What is the Integral of exp(-kx^2)?

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In summary, the integral of exp(-kx^2) is a non-elementary definite integral with many applications in math and science. It can be solved using various methods and its value depends on the value of k. It can also be approximated using numerical integration methods.
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PhysForumID
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Hi there,
what's the integral over infinity of exp(-kx^2 )? the integral of exp(-x^2) is sqrt(pi)...
appreciate the help! I can't find the answer anywhere and can't work it out myself..
 
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To integrate [itex]\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-kx^2} dx[/itex], let [itex]u= x\sqrt{k}[/itex] so that [itex]du= dx \sqrt{k}[/itex] and [itex]dx= du/\sqrt{k}[/itex].

Your integral becomes
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-kx^2}dx= \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-u^2}du[/tex]
 

1. What is the integral of exp(-kx^2)?

The integral of exp(-kx^2) is a definite integral that depends on the value of k. It is also known as the Gaussian integral and has many applications in physics, statistics, and engineering.

2. How do you solve the integral of exp(-kx^2)?

The integral of exp(-kx^2) can be solved using various methods such as substitution, integration by parts, or completing the square. It is a non-elementary integral, meaning it cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions like polynomials, exponentials, and trigonometric functions.

3. What is the significance of the integral of exp(-kx^2)?

The integral of exp(-kx^2) has many applications in mathematics and the sciences. It is used to calculate probabilities in statistics, find the electric potential of a charged particle in physics, and model diffusion processes in chemistry and biology.

4. What is the value of the integral of exp(-kx^2) at different values of k?

The value of the integral of exp(-kx^2) depends on the value of k. At k=0, the integral equals the square root of pi. As k increases, the integral decreases and approaches 0 as k approaches infinity. At negative values of k, the integral is undefined.

5. Can the integral of exp(-kx^2) be approximated?

Yes, the integral of exp(-kx^2) can be approximated using numerical integration methods such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule. These methods use a series of calculations to estimate the value of the integral to a desired accuracy.

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