Solving Gamma Function Integral: e^(4u)*e^(-e^u)du

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral of the function e^(4u) * e^(-e^u) from 0 to infinity, with a focus on transforming the variable to facilitate solving the integral, potentially relating it to the gamma function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the integral and attempts a substitution with x = e^(u) to relate it to the gamma function.
  • Another participant suggests the substitution and provides the transformed integral as ∫ from 1 to infinity of x^3 e^(-x) dx.
  • A participant questions whether the exponent should be x^4 instead of x^3 after the substitution.
  • Another participant clarifies that the correct transformation results in x^3 due to the relationship dx = e^u du.
  • One participant suggests that integration by parts may be necessary to solve the integral.
  • There is a side discussion about how to write mathematical symbols, indicating a desire to learn LaTeX formatting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the substitution method but there is a disagreement regarding the correct exponent after substitution, with no consensus reached on the final form of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the integration technique and the handling of limits after substitution. The discussion does not clarify the final steps needed to evaluate the integral.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in integral calculus, particularly those studying gamma functions and integration techniques, may find this discussion relevant.

splitendz
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Hi. I'm having some trouble solving the following gamma function:

Evaluate the integral e^(4u) * e^(-e^u)du. The upper limit is inifinity and the lower limit is 0.

I'm letting x = e^(u) or u = 1 in the hope to have the function looking similar to the gamma function. But I'm having no luck as du/dx will be equal to zero in this case.

Help please! :)
 
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You want

[tex]\int \limits_0^\infty e^{4u}e^{-e^u} du[/tex]

Put [itex]x=e^u[/itex], so that [itex]dx=e^u du[/itex] and you get:

[tex]\int \limits_1^\infty x^3 e^{-x} dx[/tex]

Can you go from there?
 
James R said:
You want

[tex]\int \limits_0^\infty e^{4u}e^{-e^u} du[/tex]

Put [itex]x=e^u[/itex], so that [itex]dx=e^u du[/itex] and you get:

[tex]\int \limits_1^\infty x^3 e^{-x} dx[/tex]

Can you go from there?

How do you write those sophisticated symbols?

I want to be able to write it, but don't know how

(Sorry its not helping your problem dude)
 
Thanks James. I'm right to continue now but shouldn't it be x^4 not x^3?
 
Actually, dx=e^u du, so one of the e^u's is in the dx, leaving only e^3u, or x^3.
 
Of course. Thanks for your help guys :) :)
 
I think part integrating will do it.Three times,i guess.

Daniel.
 
PhysicsinCalifornia said:
How do you write those sophisticated symbols?

I want to be able to write it, but don't know how

(Sorry its not helping your problem dude)

If you go to the "general physics" forum you will find a "sticky" on Latex formatting.
 

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