Finding volumes of solids involving exponentials

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume of the solid formed by rotating the region under the curve \( e^{-x^2} \) around the y-axis, bounded by \( y = 0 \), \( x = 0 \), and \( x = 1 \). The initial approach involved using the integral \( \pi \int_0^1 e^{-2x^2} dx \), which leads to the error function. The participant later realized that employing the method of cylindrical shells simplifies the problem, despite the inherent difficulty of integrating \( e^{-x^2} \). The solution involves changing variables and using multiple integrals, specifically \( \int_0^1 e^{-x^2} dx = \left(\int_0^1 \int_0^1 e^{-x^2-y^2} dx dy\right)^{1/2} \) and polar coordinates for easier limits of integration.

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  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with the error function and its properties.
  • Knowledge of the method of cylindrical shells for volume calculations.
  • Experience with changing variables in multiple integrals and polar coordinates.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the error function in calculus.
  • Learn about the method of cylindrical shells for volume of revolution problems.
  • Explore changing variables in multiple integrals and practice with polar coordinates.
  • Investigate numerical methods for approximating integrals that cannot be expressed in elementary functions.
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians dealing with volume calculations, and anyone interested in advanced integration techniques involving exponential functions.

graphic7
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I'm attempting to find the volume of the solid obtained by rotating the region under the curve:

[tex]e^{-x^2}[/tex] Bounded by y = 0, x = 0, and x = 1.

I've done quite a few of these problems before, however, none of them have involved an exponential. If I recall correctly [tex]e^{x^2}[/tex] cannot be integrated, at least symbolically. So, therein lies the problem.

So far this is what I've done:

[tex]\int_0^1 \pi\left( e^{-x^2}\right)^2 dx[/tex]
[tex]\pi\int_0^1 e^{-2x^2} dx[/tex]

I've integrated that integral with Mathematica, and it returns a function that uses the error function, which I doubt is anything that I'm expected to come up with in this class.

Therefore, the only way I believe this problem can be completed is by finding the area under [tex]e^{2x^2}[/tex] on the interval [tex]\left[0 ,1\right][/tex] using a Riemann Sum.

Any thoughts?

Edit: Fixed a typo involving a constant in the integral.
 
Last edited:
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I must be falling asleep. I decided that I was going about finding the volume the wrong way. For one, the question asks that you rotate the function around the y-axis, therefore, using the method of cylindrical shells would be easier than solving for x and integrating over dy.

I'm still going to run into the same problem, though - integrating [tex]e^{-x^2}[/tex].

It's pretty amazing how just talking about a problem can clear a few things up.
 
graphic7 said:
If I recall correctly [tex]e^{-x^2}[/tex] cannot be integrated, at least symbolically.

In answer to 1. You cannot find a primitive, but you can evaluate definite integrals using multiple integrals. What u need to do is change variables so u get ur integral in terms of [tex]e^{-x^2}[/tex], then calculate that integral with the fact that
[tex]\int_0^1 e^{-x^2}dx=\left(\int_0^1 \int_0^1e^{-x^2-y^2}dxdy\right)^{1/2}[/tex] and then use polar coordinates. The domain can be a little tricky though.

In answer to two. Its easier that way cus the limits of integration are now from 0 to infinitum, which makes the integra much easier. am i right? (im falling asleep too :P)
 
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