How do you take take this integral?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int_{0}^{r} x^2 e^{-2x} dx\), with participants exploring methods for evaluation, particularly integration by parts. There is also mention of the behavior of the integral as the upper limit approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using integration by parts, noting the simplicity of derivatives and antiderivatives involved. Questions arise regarding the upper limit of the integral and its implications for the result. Some participants express curiosity about the general expression for integrals of the form \(\int_{0}^{\infty} x^n e^{-ax} dx\) and how it relates to factorials.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the limits of integration and the resulting values. Some participants have provided guidance on using integration by parts, while others are questioning the assumptions and definitions involved in deriving the general expression.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the behavior of the integral as the upper limit approaches infinity, with conflicting answers noted. Participants are also discussing the implications of the factorial definition in relation to the integral's evaluation.

orthovector
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how do you take take this integral?

[tex]\int_{0}^{r} x^2 e^{-2x} dx[/tex]
 
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Use integration by parts (twice)...the derivatives of [itex]x^2[/itex] are easy to find, and likewise for the antiderivative of [itex]e^{-2x}dx[/itex]
 


whats the upper limit? if it's infinity answer is 1/8
 


gabbagabbahey said:
Use integration by parts (twice)...the derivatives of [itex]x^2[/itex] are easy to find, and likewise for the antiderivative of [itex]e^{-2x}dx[/itex]

do you know how this integral turns into

[tex]\frac {N!}{a^{N + 1}}[/tex] if I take the integral from 0 to infinity? N = 2 and a = 2
 


ice109 said:
whats the upper limit? if it's infinity answer is 1/8

answer is 1/4 if infinity
 


orthovector said:
do you know how this integral turns into

[tex]\frac {N!}{a^{N + 1}}[/tex] if I take the integral from 0 to infinity? N = 2 and a = 2

If N=2 and a=2, then [tex]\frac {N!}{a^{N + 1}}=\frac {2!}{2^{2 + 1}}=\frac{1}{4}[/tex] which is what you should be getting using by parts.

Are you getting something different?
 


gabbagabbahey said:
If N=2 and a=2, then [tex]\frac {N!}{a^{N + 1}}=\frac {2!}{2^{2 + 1}}=\frac{1}{4}[/tex] which is what you should be getting using by parts.

Are you getting something different?

I was trying to derive the general expression

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} x^n e^{-ax} dx = \frac{n!}{a^{n+1}}[/tex]

how is this so?
 


orthovector said:
I was trying to derive the general expression

[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} x^n e^{-ax} dx = \frac{n!}{a^{n+1}}[/tex]

how is this so?

Use integration by parts n times and remember the definition of factorial; [itex]n!=n(n-1)(n-2)\ldots (2)(1)[/itex]
 

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