LESSON 13 INTEGRALS WITH DISCONTINUOUS INTEGRANDS

Definition If the function f is continuous on the interval [a, b) and

discontinuous at x b , then
b t
a
f ( x ) dx lim
t b
a
f ( x ) dx .

NOTE: Recall that a definite integral exists if the integrand is continuous on the
closed interval [ a , b ] of integration. Since the integrand f is continuous on the
interval [ a , b ) , then it is continuous on the closed interval [ a , t ] for all
t
a t b . Thus, f ( x ) dx exists for all a t b . Of course, if t a , then
a

since the function f is continuous at t a , then the function f is defined at

a
t a and f ( x ) dx 0 .
a

Definition If the function f is continuous on the interval (a, b] and

discontinuous at x a , then
b b
a
f ( x ) dx lim
t a
t
f ( x ) dx .

Since the integrand f is continuous on the interval ( a , b ] , then it is continuous

b
on the closed interval [ t , b ] for all a t b . Thus, f ( x ) dx exists for all t

a t b . Of course, if t a , then since the function f is continuous at t a ,

a
then the function f is defined at t a and f ( x ) dx 0 . a

b
COMMENT: The integral f ( x ) dx in the definitions above are also called
a

improper integrals because of the integrand has a discontinuity on the closed

interval [ a , b ] . If the limit in the definition exists, we say that the improper
integral converges. If the limit does not exist, then we say that the improper
integral diverges.

Definition If the function f has a discontinuity at x c in the open interval

( a , b ) but is continuous elsewhere in the closed interval [ a , b ] , then

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 r

b c b
a
f ( x ) dx = a
f ( x ) dx + c
f ( x ) dx = lim
r c a
f ( x ) dx +
b
lim
t c
t
f ( x ) dx

provided that both of the improper integrals converge.

Examples Determine whether the following improper integrals converge or

diverge. If the integral converges, then give its value.
8 3x
1. 0 3
64 x 2
dx

3x
NOTE: The integrand of f (x) is continuous on its domain of
3
64 x 2
definition, which is the set of real numbers given by { x : x 8 and x 8} .
The interval of integration is the closed interval [ 0 , 8 ] . Thus, the integrand
has a discontinuity at x 8 , which is the upper limit of integration. Thus,
the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this integral. We
will need to do the following.
8 3x t 3x
0 3
64 x 2
dx = lim
t 8
0 3
64 x 2
dx

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ 0 , t ] for all

0 t 8 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to

these closed intervals.

3x
3
64 x 2
dx

Let u 64 x 2
Then du 2 x dx

3x 3 2x 3 du 3
3
64 x 2
dx = 2 3
64 x 2
dx =
2 3 u =
2 u 1 / 3 du =

3 3 2/3 9
u
2 2
c =
4
( 64 x 2 ) 2 / 3 c

Thus,

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 t
8 3x t 3x 9
0
64 x 2
dx = lim
t 8
0
64 x 2
dx = lim ( 64 x 2 ) 2 / 3
4
=
3 3 t 8 0

9 9
lim [ ( 64 t 2 ) 2 / 3 64 2 / 3 ] = lim [ ( 64 t 2 ) 2 / 3 16 ] =
4 t 8 4 t 8

9

4
( 0 16 ) = 36

Answer: Converges; 36

3/ 2 dy
2. 3
9 y2

1
NOTE: The integrand of f ( y) is continuous on its domain of
9 y2
definition, which is the interval ( 3, 3 ) . The interval of integration is the
3
closed interval 3,
2


. Thus, the integrand has a discontinuity at
y 3, which is the lower limit of integration. Thus, the Fundamental
Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this integral. We will need to do
the following.
3/ 2 dy 3/ 2 dy
3
9 y 2 = lim
t 3
t
9 y2

3
The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals t,
2
for all

3
3 t . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied
2
to these closed intervals.

dy y
9 y2 = sin 1 c
3

Thus,

3/ 2 dy 3/ 2 dy 1 y
3/ 2

3
9 y2 = lim
t 3
t
9 y2 = lim
t 3 sin 3
=
t

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 1 t t
lim sin 1

sin 1
= lim sin 1 =
t 3
2 3 t 3
4 3

3
sin 1 ( 1 ) = =
4 4 2 4

3
Answer: Converges; 4

4 5t 2
3. 6 t 64
3
dt

5t 2
NOTE: The integrand of f (t ) is continuous on its domain of
t 3 64
definition, which is the set of real numbers given by { t : t 4 } . The
interval of integration is the closed interval [ 6 , 4 ] . Thus, the integrand
has a discontinuity at of t 4 , which is the upper limit of integration.
Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this
integral. We will need to do the following.

