Does this Integral have an Elementary Solution

In summary, the conversation is about a person struggling with solving an integral and asking for help. They have already tried integration by parts but have not been successful. They also apologize for not knowing how to properly format the integral in a visually appealing way. The response includes a link to a website that provides a solution using a special function called the exponential integral.
  • #1
omagdon7
95
0
I cannot seem to get anywhere with this integral I was wondering if anyone could provide insite into a special function or some technique I overlooked (only tried integration by parts and it got me nowhere).

Also, forgive me for not knowing how to format it so that it appears pretty,

int[(gx+k)^(-2)*e^(-jx)]

g, j and k are constants.
 
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  • #2
This is what http://integrals.wolfram.com gave me:
http://integrals.wolfram.com/Integrator/MSP?MSPStoreID=MSPStore464453624_0&MSPStoreType=image/gif
 
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  • #3
Pseudo Statistic said:
This is what http://integrals.wolfram.com gave me:
http://integrals.wolfram.com/Integrator/MSP?MSPStoreID=MSPStore464453624_0&MSPStoreType=image/gif
[/URL]

That means no, Ei is the http://mathworld.wolfram.com/ExponentialIntegral.html" .
 
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What is an elementary solution in mathematics?

An elementary solution in mathematics refers to an analytical expression or function that can be expressed using basic mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation. It also includes commonly used mathematical functions, such as polynomials, trigonometric functions, and exponential functions.

What is an integral in mathematics?

An integral in mathematics is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve on a graph. It is used to find the total value of a continuous variable over a given interval. Integrals are commonly used in calculus and are essential in solving many real-world problems in physics, engineering, and economics.

What makes an integral difficult to solve?

An integral can be difficult to solve when it does not have an elementary solution. This means that the integral cannot be expressed using basic mathematical functions and operations. In such cases, more advanced techniques, such as numerical integration or approximations, may be used to find an approximate solution.

How can it be determined if an integral has an elementary solution?

There is no general method for determining if an integral has an elementary solution. However, there are some techniques, such as the Risch algorithm, that can be used to determine if a given integral has an elementary solution. In some cases, it may also be possible to prove that an integral does not have an elementary solution.

What are some examples of integrals that have elementary solutions?

Some examples of integrals that have elementary solutions include polynomial integrals, trigonometric integrals, exponential integrals, and logarithmic integrals. These types of integrals can be solved using basic integration techniques, such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions.

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