Skip to main content
Ch. 7 - Transcendental Functions
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 7.2.45

Evaluate the integrals in Exercises 39–56.
45. ∫(from 1 to 2)(2ln x)/x dx

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the integral to be evaluated: \(\int_{1}^{2} \frac{2 \ln x}{x} \, dx\).
Recognize that the integrand involves \(\ln x\) divided by \(x\), which suggests a substitution related to \(\ln x\).
Let \(u = \ln x\). Then, compute the differential \(du = \frac{1}{x} dx\), which implies \(dx = x \, du\).
Rewrite the integral in terms of \(u\): since \(\frac{2 \ln x}{x} dx = 2u \cdot \frac{1}{x} dx = 2u \, du\).
Change the limits of integration according to \(u = \ln x\): when \(x=1\), \(u=\ln 1=0\); when \(x=2\), \(u=\ln 2\). Then, the integral becomes \(\int_{0}^{\ln 2} 2u \, du\), which can be integrated using the power rule.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Integration of Logarithmic Functions

Integrating functions involving logarithms often requires recognizing patterns or using substitution. For example, integrals of the form ∫(ln x)/x dx can be simplified by substitution or by recalling standard integral results involving logarithms.
Recommended video:
5:26
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

Definite Integrals and Limits of Integration

Definite integrals compute the net area under a curve between two points, using specified limits of integration. Evaluating a definite integral involves finding the antiderivative and then applying the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to substitute the upper and lower limits.
Recommended video:
05:43
Definition of the Definite Integral

Properties of Natural Logarithm and Its Derivative

The natural logarithm function ln(x) has a derivative of 1/x, which is useful in integration techniques. Understanding how ln(x) behaves and its relationship with its derivative helps in simplifying integrals involving ln(x) and x in the denominator.
Recommended video:
05:18
Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function