4 5t 2 r 5t 2
6 t 3 64
dt = lim
r 4 6 t 3 64
dt

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ 6 , r ] for all

6 r 4 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied

to these closed intervals.

5t 2
t 64
3
dt

Let u t 3 64
Then du 3 t 2 dt

5t 2 5 3t 2 5 du 5
t 3 64
dt = 3 t 3 64
dt = 3 u
= 3
ln u c =
5
ln t 3 64 c
3

Thus,

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 r
4 5t 2 r 5t 2 5
= = 3 ln t 64 =
3
dt lim dt lim
6 t 3 64 r 4 6 t 3 64 r 4
6

5
lim ( ln r 3 64 ln 216 64 ) =
3 r 4

5
lim ( ln r 3 64 ln 152 ) =
3 r 4

since lim ln r 3 64
r 4

Answer: Diverges

3 dx
4. 1 x2

1
NOTE: The integrand of f (x) is continuous on its domain of
x2
definition, which is the set of real numbers given by { x : x 0 } . The
interval of integration is the closed interval [ 1, 3 ] . Thus, the integrand
has a discontinuity at x 0 , which is in the interval of integration. Thus,
the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this integral. We
will need to do the following.

3 dx 0 dx 3 dx r dx 3 dx
1 x2
= 1 x2
+ 0 x2
= lim
r 0
1 x2
+ lim
t 0
t x2

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ 1, r ] for all

1 r 0 and on the closed intervals [ t , 3 ] for all 0 t 3 . Thus,

the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to these closed

intervals.

dx x1 1
= = c = c
2
x dx
x2 1 x

Thus,
r
0 dx r dx 1 1
1 x2
= lim
r 0
1 x2
= lim
r 0 x 1
= lim
r 0 r
1

since

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 1
lim
r 0 r

0 dx
Since the first improper integral 1 x2
diverges, we do not have to
3 dx
determine whether the second improper integral 0 x2
converges or
3 dx
diverges. Even if it converges, the improper integral 1 x2
can not
converge.

Answer: Diverges

1 11 3 x
5. 4 x2 4
dx

11 3 x
NOTE: The integrand of f (x) is continuous on its domain of
x2 4
definition, which is the set of real numbers given by { x : x 2 and x 2 } .
The interval of integration is the closed interval [ 4 , 1 ] . Thus, the
integrand has a discontinuity at x 2 , which is in the interval of
integration. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied
to this integral. We will need to do the following.
1 11 3 x 2 11 3 x 1 11 3 x
4 x2 4
dx = 4 x2 4
dx + 2 x2 4
dx =

r 11 3 x 1 11 3 x
lim
r 2 4 x2 4
dx + lim
t 2 t x2 4
dx

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ 4 , r ] for all

4 r 2 and on the closed intervals [ t , 1 ] for all 2 t 1 .

Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to these closed

intervals.

11 3 x
x2 4
dx

11 3 x
We will find the partial fraction decomposition for x2 4 =
11 3 x
( x 2)( x 2) . Thus,
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 11 3 x A B
= .
( x 2)( x 2) x 2 x 2

Multiplying both sides of this equation by ( x 2)( x 2) , we obtain the

following equation.

11 3 x A ( x 2 ) B ( x 2 )

17
To solve for A, choose x 2 : 17 4 A A
4

5
To solve for B, choose x 2 : 5 4B B
4

11 3 x 11 3 x A B
Thus, = = =
x2 4 ( x 2)( x 2) x 2 x 2

17 5
1 5 17
4 4 = 4

x 2

x 2


x 2 x 2

Thus,

11 3 x 1 5 17
x2 4
dx = 4
x 2

x 2
dx

=

1 1 5 17

4
( 5 ln x 2 17 ln x 2 ) c = 4
( ln x 2 ln x 2 ) c =

1 ( x 2) 5
ln c
4 ( x 2 ) 17

Thus,
r
2 11 3 x r 11 3 x 1 ( x 2) 5
4 x2 4
dx = lim 4 x2 4
dx = lim ln
( x 2 ) 17

4

r 2 r 2
4

1 (r 2) 5 ( 6) 5
lim ln ln =
4 r 2
( r 2 ) 17 ( 2 ) 17
1 ( r 2) 5 65
lim ln ln 17 =
4 r 2
( r 2 ) 17 2

