Convergence/Divergence of an Integral

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In summary, the integral \int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt may be determined to be divergent by breaking it up into two separate integrals, \int_0^1 t^{-2} dt and \int_1^{\infty} e^t dt, and evaluating each individually. Since \int_1^{\infty} e^t dt diverges and \int_0^1 t^{-2} dt is equal to -1, the integral \int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt also diverges. The comparison test can also be used to show that et>t^2 for large t, leading to
  • #1
VitaX
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Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

[itex]\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt[/itex]

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?
 
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  • #2
VitaX said:
Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

[itex]\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt[/itex]

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?

You can apply several tests. If you take integral calculus... you use the comparsion test.. testing the bounds or evaluating a similar function via comparsion, test. You should find whether or not these converges.
 
  • #3
VitaX said:
Determine whether the integral converges or diverges:

[itex]\int_0^{\infty}(t^{-2}e^t) dt[/itex]

What would be the first step here in determining convergence or divergence?

Try determining convergence or divergence of
[itex]\int_0^{1}t^{-2} dt[/itex]
and
[itex]\int_1^{\infty}e^t dt[/itex]
then deduce the convergence by comparison or otherwise of
[itex]\int_0^{\infty}t^{-2}e^t dt[/itex]
 
  • #4
My method is that I draw a rough sketch of function.If f(t)→ 0 while t→∞,then we can say that integral is convergent as integral is area under the curve.
 
  • #5
^That does not work. Convergence can depend upon behavior at points other than infinity and even when behavior at infinity is conclusive the function going to zero is not strong enough consider f(t)=1/t.
 
  • #6
lurflurf said:
Try determining convergence or divergence of
[itex]\int_0^{1}t^{-2} dt[/itex]
and
[itex]\int_1^{\infty}e^t dt[/itex]
then deduce the convergence by comparison or otherwise of
[itex]\int_0^{\infty}t^{-2}e^t dt[/itex]

So if both have no limit and diverge, then by comparison test the whole integrand diverges?

Edit: Just noticed you have the limits a little different. How did you determine the limits to be those when evaluating them separately?

I get [itex]\int_0^1 t^{-2} dt = -1[/itex]

And [itex]\int_1^{\infty} e^t dt = \infty[/itex]

What would I determine from these exactly?
 
Last edited:
  • #7
The limits can be broken up to study the convergence of each region. So if any part does not converge the integral cannot. Show et>t2 for large t to conclude et/t2>1 and thus diverges.
 

FAQ: Convergence/Divergence of an Integral

What is the concept of convergence/divergence of an integral?

The concept of convergence/divergence of an integral refers to whether or not the value of an integral approaches a finite number or diverges to infinity as the limits of integration approach a certain point.

How do you determine if an integral converges or diverges?

To determine if an integral converges or diverges, various techniques such as the comparison test, limit comparison test, and integral test can be used. These tests involve comparing the given integral to known convergent or divergent integrals and evaluating the limit of the integrand as the limits of integration approach a certain point.

What is the significance of the convergence/divergence of an integral?

The convergence/divergence of an integral is important in determining the behavior and properties of functions. It also helps in solving various mathematical problems and evaluating the accuracy of numerical approximations.

Can an integral converge at one limit and diverge at another?

Yes, an integral can converge at one limit and diverge at another. This is known as conditional convergence. In such cases, the integral has a convergent value only when certain conditions are met, otherwise it diverges.

What are some real-world applications of the concept of convergence/divergence of an integral?

The concept of convergence/divergence of an integral is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. It is used to solve problems involving areas, volumes, and rates of change, as well as in the analysis of data and modeling of real-world phenomena.

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