Differentiation under the integral sign

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of an integral defined as R(x) := ∫ exp(-y² - x²/y²) dy, with participants exploring the implications of moving the derivative operator inside the integral and the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating under the integral sign and the resulting expressions, questioning the sign and form of R'(x). There is an exploration of variable substitution and its effects on the limits of integration. Some participants express confusion about the appearance of the exponential term e^(-2x) and the interpretation of the integral's definition.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the correctness of their steps and assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the limits of integration and the transformation of variables, but no consensus has been reached on the resolution of the issues presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the limits of integration are from 0 to infinity, which may affect their calculations. There is also a clarification regarding the interpretation of the exponential function in the integral definition.

naaa00
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Homework Statement



R(x) := ∫ exp ( -y^2 - x^2/y^2 ) dy

The Attempt at a Solution



I move the derivative operator inside the integral and differentiate with respect to x

R'(x) = ∫ [ - 2x/y^2 ] exp ( -x^2/y^2 - y^2 ) dy

Then I let: t = x/y and dy = - x/t^2 dt

R'(x) = 2 ∫ [ - x ] [ t^2 / x^2 ] exp ( t^2 - x^2/t^2 ) [ - x/t^2 ] dt

=> R'(x) = 2 R(x)

But that last part is supposed to be R'(x) = - 2 R(x) - I don't see why.

Then, it follows that this integrates to R(x) = Ae^(−2x) and x = 0 gives R(0) = √π. This last part I don't get it neither. From where the e^(-2x) came from?

Any help is very appreciated.
 
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naaa00 said:

Homework Statement



R(x) := ∫ exp ( -y^2 - x^2/y^2 ) dy

The Attempt at a Solution



I move the derivative operator inside the integral and differentiate with respect to x

R'(x) = ∫ [ - 2x/y^2 ] exp ( -x^2/y^2 - y^2 ) dy

Then I let: t = x/y and dy = - x/t^2 dt

R'(x) = 2 ∫ [ - x ] [ t^2 / x^2 ] exp ( t^2 - x^2/t^2 ) [ - x/t^2 ] dt

=> R'(x) = 2 R(x)

But that last part is supposed to be R'(x) = - 2 R(x) - I don't see why.

Then, it follows that this integrates to R(x) = Ae^(−2x) and x = 0 gives R(0) = √π. This last part I don't get it neither. From where the e^(-2x) came from?

Any help is very appreciated.

I also get R'(x) = 2*[R(x) + c], where c is a constant of integration. Here are the steps, done in Maple 11 (with output written in LaTeX):

R:=Int(exp(-x^2/y^2-y^2),y);
R = \int e^{\left(\displaystyle -\frac{x^2}{y^2} - y^2\right)} \, dy
Rp:=diff(R,x);
Rp = \int -\frac{2x}{y^2} e^{\left(\displaystyle -\frac{x^2}{y^2} - y^2\right)} \, dy
changevar(x/y=t,Rp);
\int e^{\left(\displaystyle -\frac{x^2}{t^2} - t^2\right)} \, dt

RGV
 
I just realize that I didn't consider the limits of integration... The limits are from 0 to infinity...

but still something must be wrong...
 
Yeah, the negative probably comes in from having to flip the limits of integration when you transform to the varaible t.
 
Does "exp(-y^2- x^2/y^2)" mean e^{-y^2- (x^2/y^2)} or e^{(-y^2- x^2)/y^2}.
 
Hello Halls,

The one in the middle.
 
naaa00 said:
I just realize that I didn't consider the limits of integration... The limits are from 0 to infinity...

but still something must be wrong...

HallsofIvy said:
Does "exp(-y^2- x^2/y^2)" mean e^{-y^2- (x^2/y^2)} or e^{(-y^2- x^2)/y^2}.

So the definition of R(x) is:
\displaystyle R(x) := \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{\left( -\frac{x^2}{y^2} - y^2\right)} \, dy​
That explains why R is not a function of y.
 

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