Answer : The function ln x has a vertical asymptote at x = 0 because

lim ln x = −∞. Hence:

x→0+
∫ 1 ∫ 1
ln xdx = lim ln xdx
+
t→0
0 t
= lim [x ln x − x]t1
t→0+
= lim {(1 ln 1 − 1) − (t ln t − t)}
t→
+
0
= lim {t − 1 − t ln t} ( lim t ln t = 0)
t→0+ t→0+

= −1 .

1.10.1. Comparison Test for Improper Integrals. Suppose f

and g are continuous functions such that f (x) ≥ g(x) ≥ 0 for x ≥ 0.
∫ ∞ ∫ ∞
∞ (1) If f (x) dx if convergent thena g(x) dx is convergent.
(2) If g(x) dx
a if divergent then ∞
f (x) dx is
∫ a ∫
divergent.
a
A similar statement holds for type 2 integrals.
∫
Example: Prove that ∞ e−x2 dx is convergent.
0
Answer : We have:
∫ ∞ ∫ 1 ∫ ∞
− x2 − x2 2
e dx e dx e −x dx
0 = 0 + 1 .
The first integral on the right hand side is an ordinary definite integral
so we only need to show that the second integral is convergent. In fact,
for x ≥ 1 we have x2 ≥ x, so e−x2 ≤ e−x. On the other hand:
∫ t− Σ − Σt − −
x
e x dx = t 1
1 −e = −e +e ,
hence 1
 . Σ
∫ ∞ e−x dx = lim −e−t + e−1 = e−1 ,
1.7. PARTIAL
t→ FRACTIONS 2
1
∞
∫ ∞1 1
∫ ∞
e−x dx is convergent.
so is convergent, QED. Hence, by the comparison theorem e−x2 dx