Area-Volume of e: Find Solutions & Calculate Volumes

  • Thread starter Thread starter Yowhatsupt
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a calculus problem involving the area and volume of a region defined by the curves y=e^(-x^2) and y=2x^2 in the first quadrant. Participants highlight the complexity of finding the intersection points and integrating the functions, noting that elementary methods are insufficient. The Lambert W function is suggested for solving the intersection equation e^{-x^2}=2x^2. Additionally, the software Maple is recommended for performing the integration, which results in the expression involving the error function erf(x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts such as area under curves and volume of solids of revolution.
  • Familiarity with the error function (erf) and its applications in integration.
  • Knowledge of the Lambert W function for solving transcendental equations.
  • Experience with mathematical software like Maple for symbolic computation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply the Lambert W function to solve equations involving exponentials and polynomials.
  • Explore the properties and applications of the error function (erf) in calculus.
  • Practice using Maple for symbolic integration and solving complex calculus problems.
  • Study the method of cylindrical shells for calculating volumes of solids of revolution.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those tackling advanced integration problems involving exponential functions and solid geometry. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone using mathematical software for complex calculations.

Yowhatsupt
Messages
34
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Here is the problem.

Let S be the region in the first quadrant bounded by the graphs of y=e^(-x^2) , y=2x^2, and the y- axis

a. Find the area of the region S
b. Find the volume of the solid generated when the region S is rotated about the x axis
c. The region s is the base of a soid for which each cross section perpendicular to the x-axis is a semi-circle with diameter in the xy plane. Find the volume of this solid.

Homework Equations



y=e^(-x^2)
y=2x^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't really have any idea how to solve this problem. I understand the process using normal functions however the e is putting me at a loss. I am trying to do it by hand so I can understand it, but am completely lost.

Heres what I've done. Since e is base of ln.

lny= -x^2 ln e = lny=-x^2 Therefore x= sqrt(-lny)

With the other equation in terms of x as I am asuming I am solving for it about the y-axis for part a. x = sqrt(y/2)

From here I get confused, I don't know how to graph x=sqrt(-lny)

I can't figure out how to find the bounderies of the interval so I can't find the area or the volume. Any help would be appreciated.:rolleyes: :redface:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
find the upper and lower limits, set x equal to zero and find that e raised to zero will be one and 2x^2=0. Then find the point of intersection of the two graphs and use zero and that point as your interval.

I admit this looks tough due to the fact that you are working with e^(-x^2) which has no elementary solution.
 
Where in the world did you get this problem! To find the limits of integration, as Plastic Photon said, you need to solve
e^{-x^2}= 2x^2
which cannot be done with elementary methods. You might be able to solve it in terms of the Lambert W function. In any case, I see no reasonable way of integrating
\int (e^{-x^2}- 2x^2)dx
 
HallsofIvy said:
In any case, I see no reasonable way of integrating
\int (e^{-x^2}- 2x^2)dx

maybe YOU don't

...but...

Maple does :cool:

let's see if my newbie latex skills can do it justice

> a:=exp(-x^2)- 2*x^2;


a := e^{-x^2} - 2x^2

> int(a,x);
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef2: second-stage indefinite integration
int/exp: case of integrand containing exp
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef2: second-stage indefinite integration
int/exp: case of integrand containing exp




\displaystyle{\frac{1}{2}}\sqrt{\pi}\ erf(x) -\displaystyle{\frac{2x^3}{3}}

ahhh maple...:!)
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
Where in the world did you get this problem! To find the limits of integration, as Plastic Photon said, you need to solve
e^{-x^2}= 2x^2
which cannot be done with elementary methods. You might be able to solve it in terms of the Lambert W function. In any case, I see no reasonable way of integrating
\int (e^{-x^2}- 2x^2)dx


I got this problem from my teacher, who got it from a AP calculus practice test. I'm supposed to use my calculator, but I hate doing that when I don't know how to do it by hand.
 
mybsaccownt said:
maybe YOU don't

...but...

Maple does :cool:

let's see if my newbie latex skills can do it justice

> a:=exp(-x^2)- 2*x^2;


a := e^{-x^2} - 2x^2

> int(a,x);
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef2: second-stage indefinite integration
int/exp: case of integrand containing exp
int/indef1: first-stage indefinite integration
int/indef2: second-stage indefinite integration
int/exp: case of integrand containing exp




\displaystyle{\frac{1}{2}}\sqrt{\pi}\ erf(x) -\displaystyle{\frac{2x^3}{3}}




ahhh maple...:!)

I am so lost in your post...lol :)
 
the erf function, or the error function, is simply defined to be the integral of e^(-x^2) with some constant factors. So, it really wasn't "integrated" but just rewritten in a different way.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K