Solve Improper Integration: Integrand Convergence

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    Integration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence or divergence of the improper integral \(\int^{\infty}_{1}\frac{e^x}{x}dx\). Participants explore methods to determine the behavior of the integrand, particularly through the limit comparison test and the selection of appropriate comparison functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in selecting a suitable function \(g(x)\) for the limit comparison test, noting that finding a function to cancel out \(e^x\) seems arbitrary.
  • Another participant suggests using the inequality \(e^x \geq x\) for \(x \geq 1\) as a potential approach.
  • A participant points out that \(e^x\) is greater than 1 for all positive values of \(x\) above 1, implying divergence.
  • One participant acknowledges knowing that \(e^x > x\) when \(x > 1\) and states that the integral is divergent, but emphasizes the need to prove this using the comparison test.
  • Another participant proposes comparing the integral to \(g(x) = 1\) as a simpler option.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant found a solution by choosing \(g(x) = \frac{e^x}{e^x + 1}\), stating that this function is smaller than \(f(x)\) and also diverges, thus concluding that \(f(x)\) is divergent as well.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the selection of comparison functions and methods for proving divergence. While some agree on the divergence of the integral, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach to demonstrate this using the comparison test.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in their approaches, such as the difficulty in integrating certain functions and the reliance on inequalities. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding regarding the application of the comparison test.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals studying improper integrals, particularly those interested in convergence tests and comparison methods in calculus.

Redoctober
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Help :@ !

the question states that

\int^{\infty}_{1}\frac{e^x}{x}.dx

Determine whether the integrand is convergent or divergent ??

It tried using the limit comparison test but i fail to select a g(x) to compare it with this

i chose
g(x) = \frac{e^x}{x +1}

but this hard to integrate too :S !
I can't find any other function to compare with cause i need to cancel out the e^x

this seek for functions to compare the integral seem more like luck factor dependent lol !
 
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Try to use that e^x >= x when x >= 1.
 
Well, isn't e^x greater than 1 for ALL positive values for x above x=1?
 
I do know that e^x > than x when x>1 thus i know that the integral is divergent . but the question is asking me to prove it via the comparison test

\lim_{x \to \infty } \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}
 
Compare it to g(x)=1, then.
 
Its alright i found out the solution

It turns out, because f(x) is divergent , i shall choose a smaller function g(x) but diverge too

i chose

g(x) = \frac{e^x}{e^x + 1}

\int^{\infty}_{1} \frac{e^x}{e^x + 1}.dx

the integral is easy to calculate . It will give infinity .

Because the g(x) < f(x) and g(x) integral is divergent , thus f(x) integral is divergant too :D !
 

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