Conquering the Integral of (1/x)*exp(-ax^2): A Scientific Inquiry

  • Thread starter GrandsonOfMagnusCarl
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Integrating
  • #1
GrandsonOfMagnusCarl
4
0
Homework Statement
Essentially - find <1/x>, i.e. the mean of 1/x. The distribution probability density is of the form exp(-ax^2).
Relevant Equations
Mean of G = integrate ( G f(x) ) dx
Hopeless. I tried to use Taylor expansion but the zeroes and infinities go out of control really quick.
I tried WolframAlpha and it gave a special function.
What integrating trick am I missing? Or is it nonsense to solve it simply by hand?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The expectation value is infinite.
 
  • Like
Likes GrandsonOfMagnusCarl
  • #3
Orodruin said:
The expectation value is infinite.
Ah I'm so stupid. Thank you. Also another reality check for me.
 
  • #4
<1/x>=0 as 1/x is an odd function and G*f(x) is then also odd.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top