[Math] Determining whether an improper integral converges or diverges.

calculusimproper-integrals

$$\int_{1}^{\infty}\dfrac{\sqrt{x^7+2}}{x^4}\text{dx}$$

I was told to let $f(x)=\dfrac{\sqrt{x}}{x^4}$ and $g(x)=\dfrac{\sqrt{x^7+2}}{x^4}$ then find the limit as $x$ approaches $\infty$ of $\dfrac{f(x)}{g(x)}$ and $\int_{1}^{\infty}f(x)\text{dx}$.

I found that $\lim_{x \to \infty} \dfrac{f(x)}{g(x)} =0$. According to the limit comparison test, $0<L<\infty$, since the limit is $0$, this integral will diverge. Is this correct?

Also how do you determine $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ to use the limit comparison test?

Best Answer

$\displaystyle{x \gg 1\,,\quad\mbox{integrand}\ \sim x^{-1/2}\,,\quad\mbox{integral}\ \sim x^{1/2}:\ \mbox{Diverges !!!.}}$