Why is it that this integral equals zero as the limits go to infinity?

In summary, as the limits of integration approach infinity, the area under the curve becomes infinite but is balanced out by the infinitely small intervals, resulting in a net value of zero. This can still occur even if the values at the limits are non-zero, as they may cancel each other out. The type of curve being integrated does not affect this concept, although there are some exceptions where the integral may not equal zero. The result of an integral equaling zero as the limits approach infinity can be used to determine convergence or divergence of a series, but there are other tests that can also be used.
  • #1
jack5322
59
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x^s/s integrated on the semicircular contour with radius R and center c>0, where x>1, s is the complex variable, and R is meant to go to infinity. please help.
 
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  • #2
do you mean Im(c)>0 ? usually this example is supposed to illustrate the need to indent the contour to get around singularities on the real axis
 
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FAQ: Why is it that this integral equals zero as the limits go to infinity?

Why does an integral equal zero as the limits go to infinity?

This is because as the limits of integration approach infinity, the area under the curve becomes infinite. However, this infinity is balanced out by the infinitely small intervals of integration, resulting in a net value of zero.

Can an integral with non-zero values at the limits still equal zero as they go to infinity?

Yes, it is possible for an integral to have non-zero values at the limits but still equal zero as the limits approach infinity. This is because the values at the limits may cancel each other out, resulting in a net value of zero.

Does the type of curve being integrated affect the result of the integral equaling zero as the limits go to infinity?

No, the type of curve being integrated does not affect the result of the integral equaling zero as the limits approach infinity. This is because the concept of infinitely small intervals and balancing out of infinity still applies regardless of the shape of the curve.

Are there any exceptions to the rule of an integral equaling zero as the limits go to infinity?

Yes, there are some cases where the integral may not equal zero as the limits approach infinity. This can happen if the function being integrated is not continuous or if the limits of integration are not finite.

Can the result of an integral equaling zero as the limits go to infinity be used to determine convergence or divergence of a series?

Yes, the result of an integral equaling zero as the limits approach infinity can be used to determine convergence or divergence of a series. This is because the integral test uses the concept of the integral equaling zero to determine the convergence or divergence of series. However, this is not the only method and there are other tests that can be used as well.

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