly cause a lot of doubts and confusion all around the forum.
 
sharks said:
That fixed it. But it is a really annoying problem. I don't want to leave my display font-size bigger than it should be in my browser in order to correctly read a problem/solution. This font-size bug will certainly cause a lot of doubts and confusion.

It's not a bug. It's just insufficient visual acuity to distinguish the cursive 'z' from the 'x' at that scale.
 
Curious3141 said:
It's not a bug. It's just insufficient visual acuity to distinguish the cursive 'z' from the 'x' at that scale.

I guess there's no 'fixing' it then. Anyway, good to know it's not just me. :biggrin:
 
cholyoake said:
The question is:

Show that:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_x^1e^\frac{x}{y}dydx[/itex]=[itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex](e-1)

I've tried reversing the order of integration then solving from there:

[itex]\int_0^1\int_y^1 e^{\frac{x}{y}}dxdy[/itex]
This is not a correct "reversal". In the original integral, x ranges from 0 to 1 and, for each x, y ranges from x up to 1. That is, it is the triangle above the line y= x. Reversing the order of integration, y goes from 0 to 1 and then, for each y, x goes from 0 to y. The integral is
[tex]\int_0^1\int_0^y e^{\frac{x}{y}}dxdy[/tex]

=[itex]\int_0^1[ye^\frac{x}{y}]_y^1dy[/itex]

=[itex]\int_0^1ye^\frac{1}{y}-ye^1dy[/itex]

But I can't integrate [itex]ye^\frac{1}{y}[/itex]

So either I've done something wrong when changing the order of integration or something else but I can't see how to go on from here.

Thanks,
Chris.
 
  • #10
cholyoake said:
Oh of course, thank you very much for your help.

Please note that I just realized there is an error in my post. The first integral ([itex]\int_0^1\int_0^xe^\frac{x}{y}dydx[/itex]) should not be there as it defines the region below the line y = x (i.e. y ≤ x). So the only correct reversal is [itex]\int_0^1\int_0^ye^\frac{x}{y}dxdy[/itex], as HallsofIvy pointed out.
 

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