Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the two integrals (a) ∫[2, ∞] x^(-3) dx and (b) ∫[-∞, ∞] x^(-3) dx.

Solution

The image contains two integration problems from an in-class activity labeled "In-Class Act 15" for a course called "Math 2045-07."

The two integrals are as follows:

(a)
2x3dx\int_{2}^{\infty} x^{-3} \, dx

(b)
x3dx\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^{-3} \, dx

Let's solve these integrals.

Problem (a):

2x3dx\int_{2}^{\infty} x^{-3} \, dx

To solve this, we integrate x3x^{-3}:

  1. x3x^{-3} can be rewritten as xnx^{-n} where n=3n = 3. The integral of xnx^{-n} is: xndx=xn+1n+1=x22\int x^{-n} \, dx = \frac{x^{-n+1}}{-n+1} = \frac{x^{-2}}{-2}

  2. Apply the limits 22 to \infty: [12x2]2\left[ \frac{-1}{2x^2} \right]_{2}^{\infty}

At x=x = \infty, 1x2\frac{1}{x^2} tends to 0. So: 12()2=0\frac{-1}{2(\infty)^2} = 0

At x=2x = 2: 12(22)=18\frac{-1}{2(2^2)} = \frac{-1}{8}

Thus, the result is: 0(18)=180 - \left( \frac{-1}{8} \right) = \frac{1}{8}

So, the answer to part (a) is 18\frac{1}{8}.

Problem (b):

x3dx\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^{-3} \, dx

For this integral, notice that the function x3x^{-3} is not defined at x=0x = 0, and the integral from -\infty to \infty is improper. When attempting to split this integral, the portion near 0 diverges. Specifically:

  1. For x>0x > 0, the integral converges, similar to part (a).
  2. For x<0x < 0, the behavior is symmetric but opposite, and x3x^{-3} behaves similarly. However, when the integrand is extended to 0, the integral does not converge because of the vertical asymptote at x=0x = 0.

Thus, the integral diverges due to the singularity at x=0x = 0.

Would you like further details on any of these steps?

Here are five related questions to expand the topic:

  1. How do you determine whether an improper integral converges or diverges?
  2. What methods can be used to evaluate integrals over infinite limits?
  3. How do singularities affect the evaluation of integrals?
  4. What is the difference between divergent and convergent improper integrals?
  5. How does the comparison test work for improper integrals?

Tip: Always check the behavior of an integrand at points of discontinuity or infinity when dealing with improper integrals!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Improper Integrals

Formulas

∫ x^(-n) dx = x^(-n+1)/(-n+1) for n ≠ 1
Evaluation of limits for improper integrals

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Convergence and Divergence of Improper Integrals

Suitable Grade Level

College-level Calculus