What is the Correct Answer for the Double Integral of exp(y)/y?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the double integral of the function exp(y)/y over a specified region. Participants explore the integration limits and the implications of their choices on the final result, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of double integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant evaluates the integral and arrives at the result of 2-e, questioning its correctness.
  • Another participant suggests that the bounds of integration might be incorrect, noting that y^2 is less than y for y between 0 and 1, which could lead to a negative result.
  • A third participant points out that reversing the limits of integration would change the sign of the result, potentially leading to e-2 instead of 2-e.
  • A later reply clarifies that the professor intended the limits to be y^2 to y, indicating a mistake in the written bounds that contributed to the confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the evaluated integral and the limits of integration. There is no consensus on the final answer, as the discussion highlights multiple interpretations and potential errors in the setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the integral's bounds may have been miscommunicated, and the implications of reversing limits are discussed. The evaluation of the integral is contingent on these bounds, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

hivesaeed4
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Suppose the question is:

∫∫exp(y)/y dydx

Now the first integral is w.r.t. y and goes from 0 to 1. The second integral is that of x and goes form y to y^2.

I've evaluated it multiple times and it comes out to be 2-e. ( I first integrate the integrand w.r.t. x then w.r.t. y as the other way I believe its not possible). Anyway for some reason 2-e is not the correct answer. Am I doing something wrong?
 
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hivesaeed4 said:
Suppose the question is:

∫∫exp(y)/y dydx

Now the first integral is w.r.t. y and goes from 0 to 1. The second integral is that of x and goes form y to y^2.

I've evaluated it multiple times and it comes out to be 2-e. ( I first integrate the integrand w.r.t. x then w.r.t. y as the other way I believe its not possible). Anyway for some reason 2-e is not the correct answer. Am I doing something wrong?


[itex]\int_0^1\int_y^{y^2} \frac{e^y}{y}\,dxdy=\int_0^1\frac{e^y}{y}(y^2-y)\,dy=\int_0^1 ye^y\,dy-\int_0^1e^y\,dy=ye^y|_0^1-2\int_0^1 e^y\,dy=2-e[/itex]

I may be wrong, but I think that either whoever/whatever is telling you the result is wrong is wrong, or you're not doing the appropriate exercise. Check this.

DonAntonio
 
I'm glad my answer was correct. Thanks DonAntonio.
 
Where did you get the integral? I speculate that you were given a region to integrate over, but you got the bounds wrong.

Notice that 2-e is negative, but your integrand is always positive. This is actually correct for the problem you stated (can you see why?), but it strongly hints at the mistake I'm guessing at.
 
Hurkyl's point is that y^2 is less than y for y between 0 and 1 so that your integral is from the higher number to the lower. It is more common (though not "mathematically" required) for the lower limit to be less than the upper limit. If you are integrating over a region in the plane then that will be necessary. Reversing the limits of integration will change the sign so you would get e- 2 (a positive number) rather than 2- e, a negative number.
 
Turns out that while the professor intended it to be y^2 to y (and so the ans would be e-2) he mistakenly wrote it the other way around. Thanks for clearing the confusion.
 

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