Change of variable in integral of product of exponential and gaussian functions

In summary, the conversation discusses transforming an integral by changing variables to handle the absolute value in the integrand. The suggested transformation involves splitting the integral into two regions or changing variables to simplify the integral and use a special function.
  • #1
galuoises
8
0
I have the integral

[itex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}dx \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}dy e^{-\xi \vert x-y\vert}e^{-x^2}e^{-y^2}[/itex]

where [itex]\xi[/itex] is a constant. I would like to transform by some change of variables in the form

[itex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}dx F(x) \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}dy G(y)[/itex]

the problem is that due to absolute value in the integral one must take in account where x is greater or less than y,

can someone help me, please?
 
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  • #2
First observe that

[itex]e^{-\xi \vert x-y\vert}e^{-x^2}e^{-y^2}=e^{-\xi \vert x-y\vert}e^{-(x-y)^2/2}e^{-(x+y)^2/2}[/itex]

Then you can either change variables such as
u=(x+y)/sqrt(2)
v=(x-y)/sqrt(2)
or break into two regions
x<y
x>y
 
  • #3
Hi !

the clolsed form of the integral involves a special function (erf).
 

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  • #4
Nice trick! Thank you so much!
 

What is a change of variable in the integral of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions?

A change of variable is a mathematical technique used to simplify the integration of a complex function. In the case of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions, a change of variable allows us to transform the integral into a form that can be easily solved.

Why is a change of variable useful in integrating a product of exponential and Gaussian functions?

A change of variable can help us to simplify the integrand and make it easier to integrate. In the case of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions, a change of variable can eliminate the exponential term, leaving only the Gaussian function to be integrated.

What is the general formula for a change of variable in the integral of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions?

The general formula for a change of variable in this type of integral is:
∫f(x)eaxg(x)dx = ∫f(x')eb(x')g(x')dx'
where a and b are constants and x' is the new variable.

How do I choose the appropriate change of variable for a given integral of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions?

The choice of a change of variable depends on the form of the integral. One approach is to try to eliminate the exponential term by selecting a suitable constant b. Another approach is to use the substitution method, where we replace the variable x with a function of x, such as x' = ax + b.

Are there any special considerations when using a change of variable in the integral of a product of exponential and Gaussian functions?

Yes, it is important to ensure that the new variable x' is a valid substitution for x and that the integral limits are adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the substitution may need to be reversed at the end of the integration to get the final solution in terms of the original variable x.

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