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 1 (r 2) 5 2 53 5
lim ln ln =
4 r 2
( r 2 ) 17 2 17
1 (r 2) 5 35
lim ln ln 12
4 r 2
( r 2 ) 17 2
(r 2)5
since lim ln
r 2 ( r 2 ) 17

(r 2)5 ( r 2) 5
lim ln since lim
r 2 ( r 2 ) 17 r 2
( r 2 ) 17

( r 2) 5 1
lim since lim and
r 2
( r 2 ) 17 r 2
( r 2 ) 17
lim ( r 2) 5 is
r 2

finite (It is a finite negative number.)

2 11 3 x
Thus, the improper 4 x2 4
dx diverges. Thus, the improper
1 11 3 x
4 x2 4
dx diverges.

Answer: Diverges

dx
6. 6
x x2 6

1
NOTE: The integrand of f ( x) is continuous on its domain of
x x2 6
definition, which is the interval ( , 6 ) ( 6 , ) . The interval of
integration is the closed interval [ 6 , ) . Thus, the integrand has a
discontinuity at x 6 , which is the lower limit of integration. Thus, the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this integral. We
will need to do the following.
dx
The integral 6
x x2 6 is improper with an infinite limit of
integration and a discontinuity. However,

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 dx
dx
t
lim lim and
6
x x 2
6 6
t 2

r
r ( 6 )
x x

dx
dx
t
lim lim
6
x x 2
6 6
t 2
r ( 6 )
r
x x

because we want only one limit for the infinite limit of integration and one
limit for the discontinuity. In order to accomplish this, we will use the
following property of definite integrals.
b c b
a
f ( x ) dx = a
f ( x ) dx + c
f ( x ) dx ,

where c is a real number in the open interval ( a ,b ) .

Since 3 is in the open interval ( 6 , ) , then we may write

dx 3 dx dx
6
x x 2
6 = 6
x x 2
6 + 3
x x2 6 =

3 dx t dx
r (
lim
6 ) r
x x 2
6 + lim
t 3
x x2 6

NOTE: You can use any real number in the open interval ( 6 , ) .

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ r , 3 ] for all

6 r 3 and on the closed intervals [ 3 , t ] for all t 3 . Thus, the

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to these closed intervals.

dx 1 x
x x 2
6 = 6
sec 1
6
c

Thus,
3
3 dx 3 dx
6
x x2 6 = r (
lim
6 ) r
x x2 6 = r (
lim
6 )


1
6
sec 1
x
6


=
r

1 3 r 1 3
lim sec 1 sec 1 = sec 1 sec 1 1 =
6 r ( 6 6 6 6
6 )

1 3
sec 1
6 6
1 3
0 = sec 1
6 6
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 3 dx 1 3
Thus, 6
x x 2
6 converges to 6
sec 1
6 .

dx
Now, consider 3
x x2 6

t
dx t dx
3
x x2 6 = lim
t 3
x x2 6 = lim
1
6
sec 1
x
6
=
t
3

1 t 3 1 3
lim sec 1 sec 1 = sec 1 since
6 t 6 6 6 2 6

t
lim sec 1
t 6 2

dx 1 3
Thus, 3
x x 2
6 converges to 6

2
sec 1
6

.

dx dx
Thus, 6
x x 2
6 converges and 6
x x2 6 =

3 dx dx 1 3
6
x x 2
6 + 3
x x 2
6 = 6
sec 1
6 +
1 3
sec 1 =
6 2 6

6
2 6 = 12

6
Answer: Converges; 12

5 dt
7. 5
t 25 t 2

1
NOTE: The integrand of f (t ) is continuous on its domain of
t 25 t 2
definition, which is the interval ( 5 , 0 ) ( 0 , 5 ) . The interval of
integration is the closed interval [ 5 , 5 ] . Thus, the integrand has
discontinuities at t 5 , which is the lower limit of integration, t 5,

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which is the upper limit of integration, and t 0 , which is in the interval.
Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to this
integral. We will need to do the following.

