I Why Does an Integrand Equaling Zero at x=1 Not Determine the Integral's Value?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hornbein
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the evaluation of an integral where the integrand equals zero at x=1. Despite the integrand being zero, substituting x=1 into the series results in a value greater than one, raising questions about the integral's value. Participants clarify that the behavior of the integrand at a single point does not determine the integral's overall value, especially since the series is not defined at that point. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of integrals and series, particularly regarding points of discontinuity. Ultimately, the integrand's value at x=1 does not provide conclusive information about the integral itself.
Hornbein
Gold Member
Messages
3,508
Reaction score
2,886
I'm trying to calculate the volume of a truncated hypersphere. As part of it I want this integral.
Integral.jpg

hypergeometric.jpg


Clearly when x=1 the integrand is zero. But plugging this into the series give me a number greater than one. It is true that the series is not defined for x=1, but subtracting some tiny sum isn't going to make any difference.

I hope I'm missing something obvious.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I made a mistake in my previous post ( deleted it ).

$$
\begin{align}
\int (1-x^2)^n ~dx &= \int (-x^2+1)^n ~dx \nonumber\\
&=\int \sum_{k=0}^n \binom {n}{k} (-x^2)^k1^{n-k}~dx \nonumber\\
&=\sum_{k=0}^n (-1)^k \binom {n}{k} \int x^{2k}~dx \nonumber\\
&=\sum_{k=0}^n (-1)^k \frac { n!}{k!(n-k)!} \cdot \frac {x^{2k+1}}{2k+1} \nonumber\\
\end{align}
$$
 
Last edited:
Hornbein said:
Clearly when x=1 the integrand is zero. But plugging this into the series give me a number greater than one. It is true that the series is not defined for x=1, but subtracting some tiny sum isn't going to make any difference.

I hope I'm missing something obvious.

Why would the integrand being zero at x = 1 tell you anything about the value of the integral?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K