Q. 1TB

Question

The  comparison  test: In Section 5.6 we discussed the comparison test for improper integrals.

  • What is the comparison test for improper integrals? 
  • How is the comparison test for improper integrals used to analyze the convergence or divergence of an improper integral?
  • Which improper integrals are used in the comparison test?

Step-by-Step Solution

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Answer

If \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x converges, then \int_a^{\infty} g(x) d x converges.

If \int_a^{\infty} g(x) d x diverges, then \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x diverges.

The limit comparison test and comparison test are used in the comparison test.

1Step 1. Comparison Test for Improper Integrals

Comparison Test for Improper Integrals Let f(x) and g(x) be continuous functions. 

Assume that f(x) \geq g(x) \geq 0 for x \geq a. 

If \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x converges, then \int_a^{\infty} g(x) d x converges.

If \int_a^{\infty} g(x) d x diverges, then \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x diverges.

2Step 2. analyze the convergence or divergence of an improper integral

The improper integral converges if the limit exists and is a finite number. The improper integral diverges if the limit is \pm\infty  or does not exist. 

Suppose f(x) is continuous on the interval [a, b]

 If \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x converges, then \int_b^{\infty} f(x) d x also converges.

 If \int_a^{\infty} f(x) d x diverges, then \int_b^{\infty} f(x) d x also diverges.

3Step 3. Limit comparison test and Comparison test

Limit comparison test: Let b be a real number or b=\infty, let a<b. Let f and g be functions that are continuous on [a, b), let f \geq 0 there. Assume that the limit \lim _{x \rightarrow b^{-}}\left(\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}\right) exists finite, but is not equal to zero. Then the integral \int_a^b f(x) d x converges if and only if the integral \int_a^b g(x) d x converges.

Comparison test: Let b be a real number or b=\infty, let a<b. Let f and g be functions that are continuous on [a, b) and let |f| \leq g on [a, b). If \int_a^b g(x) d x converges, then also \int_a^b f(x) d x converges.