Why is the Limit 0+ Used in the Evaluation of This Improper Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the improper integral \(\int_0^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x\) and the reasoning behind using the limit \(0+\) in this context. Participants explore the implications of choosing \(0+\) versus \(0-\) and the potential issues related to imaginary numbers when substituting values into the square root function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the choice of \(\lim_{\varepsilon \to 0+}\) is to avoid imaginary numbers that could arise from the expression \(2\sqrt{x}\).
  • Another participant asserts that taking the limit is necessary due to the definition of an improper integral, where one limit is a point of unboundedness for the function.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario involving a function that might require a limit approaching \(0-\) and expresses concern about the implications for imaginary numbers when substituting into the square root.
  • It is noted that taking the limit from below would lead to an undefined expression.
  • One participant emphasizes that the function in the integral is defined only for positive real numbers, suggesting that the expression \(\lim_{x\to 0^-}\sqrt{x}\) lacks meaning within the context of real numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of using \(0+\) versus \(0-\). While there is agreement on the necessity of the limit in the context of improper integrals, the potential issues with imaginary numbers and the meaning of limits approaching \(0-\) remain contested.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of applying limits to functions that are not defined for certain values, particularly in relation to the square root function and its domain.

marellasunny
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[tex] \int_0^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x[/tex]
=

[tex] \lim_{\varepsilon \to 0+}\int_\varepsilon^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x[/tex]

My question is about the usage of 0+ in the limit.(I evaluated the integrals and arrived at the part where I substitute upper and lower limits.)
Did the author deliberately choose to use [tex]\lim_{\varepsilon \to 0+}[/tex] instead of 0 or 0- so that any imaginary numbers arising from the expression [tex]2\sqrt{x}[/tex] do not arise?
Or is there any other reason?
Thanks.
 
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marellasunny said:
[tex] \int_0^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x[/tex]
=

[tex] \lim_{\varepsilon \to 0+}\int_\varepsilon^1 \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x[/tex]

My question is about the usage of 0+ in the limit.(I evaluated the integrals and arrived at the part where I substitute upper and lower limits.)
Did the author deliberately choose to use [tex]\lim_{\varepsilon \to 0+}[/tex] instead of 0 or 0- so that any imaginary numbers arising from the [tex]2\sqrt{x}[/tex] do not arise?
Or is there any other reason?
Thanks.


I don't know what author you're talking about, but taking that limit is what has to be done simply by the definition of improper

integral with one of the limits being a point of unboundness for the function...

DonAntonio
 
DonAntonio said:
I don't know what author you're talking about, but taking that limit is what has to be done simply by the definition of improper

integral with one of the limits being a point of unboundness for the function...

DonAntonio

Yes,i understand this case.But,what if I had a case of a function best described by limit->0-?
Will I not have a problem when I substitute 0- into the square root?

I can't exactly describe the function,I mean it for some arbitrary function have variable 'x' under the square root and me having to apply limit->0-.Wont this give rise to a imaginary number?
 
Taking the limit from below would result in the expression being undefined.
 
marellasunny said:
Yes,i understand this case.But,what if I had a case of a function best described by limit->0-?
Will I not have a problem when I substitute 0- into the square root?

I can't exactly describe the function,I mean it for some arbitrary function have variable 'x' under the square root and me having to apply limit->0-.Wont this give rise to a imaginary number?


I'm not completely sure I follow you, but the function in the integral is defined only for positive real numbers: whatever you want

to do with it will have to comply with this restriction. Thus, there is not meaning to the expression
[tex]\lim_{x\to 0^-}\sqrt x[/tex]
as it assumes the existence of the square roots of negative numbers within the real numbers, which is absurd.

DonAntonio
 

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