1. Explain why the integral $\int_0^1 \int_x^1 \frac{\sin(y)}{y}\, dy\, dx$ is easier to evaluate if the order of integration is reversed.
- A.Because $\frac{\sin(y)}{y}$ has no elementary antiderivative with respect to $y$, but the reversed integral simplifies after integrating with respect to $x$ first
- B.Because the region of integration changes shape when the order is reversed
- C.Because $\frac{\sin(y)}{y}$ is undefined at $y = 0$, so the order must be changed
- D.Because reversing the order converts the integral to polar coordinates
View Answer
Answer: Because $\frac{\sin(y)}{y}$ has no elementary antiderivative with respect to $y$, but the reversed integral simplifies after integrating with respect to $x$ first
Identify the difficulty: The function $\frac{\sin y}{y}$ does not have an elementary antiderivative in $y$. The inner integral $\int_x^1 \frac{\sin y}{y}\, dy$ cannot be evaluated in closed form. Reverse the order: The original region is $0 \leq x \leq 1$, $x \leq y \leq 1$ (the triangle above $y = x$ in the unit square). Reversing: $0 \leq y \leq 1$, $0 \leq x \leq y$. The integral becomes $\int_0^1 \int_0^y \frac{\sin y}{y}\, dx\, dy$. Why Option A is correct: The inner integral $\int_0^y \frac{\sin y}{y}\, dx = \frac{\sin y}{y} \cdot y = \sin y$, which is elementary. Then $\int_0^1 \sin y\, dy = [-\cos y]_0^1 = 1 - \cos 1$. Why distractors fail: Option B is wrong—the region is the same triangle described differently; it does not change shape. Option C is incorrect; $\frac{\sin y}{y}$ has a removable singularity at $y=0$ and this is not the reason for reversing. Option D is false; reversing order and converting to polar are different techniques.