Solve Integral w/ Log: $$\int_{5}^{\infty}\frac{1}{t^r\log t}dt$$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the improper integral $$\int_{5}^{\infty}\frac{1}{\log(t)t^{r}}dt$$ for values of $r \geq 2$. Participants explore various methods of integration, including substitutions and the use of the exponential integral function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using integration by parts to evaluate the integral.
  • One participant suggests a substitution of $\log(t) = x$, leading to a transformed integral involving the exponential integral function, $$E_1\left(\log(5)(r-1) \right)$$.
  • Another participant notes that the integral cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions after the substitution.
  • There is a discussion about the clarity of variable naming in substitutions, with one participant expressing concern about using "t" as a variable after it has already been defined in the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of using substitutions and the exponential integral, but there is no consensus on the best method or the clarity of variable usage in the substitutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of expressing the integral in elementary terms and the potential confusion arising from variable naming conventions in substitutions.

Bibubo
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How can I solve (or evaluating) this integral $$\int_{5}^{\infty}\frac{1}{\log\left(t\right)t^{r}}dt$$ with $r\geq 2$?
 
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Bibubo said:
How can I solve (or evaluating) this integral $$\int_{5}^{\infty}\frac{1}{\log\left(t\right)t^{r}}dt$$ with $r\geq 2$?

I would expect you need to use integration by parts...
 
$$\int^\infty_5 \frac{1}{\log(t)\,t^r}\,dt$$

Let $\log(t) = x \implies \,t=e^x \,\,\,\,;dt=e^x \,dx$

$$\int^\infty_{\log(5)} \frac{e^{-x(r-1)}}{x}\,dt$$

Let $z= x(r-1) \,\, \implies dz = r-1\,dz$

$$\int^\infty_{\log(5)(r-1)} \frac{e^{-z}}{z}\,dz = E_1\left(\log(5)(r-1) \right)$$

Where the exponential integral is defined

$$E_n(x) = \int^\infty_1 \frac{e^{-xt}}{t^n}\,dt$$
 
Last edited:
Bibubo said:
How can I solve (or evaluating) this integral $$\int_{5}^{\infty}\frac{1}{\log\left(t\right)t^{r}}dt$$ with $r\geq 2$?
The substitution $x = (r-1)\log t$ transforms this into the exponential integral $$\int_{(r-1)\log 5}^\infty \frac{e^{-x}}xdx$$, which cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions.

Edit. Sorry, didn't see ZaidAlyafey's comment.
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$\int^\infty_5 \frac{1}{\log(t)\,t^r}\,dt$$

Let $\log(t) = x \implies \,t=e^x \,\,\,\,;dt=e^x \,dx$

$$\int^\infty_{\log(5)} \frac{e^{-x(r-1)}}{x}\,dt$$

Let $t= x(r-1) \,\, \implies dt = r-1\,dx$

$$\int^\infty_{\log(5)(r-1)} \frac{e^{-t}}{t}\,dt = E_1\left(\log(5)(r-1) \right)$$

Where the exponential integral is defined

$$E_n(x) = \int^\infty_1 \frac{e^{-xt}}{t^n}\,dt$$
Fantastic, I couldn't have come close. But as a general rule I wouldn't have used "t" as the integration variable in the second substitution. I know it's just a dummy variable but as we've already used it in the problem I find it to a point of potential confusion.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Fantastic, I couldn't have come close. But as a general rule I wouldn't have used "t" as the integration variable in the second substitution. I know it's just a dummy variable but as we've already used it in the problem I find it to a point of potential confusion.

-Dan

Thanks. I edited my post , I was already thinking about that :)
 

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