Stuck trying to integrate e^-(x^2)/2

In summary, the general solution for the given differential equation is y=e^(-(x^2)/2) + C, where C is a constant.
  • #1
dooogle
21
0

Homework Statement



find general solution of

dy/dx=xy+x

using integrating factor

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



rearange

dy/dx-xy=x

take integrating factor as
e^int(-x)=e^-(x^2)/2

multiply throughout

dy/dx(e^-(x^2)/2)y=(e^-(x^2)/2)x

integrate

e^-(x^2)/2*y=int (e^-(x^2)/2)*x dx

dont know how to integrate (e^-(x^2)/2)*x

cheers

dooogle
 
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  • #2
dooogle said:

Homework Statement



find general solution of

dy/dx=xy+x

using integrating factor

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



rearange

dy/dx-xy=x

take integrating factor as
e^int(-x)=e^-(x^2)/2

multiply throughout

dy/dx(e^-(x^2)/2)y=(e^-(x^2)/2)x

integrate

e^-(x^2)/2*y=int (e^-(x^2)/2)*x dx

dont know how to integrate (e^-(x^2)/2)*x

An ordinary substitution can be used in this integral. Luckily you have that factor of x in the integrand.
[tex]\int xe^{\frac{-x^2}{2}} dx[/tex]
 
  • #3
cheers for the help

i let u=-(x^2)/2

du/dx=-2x/2=-x

du=-x dx

so -int e^u du = int e^-(x^2)/2 dx

=-e^u =-e^-(x^2)/2 +c

dooogle
 
  • #4
A few corrections...
dooogle said:
i let u=-(x^2)/2

du/dx=-2x/2=-x

du=-x dx

so -int e^u du = int e^-(x^2)/2 dx
It's the other way around, plus you left off the factor of x in the integral on the right.
[tex]\int xe^{\frac{-x^2}{2} dx ~=~ -\int e^u~du[/tex]
dooogle said:
=-e^u =-e^-(x^2)/2 +c
In the line above, the arbitrary constant comes in as soon as you have the antiderivative. Also, your 2nd exponential expression is not quite right.

This line should be
=-e^u + C = e^(-(x^2)/2) + C
 

1. What is the purpose of integrating e^-(x^2)/2?

The purpose of integrating e^-(x^2)/2 is to find the area under the curve of the function. This can be useful in various fields such as physics and statistics, where the area represents a probability or a physical quantity.

2. Why is it difficult to integrate e^-(x^2)/2?

It is difficult to integrate e^-(x^2)/2 because it is a non-elementary function, meaning it cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions such as polynomials, exponential, trigonometric, or logarithmic functions. As a result, it requires more advanced techniques to be integrated.

3. What are the common methods used to integrate e^-(x^2)/2?

The most common methods used to integrate e^-(x^2)/2 are substitution, integration by parts, and special functions such as the error function. These techniques involve manipulating the function algebraically or using specific properties to simplify the integration process.

4. Can e^-(x^2)/2 be integrated exactly?

No, e^-(x^2)/2 cannot be integrated exactly. However, it can be approximated using numerical integration methods such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule. These methods divide the area under the curve into smaller trapezoids or parabolas, respectively, and calculate the sum of their areas to approximate the overall area.

5. What are some real-world applications of integrating e^-(x^2)/2?

Integrating e^-(x^2)/2 has various real-world applications, including calculating the probability of events in statistics, determining the concentration of molecules in chemistry, and finding the displacement of an object given its velocity in physics. It is also used in image processing and signal analysis to filter out noise and enhance signals.

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