Calculating Integrals with Tricky Substitutions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral .25 = ∫_{-\infty}^m (e^{-x}/(1+e^{-x})^2) dx, focusing on substitution techniques and the implications of the chosen substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different substitution methods, with one suggesting a change of variables to simplify the integral. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the substitutions and the resulting equations, particularly concerning the signs and the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the proper handling of the integral and the implications of the substitutions made. There is recognition of errors in the initial setup, but no consensus on a final approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note issues with negative logarithms arising from their calculations and question the validity of certain steps taken in the process. The original poster acknowledges mistakes in their approach, indicating a learning process in progress.

happyg1
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hi,
I'm working on thiis:
[tex].25 = \int_{-\infty}^m\frac{e^{x}}{(1+e^{-x})^2}dx[/tex]
I let [tex]u=1+e^{-x} , du=-e{-x}dx[/tex]
which gives:
[tex]\frac{1}{u}=\frac{1}{1+e^{-x}}|_{-\infty}^m[/tex]
then I solve it out and I get
[tex]\frac{1}{1+e^{-m}}-1=.25[/tex]
I have tried to solve this and I keep getting a negative ln. I moved the 1 to the RHS and then took ln of both sides. I can't get it to work.
help
CC
 
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But you don't have an e-x in the numerator. Try multiplying the top and bottom by e2x, then using the substitution u=1+ex, which will leave you with something like (u-1) to some power divided by u2.

By the way, there is no solution to the equation you mention at the end since 1/(1+ex)<1 for any real x.
 
ok
Statusx, you are absolutely correct. I have forgotten my - sign. It should read

[tex].25 = \int_{-\infty}^m\frac{e^{-x}}{(1+e^{-x})^2}dx[/tex]
sorry...
then let

[tex]u=1+e^{-x} , du=-e^{-x}dx[/tex]
which gives
[tex]\frac{1}{1+e^{-m}}-1=.25[/tex]
so then you get
[tex]\frac{1}{1+e^{-m}}=1.25[/tex]
from there I took to ln of both sides and tried to solve for m, but nothing is working out.
CC
 
then,
[tex]1=1.25+1.25e^{-m}[/tex]
then
[tex]-.2=e^{-m}[/tex]
ln makes no sense
CC
 
It makes no sense because you've been sloppy!
We have:
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{m}\frac{e^{-x}dx}{(1+e^{-x})^{2}}=\frac{1}{1+e^{-x}}\mid_{-\infty}^{m}=\frac{1}{1+e^{-m}}-\frac{1}{1+e^{\infty}}=\frac{1}{1+e^{-m}}[/tex]
 
der duh der duh
[tex]\frac{1}{e^{-{-\infty}}}=0[/tex]
I am a sloppy, sloppy student.:redface:
I'm all good now.
Thanks
 

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