Explaining the Positive Integral of e^x^3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the positive integral of the function e^x^3 over the interval [-1, 1] and the integral of e^x^2 over the interval [0, 1]. Participants explore the properties of these integrals, including their positivity and comparisons between different functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that e^x^3 is greater than 0 for all x in the interval [-1, 1], leading to the conclusion that the integral ∫[-1 to 1] e^x^3 dx is positive.
  • One participant suggests that the definite integral can be interpreted as the "area under the graph," which is always positive for positive functions.
  • A more rigorous argument is presented involving continuity and the value of the function at x=0, indicating that the integral over a neighborhood around 0 is also positive.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between the integrals of e^0, e^x^2, and e^x over the interval [0, 1], establishing inequalities based on the properties of the exponential function.
  • There is a proposal that since e^0 = 1, the integral ∫[0 to 1] e^0 dx equals 1, while ∫[0 to 1] e^x dx equals e - 1, leading to a comparison for ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx.
  • Another participant summarizes the inequalities established, suggesting that 0 < ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx < 3, based on the previously discussed bounds.
  • A question is raised about the origin of certain numerical values mentioned in the discussion, indicating a need for clarification on those figures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the positivity of the integrals discussed, but the exact bounds and implications for ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx remain unresolved, with multiple perspectives presented without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the continuity of the functions and the properties of exponential functions, but these assumptions are not explicitly stated or universally accepted by all participants.

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http://i5.tinypic.com/4hionb9.jpg

Please check my answers

a) I know that e^x^3 > 0 and for all x ∈ [-1, 1], so we have ∫[-1 to 1] e^x^3 dx > 0. But how would you explain in words?

b) For all x ∈ [0, 1] , 0 ≤ x^2 ≤ x , so e^0 ≤ e^x^2 ≤ e^x
Therefore
∫[0 to 1] e^0 dx ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x dx
where do i go from here?

thanks.
 
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413 said:
http://i5.tinypic.com/4hionb9.jpg

Please check my answers

a) I know that e^x^3 > 0 and for all x ∈ [-1, 1], so we have ∫[-1 to 1] e^x^3 dx > 0. But how would you explain in words?
One definition of the definite integral of such a function (positive on the interval) is that it is the "area under the graph". And area is always positive.

A more rigorous proof is this: f(0)= 1 and the function is continuous so there exist some neighborhod of x= 0, say [itex]-\delta< x< \delta[/itex] such that f(x)> 1/2. We must have [itex]\int_{-\delta}^{\delta}f(x)dx> (2\delta)(1/2)= \delta> 0[/itex]. Since f(x) is never negative, other parts of the integral cannot cancel that: [itex]\int_{-1}^1 e^{x^3}dx> \delta> 0.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> b) For all x ∈ [0, 1] , 0 ≤ x^2 ≤ x , so e^0 ≤ e^x^2 ≤ e^x<br /> Therefore <br /> ∫[0 to 1] e^0 dx ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x dx<br /> where do i go from here?<br /> <br /> thanks. </div> </div> </blockquote> Well, you know that e<sup>0</sup>= 1 so [itex]\int_0^1 e^0dx= \int_0^1 dx= 1[/itex].<br /> You also know that [itex]\int e^x dx= e^x[/itex] so [itex]\int_0^1 e^x dx= e^1- e^0= e- 1[/itex]<br /> What does that tell you about [itex]\int_0^1 e^{x^2}dx[/itex]?[/itex]
 
then like this?...

[x] [0 to 1] ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx ≤ [e^x] [0 to 1]
1 ≤ ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx ≤ e - 1
Since 0 < 1 and e - 1 < 3 so we must have 0 < ∫[0 to 1] e^x^2 dx < 3.
 
and also where do all those numbers come from?...8712,08804,8804?
 

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