Example 30 __
Determine whether or not converges.
SOLUTION: Although there is no elementary function whose derivative is e−x^2 ,
we can still show that the given improper integral converges. Note, first, that if x
1 then x^2 x, so that −x^2 −x and e−x
2
e−x. Furthermore,
.
Since converges and converges by the Comparison
Test.
Example 31 __
Show that converges.
SOLUTION: ;
we will use the Comparison Test to show that both of these integrals converge.
Since if , it follows that
.
We know that converges; hence must converge. Further, if x 1
then x + x^4 x^4 and , so .
We know that converges, hence also converges.
Thus the given integral, , converges.
NOTE: Examples 32 and 33 involve finding the volumes of solids. Both lead to
improper integrals.
BC ONLY