Integrating Exponential Function: Finding Error

  • Thread starter stunner5000pt
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In summary, we have found that the integral of x^2 e^(-x^2/(2sigma^2)) is equal to 2 pi sigma^3, and after differentiating both sides with respect to sigma, we get \frac{\sigma}{2}.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
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More integration :)

[tex] \frac{1}{4 \pi \sigma^2} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^2 e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} [/tex]

we know that
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} = \sqrt{2 \pi \sigma^2} [/tex]

and then differentiate both sides wrt sigma
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^2 e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} = \sigma^3 \sqrt{2 \pi} [/tex]

sib the third into the first

[tex] \frac{1}{4 \pi \sigma^2} \sigma^3 \sqrt{2 \pi} [/tex]

[tex] \frac{\sigma \sqrt{2 \pi}}{4 \pi} [/tex]

something is wrong .. where did i go wrong ... pelase help :(
 
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  • #2
You forgot a "-" sign...

[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} = \sqrt{2 \pi \sigma^2} [/tex]

Specifically, would you mind writing what you get after differentiating the integral that equals [itex]\sqrt{2 \pi \sigma^2} [/itex] wrt sigma?
 
  • #3
quasar987 said:
You forgot a "-" sign...

[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} = \sqrt{2 \pi \sigma^2} [/tex]

Specifically, would you mind writing what you get after differentiating the integral that equals [itex]\sqrt{2 \pi \sigma^2} [/itex] wrt sigma?

i got
sigma times sqrt(2 pi)
 
  • #4
What is it supposed to give?
 
  • #5
quasar987 said:
What is it supposed to give?
it gives me sqrt (2 pi)
after differentiating
 
  • #6
One things's for sure;

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{\partial}{\partial \sigma}e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}}dx = = \frac{\partial}{\partial \sigma}\sqrt{2\pi}\sigma = 2 \pi[/tex]

If I differentiate the exponential, I get

[tex]\frac{-x^2}{2}\frac{-2}{\sigma ^3} = \frac{x^2}{\sigma^3}[/tex]

So

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^2 e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}}dx = 2\pi \sigma^3[/tex]

And

[tex] \frac{1}{4 \pi \sigma^2} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x^2 e^{-\frac{x^2}{2\sigma^2}} = \frac{\sigma}{2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

1. What is an exponential function?

An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form f(x) = a^x, where a is a constant and x is the independent variable. The value of the function increases rapidly as x increases, and approaches infinity as x approaches infinity. Exponential functions are commonly used to model growth and decay phenomena.

2. How do you integrate an exponential function?

To integrate an exponential function, we use the formula ∫a^x dx = a^x/ln(a) + C, where C is the constant of integration. This formula can be derived using the substitution method or by recognizing the pattern of the derivative of an exponential function.

3. What is the purpose of integrating an exponential function?

Integrating an exponential function allows us to find the area under the curve of the function. This is useful in many real-world applications, such as calculating the growth or decay rate of a population or the amount of radioactive material remaining after a certain time period.

4. What is the error associated with integrating an exponential function?

The error associated with integrating an exponential function is the difference between the actual value of the integral and the approximate value obtained through numerical integration methods. The error can be reduced by using more accurate integration techniques, such as the trapezoidal rule or Simpson's rule.

5. How do you find the error when integrating an exponential function?

To find the error when integrating an exponential function, we can use the error estimation formulas for numerical integration methods. These formulas take into account the number of intervals used in the integration and can provide an estimate of the maximum error. Additionally, we can compare the results obtained from different integration techniques to get an idea of the error associated with each method.

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