Approximate integral for exp(-x)/x

In summary, the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x is 0.5772156649 and is calculated using the Euler-Maclaurin formula. It is accurate to within a small margin of error, but can be improved by using more terms in the formula. The integral is significant in mathematics as it is related to the natural logarithm function and has various applications in probability and statistics. In most practical cases, the approximate value can be used, but for precise situations, the exact value should be used instead.
  • #1
Irid
207
1
I need to evaluate this integral
[itex]\int_{x_0}^{\infty} \frac{\exp(-x)}{x}\, dx[/itex]
for
[itex]x_0 \ll 1[/itex]

Is there any cute approximate analytical expression? All I get are diverging series all over the place. The function is obviously finite...
 
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  • #2
Hi,

Prudnikov: Integrals and series

∫(x,∞) e^(-ax)/x dx = -Ei(-ax) a>0

Ei(x) = ∫(-∞,x) e^t/t dt is the exponential integral



Bronstejn

Ei(x) = ∫(-∞,x) e^t/dt = C + ln|x| + x + x*x/(2*2!) + ... + x^n/(n*n!) + ...

C = 0.577215665

kamke
 
Last edited:

1. What is the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x?

The approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x is 0.5772156649.

2. How is the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x calculated?

The approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x is calculated using the Euler-Maclaurin formula, which is a numerical method for approximating integrals.

3. Is the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x accurate?

The approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x is accurate to within a small margin of error. However, the accuracy can be improved by using more terms in the Euler-Maclaurin formula.

4. What is the significance of the integral for exp(-x)/x in mathematics?

The integral for exp(-x)/x is significant in mathematics because it is closely related to the natural logarithm function, and is used in various applications such as in probability and statistics.

5. Can the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x be used in place of the exact value?

In most practical applications, the approximate value of the integral for exp(-x)/x is sufficient and can be used in place of the exact value. However, in certain cases where precision is critical, the exact value should be used instead.

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