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Improper integrals
Integrals to infinity or across a singularity, defined as limits.
∫₁^∞ 1/x² dx is a limit of ∫₁^b as b → ∞, and it converges to 1; the same integral of 1/x diverges. The boundary between the two, p = 1, is the same boundary as for the p-series. The integral test is exactly this correspondence.
Worked example · integrate 1/x^2 dx from 1 to oo
Step by step
- \int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^{2}}\, dx
First find an antiderivative F, then evaluate F(b) − F(a).
- \int \frac{1}{x^{2}}\, dx = - \frac{1}{x}
Power rule: ∫xⁿ dx = xⁿ⁺¹/(n+1) (n ≠ −1).
- F(\infty) - F(1) = \left(0\right) - \left(-1\right)
Fundamental theorem of calculus: plug in the limits.
- = 1
Simplify.
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How to: Improper integrals
- First find an antiderivative F, then evaluate F(b) − F(a).
- Power rule: ∫xⁿ dx = xⁿ⁺¹/(n+1) (n ≠ −1).
- Fundamental theorem of calculus: plug in the limits.
- Simplify.
Questions people ask
What is the ε, δ definition actually saying?
That you can make the output as close to the limit as anyone demands (within ε) by keeping the input close enough (within δ). It replaces "approaches" with a challenge-and-response that can be checked.
Why does the harmonic series diverge when its terms go to zero?
Because the terms shrink too slowly: group them as 1/3 + 1/4 > 1/2, 1/5 + … + 1/8 > 1/2, and so on: infinitely many halves.
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