Solving Int. e^(-x^2) w/ Change of Variable: Help Needed

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral \(\int_{0}^{+\infty} e^{-x^2} dx\) and its relationship to the integral over the entire real line. Participants are exploring a change of variable technique to understand the justification behind a specific equality involving this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the change of variable \(\sqrt{n}x = y\) and its implications for the integral. Questions arise regarding the validity of this transformation and its connection to the original integral. Some participants also mention the use of Fubini's theorem and polar substitution, while others note that their source material does not utilize these methods.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants attempting to clarify the steps involved in the change of variable. Some guidance has been provided regarding the transformation of the differential and the resulting equality, but there remains a lack of consensus on the overall approach due to differing methods referenced in their materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants are constrained by the context of their source material, which focuses on functions of one real variable and does not incorporate techniques such as Fubini's theorem. This limitation influences their exploration of the problem.

Castilla
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I am trying to follow a proof of
[tex]\int_{0}^{+\infty}e^{-x^2}dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}[/tex] but the first impasse I find is that, "with the change of variable" [tex]\sqrt{n}x = y[/tex] they justify this equality:
[tex]{\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}}\int_{0}^{+\infty}e^{-y^2}dy = \int_{0}^{+\infty}e^{-nx^2}dx[/tex].

Maybe you can help me to see how they did it? Thanks.
 
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[tex]\int_{0}^{+\infty}e^{-x^2}dx[/tex]
is just the half of
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{-x^2}dx[/tex]

The second is usually done with Fubini's theorem and polar substitution.
 
Er... but the book from where I take the problem only deals with functions of one real variable... they don't use Fubini...
 
[tex]\sqrt{n}x = y[/tex], so, you have: [tex]d(\sqrt{n}x) = \sqrt{n}dx = dy[/tex]
Then, you have:
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \int_{0} ^ {+ \infty} e ^ {-y^2} dy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \int_{0} ^ {+\infty} e ^ {-nx ^ 2} (\sqrt{n} dx)[/tex]
[tex]= \sqrt{n} \times \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} \int_{0} ^ {+\infty} e ^ {-nx ^ 2} dx = \int_{0} ^ {+\infty} e ^ {-nx ^ 2} dx[/tex].
Can you get it now?
Viet Dao,
 
Yes, Viet Dao. Really thanks.
 

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