Solving Integral \int_{a}^{b}\frac{e^{x}x^{4}}{e^{x}-1}dx

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In summary, an integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the area under a curve on a graph. The process for solving an integral involves finding an antiderivative of the given function and evaluating it at the upper and lower limits. To solve an integral with a variable in the exponent, the substitution method can be used. Technology such as software programs and online calculators can also be used to solve integrals. To ensure correct solutions, the derivative of the solution can be taken and compared to the original function.
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\(\displaystyle \int_{a}^{b}\frac{e^{x}x^{4}}{e^{x}-1}\text{dx}\)

where \(\displaystyle a\) and \(\displaystyle b\) are Real Numbers.
 
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This is not a complete solution

I am going to add the restrictions $b>a>0$ and $x$ instead of $x^4$

$$\int^b_a \frac{x e^{x}}{e^{x}-1}\,dx = \int^b_a x \,dx+\int^b_a \frac{x}{e^{x}-1}\,dx = \frac{b^2-a^{2}}{2}+ I(a,b)$$

Now for that integral we can rewrite it as

$$I(a,b)=\int^b_0 \frac{x}{e^x-1}\,dx-\int^a_0\frac{x}{e^x-1}\,dx$$

Now let us look at the following

$$I(a) = \int^a_0 \frac{x}{e^x-1}\,dx= \int^a_0xe^{-x} \sum_{n\geq 0}e^{-nx} = \sum_{n\geq 0}\int^a_0 xe^{-x(n+1)}\,dx$$

$$=\sum_{n\geq 0}\frac{1}{(n+1)^2}-\frac{e^{-(n+1) a}}{(n+1)^2} -\frac{ae^{-(n+1) a}}{(n+1)} = \zeta(2)+a\log(1-e^{-a})-\mathrm{Li}_2(e^{-a})$$

Let us take $a \to \infty$

$$\int^\infty_0 \frac{x}{e^{x}-1}= \zeta(2)+\lim_{a \to \infty}a\log(1-e^{-a})-\mathrm{Li}_2(0)=\frac{\pi^2}{6}$$

Hence

$$I(a,b)= b\log(1-e^{-b})-a\log(1-e^{-a})+\mathrm{Li}_2(e^{-a}) -\mathrm{Li}_2(e^{-b})$$

The method could be generalized for

$$\int^b_a \frac{x^{n}e^{x}}{e^{x}-1}\,dx$$
 

FAQ: Solving Integral \int_{a}^{b}\frac{e^{x}x^{4}}{e^{x}-1}dx

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to calculate the total value of a function over a given interval.

What is the process for solving an integral?

The process for solving an integral involves finding an antiderivative of the given function, which is a function whose derivative is equal to the given function. This is then evaluated at the upper and lower limits of the integral to determine the final value.

How do you solve an integral with a variable in the exponent?

To solve an integral with a variable in the exponent, you can use the substitution method. This involves substituting the variable in the exponent with a new variable, solving the resulting integral, and then substituting back in the original variable at the end.

Can you use technology to solve integrals?

Yes, there are many software programs and online calculators that can solve integrals. However, it is still important to understand the basic principles and methods for solving integrals.

How do you know if you have solved an integral correctly?

You can check if you have solved an integral correctly by taking the derivative of your solution. If it matches the original function, then you have solved the integral correctly.

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