integral from 0 to 1 of t^(x-1) * e^(-t)dt

dts5044

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Mar 6, 2008
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for what values of the real number x, is the [integral from 0 to 1] t^(x-1) * e^(-t) dt improper? For which of these values is the improper integral convergent?

This integral has a discontinuity at t=0 if x - 1 < 0, because making the exponent positive would require us to rewrite t^(x-1) as 1/t^(1-x) where 1 - x > 0, and we would divide by a negative if t = 0

so the integral is improper for x < 1

What is a concise way to figure out where it converges? I have a very long, very messy solution to arrive at it converges if x > 0 (which i could type up if necessary), but I'm sure there is a better way. Can someone show me?
 
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