I Solving Riemann Sum Problem: Integral of x^x

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the integral of x^x from 0 to 1, specifically the use of Riemann sums to evaluate it. The initial conclusion reached was that the integral equals zero, which is incorrect. Participants highlight that the limit of each fraction in the Riemann sum approaches zero, but this does not account for the total number of terms added. It is noted that Riemann sums can be complex and may not yield straightforward results for non-polynomial functions, suggesting the need for alternative methods. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment of the challenges in finding a closed form for the integral.
MAGNIBORO
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Hi.
I try to solve the integral $$\int_{0}^{1} x^{x} dx$$
Through sums of riemann But I came to the conclusion that the result is 0 that is wrong
$$\int_{0}^{1} x^{x} dx = \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty }\frac{1}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n} \left ( \frac{k}{n} \right )^{\frac{k}{n}}$$
$$= \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty }\frac{\frac{1}{n}^{\frac{1}{n}}}{n} + \frac{\frac{2}{n}^{\frac{2}{n}}}{n} + ... +\frac{\frac{n-1}{n}^{\frac{n-1}{n}}}{n} + \frac{1}{n}=0$$
$$\int_{0}^{1} x^{x} dx = 0 $$

I'm sure the mistake is expand the ##\frac{1}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n} \left ( \frac{k}{n} \right )^{\frac{k}{n}}##

because in some easy integrals like ##\int_{0}^{1} x dx## if you expand the ##\frac{1}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n} \left ( \frac{k}{n} \right )## you get
$$= \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty } \frac{1}{n^{2}}+\frac{2}{n^{2}}+...+\frac{n-1}{n^{2}}+\frac{1}{n} = 0$$
Instead of finding a "closed" formula like:
$$= \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty } \frac{n(n+1)}{2\, n^{2}}=\frac{1}{2}$$
so If I can not find a formula like ## \frac{n(n+1)}{2}## for ## \sum_{k=1}^{n} \left ( \frac{k}{n} \right )^{\frac{k}{n}}##
the limit of the riemman sum is wrong?
 
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Where does the first "=0" come from? The limit of each fraction is 0, but you add more terms in each step, you cannot simply look at the limits of each fraction.

The limit is wrong, but the problem is not the lack of a general formula for the sum.
 
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mfb said:
Where does the first "=0" come from? The limit of each fraction is 0, but you add more terms in each step, you cannot simply look at the limits of each fraction.

The limit is wrong, but the problem is not the lack of a general formula for the sum.

Ok then what is the correct way to solve the problem?
Because in simple cases as in polynomials it is enough Arrive at a formula to resolve the limit.
in more complex function is "easy" to solve the problem Through riemann sums or is very difficult?
Maybe I have to change the method?
 
What makes you think there is a nice closed form for the solution?
In general Riemann sums are not easy to evaluate. For polynomials they work, but even there they are not the easiest approach.
 
According to wolframalpha, the series diverges!
 
mfb said:
What makes you think there is a nice closed form for the solution?
In general Riemann sums are not easy to evaluate. For polynomials they work, but even there they are not the easiest approach.
well I suspected it but as the sum of riemann is the definition of integral I thought they might be useful for something other than polynomials
so Then I'll try another approach. thanks
ShayanJ said:
According to wolframalpha, the series diverges!
I believe you but wolframalpha hates me
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/...rmassumption={"C",+"limit"}+->+{"Calculator"}
Stephen Tashi said:
I already knew the result but wanted to get it myself And as it is a sum I thought that the sums of riemann or the series of taylor would be a good approximation
 
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