3.4: Improper Integrals
What happens when an integral is undefined? What can we use when one of the values on the interval is infinite? Improper integrals help us define integrals when the fundamental theorem of calculus cannot be used because the interval is not continuous. Since not all functions are continuous within each interval, other approaches need to be used to find the value of the definite integral.
This subunit defines how to find the values of improper integrals using a variety of techniques. One approach is used when infinity is contained in the interval and limits are used. Another approach is used when there is discontinuity within the integral.
Take notes as you watch the video. Listen to the presentation carefully until you are able to understand the concept of integrals involving infinity.
Read this material on improper integrals. Then continue on to watch both videos in this section. This material discusses the process of using integration techniques to solve improper integrals. Then, complete review questions 1-6 toward the bottom of the page. These exercises will provide you with the opportunity to solve problems that contain improper integrals. The solutions to these problems are located here.
Take notes as you watch the videos. Listen to the presentations carefully until you are able to apply the rules of integrals to solve a problem with an improper integral.