Integration of Gaussian equation

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    Gaussian Integration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a Gaussian function, specifically the expression for the area under a Gaussian cone represented by the integral of the function 2πAr e^[-(r²)/(2σ²)] dr. Participants are exploring the correct method to evaluate this integral, addressing potential misunderstandings and clarifying the substitution method involved in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Kek expresses confusion regarding the integration process and questions the correctness of their supervisor's approach, particularly the handling of the σ term.
  • Some participants propose a substitution method where u = r²/(2σ²) and derive the integral accordingly, leading to the expression 2πAσ∫[0,∞] e^(-u) du.
  • Others clarify the steps involved in the substitution, including how to derive the relationship rdr = σ²du.
  • Kek acknowledges understanding the substitution method after further discussion but still seeks clarity on specific steps in the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the substitution method for evaluating the integral, but there remains some uncertainty and confusion regarding the specific steps and handling of terms during the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their understanding due to a lack of recent experience with integration techniques, which may affect their ability to follow the mathematical reasoning presented.

kekly
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Hi,

Need help desperately!

I am trying to figure out the area under a gaussian cone by finding the integral of


2PIArEXP[-(r^2)/(2sigma^2)] dr

My supervisor thought it is

2PI [A sigma^2 EXP(-(r^2)/(2 sigma^2)] Between 0 and infinity

and he came up with the answer

2 PI A sigma^2

I hope you can understand that!

I don't think that his integration is right to get to the second step there. But I'm not sure why. I don't think sigma will come down like that. Please help me. I haven't done maths like this for a few years and I'm very rusty at it!

Thanks

Kek
 
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I think he has taken
2PIArEXP[-(r^2)/(2sigma^2)] dr

-- AI
 
To find [itex]2\pi {A} \int_0^{\infinity}{r e^{\frac{-r^2}{2\sigma^2}}dr}[/itex], let [itex]u= \frac{r^2}{2\sigma^2}[/itex]. Then [itex]du= \frac{r}{\sigma^2}[/itex] so [itex]rdr= \sigma^2du[/itex]. When r=0, u= 0, when r= infinity, u= infinity so the integral becomes [itex]2\pi {A} \sigma\int_{o}^{\infinity}{e^{-u} du}[/itex].
That IS [itex]-2\pi {A} \sigma e^{-u}[/itex] evaluated between u=0 and u= infinity:
[itex]2\pi {A} \sigma[/itex].
 
Last edited by a moderator:
rdr = sigma^2 du
the final answer is 2*pi*A*sigma^2

-- AI
 
I see what he has done now!

Thanks so much. You guys are lifesavers!

Kek
 
HallsofIvy said:
To find [itex]2\pi {A} \int_0^{\infinity}{r e^{\frac{-r^2}{2\sigma^2}}dr}[/itex], let [itex]u= \frac{r^2}{2\sigma^2}[/itex]. Then [itex]du= \frac{r}{\sigma^2}[/itex] so [itex]rdr= \sigma^2du[/itex]. When r=0, u= 0, when r= infinity, u= infinity so the integral becomes [itex]2\pi {A} \sigma\int_{o}^{\infinity}{e^{-u} du}[/itex].
That IS [itex]-2\pi {A} \sigma e^{-u}[/itex] evaluated between u=0 and u= infinity:
[itex]2\pi {A} \sigma[/itex].

Thanks for your help. I am still a little confused. As I said I haven't done integration like this for a long time!

I can't see how you substituted [itex]rdr= \sigma^2du[/itex] back into get [itex]2\pi {A} \sigma\int_{o}^{\infinity}{e^{-u} du}[/itex]. I can see that when r=0, u= 0, when r= infinity, u= infinity. That is fine but where does the sigma come from and where does the r go?

Thanks
kek
 
kekly,
Look at the substitution hurkyl makes ...
u = r^2/(2*sigma^2)
find du/dr

-- AI
 
I understand the substitution that is made and I can find

du/dr = r/sigma^2

That can then be rearranged to

rdr = sigma^2du

How then do I get to this!

[itex]2\pi {A} \sigma\int_{o}^{\infinity}{e^{-u} du}[/itex]


Forgive me I think it is part of the substiution method that I don't understand. I haven't done it for many years.
 
Thanks for all your hlep. I have been playing around with it and I understand it now!

It was not remembering how to use the substitution method that was causing me problems!

Thansk again for all your help!

kek
 

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