Integral Challenge II: Calculate Int. 2 to 7

In summary, the definite integral \int_{2}^{7} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx without the use of an integral calculator is improper and has a singularity at x=-1. In order for the integral to converge, both \int_{-2}^{-1} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx and \int_{-1}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx must exist. However, upon further analysis, it is determined that the integral does not converge and does not exist. After reevaluating with new limits, the integral \int_{2}^{3} \bigl(-2
  • #1
lfdahl
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Calculate the definite integral\[ \int_{2}^{7} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx \]- without the use of an integral calculator
 
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  • #2
The function has a singularity at x=-1.
 
  • #3
lfdahl said:
Calculate the definite integral\[ \int_{-2}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx \]- without the use of an integral calculator
[sp]The function has a singularity at $x=-1$, where the denominator $1-\sqrt{2+x}$ is zero. So the integral is improper, and it will only converge if each of the two integrals \(\displaystyle \int_{-2}^{-1} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\) and \(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\) exists.

Taking the second of these integrals, \(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\), make the substitution $y = \sqrt{2+x}.$ Then $2+x = y^2$, $dx = 2y\,dy$ and the integral becomes $$\int_1^2 \frac{2y(y^2-2)}{1-y}dy.$$ Since $2y(y^2-2) = (y-1)(2y^2 + 2y - 2) -2,$ the integral is equal to $$\int_1^2\bigl(-2y^2 -2y + 2 - \frac2{1-y}\bigr)dy.$$ The integral of $-2y^2 - 2y + 2$ is elementary. But the integral of $- \frac2{1-y}$ is $2\ln|1-y|$, which diverges as $y \searrow1.$

So the integral does not converge. (More informally, the integral does not exist.)[/sp]
 
  • #4
ZaidAlyafey said:
The function has a singularity at x=-1.

Thankyou, zaidalyafey, for pointing this out. I have chosen new limits for the problem.
 
  • #5
Opalg said:
[sp]The function has a singularity at $x=-1$, where the denominator $1-\sqrt{2+x}$ is zero. So the integral is improper, and it will only converge if each of the two integrals \(\displaystyle \int_{-2}^{-1} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\) and \(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\) exists.

Taking the second of these integrals, \(\displaystyle \int_{-1}^{2} \frac{x}{1-\sqrt{2+x}}\,dx\), make the substitution $y = \sqrt{2+x}.$ Then $2+x = y^2$, $dx = 2y\,dy$ and the integral becomes $$\int_1^2 \frac{2y(y^2-2)}{1-y}dy.$$ Since $2y(y^2-2) = (y-1)(2y^2 + 2y - 2) -2,$ the integral is equal to $$\int_1^2\bigl(-2y^2 -2y + 2 - \frac2{1-y}\bigr)dy.$$ The integral of $-2y^2 - 2y + 2$ is elementary. But the integral of $- \frac2{1-y}$ is $2\ln|1-y|$, which diverges as $y \searrow1.$

So the integral does not converge. (More informally, the integral does not exist.)[/sp]

Thankyou, Opalg, for your clearcut contribution. I am very sorry, that I was not aware of this.
Please cf. also my comment at zaidalyafey. Hopefully, the new limits are OK.
 
  • #6
[sp]With the new limits, $y=2$ when $x=2$ and $y=3$ when $x=9$ (see my comment #3 above), and the integral becomes $$\int_2^3\bigl(-2y^2 -2y + 2 + \frac2{y-1}\bigr)dy = \bigl[-\tfrac23y^3 - y^2 + 2y + 2\ln(y-1)\bigr]_2^3 = -\tfrac{47}3 + 2\ln2.$$[/sp]
 
  • #7
Opalg said:
[sp]With the new limits, $y=2$ when $x=2$ and $y=3$ when $x=9$ (see my comment #3 above), and the integral becomes $$\int_2^3\bigl(-2y^2 -2y + 2 + \frac2{y-1}\bigr)dy = \bigl[-\tfrac23y^3 - y^2 + 2y + 2\ln(y-1)\bigr]_2^3 = -\tfrac{47}3 + 2\ln2.$$[/sp]

Thankyou very much, Opalg, for your correct answer!
I also want to thank Zaidalyafey and Opalg for detecting the troublesome singularity :cool:
 

FAQ: Integral Challenge II: Calculate Int. 2 to 7

What is the purpose of the Integral Challenge II?

The purpose of the Integral Challenge II is to test a scientist's ability to calculate the integral of a function, specifically from 2 to 7. This challenge is meant to assess a scientist's understanding and proficiency in the concept of integration.

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is a fundamental tool in calculus and is used to find the total value or quantity of a function over a specific interval.

How do you calculate an integral?

To calculate an integral, you need to use integration techniques such as the power rule, u-substitution, or integration by parts. These techniques involve breaking down the function into smaller parts and applying specific rules to find the integral. It is also important to properly set up the limits of integration to get an accurate answer.

Why is the Integral Challenge II important for scientists?

The Integral Challenge II is important for scientists because integration is a crucial concept in many scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics. Being able to accurately calculate integrals is essential for solving real-world problems and understanding complex systems in these fields.

What is the significance of calculating Int. 2 to 7?

Calculating Int. 2 to 7 is significant because it represents the area under a curve from x=2 to x=7. This range of integration is commonly used in many real-world applications, making it an important skill for scientists to possess. It also requires a good understanding of integration techniques and proper handling of limits, making it a challenging task for scientists to tackle.

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