Evaluation of Non-Elementary functions

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of l'Hospital Rule in evaluating an integral with an indeterminate form at infinity. While the rule cannot be applied in this case due to the product form, it is suggested to use the exponential function to evaluate the limit. The conversation also mentions the possibility of using complementary error functions instead of the error function in the solution.
  • #1
crawfs3
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Hi everyone,

This should be a simple problem but l'Hospital Rule cannot be used in this case.

The Problem: INTEGRAL[f(v)dv] = INTEGRAL[(v^2)*exp(-c*(v^2))]. I cannot evaluate this integral at infinity because of the indeterminate form that appears. My partial solution is below.

Solution: When the function above is integrated we get:

(Sqrt(Pi)*erf(Sqrt(c)*v)/(4*c^1.5)) -(v/2c)*exp(-c*v^2) evaluated from x to infinity.

The problem is when infinity is plugged into the term with the exponent, an indeterminate form results. The exp(-infinity) is zero but the v multiplied in front wants to go to infinity. L'Hospital Rule cannot be used because this is a product and the rule can only be used for a quotient. I am thinking of just saying it goes to zero because the squared infinity is inside the exponential which would got zero much faster than the linear v term out in front of the exponent goes to infinity. But I don't think this is a valid way of evaluating something. Does anyone have any advice?
 
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  • #2
Try this:

[tex]xe^{-x} = \frac{x}{e^x}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Indeed that is the way to evaluate the limit. You're reasoning was however not that bad. The exponential function with negative argument is a very strong one. There are not that many functions which multiplied by this one give rise to a non-zero value for large arguments. There are however some...

I evaluated the integral and got erfc (complementary) instead of the erf function. Is this correct?

coomast
 

1. What are non-elementary functions?

Non-elementary functions are mathematical functions that cannot be expressed using elementary functions such as polynomials, trigonometric functions, and exponential functions. Examples of non-elementary functions include logarithmic functions, inverse trigonometric functions, and hyperbolic functions.

2. How are non-elementary functions evaluated?

Non-elementary functions can be evaluated using numerical approximation methods, such as Taylor series or Newton's method. These methods involve breaking down the function into smaller, simpler parts and using known values to approximate the value of the function at a specific point.

3. Why is evaluating non-elementary functions important?

Evaluating non-elementary functions is important in various fields of science and engineering, including physics, chemistry, and economics. These functions are often used to model real-world phenomena and accurately evaluating them allows for more accurate predictions and analysis.

4. What challenges are involved in evaluating non-elementary functions?

One of the main challenges in evaluating non-elementary functions is finding an accurate and efficient numerical approximation method. Additionally, these functions can have complex and unpredictable behavior, making it difficult to find exact solutions. Another challenge is dealing with the potential for round-off errors and other numerical issues.

5. Can non-elementary functions be evaluated analytically?

In some cases, non-elementary functions can be evaluated analytically using specific techniques, such as integration by parts or substitution. However, this is not always possible, and numerical approximation methods are often used instead. Additionally, even when an analytical solution exists, it may not be practical or efficient to use in certain situations.

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