Convergence of improper integrals with parameters

In summary, the conversation discusses a specific integral and its convergence for various values of t1 and t2. The speaker mentions their difficulty in finding the correct answer and asks about tools for testing convergence. They also mention tests for uniform convergence and a change of variable that makes the integral clearer. The conversation ends with a discussion about the convergence of the integral for different values of t1 and t2, and the discovery that the full Gamma function is obtained through analytic continuation.
  • #1
hamsterman
74
0
I'm having a lot of trouble with the subject. Here's one example I'd like explained.
[tex]F(t_1, t_2) = \int \limits_0^1 x^{t_1}\ln^{t_2}\frac{1}{x} dx[/tex]
The book asks to find for what [itex]\vec{t}[/itex] F converges. The answer is [itex]\vec{t}\in(-1; \infty)^2[/itex], but I don't see how to get that.

In general, what tools are there to test convergence? The only one I know is that (assuming that only f(b) is undefined) [itex]\int_a^b f[/itex] converges if [itex]\lim \limits_{x \rightarrow b} \int_x^b f = 0[/itex].
Is it safe to assume that if [itex]g \sim f, x \rightarrow b[/itex] and [itex]\int g[/itex] converges then so does [itex]\int f[/itex]?

My book shows some tests for uniform convergence, but that's not exactly the same thing, is it?
 
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  • #2
use the change of variable u=ln(1/x), it becomes much clearer.
 
  • #3
So that's [itex]\int f = \int \limits_0^{\infty}e^{-(t_1+1)u}u^{t_2} \mathrm{d} u[/itex] then.
It seems clear that [itex]\lim \limits_{u \rightarrow 0} f = u^{t_2}[/itex] and f converges at infinity when [itex]e^{-(t_1+1)u}[/itex] does.
However, when t1 = 0, this integral is gamma function of t2+1. It also converges on negative non integers. Why did I not find that? Also, do there exist other values of t1 such that the integral converges for some t2<-1 ?
 
  • #4
hamsterman said:
So that's [itex]\int f = \int \limits_0^{\infty}e^{-(t_1+1)u}u^{t_2} \mathrm{d} u[/itex] then.
It seems clear that [itex]\lim \limits_{u \rightarrow 0} f = u^{t_2}[/itex] and f converges at infinity when [itex]e^{-(t_1+1)u}[/itex] does.
However, when t1 = 0, this integral is gamma function of t2+1. It also converges on negative non integers. Why did I not find that? Also, do there exist other values of t1 such that the integral converges for some t2<-1 ?

According to this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_function
The integral representation of Gamma function is convergent only if t2+1>0. The full Gamma function is obtained by analytic continuation.
 
  • #5
Thanks, that's good to know.
 

FAQ: Convergence of improper integrals with parameters

What is an improper integral with parameters?

An improper integral with parameters is an integral that contains one or more variables as part of the limits of integration or in the integrand. This means that the value of the integral can change depending on the value of the parameter, and the convergence of the integral may also be affected by the parameter.

How do you determine the convergence of an improper integral with parameters?

The convergence of an improper integral with parameters can be determined by evaluating the integral at different values of the parameter and observing the behavior of the integral. If the value of the integral approaches a finite number as the parameter approaches a certain value, then the integral is said to converge at that value. If the value of the integral becomes unbounded or approaches infinity as the parameter approaches a certain value, then the integral is said to diverge at that value.

What are some common types of improper integrals with parameters?

Some common types of improper integrals with parameters include integrals with infinite limits of integration, integrals with oscillatory integrands, and integrals with unbounded integrands. These types of integrals can all be affected by the presence of parameters and may require different techniques for determining their convergence.

Can the convergence of an improper integral with parameters be affected by the value of the parameter?

Yes, the convergence of an improper integral with parameters can be affected by the value of the parameter. In some cases, the parameter may cause the integral to converge or diverge at certain values, while in other cases, the value of the parameter may have no effect on the convergence of the integral.

What are some techniques for evaluating improper integrals with parameters?

Some techniques for evaluating improper integrals with parameters include substitution, integration by parts, and comparison tests. These techniques can be used to simplify the integral or compare it to a known convergent or divergent integral, making it easier to determine the convergence of the original integral.

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