3.1: Improper Integrals
- Page ID
- 494
An improper integral is the limit of a definite integral as an endpoint of the interval(s) of integration approaches either a specified real number or \({\displaystyle \infty }\) or \({\displaystyle -\infty }\) or, in some cases, as both endpoints approach limits. Such an integral is often written symbolically just like a standard definite integral, in some cases with infinity as a limit of integration.
Definition: Improper Integrals
If \(f(x)\) is continuous on \(\left(a,b\right]\) and not continuous at \(x = a\), then we define the improper integral:
\[ \int _a^b f(x)\, dx = \lim_{m \rightarrow a^+} \int_m^b f(x)\, dx \]
Example 1
\[\begin{align} \int_0^1\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx &= \lim_{m\to{1^-}} \int_0^m \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}dx \\ &= \left( \lim_{m\to1^-} \sin^{-1}x\right]_0^m \\ &= \lim_{m{\to}1^-} (\sin^{-1}m-\sin^{-1}0) \\&=\dfrac{\pi}{2}. \end{align}\]
Improper Integrals Involving Infinity
We define the improper integral with an infinity as a one of the limits.
Definition: Improper Integrals Involving Infinity
If \(f(x)\) is continuous on \(\left(a,b\right]\) and not continuous at \(x = a\), then we define
\[ \int _a^\infty f(x)\, dx = \lim_{m \rightarrow \infty} \int_a^m f(x)\, dx. \]
Example 2
\[\begin{align} \int_{1}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{x^2} dx &= \lim_{m\to\infty} \int_{1}^{m} \dfrac{1}{x^2} dx \\ &= \lim_{m\to\infty}\left( -\dfrac{1}{x}\right]_1^m \\ &= \lim_{m\to\infty}\big[-\dfrac{1}{m}+1\big] \\ &=1. \end{align}\]
Exercises
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\[\int_{0}^{\infty}xe^{-x} dx\]
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\[\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{1+x^2} dx\]
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\[\int_{0}^{\infty} \sin x dx\]
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Determine for which values of \(p\) the integral \( \int _1^m \dfrac{1}{x^p}dx\) is defined.
- Use the formula for arc length to show that the circumference of the semi-circle, \( y=\sqrt{r^2-x^2} \) is \( \pi \, r \).
Vertical Asymptotes
Definition
Let \(f(x)\) have a vertical asymptote at \(x = c\). Then
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\[ \int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = \lim_{m\to{c^-}}\int_{a}^{m} f(x) dx \]
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\[ \int_{c}^{a} f(x) dx =\lim_{m\to{c^+}}\int_{m}^{a} f(x) dx \]
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\[\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = \lim_{m\to{c^-}} \int_{a}^{m} f(x)dx = \lim_{M\to{c^+}} \int_{M}^{b}f(x) dx. \]
Example 3
Evaluate
\[ \int _0^1 \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}} \, dx.\]
Solution
\[\begin{align} \int_{0}^{1}\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}} dx &= \lim_{m\to{0^-}}\int_{m}^{1}\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}} dx \\ &= \lim_{m\to{0^-}}\left(2\sqrt{x}\right]_m^1 \\ &=\lim_{m\to{0^-}}(2-2\sqrt{m}) \\ &= 2. \end{align}\]
Larry Green (Lake Tahoe Community College)
Integrated by Justin Marshall.