NOTE: We need one integral which will handle the discontinuity of t 5

as a lower limit of integration. We need two integrals that will handle the
discontinuity of t 0 as an upper limit of integration in one integral and as
a lower limit of integration in the other. We need one integral that will handle
the discontinuity of t 5 as an upper limit of integration. Thus, we need
four integrals. Since 1 is in the open interval ( 5 , 0 ) and 1 is in the
open interval ( 0 , 5 ) , then we may write the following
5 dt 1 dt 0 dt
5
t 25 t 2 = 5
t 25 t 2 + 1
t 25 t 2 +
1 dt
0
t 25 t 2 +

5 dt 1 dt u dt
1
t 25 t 2 = lim
r 5 r
t 25 t 2 + lim
u 0
1
t 25 t 2 +

1 dt w dt
lim
v 0
v
t 25 t 2 + w 5
lim 1
t 25 t 2

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ r , 1 ] for all

5 r 1 , the closed intervals [ 1, u ] for all 1 u 0 , the

closed intervals [ v , 1 ] for all 0 v 1 , and the closed intervals [1, w]

for all 1 w 5 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be
applied to these closed intervals.

dt
t 25 t 2

BE CAREFUL: This integral is close to the form of the integral whose

dt
answer would involve the inverse secant function since t t 2
25 =
1 t
sec 1 c. We will need to use Trigonometric Substitution in order to
5 5
dt
evaluate t 25 t 2

Let t 5 sin , where . Then dt 5 cos d .
2 2

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Also, 25 t 2 25 25 sin 2 = 25 ( 1 sin 2 ) = 25 cos 2 .

Thus, 25 t 2 25 cos 2 5 cos 5 cos since cos 0 when

. Thus, we have that
2 2

dt 5 cos d 1 d 1
t 25 t 2 = ( 5 sin ) ( 5 cos ) = 5 sin = csc d =
5

1
ln csc cot c
5

t 5
Since t 5 sin , then sin . Thus, csc Using right triangle
5 t
25 t 2
trigonometry, we have that cot .
t

5
t

25 t 2

dt 1 1
Thus, t 25 t 2 = 5 csc d = 5
ln csc cot c =

1 5 25 t 2
1 5 25 t 2

5
ln
t

t
c = 5
ln
t
c

Thus,
1 dt 1 dt
5
t 25 t 2 = lim
r 5 r
t 25 t 2 =
1
1 5 25 t 2
lim
r 5

5
ln
t


=
r

1 5 25 r 2 1
5
lim
r 5
ln ( 5

24 ) ln
r


= 5
ln ( 5 24 ) since

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1 5 25 r 2 1 5 25 25 1 1
lim ln ln ln 1 (0) 0
5 r 5
r 5 5 5 5

1 dt 1
Thus, the improper integral 5
t 25 t 2 converges to 5
ln ( 5 24 )

.
0 dt
Now, consider the improper integral 1
t 25 t 2 .

u
0 dt u dt 1 5 25 t 2
1
t 25 t 2 = lim
u 0
1
t 25 t 2 = lim
u 0

5
ln
t


1

1 5 25 u 2 5 24
5
lim ln
u 0
u
ln
1


=

1 5 25 u 2
lim ln ln ( 5 24 )
5 u 0
u

5 25 u 2 5 25 0
lim = 0

0
u 0 u

5
25 u 2 1
lim = lim ( 25 u 2 ) 1 / 2 ( 2 u ) =
u 0 u u 0 2
u 0
lim 0
u 0 ( 25 u )
2 1/ 2
5

5 25 u 2 5 25 u 2
Since lim 0, then lim ln
u 0 u
.
u 0 u

1 5 25 u 2
Thus, 5
lim ln
u 0
u
ln ( 5 24 )

0 dt
Thus, the improper integral 1
t 25 t 2 diverges.

0 dt
Since the improper integral 1
t 25 t 2 diverges, then the improper
5 dt
integral 5
t 25 t 2 diverges.

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 Answer: Diverges

NOTE: If you want the practice, you can show that the improper integral
1 dt
0
t 25 t 2
, which implies that it diverges, and the improper
integral
5 dt 1
1
t 25 t 2 converges to ln ( 5 24 ) .
5

/4
8. /2
tan d

NOTE: The integrand of f ( ) tan has a discontinuity at ,
2
which is the lower limit of integration, and is continuous on the interval


2
,
4 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied
to this integral. We will need to do the following.
/4

/4
/2
tan d = lim tan d
t ( /2) t

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals t , 4 for all


2
t
4
. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to
these closed intervals.

tan d = ln sec c

Thus,

/4

/2
tan d = lim
/4
tan d = lim
t ( /2)
ln sec /4
t =
t ( /2) t

lim ( ln 2 ln sec t )
lim ln sec ln sec t =
4 t ( /2)


t ( /2)

Since lim sec t , then lim ln sec t .

t ( /2) t ( /2)

Answer: Diverges
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 0 sin x
9. 2
7 x
dx

sin x
NOTE: The integrand of f (x)
7 x
is continuous on its domain of
definition, which is the set of real numbers given by the open interval
( , 0 ) . The interval of integration is the closed interval [ , 0 ] . 2

Thus, the integrand has a discontinuity at x 0 , which is the upper limit of

integration. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied
to this integral. We will need to do the following.

