W.8.8.19 Integration of 2 to \infty

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the evaluation of the improper integral $$I_{19} = \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{\cos\left({\pi/x}\right)}{{x}^{2}}\,dx$$. Participants explore methods for breaking down the integral, including substitutions and limit processes, while considering the behavior of the integrand as the variable approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about how to approach the integral, noting that the denominator seems to grow faster than the numerator.
  • One participant suggests rewriting the integral using limits and a substitution, proposing $$I=\lim_{t\to\infty}\left(\int_2^t \frac{\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{x}\right)}{x^2}\,dx\right)$$ and later changing the variable to $$u=\frac{1}{x}$$.
  • Another participant questions the limits after substitution, indicating that they would change to $$I=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\int_t^{\frac{1}{2}} \cos(\pi u)\,du\right)$$.
  • There is a calculation presented for the integral $$\int_0^\frac{1}{2} \cos\left({\pi}u\right)\, du$$, leading to a result of $$\frac{1}{{\pi}}$$, but uncertainty remains about whether this is the final limit.
  • One participant confirms that the integral is indeed an improper integral, defining it as one that has infinite limits or an integrand that approaches infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the evaluation of the integral, with multiple approaches and uncertainties expressed throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved steps in the integration process, particularly regarding the behavior of the integral as limits are taken, and the implications of the substitution made.

karush
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$\tiny{w.8.8.19}$
$\textsf{Integration of $2$ to $\infty$}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{19} = \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{\cos\left({\pi/x}\right)}{{x}^{2}}\,dx $$

$\textit{Not sure how to break this down but it appears the denominator will advance faster than the numerator}$
 
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karush said:
$\tiny{w.8.8.19}$
$\textsf{Integration of $2$ to $\infty$}$
$$\displaystyle
I_{19} = \int_{2}^{\infty} \frac{\cos\left({\pi/x}\right)}{{x}^{2}}\,dx $$

$\textit{Not sure how to break this down but it appears the denominator will advance faster than the numerator}$

I would begin by writing:

$$I=\lim_{t\to\infty}\left(\int_2^t \frac{\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{x}\right)}{x^2}\,dx\right)$$

Next, I would use the substitution:

$$u=\frac{1}{x}\implies du=-\frac{1}{x^2}\,dx$$

What does our expression for $I$ look like now?
 
MarkFL said:
I would begin by writing:

$$I=\lim_{t\to\infty}\left(\int_2^t \frac{\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{x}\right)}{x^2}\,dx\right)$$

Next, I would use the substitution:

$$u=\frac{1}{x}\implies du=-\frac{1}{x^2}\,dx$$

What does our expression for $I$ look like now?

$\displaystyle I=\lim_{t\to\infty} \left(\int_2^t \cos(\pi u) \,du \right)$

I think this is it?
ok why the $t$ and $u$
 
karush said:
$\displaystyle I=\lim_{t\to\infty} \left(\int_2^t \cos(\pi u) \,du \right)$

I think this is it?
ok why the $t$ and $u$

We need to change the limits as well in accordance with the substitution, so we would have:

$$I=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\int_t^{\frac{1}{2}} \cos(\pi u)\,du\right)$$

What do we get when we integrate within the limit?
 
MarkFL said:
We need to change the limits as well in accordance with the substitution, so we would have:

$$I=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\int_t^{\frac{1}{2}} \cos(\pi u)\,du\right)$$

What do we get when we integrate within the limit?

well this part would be ...
$\displaystyle\int_0^\frac{1}{2} \cos\left({\pi}u\right)\, du
= \dfrac{\sin\left({\pi}u\right)}{{\pi}}
= \dfrac{1}{{\pi}} $
but would that be the limit also?
 
karush said:
well this part would be ...
$\displaystyle\int_0^\frac{1}{2} \cos\left({\pi}u\right)\, du
= \dfrac{\sin\left({\pi}u\right)}{{\pi}}
= \dfrac{1}{{\pi}} $
but would that be the limit also?

Yes, I think the way I would handle it is:

$$I=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\int_t^{\frac{1}{2}} \cos(\pi u)\,du\right)=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\frac{1}{\pi}\int_t^{\frac{1}{2}} \cos(\pi u)\,\pi\cdot du\right)=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\frac{1}{\pi}\left[\sin(\pi u)\right]_t^{\frac{1}{2}}\right)=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\frac{1}{\pi}\left(\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)-\sin(t)\right)\right)=\lim_{t\to0}\left(\frac{1}{\pi}\left(1-\sin(t)\right)\right)=\frac{1}{\pi}$$
 
is this known as a Improper Integral?
 
karush said:
is this known as a Improper Integral?

Yes. An improper integral is a definite integral that has either or both limits infinite or an integrand that approaches infinity at one or more points in the range of integration. :D
 

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