7–58. Improper integrals Evaluate the following integrals or state that they diverge.
44. ∫ (from 0 to ln 3) eʸ/(eʸ-1)⁷ᐟ³ dy

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the integral to evaluate: \(\int_0^{\ln 3} \frac{e^y}{(e^y - 1)^{7/3}} \, dy\).
2. Check the behavior of the integrand at the limits of integration, especially near \(y=0\) and \(y=\ln 3\), to determine if the integral is improper. Note that at \(y=0\), \(e^y - 1 = 0\), which may cause a singularity.
3. To analyze the singularity at \(y=0\), perform a substitution or use a limit approach. For example, let \(x = e^y - 1\), so when \(y \to 0\), \(x \to 0\). Express the integrand in terms of \(x\) and examine the limit as \(x \to 0\).
4. Rewrite the integral using the substitution \(x = e^y - 1\), which implies \(dx = e^y dy = (x + 1) dy\), so \(dy = \frac{dx}{x + 1}\). Substitute into the integral and adjust the limits accordingly.
5. Evaluate the integral or determine convergence by analyzing the behavior of the integrand near the singularity and then proceed with integration techniques such as substitution or integration by parts if necessary.

Key Concepts

Improper Integrals

Improper integrals involve integration over an unbounded interval or integrands with unbounded behavior within the interval. To evaluate them, one often takes limits approaching the problematic points to determine convergence or divergence.

Behavior of the Integrand Near Singularities

Analyzing the integrand's behavior near points where it may become infinite or undefined is crucial. For example, if the denominator approaches zero, the integrand may have a singularity, affecting convergence of the integral.

Substitution and Simplification Techniques

Using substitution can simplify the integral, especially when the integrand involves composite functions like exponentials. Simplifying the expression helps in identifying limits and evaluating the integral more easily.