0 sin x t sin x
2
7 x
dx = lim
t 0
2
7 x
dx

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ , t ] for all 2

t 0 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to

2

these closed intervals.

sin x
7 x
dx

Let u x
1
Then du dx
2 x

sin x 1 sin x 2
7 x
dx = 2
7 2 x
dx =
7 sin u du =
2

7
( cos u ) c =

2 2
7
cos u c = 7
cos x c

Thus,
t
0 sin x t sin x 2
2
7 x
dx = lim
t 0
2
7 x
dx = t
lim
0 7
cos x
2
=

2 2
lim ( cos t cos 2
) = lim ( cos t cos ) =
7 t 0 7 t 0

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 2 2 2
lim [ cos t ( 1 ) ] = lim ( cos t 1) = ( 1 1) =
7 t 0 7 t 0 7
4
7

since lim cos t cos 0 1

t 0

4
Answer: Converges; 7

3
10. 0
ln y dy

NOTE: The integrand of f ( y ) ln y is continuous on its domain of

definition, which is the set of real numbers given by the open interval
( 0 , ) . The interval of integration is the closed interval [ 0 , 3 ] . Thus, the
integrand has a discontinuity at x 0 , which is the lower limit of
integration. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied
to this integral. We will need to do the following.
3

3
0
ln y dy = t lim
0 t
ln y dy

The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals [ t , 3 ] for all 0 t 3

. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to these closed
intervals.

ln y dy

This integral can be evaluated using Integration by Parts.

Let u ln y and dv dy
1
Then du dy v y
y

ln y dy = u dv = uv v du = y ln y dy = y ln y y c

Thus,

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3

0
ln y dy = t lim
3

t
ln y dy = t lim
0
y ln y y 3t =

0

lim [ 3 ln 3 3 ( t ln t t ) ] = lim ( 3 ln 3 3 t ln t t )
t 0 t 0

lim t ln t 0 ( )
t 0

1
ln t
lim
lim t ln t
t 0 = t 0 1 = lim
t 0
t
1 = t lim
0
t 1 (0) 0

t 2
t

Thus, lim ( 3 ln 3 3 t ln t t ) = 3 ln 3 3 0 0 = 3 ln 3 3
t 0

Answer: Converges; 3 ln 3 3 or ln 27 3

2 / 3
11. 0
x csc 2 x dx

NOTE: The integrand of f ( x ) x csc 2 x has a discontinuity at 0 ,

which is the lower limit of integration, and is continuous on the interval
2
0,
3 . Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can not be applied to
this integral. We will need to do the following.
2 / 3

2 / 3
0
x csc 2 x dx = t lim
x csc 2 x dx
0 t

2
The integrand is continuous on the closed intervals t , 3
for all
2
0 t
3
. Thus, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be applied to
these closed intervals.

x csc 2 x dx

This integral can be evaluated using Integration by Parts.

Let u x and dv csc 2 x dx

Then du dx v cot x

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 x csc 2 x dx = u dv = uv v du = x cot x cot x dx =

x cot x ln sin x c = ln sin x x cot x c

Thus,

lim ln sin x x cot x

2 / 3 2 / 3

2 / 3
x csc 2 x dx = lim x csc 2 x dx = t
0 t 0 t t 0

2 2 2
lim ln sin cot ( ln sin t t cot t ) =
t 0
3 3 3

3 2 3
lim ln ln sin t t cot t =
2 3 3

0
t

3 2 3
lim ln ln sin t t cot t
t 0
2 9

lim t cot t 0
t 0

lim t cot t t 1 1 1
= lim = lim 1
t 0 t 0 tan t t 0 sec 2 t sec 2 0 1

Since lim sin t sin 0 0 , then lim ln sin t .

t 0 t 0

3 2 3
Thus, lim ln ln sin t t cot t
t 0
2 9

Answer: Diverges

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